Enjoy the 4th of July in Salem

The 4th of July is almost here and Salem's employees have been hard at work pulling together a grand celebration in commemoration of our nation's birthday.

"It started 10 or 11 years ago, and it's been this big for seven or eight years," said Ellen Talkowsky, the City's special projects coordinator.

Each year, Talkowsky said the event "keeps growing." Last year, Talkowsky said the event brought in an estimated 60,000 people. The day's events are entirely funded through private fund raising efforts.

This year's festivities will include a very special tribute to Salem's fallen son

"The mayor is dedicating this July 4 to Sgt. Ayube," Talkowsky said. "We will have a tribute during the opening ceremony." Talkowsky said Ayube's family will attend the event.

, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will also attend with their color guards, she added.

Despite all the hard work to organize the event, Talkowsky said she is proud of the City's work and is excited for July 4.

"People book their vacation to come to Salem on July 4," she said. "It's not to be missed — our little esplanade."

Here is the City's 4th of July Schedule:

• 9:00 a.m. – Salem Common — Reading of the Declaration of Independence: Join Mayor Kimberley Driscoll on the for a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Andrew Winson (dressed in period costume), will recount the document that signaled the birth of our nation. a cappella group, Witch Pitch, will lead with a rendition of the National Anthem. Maureen Dalton will sing "America the Beautiful" and Robert Kendall will provide musical selections.

All other activities at the on Derby Wharf

• 4 p.m. — Kid's space opens — Enjoy free kid-friendly activities and games.

• 5 p.m. — The Undercover Band — Enjoy the opening of musical festivities on the main stage.

• 7:15 p.m. — Opening ceremonies begin. Highlights to include a military flyover and dedication to Sgt. James A. Ayube II. A two-hour concert by the Hillyer Festival Orchestra will follow the tribute to Salem's fallen son.

• 9:15 p.m. — Enjoy fireworks launched from the Wharf. For more information, log on to www.salem.com or contact at 978-745-9595, ext. 5676.

A very special thanks to Ellen Talkowsky for all of the 4th of July information.

• If you get a chance and you can take some pretty blunt humor without taking offense, be sure to head on down to the in the late morning for the Horribles Parade. The Horribles Parade is not sponsored by the City.