MELROSE — The Melrose Creative Alliance and Melrose Chamber of Commerce invite families, friends and neighbors to join the festive Make Way for Cygnets Parade on Saturday, May 3 as a part of the city’s 175th birthday celebration.
The day kicks off at 10 a.m. at Memorial Hall with birthday festivities, cake and interactive exhibits celebrating Melrose’s rich history. At 11:30 a.m., families are encouraged to don their finest swan, cygnet or festive attire and gather on the stairs of Memorial Hall for a community photo. At 12 p.m. the Make Way for Cygnets Parade will start. Together, we’ll march and waddle from Memorial Hall down to the beautifully decorated Ell Pond Gazebo, a joyful tribute to Melrose’s spirit, history and beloved Ell Pond swans, Mel and Rose.
Upon arriving at Ell Pond Gazebo, the fun continues with face painting, picnicking, music and family-friendly festivities. The gazebo will be adorned thanks to the creative talents of Cal Finocchiaro, generously sponsored by Nowak Family Dental. Families can also take family portraits on the Gazebo with ED Photography. Individual family portraits will be available for purchase for $10 just in time for a perfect Mother’s Day gift.
Businesses and artists in Melrose are also a part of the celebration as well including special activities and deals at Molly’s Bookstore Paper & Clay, Liliah Rose, and Buckalew’s. Free dessert with purchase of two entrees or sandwiches at Turners or Rising Eagle; code word: “Melrose birthday celebration”. Jazz musician Join Oren Santillo will play on the porch of The Big Yellow House and from 1 to 4 p.m., the Beebe Estate will host a delightful “Victorian Garden Party” with Sofia Diana Creations will feature her watercolor art and hand-painted cards, 10% off home portrait orders during the event and Hannah Alice Costumes’s exquisite hand-sewn Victorian-era attire with custom clothing orders available for all ages. In the estate’s grand room there will be storytime at 3 p.m. with a Melrose Public Library reader. Lemonade and cookies will be served while supplies last.
Idle Hands will toast Melrose with a special named beer for the start of their Beer Garten at the Beebe season on Sunday, May 4 from 1 to 5 p.m.
The Creative Alliance has published a citywide event map highlighting the birthday festivities at MelroseCreativeAlliance.org/Cygnets. Copies will be available at Memorial Hall during the celebration.
All participants are encouraged to take and share photos throughout the day. Tag us to be entered into a drawing for a chance to win an adorable Rosie Cygnet toy. Each photo shared counts as one entry. Tag @MelroseCreativeAlliance, @MelroseChamber02176 and @CityofMelrose.
Come be part of a day that celebrates the art, heart and history of Melrose. Families and guests of all feathers are welcome. Let’s make history and memories together!