For those planning to be in downtown Salem on November 28, be advised that several streets will be shut down for the city's fourth annual Downtown Salem holiday parade. As reported by the City of Salem's official website, the festive procession is set to march through the heart of Salem, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of Capitol Street NE and Court Street NE.
Anticipate closure times to start at 3 p.m. to make way for the parade, impacting several key streets, including Court Street NE, High Street NE, State Street, and Liberty Street NE. Despite the parade's cheerful intent, travelers through Salem's downtown should brace for increased congestion as the roads stay closed until the event's conclusion, inadvertently inviting some traffic snarls.
The parade route, as detailed on Salem's official event page, will take revelers on a loop starting from Court Street NE, moving west to High Street NE, then southward before turning west on State Street. It will proceed towards Liberty Street NE, eventually circling northward and wrapping up at its starting point on Court Street NE, creating a spirited path through the city's downtown sector. Free parking will be offered in downtown Salem from November 27-30 - a nod to Small Business Saturday and the onset of the holiday shopping season, providing an added incentive for residents and visitors alike.
For those caught in the fervor of holiday activities, more downtown celebrations are on the horizon. Mark your calendars for a duo of events, which include the Riverfront Park Holiday Tree Lighting set for December 5 at 5:45 p.m., and the Jingle Bell Relay 5K happening in Riverfront Park, misguidedly kicking off on December 6 at a brisk 5:30 p.m.
