You can view the complete set here.
Last night at Derby Wharf, Salem showed us what celebration looks like when a community chooses connection over division. As the sun set over our historic harbor and thousands gathered on the waterfront, we witnessed something more meaningful than a traditional Independence Day event – we experienced the power of coming together through creativity, music, and shared humanity.
A Different Kind of Patriotism
In a time when the word “patriotism” carries vastly different meanings across our nation, Salem created space for something else entirely. We didn’t gather to debate what it means to be American in 2025. We gathered to be neighbors, to share joy, and to remind ourselves that community is built not on unanimous agreement but on the choice to show up for one another.
The evening began with Mayor Dominick Pangallo and local dignitaries leading the opening procession down Derby Wharf, accompanied by the Salem Veterans Color Guard. It was a moment that honored tradition while embracing Salem‘s progressive and inclusive spirit. This wasn’t about flag-waving nationalism – it was about claiming our collective right to define what celebration means in our community.
Music as the Universal Language
The Jambalaya Horns set the tone perfectly, filling the salt air with New Orleans-inspired soul and funk that had strangers dancing together within minutes. Their performance, sponsored by the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival, reminded us why we invest in local arts – because music breaks down barriers that words sometimes can’t cross.
As twilight deepened, the 42-piece Hillyer Festival Orchestra took the stage, transforming Derby Wharf into an outdoor concert hall. Maestro Dirk Hillyer led the orchestra on a journey through Broadway show tunes and beloved movie themes, featuring performances by Stephanie Foster and Matt Naegar. Under the stars, with the harbor as a backdrop, families spread blankets and settled in for an evening where the arts took center stage.
Community in Action
What struck us most wasn’t just the professional performances but the organic community moments that bloomed throughout the evening. Children ran freely through the crowds, their laughter mixing with the music. The Kids’ Space tent buzzed with creative energy as young artists made crafts and played games. Parents relaxed, knowing their children were safe in this community space. Elderly residents found comfortable spots to enjoy the music, greeted by neighbors who saved them seats.
This is what Creative Collective strives for every day – a creative economy that serves everyone, where arts and culture become the binding force in our community’s fabric—last night proved that when we center creativity, we create spaces where everyone belongs.
The Grand Finale with Heart
When the fireworks began at 9:15 PM, accompanied live by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra performing the “1812 Overture,” they illuminated more than the night sky. Each burst of color reflected in Salem Harbor and in the upturned faces of our community – young and old, long-time residents and newcomers, all sharing this moment together.
But here’s what made it truly special: The fireworks weren’t the climax of the evening – they were simply another layer in an experience built on human connection. The real fireworks had been happening all night in the form of spontaneous dance parties, new friendships forming, and a community choosing joy in the face of challenging times.
Gratitude for Those Who Make It Happen
Events like Salem Celebrates the Fourth don’t happen by magic. They happen because dedicated public servants and workers commit to creating spaces for community gatherings—special thanks to Mayor Dominick Pangallo for his leadership and vision in maintaining this Salem tradition. I have deep appreciation for City Special Events Director Jeremy Fiske, whose planning and coordination made every element flow seamlessly.
We’re grateful to the Salem Police Department for ensuring everyone’s safety while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere and to the Department of Public Works, whose behind-the-scenes efforts – from setup to cleanup – made the magic possible. Thanks also to the Salem Maritime National Historic Site for providing this spectacular venue.
Moving Forward Together
As we reflect on last night’s gathering, we’re reminded why Creative Collective exists. In times of division, creativity unites. In moments of uncertainty, community grounds us. In a world that often feels fractured, local arts and culture provide the glue that holds us together.
Salem Celebrates the Fourth wasn’t about blind patriotism or political statements. It was about something both more straightforward and more profound – the choice to gather, to celebrate our local artists, to make space for joy, and to remember that we’re stronger together than apart.
To everyone who attended, who danced to the Jambalaya Horns, who swayed to the orchestra, who “oohed” at the fireworks, who showed up – thank you. You reminded us that community isn’t something that happens to us. It’s something we create together, one gathering at a time.
This is the Salem we’re building together at Creative Collective. A Salem where:
- Local artists are centered and celebrated
- Creativity drives economic vitality
- Everyone has a place at the table
- Joy becomes an act of resistance
- Community transcends politics
Mark your calendars: The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival returns to Salem Willows on August 16th. Let’s keep this beautiful momentum going.
Want to be part of Salem’s creative community? Join Creative Collective and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive local economy through the arts.
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