Salem Invites Public To Pick 'Ladies of Salem' For Heritage Days Parade Float

SALEM, MA — Salem residents and visitors are being asked to help choose which of the city's "Ladies of Salem" figureheads will appear on the Beautification Committee's float in the Salem Heritage Days Parade, part of the city's 400+ Anniversary celebration.

The Beautification Committee plans to feature six of the figureheads on its parade float. Voting is open now and closes July 12. The six figureheads receiving the highest rankings in the ranked-choice ballot will be selected for the float.

The Ladies of Salem are decorative figureheads displayed throughout downtown Salem and Pickering Wharf. The city describes them as a recognizable part of Salem's streetscape, with each figure featuring a theme tied to the city's history, culture and maritime heritage.

"We are excited to showcase one of Salem's most recognizable public art features as part of the city's 400+ Anniversary celebration," said the Beautification Committee. "This is a fun opportunity for the community to help choose which Ladies of Salem will represent our city in this year's parade."

Residents can take part by completing the online voting form on the City of Salem's 400+ website and on the City of Salem's Beautification Committee page.

The Beautification Committee works on projects tied to Salem's public spaces, including landscaping, gardening, public art, seasonal decorations and community improvement initiatives. The committee also helps oversee visual features around Salem, including the Holiday Tree Topper, garden beds across the city, and the Ladies of Salem figureheads located downtown and along the waterfront.

People interested in joining the Beautification Committee or volunteering in Salem's gardens and traffic islands can contact Michael Corley in the Mayor's Office at mcorley@salem.com, according to the city.