Happenings – Page 2 – HappyCapeCod

Iconic Events in Every Cape Cod Town, Part 1 – Chatham, Eastham, Falmouth, Wellfeet, Yarmouth

by Jeff Shaw

Quick disclaimer; there are tons of annual and notable events in each Cape Cod town. This three-part series seeks to highlight one of many notable events that could very easily be swapped in for what follows.

My goal is to actually attend each of these events this year, but as the old adage goes, the more the merrier. I hope to see you there!

Fourth of July Parade, Chatham

“One of the oldest town parades in the United States,” reads the event website homepage. While most people agree the [unofficial] summer season kicks off on Memorial Day Weekend, Fourth of July in Chatham may as well mark the [official] start. The Chatham Fourth of July Parade is an absolute gem of an annual event.

First, the public is encouraged to submit ideas for the annual parade theme to the Parade Committee. Second, best practices to build a “winning float” are actually listed on the website, including a video with five tips! And of course, a baker’s dozen worth of awards are made annually, including most patriotic, funniest, best family entry, best youth entry, etc.

As for onlookers, be sure to place your blanket or chair along the parade route by sunrise on parade day!

A Taste of Turnip Day, Eastham

It has been a few years, but I had to see for myself what the town of Eastham and turnips have in common. And sure enough, a full gymnasium full of vendors, exhibits and games confirmed the fact that indeed, Eastham is the turnip capital of [the world?!] Cape Cod!

Last year, over thirty local restaurants and food trucks served specials featuring Eastham turnips; soups, sides, entrees and even ice cream! A local celebrity, Bob Seay of GHB News, even delivered the Blessing of the Turnips.

Falmouth Road Race

Save the date, August 18, 2024, for the 52^nd running of the Falmouth Road Race!

The race website homepage reads: The Falmouth Road Race was established in 1973 and has become one of the premier running events of the summer season.

Each year the race draws an international field of Olympians, elite, and recreational runners out to enjoy the iconic 7-mile seaside course. The creation of the FRR At-Home Edition allows you to experience Falmouth from your hometown. You can walk or run 7 miles in 7 days beginning August 12th.

The nonprofit Falmouth Road Race organization is committed to promoting health and fitness through community programs and philanthropic giving.

Wellfleet Oysterfest

Hosted by the Wellfleet Chamber of Commerce, Oysterfest is a two-day, family-friendly festival that celebrates the town’s famous oysters, clams and shellfishing traditions and brings together locals and visitors for a weekend of hometown flavor and fun.

There is something for everyone at OysterFest: local cuisine, a fine art and craft fair, educational lectures, culinary programs, children’s activities, eco-tours, live music, a road race, and the annual Oyster Shuck-Off competition.

Yarmouth Sand Sculpure Trail

For a decade and a half, the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce has sponsored the annual Yarmouth Sand Sculpture Trail. The trail is one of Yarmouth’s biggest attractions, featuring three dozen or so family-friendly sand sculptures. The trail is usually available for viewing from Memorial Day until mid-October. But beware, some sand sculptures are not completed until mid-June.

Sand sculpture trail maps are available and the public is encouraged to vote for their favorite!

March 14, 2024

National Volunteer Month: Water Watchers

by Jeff Shaw

The month of April has long been designated National Volunteer Month. In that spirit, this post highlights a wonderful volunteer program in Chatham – Water Watchers.

But first, a brief history lesson. National Volunteer Week began in 1943 in Canada and debuted in the United States in 1974. The week was dedicated to paying tribute to the unwavering contributions of women during World War II who would collect supplies and help wounded soldiers. It was in the early 20th century that organized volunteering reached its peak, with countless humanitarian service organizations, such as the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity and others, culminating in National Volunteer Month in 1990.

In Chatham and in other coastal communities, the health of local waterways – the ocean, kettle ponds, lakes or streams – is arguably the most important challenge facing every Cape Cod town. The responsibility to protect our natural resources is shared by government, businesses, residents, and visitors alike, yet the day-to-day protection efforts are handled by volunteers.

Lauren Thonus collecting a water sample in the Mill Pond
using a Niskin sampler. Photo credit: FCW website.

One of the signature programs of the Friends of Chatham Waterways, in partnership with the Town of Chatham and the Pleasant Bay Alliance, is their salt water monitoring program, aka, the Water Watchers. During the high tourist season of July and August, when the population quadruples, these volunteers collect and test water samples in Chatham’s estuaries at least five times every 14 days. Should a water sample show a higher than safe level of bacteria, access to that area will be closed.

In 2022, 38 FCW Water Watcher volunteers monitored 15 stations in Chatham’s estuaries, completing the 23rd consecutive year of the Coastal Water Nutrient Monitoring Program.

Volunteers are trained by Dr. Robert Duncanson, Director of Chatham’s Department of Health and Natural Resources, to directly assess water quality by measuring water clarity, salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen content and taking water samples at varying depths. Collected data and water samples are analyzed by the UMass School of Marine Science and Technology in Dartmouth.

The volunteer program began in 1994, the first on Cape Cod, which became a model for other towns. The first water samples were collected in 1999, modeled after the program in Buzzards Bay.

The Friends of Chatham Waterways also hosts an annual CoastSweep in September. Coastsweep deploys volunteers to collect trash along Chatham’s shoreline, to keep potential pollutants out of the waterways.

Bill Hayes, Dick Hoyt, Barbara MacLean, and Jean Hoyt at Coastsweep 2022.
Photo credit: FCW website.

FCW provides volunteers with debris grabbers and CZM contributes trash bags and gloves for collection. The Ocean Conservancy supplies data cards for recording site findings, which are forwarded to the CZM and then sent to the Ocean Conservancy in Washington, D.C. for analysis and publication. The data provided helps in the development of programs to reduce marine debris worldwide.

In 2022, 52 volunteers participated in Chatham’s 34th annual Coastsweep cleanup, collecting approximately 250 lbs. of debris filling 25 large trash bags. The most numerous items picked up included: small plastic pieces (345), small foam pieces (632), food wrappers (115), plastic bottle caps (106), plastic beverage bottles (121), and plastic bags (116). The most interesting items found were: a backpack complete with a BB gun, shotgun shells, a neoprene clamer’s suit, a derelict canoe and Sunfish, a mooring and chain, a wooden pallet, foam cushions, and swimming paraphernalia.

So, if you love playing in Cape Cod’s many waterways, please dedicate a few hours to help protect it. And in so doing, you’ll be able to enjoy these waters this summer, next summer and many summers ahead.

April 3, 2023

Train Travel on Cape Cod

The iconic Edaville Steam Train in a winter wonderland. Photo credit: Bob Shaw.

By Jeff Shaw

Early Cape Cod vacationers were mostly limited to one way to access the Bay State’s salty outpost and sandy shoreline: trains. It is widely known that railroads opened the West to exploration, settlement, expansion and eventually, statehood. The railroad had a similarly transformative impact on Cape Cod, from sparsely populated farming and fishing villages, to a world renown summer vacation destination. President Grover Cleveland would agree. The railroad, quite literally, put Cape Cod on the map.

Even today, trains remains a secret weapon against the growing congestion of cars, buses and trucks around both Bourne and Sagamore Bridges as well as bustling town centers. To skip traffic jam mayhem, consider riding the rails.

The proof, perhaps legacy is a better word, is the Cape Cod Rail Trail bikeway, which largely follows the old railroad bed that once-upon-a-time connected the Cape Cod Canal all sixty-plus miles to Provincetown, with spur lines to a few communities, such as Chatham and Falmouth.

While the original tracks and trains are long gone, train travel still exists to and on Cape Cod. It’s worth checking out!

The Cape Cod FLYER offers weekend train service from Boston to points southeast to Hyannis from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

CapeFlyer

Operated by the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, the CapeFLYER is seasonal, weekend train service from Boston and points southeast. The service runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend from South Station Boston to Hyannis, with stops in Braintree, Brockton, Middleborough/Lakeville, Wareham Village, Buzzards Bay, and Bourne.

Prior to the pandemic, ridership had been growing steadily since the service launched in 2013. It is little wonder why; service includes free Wi-Fi, wheelchair accessibility, pets and bikes ride for free and oh yeah, no Canal-related traffic delays. As a bonus, reservations are never required and extra coaches are also added for holiday weekends.

New in 2022, the train departs a bit later than past service; 5:42pm from Boston arriving in Hyannis at 8:20pm in time to allow passengers to make the last Nantucket ferry, which departs at 8:40pm.

Service begins next week, on Friday, May 27, Memorial Day weekend. Note: On Sunday, May 29, the service will be free to active military and veterans.

Cape Cod Central Railroad

The Cape Cod Central Railroad offers scenic train rides across 27 miles of track from Hyannis to Buzzards Bay. The scenic train rides are narrated and programs geared toward a mix of adults, children and/or families.

My better half posing with the Octoberfest spread during a fall scenic train ride.
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw

The headlining programs include Cape Cod Dinner Train (fine dining), Sunday Brunch train (family brunch), Polar Express Train Ride (holiday-themed with a visit from Santa Claus). In 2015, an Octoberfest ride was also offered over two weekends. To the surprise of some, Cape Cod has a fall foliage, too!

Edaville Family Theme Park

Just off-Cape in Carver, Edaville Family Theme Park operates a Steam Train. It’s probably been three decades since I’ve been on ‘Engine 5 or 21 or ‘insert number here’, but recall it was nothing short of magical in December, especially with snow on the ground. Indeed, as seven or eight-year-old, I was captivated by the wooden figurines of holiday characters; Frosty the Snowman, reindeer, elves, and of course Santa Claus, lining the snowy woodlands along the tracks.

*The author playing conductor prior to riding the Steam Train in a winter wonderland at Edaville, circa 1988. Photo credit: Bob Shaw.*

So next time you are mulling a Cape Cod adventure, head to the train station. It feels good to acknowledge Cape Cod’s transportation past, by supporting its railroads of the present and future.

May 19, 2022

Make Your Mark in Kate Gould Park

January 4, 2022

by Jeff Shaw

Kate Gould Park, Chatham, during the holiday season. Photo credit: Mike Shaw.

Happy New Year! And what better way to kick-off a new year, with…“Give the gift that will last forever.” That catchy tagline describes a unique fundraiser being hosted by the Chatham Chamber of Commerce & Merchants Association. Specifically, the Beautification Committee within the Chamber, is managing a brick purchasing campaign as part of a larger, two-phase improvement plan for Kate Gould Park along Main Street in downtown Chatham.

Brick sales is the featured activity of phase one of the improvement plan. There are two styles of personalized bricks available. The $150 option includes 3 lines with 20 characters on each line. The $300 option includes 6 lines with 20 characters on each line. The inscribed bricks will look similar to those at walkways at Oyster Pond and the Atwood House in Chatham.

Kate Gould Park, Chatham, featuring holiday lights. Photo credit: Mike Shaw.

According to Mary Cavanagh, there is no deadline just yet. The Chamber will provide plenty of notice before cutting off ordering. As for timeline, the bricks could be installed as early as this June or as late as June 2023, depending on sales.

Other upgrades in phase one include new plantings – hydrangeas, grass and roses. Also, the trash and recycling containers at both park entrances will be relocated. Together, these improvements will soften the appearance of the heavy foot traffic area.

The Whit Tileston Bandstand in Kate Gould Park, Chatham. Photo credit: Mike Shaw.

According to the Cape Cod Chronicle, the Beautification Committee envisions a second phase of the improvement plan that would involve a well and irrigation system, as well as clearing brush from the hillside bordering Seaside Links Golf Course to create more space for crowds at band concerts.

The Beautification Committee consists of Chamber/Merchant board members, along with employees of local businesses, the Chatham Garden Club, the Friends of Trees, the Chatham Band and other community members.

Chatham Marconi Wireless Route and FKT

*The former wireless transmission site, Forest Beach, South Chatham. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.*

by Jeff Shaw (May 16, 2021)

Author’s Note: Picture this: a bright blue sky, the smell of salty air and fallen pine needles, the sounds of chirping birds, breaking waves and rumbling motor boats. Among a bustling fishing village and northeast vacation destination is both the literal foundation and historical sites that much of modern communication was built upon – even GPS tracking FKTs!

The location is Chatham, Massachusetts, an Atlantic Ocean facing Cape Cod town. The historical site is the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center, celebrating the final of three consecutive centennials commemorating the first trans-Atlantic and wireless maritime communication (a notable example is the Titanic’s distress signal). The man was radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi, who won the Nobel Prize in physics in 1909 for his work in wireless telegraphy.

*All smiles as I attempt to create a historic route and set a fastest known time! Photo credit: Ellen Shaw.*

Chatham Marconi Wireless Route

I call this route the “Chatham Marconi Wireless Route,” ideal for American history lovers, tech buffs and beach bums alike! The inspiration for the route was the “Antenna Trail Challenge,” a first-ever virtual event encouraging people to visit the remaining historic sites.

The route is a historic, coast to coast sprint, featuring a combination of surfaces: dirt trail, road, paved recreation path, and sandy beach trail. The route follows modern day roads and trails that connect the original marine radio wireless transmitting stations in North and South Chatham.

I was sure to share the route with the Race Director, so who knows, perhaps this route will be the future 5K route of Antenna Challenges!

*Forest Beach Conservation Area. From the overlook, you can see former concrete pilings and poles, now historic markers. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.*

Start – Chatham Marconi Maritime Museum, North Chatham

The route begins on the Chatham Marconi Maritime Center grounds, at the top of the hill of the outdoor Antenna Field Trail at the bench and informational sign. The trail descends quickly into the parking lot that leads to Orleans Road with the sparkling emerald blue waters of Ryders Cove in view.

Orleans Road to Old Comers Road

Turn right out of the parking lot onto Orleans Road, passing two restored buildings on the Center grounds. Turn right onto Old Comers Road. The term “old comers” is an old Cape Cod term for families that came over on the Mayflower. Another historical site along this route, is a smallpox cemetery at the 1.5 mile mark, part of “The Triangle” conservation area.

The sandy path begins at the Forest Beach parking lot and ends at Mill Creek.
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Sam Ryder Road to West Pond Road (to Old Colony Rail Trail)

Turn left onto Sam Ryder Road. Sam Ryder was part of the fishing family of which Ryders Cove bear his last name. Turn left onto West Pond Road and immediately bear right onto the Old Colony Rail Trail Volunteer Park Extension.

Turn right onto Old Colony Rail Trail. Another historic site, the Old Colony Rail Trail is a paved pathway that runs the length of the former Chatham railway, eventually intersecting with the iconic Cape Cod Rail Trail in Harwich.

*A beautiful summer day at Forest Beach, South Chatham. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.*

Morton Road to Forest Beach Road

Turn left onto Morton Road. At the intersection with Route 28, continue straight onto Forest Beach Road. Use the crosswalk.

Turn left onto Bay View Road. Keep right up the small hill, which is the Forest Beach Conservation Area. At the top of the hill is an overlook of the salt marsh that was the location of the former wireless transmission site. A handful of poles and four concrete pilings remain as historical reminders. At the overlook informational sign, turn around and head back down the way you came toward Forest Beach Road.

*The rock jetty at Mill Creek. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.*

Finish – Rock Jetty at Mill Creek Entrance (between Forest Beach & Cockle Cove), South Chatham

Turn left onto Forest Beach Road into the beach parking lot. Halfway into the parking lot is a sandy path on the left.

Take a left onto the sandy path. Bare left onto the lower path. Finish at the large metal “5-MPH” Ideal Speed sign at the rock jetty entrance to Mill Creek.

Bask in an incredible view of Nantucket Sound from this remote beach!