Topsfield Fair Still On, For Now: Patch PM

TOPSFIELD, MA — It's Tuesday, June 30. Here's what Patch has been covering on the North Shore and across Massachusetts today.

North Shore residents are heading into a Fourth of July holiday that won't have the usual fireworks displays, parades and concerts, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. So the timing of Tuesday's announcement by the Essex Agricultural Society that October's 202nd annual Topsfield Fair is on — at least for now —offers welcome hope that things may start to look normal come fall.

The announcement came a day after officials in West Springfield canceled the Big E for 2020. That fair runs the week before the Topsfield Fair.

But on the North Shore, Essex Agricultural said it is working with state and local officials and continuing to monitor the state's efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. It also needs more guidance whether fairs will be included in the third phase of the state's reopening plan.

"If you as an individual feel uncomfortable attending this year's fair, then we ask that you stay home," the society said. "Also, if anyone has been exposed to the coronavirus to the 14 days leading up to the fair, we also ask that you stay home."

Also On The North Shore

No Charges In Fatal Salem Crash

No charges have been filed in the head-on car crash that claimed the life of an off-duty Salem police officer, which remains under investigation by Massachusetts State Police. Dana Mazola, a 31-year-veteran Salem police officer, was taken to Salem Hospital Thursday night, where he was pronounced dead. Essex County District Attorney's office spokesperson Carrie Kimball said the other driver was released from Salem Hospital the following morning.

High-End Chef Takes Over Salem Hot Dog Joint

When Boston Hot Dog Company reopens its Salem location after the coronavirus shutdown Wednesday, it will be under the leadership of noted chef Mike Dent. Dent most recently worked at the now closed Bar Bouland in Boston. His previous credits include Cafe Bouland in New York City and the Ginger Man at Faneuil Hall.

Beverly Police Will Step Up Community Outreach

Police Chief John LeLacheur said Beverly police officers will be more visible in coming months as the department responds to protests over the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. "We understand some in our community are scared because they don't know us," LeLacheur said in an open letter to the community Tuesday. "This department wants you to know, you are safe with us and we will protect and treat everyone equally.

Danvers Selectmen Will Hear From New Osborn Tavern Owner

The new drinking spot will be called Pub 49, after the bar's 49 Maple Street address. The Osborn Tavern closed in February after a series of liquor license violations over the previous two years. At the time, the bar was appealing a suspension of its liquor license by Danvers selectmen, who found the tavern had over-served three women on Aug. 30, including one who was pulled over as she tried to drive away from the Maple Street establishment.

Across Massachusetts

• Cape Cod Officials Warn Of White Sharks Ahead Of July Fourth
• 3 Girls Under 16 Accused Of Armed Robbery Caught In Brookline
• Travelers From 7 States No Longer Have To Quarantine In MA

Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).