Chatham – 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

Lesser Known Landings of Chatham

Cotchpinicut Landing. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

by Jeff Shaw

Chatham boasts 60 miles of scenic shoreline, waterways, harbors and ocean open. Unfortunately, access to all that beach is usually limited given privately owned shoreline. Fortunately, designated landings give the public specific areas to access the water (put-in/out).

While I’m working on a more comprehensive project to highlight these areas, below are a handful worth visiting.

Cotchpinicut Landing, 156 Cotchpinicut Road

Let’s start with my favorite, Cotchpinicut Landing, in North Chatham. This quiet neighborhood provides access to an interesting shoreline down a narrow road (looks more like a private driveway). A small parking lot consisting of concrete blocks provides space for a few vehicles. The shoreline is beachcomber’s dream, with plenty of (intact) scallop and oyster shells. Rows of equally spaced pilings are evidence of a former dock and a collection of kayaks, sailboats, and paddleboards rest neatly on dry sand suggest a popular put-in spot. The landing has a great view of Strong Island the barrier beach.

Trailhead to Stage Harbor Point Landing. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Stage Harbor Point, Next to 326 Morris Island Road

A close second in my book is Stage Harbor Point, located off Morris Island Road. This barely visible sandy path snakes through a surprisingly thickly wooded area in the middle of multiple private homes. The path ends with a stunning view of sailboats moored in the calm waters of Stage Harbor. You can walk along the shoreline to the Morris Island Dyke area, popular for clamming and photographs.

Historic marker at Strong Island Landing. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Strong Island Landing, Next to 197 Strong Island Road

The view of Strong Island is obviously good (it is a short paddle away), but the history of the area makes this landing special. Over 100 years ago, it was part of a former World War I United States Naval Airstation. The patrol base was in operation from 1917-1922 and a stone marker located in a grassy area next to the parking lot provides a brief history.

Parking lot of Taylor’s Ponding Landing. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Taylor’s Pond Landing, Across from 37 Taylor’s Pond Road

A South Chatham hidden gem, Taylor’s Pond provides calm waters to start a paddle into Mill Creek (pass Mill Creek Landing) and onto Nantucket Sound. The large parking area gives way to a wooden bridge to put-in your floatation device of choice. A memorial stone bench reinforces the “hidden gem” theme.

Hidden driveway to Vineyard Avenue Landing.
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Vineyard Avenue Landing, Next to 238 Vineyard Avenue

Even I didn’t know about Vineyard Landing until noticing a yellow “no beach access” sign on the actual green street sign and pole off Route 28. While it is true there is no beach access, there sure is put-in access to Oyster Pond. The landing also provides a wonderful view of downtown Chatham (most people don’t see downtown from that vantage point) as well as the Chatham Yacht Basin. Even the broken seashell driveway to the landing is mostly hidden behind a set of tall pine trees.

Water Street East Landing stairway and informational sign. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Water Street East, Next to 144 Water Street

The story of this location is shifting sands (erosion) and development (modern day downtown). As the informational sign will explain, Water Street use to be the center of Chatham (in the 1800s), connecting packet ships in Nantucket Sound and related commerce in Mill Pond. When you hear the term Chatham’s “Old Village,” think Water Street and the surrounding neighborhood. Nowadays, the public right of way offers side street parking for a handful of vehicles. A metal staircase brings you down to the sandy shoreline of Lighthouse Beach.

The Port Fortune Landing is also a fun access point. I will explain why through my Chatham Landings Trail project. Stay tuned!

October 5, 2023

The Only Old Colony Rail Trail Bench May Get Company

The only bench along the Old Colony Rail Trail (OCRT). Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

by Jeff Shaw

Over the summer, Chatham Bikeways Committee Chair Bob Oliver recommended benches be installed along the Old Colony Rail Trail (OCRT). Only a single bench exists along the 4.6-mile route at the intersection of the trail and George Ryder Road, near the Hangar B (a public cafe), leaving weary travelers nowhere to take a break.

Indeed, “not a stone, not a log, not a bench, nothing to sit on whatsoever,” Oliver said. He’s right. I biked the route recently and other than two picnic tables in a grassy area above White Pond, there is no other place to sit along the OCRT.

Currently, the Bikeways Committee is seeking sponsors for at least four additional benches to be installed along the route. Each bench will cost $2,500, with the option of including a memorial plaque. While the price point of the benches ($2,500) is way more than the memorial brick ($150-300) pathway installed in Kate Gould Park last year, I assume a local business and/or wealthy donor will scoop up this wonderful opportunity to enhance outdoor recreation in town.

As for the locations of these four benches; good question. As of this writing, I have not received a response from the Bikeways Committee regarding where these benches would be installed.

However, having used the trail for the last 25 years or so, I have some guesses. I describe my four guesses for the four benches locations as follows: Sure Things; “Yes, But”; and a “Hail Mary”. And for a little fun, I have a bonus guess, which will be called “How Has That Not Been Done Already!”

Once the money is raised (or the Bikeway Committee responds), I’m looking forward to seeing if I’m right or wrong!

Sure Thing #1: Intersection of Route 137 and Route 28 (between Short ‘n’ Sweet Ice Cream and Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church)

Prime real estate for a bench. There is even an ice cream shop next to the parking lot!
Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

The intersection of the trail and Route 137 already received a safety upgrade at the road crossing. Flashing lights on both sides warns oncoming vehicles if a rider, walker or runner is nearby. Additionally, the site has a large parking lot, that also accommodates a food truck at select times. Already on site: a small bike rack, air pressure pumps, garbage cans and a large framed map of the trail in the immediate area.

Sure Thing #2: Intersection at Crowell Road

The OCRT Trailhead at Crowell Road. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

The intersection is already billed as the Old Colony Rail Trail Trailhead (at least on Google maps), so, there should probably be a bench at the beginning/end of the trail. Additionally, there is a large framed map of the trail in the immediate area.

Yes, But: Paved Area Where Trail Becomes Wilfred Road, near Sky Way

The quiet side of the Chatham Municipal Airport (CQX). Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

A small paved area at the end of Wilfred Road leads to an emergency access gate along the fence of the airport property. Granted, the area is a little dusty and certainly quiet compared to the bustling side with the Airport Café and Stick’n Rudder Airplane Tours. Still, a bench facing the runway with views of planes taking off and landing would be an enjoyable view while taking a break. Admittedly, the location is less than a mile from the original bench on the other side of the airport, and just down the street from the picnic tables at White Pond.

Hail Mary: Wilfred Road Overlooking Little White Pond, White Pond or Emery Pond

A view of White Pond from Wilfred Road. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Let’s be honest, a bench is best placed in a location with a scenic view. A few spots along Wilfred Road, closer to Old Queen Anne Road, would provide stunning views of area ponds. However, there is not much ground to secure a bench along the bluff, but it would be a lovely view in a quiet part of town.

How Have They Not Done That Yet!: Veteran’s Field, Paved Area Behind Outfield

The end of the sanctioned route (Veteran’s Field). Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

Perhaps the most obvious option when you think about it, a bench – or two, or even three – installed on the paved area above (and facing) the outfield makes a lot of sense. First, that’s literally where the OCRT officially ends. Second, there is a large framed map of the trail there as well as a garbage can, so people gather there. Three and most importantly, that is prime real estate for viewing baseball games!

A couple other locations that make sense, but are not as fun as the other guesses are below:

If You Insist #1: Intersection at Volunteer Park extension.

The “four corners” intersection of the OCRT. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

This location happens to be an extension trail to Volunteer Park, a public park with a skateboard park as well as ballfields. Not in view, but across from the extension path is the tennis court at Bailey’s Path, a private neighborhood. Indeed, a lot of action at this intersection.

If You Insist #2: Chatham-Harwich OCRT line.

The Chatham – Harwich line of the OCRT. Photo credit: Jeff Shaw.

I cannot think of a better way to illustrate being a welcoming community that promotes outdoor recreation than with a bench as soon as people cross into Chatham from Harwich.

Where do you think the benches should be installed?

September 6, 2023

Visit All 10 Cape Cod Baseball League Parks in One Weekend

by Jeff Shaw

The distance between the teams located farthest from one another is 47 miles. Photo credit: Google maps.

The month of June is known for many things; graduations, maximum daylight, outdoor concerts and endless replays of Alice Cooper’s Schools Out [for summer]. But on Cape Cod, the month of June means the beginning of a wonderful tradition and summer rite of passage: the Cape Cod Baseball League.

If you need a refresher, ten teams located between Wareham (just off-Cape) and Orleans, (Lower Cape), compete annually in this officially NCAA sanctioned summer league. (Though, as many books point out, the origins of organized baseball on Cape Cod are local and amateur.) Most professional scouts love to be assigned to the Cape League because of the concentration of teams. As an example, the distance between Wareham and Orleans, the two farthest outposts of the 10-team league, is a mere 47 miles. Conversely, teams in leagues in larger geographical areas may be separated by 47 miles each!

Indeed, closeness and geography makes the Cape Cod Baseball League special. So why not see for yourself and visit each team’s ballpark this summer? Below is a plan to do just that…in a single weekend. You read that right, it can be done:

Double Header Weekends. The weekends of June 17-19 (Father’s Day) and June 24-26 both have double headers on Sunday. The earliest double header begins at 2pm (at Cotuit) and the latest double header begins at 5pm (at Chatham). Meaning you can easily catch three complete games and probably see even more games if you only stay for a few innings and move along. Watching three complete games sounds like the ultimate ‘summer catch’ [Cape League-based movie pun intended]!

Last Weekend. The July 29-31 games are the last regular season weekend games. If you are savvy, you can catch games (heading East) at Hyannis (6pm) Harwich (6:30pm), Orleans (6:30pm) and Chatham (7pm) on Friday; start Saturday in Brewster (4pm) and then proceed West to Wareham (6pm—crossing the bridge should be okay on a Saturday), then head back over the bridge and down to Falmouth (6pm). On Sunday, start in YD at 4:30pm, then head West to the second half of the Cotuit game (4:30pm) and then the middle of the game at Bourne (6pm).

Unique Game Locations. Four Cape League teams will travel off-Cape for regular season game play. The first game between YD vs. Hyannis will be Wednesday, July 20 at 11:00am at Dunkin’ Donuts Park in Hartford, home of the Class AA Hartford Yard Goats, affiliated with the Colorado Rockies. The second game between Bourne vs. Wareham will be Monday, July 25 at 6:45pm at Polar Park in Worchester, home of the Worcester Red Sox. And of course, don’t forget the All-Star Game on Saturday, July 23 at 6:00pm in Wareham.

Pinned locations of all ten Cape Cod Baseball League teams, color coded by West and East Divisions. Photo credit: CCBL.

Below are the addresses to the fields of all ten teams.

Fields: https://gatemen.org/schedule/directions-to-ccbl-fields/

Brewster Whitecaps (Eastern Division)

Stoneybrook Elementary School, 384 Underpass Rd, Brewster, MA 02631

Chatham Anglers (Eastern Division)

Veteran’s Field; 702 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633

Harwich Mariners (Eastern Division)

Whitehouse Field; 75 Oak Street, Harwich, MA 02645

Orleans Firebirds (Eastern Division)

Eldredge Park; 78 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA 02653

Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox (Eastern Division)

Red Wilson Field; 210 Station Avenue, So. Yarmouth, MA 02664

Bourne Braves (Western Division)

Doran Park, 220 Sandwich Road, Bourne

Cotuit Kettlers (Western Division)

Lowell Park; 10 Lowell Avenue, Cotuit, MA 02635

Falmouth Commodores (Western Division)

Guv Fuller Field, Main St., Falmouth Center

Hyannis Harbor Hawks (Western Division)

McKeon Field; 120 High School Road, Hyannis, MA 02601

Wareham Gatemen (Western Division)

Clem Spillane Field, Rte. 6, Wareham Center at 54 Marion Road and Viking Drive

June 3, 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.