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Blackburn Challenge
July 17, 2010
Gloucester

THE BLACKBURN CHALLENGE

The Blackburn Challenge, held on July 17 this year, is the premier human-powered open-water event on the East Coast. One of the reasons why this event has been recognized as one of the best open water races in America is due to the venue – a 20 mile circumnavigation of Cape Ann Massachusetts – a course that inevitably serves up a wide variety of conditions on the water. The first three or so miles of the race are along the protected and tidal Annisquam River, resulting in something akin to a head race, but with plenty more interesting obstacles to avoid (mooring and navigation buoys, boats, docks, etc.) and a 17 mile open water race after it. Once the river empties into the open waters of Ipswich Bay, the wind strength and direction play a decisive role in determining the conditions of the day, which range from relative calm (it’s never a flat water event) to very rough (staying upright and afloat trump the idea of competition). The last couple of miles from the Dogbar Breakwater at the entrance of Gloucester Harbor to Pavillion Beach, are usually plagued by confused boat wakes from numerous fishing, whale watch and pleasure boats going in all directions. Each year at the Blackburn brings us a very different story, making the event so interesting for open-water aficionados. One thing that thankfully remains the same each year is the fun time after finishing – cold beer, massages, good music and food and the inevitable harrowing stories from the event. The 2010 Blackburn Challenge will be the 24th running of the event.

All event information may be found at the event website: www.blackburnchallenge.com

Rich Klajnscek
President, Cape Ann Rowing Club
rich@seafoxconsulting.com
978.239.7321

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Upcoming Events & Festivals: 37 found (1 through 20 shown below)
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Cape Ann Farmers Market
I4-C2 (Rogers Street)
Gloucester
June 24, 2010 - October 7, 2010
Click for details on Cape Ann Farmers Market Enjoy a variety of fresh produce on Thursdays-- June 24 through October 7. 3pm-6:30pm. more  
LABOR DAY WEEKEND VS. HURRICANE EARL
Cape Ann
Gloucester
August 30, 2010 - September 6, 2010
If weather conditions require changes be made to this weekend's festivities, information will be posted on this website. Click more for list of changes. more  
Annual Comedy Show
Cruiseport Gloucester
Gloucester
September 2, 2010
The Rotary Club of Gloucester is pleased to present its Fourth Annual Comedy Show. Doors open at 7:00 pm and the show starts at 8:00 pm more  
Nights on the Neck
Rocky Neck Art Colony
Gloucester
September 2, 2010
Click for details on Nights on the Neck Please join the Rocky Neck Art Colony for the last Nights on the Neck of the 2010 season. 5-9pm. Gallery receptions, music, dance, lectures on local maritime and art history, poetry, and other types of entertainment. more  
Trad
Gloucester Stage Company
Gloucester
September 2, 2010 - September 12, 2010
Gloucester Stage presents a limited two week run of the Tir Na Theatre production of Trad from September 2 through September 12. more  
CANCELLED -- Downtown Gloucester Block Party
Main Street
Gloucester
September 3, 2010
Event cancelled due to weather. more  
Gloucester Schooner Festival™
Gloucester Harbor
Gloucester
September 3, 2010 - September 5, 2010
Click for details on Gloucester Schooner Festival™ The Mayor's Race for 100' schooners, races for other classes, parade of sail, deck tours, public sails, lighted boat parade, fireworks, and other maritime activities. more  
CANCELED Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks
Gloucester Harbor
Gloucester
September 4, 2010
Click for details on CANCELED Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks This event is CANCELED. The annual Lighted Boat Parade will come down the Annisquam River and into Gloucester Harbor at dusk, followed by a Grand Fireworks Display over the harbor. Viewing all along the harborfront. more  
Gloucester Maritime Heritage Day
Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center
Gloucester
September 4, 2010
10am-4pm. The Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center will celebrate Gloucester’s relationship with the sea. The Center’s exhibits and aquarium will be open free of charge throughout the day. more  
Celebrate Gloucester Sponsored by National Grid
I4-C2 (Rogers Street)
Gloucester
September 5, 2010
Celebrate Gloucester, on September 5, sponsored by National Grid is 7 hours of Blues, Rock, New Orleans Jazz, Funk, Americana -- all for $15 right after the Gloucester Schooner Festival on Labo more  
Frame Up! in the Basin
Essex Shipbuilding Museum
Essex
September 6, 2010
Celebrating the Birth of a Schooner! Don’t have plans for Labor Day yet? Never seen a schooner framed up? You’re in luck! more  
Antonio Gentile Memorial Bandstand Summer Concert Series
Stage Fort Park
Gloucester
September 12, 2010
Click for details on Antonio Gentile Memorial Bandstand Summer Concert Series Rescheduled due to rain. 7pm, Old Cold Tater (Acoustic Bluegrass) more  
Jazz in the Barn
Crane Estate
Ipswich
September 12, 2010
The North Shore Jazz Project presents Jazz on a Sunday at the Historic Barn at the Crane Estate in Ipswich. more  
Rockport Health Fair
Rockport Council on Aging
Rockport
September 14, 2010
10am-1pm. Free health screenings, Sun damage screening, Balance screening, Blood Pressure, Educational materials, Take-away materials, and more! more  
Taste of Cape Ann
Cruiseport Gloucester
Gloucester
September 16, 2010
6-9pm. Stop in and enjoy tastings from some of the area’s best restaurants and caterers and sample fine wines, beer and more! Proceeds benefit the Cape Ann YMCA. more  
Hamlet
Shalin Liu Performance Center
Rockport
September 17, 2010 - September 19, 2010
Theatre in the Pines presents "Hamlet." more  
Coastal Farming Walking Tours
Cogswell's Grant
Essex
September 18, 2010
These free guided walking tours are offered as part of Trails and Sails, and explore Cogswell’s Grant in its capacity as a working farm from the seventeenth century to the present day. more  
Salty Dog Day
Essex Shipbuilding Museum
Gloucester
September 18, 2010
Pack the family up, including your four-legged friends, and join the Essex Shipbuilding Museum for Salty Dog Day. 11am-3pm. more  
Trails & Sails: Two Weekends of Walks & Water
Essex County
Essex County
September 18, 2010 - September 26, 2010
Click for details on Trails & Sails: Two Weekends of Walks & Water Go Hike! Go Bike! Go Paddle! Go Sail! Go experience the natural beauty, cultural resources and American heritage found in the Essex National Heritage Area, located just north of Boston. more  
Fish Box Derby
Rogers Street
Gloucester
September 19, 2010
Click for details on Fish Box Derby The Thrill of the Hill Come see the dozens of kids between 8 and 14 who have built cars with their families compete for bragging rights and great prizes when the annual Fish Box Derby race runs down Rogers Street at High Noon. more  

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Rockport Harvest Festival, Oct. 16-17, 2010
Gran Prix of Gloucester
Gloucester Schooner Festival -- Labor Day Weekend

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