Before you know it, Heritage Days will be in full swing, and the city of Salem has been preparing to get everything ready for the big day.

"We are really excited that Heritage Days is 12 days this year with over 60 different events,” said Special Events Coordinator Ellen Talkowsky.

"Heritage Days starts off with a laugh at Comedy Night on Wednesday, Aug. 1 and the fun continues until Aug. 12."

We'll be providing readers with the schedule each day, and we'll be building a homegrown gallery where you'll be able to upload your photos and share them with your neighbors. At the end of the event, we'll highlight the best photos from the festivities.

This year, the city is pleased to offer some new activities, according to Talkowsky.

"Some of the new events this year are a Quilt Show being held at Wesley United Methodist Church, several free events at The House of the Seven Gables, a jewelry beading workshop at Artist Row, the New England Pirate Faire at Pioneer Village, a Health and Wellness Fair for seniors and a Little Witch Duathlon has been added to the Haunted City Junior Triathlon that will take place at Forest River this year." 

Project K-9 will also have a presence at the event in their effort to raise money to bring two dogs to the Salem Police Department with "Dunk-a-Cop."  

"There will be a booth at the Essex Street Fair on the pedestrian mall on Saturday, Aug. 11 by the Shirley Cervoni Walkway (between Cabot Money Management and Salem Five ATM) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. So don’t miss your chance to throw a baseball at the big red button and send one of Salem’s finest plunging into the cold water," Talkowsky said. 

And, of course, Talkowsky assured residents all their favorite activities are back in the lineup including the Salem Maritime Festival, Salem’s Best Pizza Competition, the Ice Scream Bowl, Kids Night on the Common, Salem Community Band concerts and senior events. 

Also be sure to keep an eye out for "weekly specials like discounted weekday Ferry tickets and free and discounted museum and attraction specials," Talkowsky said. 

For a complete list of all Heritage Days events, check out and print out the pdf attached to this article.