This past weekend, we had the honor of attending the Salem 400+ Kickoff and Volunteer Fair, the official start of a year-long celebration marking 400+ years of Salem’s history. We didn’t attend as vendors, and we didn’t have a booth - we showed up simply as residents, neighbors, and local business owners. We also had the chance to sign up to volunteer with several incredible organizations and events throughout the city, something we’re genuinely excited to be part of as the year unfolds.
From the moment we arrived, the energy was undeniable. Not flashy or overproduced - just genuine. A building filled with people who care deeply about this city, its past, and where it’s headed next. Nonprofits, educators, volunteers, families, artists, and longtime residents all gathered under one roof (and outside roasting marshmallows), connected by a shared sense of pride and purpose. It was one of those moments that makes you pause and realize just how rare - and valuable - that kind of community really is.
More Than an Anniversary
Salem 400+ isn’t just about commemorating a date on a calendar. It’s about acknowledging the layers of history, culture, resilience, creativity, and progress that have shaped Salem into what it is today. The Kickoff and Volunteer Fair set the tone beautifully - rooted in inclusion, participation, and forward momentum.
What stood out most wasn’t just the programming or the impressive scope of what’s planned for the year ahead, but the spirit behind it all. Salem continues to prove that community isn’t something you market - it’s something you build, protect, and invite people into. And that invitation was felt loud and clear.
A City That Shows Up
As relatively newer residents and small business owners, moments like this carry a deeper meaning for us. Salem has welcomed us not just as service providers, but as neighbors. As creatives. As people who want to contribute, collaborate, and grow alongside the city rather than simply operate within it.
Salem is a shining example of what community truly looks like - for residents, business owners, artists, visitors, and everyone in between. It’s a place where history and modern life coexist. Where creativity is encouraged. Where small businesses are supported. Where civic pride isn’t performative - it’s lived, daily.
That sense of belonging isn’t something you can fully explain. It has to be felt. And events like this remind us just how fortunate we are to call Salem home.
Gratitude for the Salem Chamber of Commerce
We also want to extend a sincere thank you to the Salem Chamber of Commerce for their ongoing support - not only for Salem 400+ and the year of celebrations ahead, but for their continued advocacy and encouragement of local businesses like ours.
The Chamber’s commitment to strengthening connections between businesses, community organizations, and residents plays a huge role in what makes Salem function so well as a city. Their support of the 400+ celebrations throughout the year is yet another example of leadership rooted in collaboration and care.
Looking Ahead to a Full Year of Celebration
The Kickoff and Volunteer Fair was just the beginning. Salem 400+ has an entire year of events, programming, storytelling, and community-driven moments on the horizon - and if this opening chapter is any indication, there’s a lot to look forward to.
We’re excited to follow along, to volunteer where we can, and to continue documenting life, love, and community in a city that consistently shows up for its people. We encourage everyone - residents and visitors alike - to stay tuned, get involved, and keep an eye on updates from Salem 400+ as the year unfolds.
With Gratitude
To the organizers, volunteers, nonprofits, educators, city leaders, creatives, and neighbors who made this kickoff possible - thank you. And to Salem itself: thank you for welcoming us in, for inspiring us daily, and for reminding us what it means to truly belong to a community.
Here’s to 400+ years - and to everything still to come...
