Allied - Marathon Moving in Boston MA
Stay Connected:

FIND OUT WHY WE'RE #1

Newburyport MA MOVERS

Marathon Moving is a local moving company with movers who cater to customer needs with safety & professionalism

Welcome to Marathon Moving Co.

Moving Services We Provide

Residential Moving ⮞

Residential Movers

As a top residential moving company, Marathon has everything you need to make your family's move a breeze!
Get a Quote ⮞

Commercial Moving ⮞

Commercial Movers

It takes skill and a lot of effort to move your business. For your commercial move, only trust the best!
Get a Quote ⮞

Interstate Moving ⮞

Interstate Movers

Marathon Moving has been a leading interstate moving company for years. Our out of state movers offer the experience to give you a pleasant move..
Get a Quote ⮞
Best Mover Rates in Beverly MA
Play Video about Best Mover Rates in Beverly MA

Our Moving Promise

Marathon's Offer

Here at Marathon Moving, we are dedicated to every move and to our client’s needs. Our team of Newburyport MA movers are committed to you and your move. Our main goal is to give you a hassle-free moving experience.

Our moving process

Moving Is Easy

Book our service ⮞

We pack your goods ⮞

We move your goods ⮞

We unpack your goods ⮞

Customer-centric relocation services

Our Moving Services

We can recommend our packing services as part of a full-service move. We’ll make sure you’re ready to go before your moving day arrives.

Marathon moving company offers professional warehouse spaces and independent security guards to both residential and commercial movers.

Our expert staff can make sure that your new home or the one you’re leaving gets free moving and packing advice from an on-site appointment.

Our moving company offers a full range of valuation and insurance services to make your move as painless and successful as possible.

Moving looks difficult?

Have a
question?

Our Testimonials

Moving Clients

We are Ready to Help You

Frequently Asked Moving Questions

Newburyport MA Movers

Marathon Moving , we aim to remove whatever apprehensions you have about interstate moving and the stress that comes with it. We achieve our aim through careful attention to detail and planning tailored specifically for each client. This way, we ensure that all of your needs and requests regarding the moving process are met.

Newburyport MA Moving Services

Moving is a process that most of us experience at some point in our lives. Thus, our team of movers believes that excellent service should cost you a fortune. Everyone should be able to have access to professional movers that transport their things safely and timely.

Local & Long Distance Movers

At Marathon Moving, we have made that possible by pricing our services to market-competitive levels without compromising our service quality. Our determination to innovative technology, methods, and equipment acquisition has allowed us to keep costs down while simultaneously improving the service quality.

Newburyport MA Local Resources:

Meet our dedicated team

Our Moving Team

Marathon Moving - Paul & Gail

Paul & Gail Nelson

Owners of Marathon Moving

Marathon Moving - Boston Moving Consultant Donny

Donald Reardon

Warehouse Manager

Marathon Moving - Boston Moving Consultant Lillian

Lillian Downes

Move Coordinator

Marathon Moving - Boston Moving Consultant Sheila

Sheila Winters

Office Manager

Take the stress out of moving! View our mover’s guide!

Latest News

Blog Posts

Any question at

781-300-3200

Newburyport MA

United States

Monday-Friday

8AM–5PM

Send your mail at

info@marathonmoving.com

Marathon Moving Tips and Resources

Our Resources

Additional Moving Resources

We know that moving is stressful enough. To make it as simple and painless as possible, we have provided additional resources to help you.

Let's Get You A Free Quote

Before and after-sales services mean a lot to our moving company. Thus, we have a friendly staff that will help you every step of the way. Ready to secure moving services in Newburyport MA? Call Marathon Moving at  781-300-3200.

Newburyport, Massachusetts From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to navigation Jump to search Not to be confused with Newport, Rhode Island. Newburyport, Massachusetts City Official seal of Newburyport, Massachusetts Seal Location in Essex County and the state of Massachusetts Location in Essex County and the state of Massachusetts Newburyport, Massachusetts is located in the United States Newburyport, Massachusetts Newburyport, Massachusetts Location in the United States Coordinates: 42°48′45″N 70°52′40″WCoordinates: 42°48′45″N 70°52′40″W Country United States State Massachusetts County Essex Settled 1635 Incorporated as a town 1764 Incorporated as a city 1851 Government • Type Mayor-council city • Mayor Sean R. Reardon Area[1] • Total 10.71 sq mi (27.74 km2) • Land 8.35 sq mi (21.63 km2) • Water 2.36 sq mi (6.11 km2) Elevation 37 ft (11 m) Population (2020) • Total 18,289 • Density 2,190.30/sq mi (845.66/km2) Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern) • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (Eastern) ZIP Code 01950 Area code(s) 351/978 FIPS code 25-45245 GNIS feature ID 0614293 Website www.cityofnewburyport.com Newburyport is a coastal city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States, 35 miles (56 km) northeast of Boston. The population was 18,289 at the 2020 census.[2] A historic seaport with vibrant tourism industry, Newburyport includes part of Plum Island. The mooring, winter storage, and maintenance of recreational boats, motor and sail, still contribute a large part of the city's income. A Coast Guard station oversees boating activity, especially in the sometimes dangerous tidal currents of the Merrimack River. At the edge of the Newbury Marshes, delineating Newburyport to the south, an industrial park provides a wide range of jobs. Newburyport is on a major north-south highway, Interstate 95. The outer circumferential highway of Boston, Interstate 495, passes nearby in Amesbury. The Newburyport Turnpike (U.S. Route 1) still traverses Newburyport on its way north. The Newburyport/Rockport MBTA commuter rail from Boston's North Station terminates in Newburyport. The earlier Boston and Maine Railroad leading farther north was discontinued, but a portion of it has been converted into a recreation trail. Contents 1 History 1.1 Timeline 2 Historic preservation 3 Geography 3.1 Neighborhoods 3.2 Climate 4 Demographics 5 Government 6 Transportation 7 Education 8 Activities 9 Annual events 9.1 Yankee Homecoming 9.2 Waterfront Concert Series 9.3 Newburyport Literary Festival 10 Points of interest 11 In popular culture 12 Notable people 13 See also 14 References 15 Bibliography 16 External links History The Custom House Maritime Museum The Mary L. Cushing, the last merchant ship built on the Merrimack, docked at the Cushing family pier in Newburyport On January 28, 1764, the General Court of Massachusetts passed "An act for erecting part of the town of Newbury into a new town by the name of Newburyport."[3] The act begins: Whereas the town of Newbury is very large, and the inhabitants of that part of it who dwell by the water-side there, as it is commonly called, are mostly merchants, traders and artificers, and the inhabitants of the other parts of the town are chiefly husbandmen; by means whereof many difficulties and disputes have arisen in managing their public affairs – Be it enacted ... That that part of the said town of Newbury ... be and hereby are constituted and made a separate and distinct town .... The act was approved by Governor Francis Bernard on February 4, 1764. The new town was the smallest in Massachusetts, covering an area of 647 acres (2.62 km2), and had a population of 2,800 living in 357 homes. There were three shipyards, no bridges, and several ferries, one of which at the foot of Greenleaf Lane, now State Street,[4] carried the Portsmouth Flying Stage Coach, running between Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Boston.[5] The town prospered and became a city in 1851. Situated near the mouth of the Merrimack River, it was once a fishing, shipbuilding and shipping center, with an industry in silverware manufacture. In 1792, a bridge was built two miles above the town where the river contained an island.[6] Merrimack Arms and Brown Manufacturing Company made Southerner Derringer pistols in their Newburyport factory from 1867 to 1873.[7] The sea captains of old Newburyport (as elsewhere in Massachusetts) had participated vigorously in the triangular trade, importing West Indian molasses and exporting rum made from it. The distilleries were located around Market Square near the waterfront. Caldwell's Old Newburyport rum was manufactured locally until 1961. Newburyport once had a fishing fleet that operated from Georges Bank to the mouth of the Merrimack River. It was a center for privateering during the Revolutionary War and War of 1812. Beginning about 1832, it added numerous ships to the whaling fleet. Later, clipper ships were built there. Today, the city gives little hint of its former maritime importance. Notably missing are the docks, which are shown on earlier maps extending into the channel of the Merrimack River, and the shipyards, where the waterfront parking lot is currently located. George Whitefield, the well-known and influential English preacher who helped inspire the First Great Awakening in America, arrived in Newburyport in September 1740. The revival that followed his labors, brought into existence Old South Church, where he was buried after his death in 1770. The city's historical highlights include: Historic events: First of many clipper ships built here[8] First "Tea Party" rebellion to oppose British Tea Tax[9][10] First state mint and treasury building[11] Newburyport Superior Courthouse, the oldest continuously active courthouse in Massachusetts The Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank on State Street was founded in 1854, and is one of the oldest banks in the United States still in operation.[12] Historic houses and museums: Cushing House Museum & Garden[13] (c. 1808) Newburyport Custom House Museum[14] (1835), designed by Robert Mills Literary interests: Was referred to in the H. P. Lovecraft story, "The Shadow Over Innsmouth", as being located near Innsmouth. Lovecraft in fact based his depiction of Innsmouth largely on Newburyport.[15] Subject of the most ambitious community study ever undertaken, the Yankee City project conducted by anthropologist W. Lloyd Warner and his associates Timeline Timeline of Newburyport, Massachusetts Historic preservation See also: National Register of Historic Places listings in Essex County, Massachusetts Despite its former prosperity, in the 1950s and 1960s Newburyport's center fell into disrepair because of several factors, most notably strip malls taking away from local business and increased use of the automobile. At this time, construction of major highways brought larger cities such as Lawrence and Lowell into shopping range. Consequently, by 1970 Newburyport's historic downtown section was scheduled to be razed prior to reconstruction with federal money. Ideas to rebuild the city's downtown were numerous, ranging from hotels and new stores to, ironically, a strip mall, with few buildings left for historical reasons. At the last moment, however, the city changed its mind and signed a federal grant that allowed it to keep most of its historic architecture. Renovation and restorations began during the early 1970s, and continued throughout most of the decade, initially along State Street, and culminating with creation of a pedestrian mall along Inn Street. Newburyport is often cited as an example by preservationists of how to maintain a city's architecture and heritage, while still having it remain functional and liveable. American Yacht Club House c. 1894 American Yacht Club House c. 1894 State Street c. 1906. Except for the trolley, the store fronts, and the pavement, the street has not changed. State Street c. 1906. Except for the trolley, the store fronts, and the pavement, the street has not changed. Dexter House c. 1908, once home to eccentric "Lord" Timothy Dexter Dexter House c. 1908, once home to eccentric "Lord" Timothy Dexter Frog Pond c. 1905. High Street is visible in the background. The building in the center is the old court house. Frog Pond c. 1905. High Street is visible in the background. The building in the center is the old court house. Joppa Landing c. 1906. The boats are fishing dories. The houses remain but the landing and the boats are gone and the street has been improved. Joppa Landing c. 1906. The boats are fishing dories. The houses remain but the landing and the boats are gone and the street has been improved. City Hall c. 1910. The building looks about the same today. It was constructed 1850–1851. The corner of Brown Square is visible across the street. The view is from where the Post Office now stands. City Hall c. 1910. The building looks about the same today. It was constructed 1850–1851. The corner of Brown Square is visible across the street. The view is from where the Post Office now stands. Brown Square in 1913, viewed from before the City Hall. The statue is that of "Garrison the Liberator". The houses and church still stand but the street has been paved and more modern buildings inserted. Brown Square in 1913, viewed from before the City Hall. The statue is that of "Garrison the Liberator". The houses and church still stand but the street has been paved and more modern buildings inserted. Geography Hunter in the Meadows of Old Newburyport, Massachusetts, c. 1873, Alfred Thompson Bricher. The scene appears to be in the vicinity of the Little River. Route 1 offered the major overlook easily accessible to artists. In the far right can be seen the ridge of the right bank of the Merrimack over which High Street runs. Cattle have been turned into the marsh for pasture, a practice still allowed on some marsh farms of the area. Newburyport is located at 42°48′45″N 70°52′39″W (42.812391, −70.877440).[33] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.6 square miles (27 km2), of which 8.4 square miles (22 km2) is land and 2.2 square miles (5.7 km2) (20.77%) is water. The city is part of Massachusetts' North Shore; Newburyport was laid out on the elevated south bank of the Merrimack River between the river and Newbury marshes. The shipyards, now boatyards (and still vigorously active), extended along the bank at the edge of the river. They were connected by Merrimac Street, which ends upriver where the bank merges into bluffs covered with pine forest. Colonial residences extend up the bank from Merrimac Street to High Street running parallel to it near the top of the ridge. The homes of the seafaring entrepreneurs line High Street. Many feature widow's walks, structures on the roof where the residents could watch for the return of sailing vessels. Nearly every home maintains a splendid flower garden, most dating to colonial times. Various cross streets, such as State Street, Green Street and Market Street, connect Merrimac Street and High Street. The top of the ridge proved an ideal location for later institutions, such as Newburyport High School and nearby Anna Jaques Hospital. The ridge drops more sharply to the marsh on the other side. Along its margin a third parallel street developed, Low Street. The river bank gradually descends to marshes at Joppa Flats beyond downtown Newburyport. The Plum Island Turnpike was pushed out over the marsh on a causeway to a narrow part of the Plum Island River just to the south of where it connects to the mouth of the Merrimack. A drawbridge was built there, the only access to the island by road. On the Newburyport side a small airport, Plum Island Airport, was built at the edge of the marsh. The portion of Plum Island that is in the city has no direct access to the rest of the city; similarly, there is no access between the mainland and Woodbridge Island or Seal Island, west of Plum Island (the latter being shared between Newburyport and Newbury). Several parks and beaches dot the city, including Plum Island Point Beach, Simmons Beach, Joppa Park, Waterfront Park, Woodman Park, Cashman Park, Moseley Pines Park and Atkinson Common and March's Hill Park. Newburyport Forest is located in the southwest corner of the city, and Maudslay State Park lies along the northwest part of the city, along the banks of the Merrimack. Newburyport is located 37 miles (60 km) north-northeast of Boston, 19 miles (31 km) east-northeast of Lawrence, and 21 miles (34 km) south-southeast of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Situated 5 miles (8 km) south of the New Hampshire border, the city is bordered by the Gulf of Maine (Atlantic Ocean) to the east, Newbury to the south and southeast, West Newbury to the west and southwest, Amesbury to the north and northwest, and Salisbury to the northeast. Neighborhoods Joppa: Joppa is Bordered by Newbury,Massachusetts to the southeast, South End to the southwest, and Downtown to the Northwest. This is the closest Neighborhood to plum island airport, which is located in Newbury. South End: South-End is borderd by Newbury,Massachusetts to the south, Joppa to the Northeast, and Downtown to the Northwest. The border between South-End and Joppa is just behind Hancock Street, Chestnut Street, and, Part of Prospect Street. Climate Climate data for Newburyport, Massachusetts (2000-2020 normals; rainfall/snowfall measures 1991-2020; extremes Mar 1, 1911-Sep 30, 2016) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °F (°C) 71 (22) 67 (19) 85 (29) 94 (34) 100 (38) 97 (36) 100 (38) 98 (37) 96 (36) 86 (30) 75 (24) 70 (21) 100 (38) Mean maximum °F (°C) 55 (13) 54 (12) 65 (18) 83 (28) 88 (31) 92 (33) 94 (34) 92 (33) 90 (32) 79 (26) 69 (21) 60 (16) 96 (36) Average high °F (°C) 33.2 (0.7) 36.2 (2.3) 44.5 (6.9) 56.6 (13.7) 66.5 (19.2) 75.0 (23.9) 82.3 (27.9) 81.0 (27.2) 74.1 (23.4) 61.9 (16.6) 51.5 (10.8) 40.2 (4.6) 58.6 (14.8) Daily mean °F (°C) 24.2 (−4.3) 26.5 (−3.1) 34.9 (1.6) 45.6 (7.6) 55.9 (13.3) 64.9 (18.3) 71.8 (22.1) 70.1 (21.2) 63.1 (17.3) 51.6 (10.9) 41.8 (5.4) 31.6 (−0.2) 48.5 (9.2) Average low °F (°C) 15.2 (−9.3) 16.8 (−8.4) 25.3 (−3.7) 34.6 (1.4) 45.3 (7.4) 54.9 (12.7) 61.3 (16.3) 59.2 (15.1) 52.1 (11.2) 41.3 (5.2) 32.2 (0.1) 23.0 (−5.0) 38.4 (3.6) Mean minimum °F (°C) −2 (−19) 2 (−17) 8 (−13) 25 (−4) 32 (0) 44 (7) 53 (12) 50 (10) 39 (4) 29 (−2) 19 (−7) 9 (−13) −4 (−20) Record low °F (°C) −12 (−24) −12 (−24) −2 (−19) 0 (−18) 28 (−2) 39 (4) 48 (9) 46 (8) 32 (0) 25 (−4) 12 (−11) −2 (−19) −12 (−24) Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.68 (93) 3.63 (92) 4.72 (120) 4.45 (113) 4.11 (104) 4.27 (108) 3.51 (89) 3.49 (89) 3.90 (99) 5.15 (131) 3.99 (101) 4.86 (123) 49.76 (1,262) Average snowfall inches (cm) 18.0 (46) 16.1 (41) 13.4 (34) 1.8 (4.6) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0.1 (0.25) 1.4 (3.6) 11.1 (28) 61.9 (157.45) Average extreme snow depth inches (mm) 11.0 (28) 12.0 (30) 10.0 (25) 2.0 (5.1) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) 1.0 (2.5) 7.0 (18) 18.0 (46) Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 12 9 12 11 12 12 10 9 9 11 10 12 128 Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 7 5 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 23 Source: NOAA[34] Demographics See also: List of Massachusetts locations by per capita income Historical populationYear Pop. ±% 1790 4,837 — 1800 5,946 +22.9% 1810 7,634 +28.4% 1820 6,852 −10.2% 1830 6,375 −7.0% 1840 7,161 +12.3% 1850 9,572 +33.7% 1860 13,401 +40.0% 1870 12,595 −6.0% 1880 13,538 +7.5% 1890 13,947 +3.0% 1900 14,478 +3.8% 1910 14,949 +3.3% 1920 15,618 +4.5% 1930 15,084 −3.4% 1940 13,916 −7.7% 1950 14,111 +1.4% 1960 14,004 −0.8% 1970 15,807 +12.9% 1980 15,900 +0.6% 1990 16,317 +2.6% 2000 17,189 +5.3% 2010 17,416 +1.3% 2020 18,289 +5.0% * = population estimate. Source: United States census records and Population Estimates Program data.[35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45] Source: U.S. Decennial Census[46] As of the census[47] of 2010, there were 17,416 people, 8,264 households, and 4,428 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,086.2 people per square mile (792.0/km2). There were 7,897 housing units at an average density of 942.0 per square mile (363.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 90.2% White, 3.6% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.16% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 2.7% of the population. The top five ethnic groups are:[48] (United States 2010 Census quickfacts) Irish – 25% English – 16% Italian – 11% French (except Basque) – 7% German – 6% There were 7,519 households, out of which 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.7% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.1% were non-families. Of all households 33.1% were made up of individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.90. In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.7% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.9 males. The median income for a household in the city was $78,557, and the median income for a family was $103,306. Males had a median income of $51,831 versus $37,853 for females. The per capita income for the city was $34,187. About 2.8% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.5% of those under age 18 and 6.9% of those age 65 or over. Government Upon adopting a new charter in 2011 which took effect in 2013, Newburyport has been run by a mayor with a four-year term and an eleven-member City Council (prior to that, the mayor's term lasted for two years). During the mid-twentieth century, Newburyport enjoyed a typical "small community" approach, conducted, most notably, by city mayor and activist Ed Molin, who died in 2005. The current mayor of Newburyport is Sean Reardon, and the next election year for mayor is 2025. Newburyport is part of the Massachusetts Senate's 1st Essex district.[49] Voter registration and party enrollment as of October 15, 2008[50] Party Number of voters Percentage Democratic 4,058 31.42% Republican 1,700 13.16% Unaffiliated 7,095 54.94% Libertarian 61 0.47% Total 12,914 100% Transportation Interstate 95 passes through the western side of town, with one exit at Route 113. Route 113 itself has its eastern terminus at U.S. Route 1 and Massachusetts Route 1A, with Route 1A continuing along the same right of way as 113 towards Newbury. Route 1 and 1A cross the river along the Newburyport Turnpike Bridge; it had originally followed State Street and ended at Merrimac and Water streets before crossing the river via ferry to Salisbury. The Turnpike Bridge is the easternmost crossing of the Merrimack; upstream the river is crossed by the Newburyport Railroad Bridge (just west of the Turnpike Bridge), the Chain Bridge, one of the oldest bridges along the river, and the Whittier Memorial Bridge, which brings Interstate 95 to Amesbury. The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority provides regular bus service between the city and Haverhill, which includes access to the commuter rail station in Newburyport. The bus costs $1.25 for adults paying cash and $1 for adults paying with CharlieCard. C&J[51] and Coach Company,[52] privately operated coach carriers, operate commuter bus services between Newburyport and Boston. Newburyport is the northern terminus of the Newburyport/Rockport Line of the MBTA Commuter Rail system, providing access through several North Shore cities to Boston's North Station.[53] Plum Island Airport is a privately owned general aviation airport located within the city limits. It is open to the public and managed by Plum Island Aerodrome, Inc., a not-for-profit organization.[54] The nearest scheduled commercial air service can be found at Boston's Logan International Airport, Worcester's Worcester Regional Airport, Portsmouth's Pease International Tradeport or Manchester's Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. Education Newburyport High School The current site of Newburyport High School was purchased from Harvard University early in the 20th century.[citation needed] Newburyport High School is one of the oldest public high schools in the United States. Newburyport is served by several public schools, belonging to the Newburyport School District, and several private schools. Francis T. Bresnahan Lower Elementary School: pre-kindergarten to grade 3 Edward G. Molin Upper Elementary School: grades 4 and 5 Rupert A. Nock Middle School: grades 6 to 8 Newburyport High School: grades 9 to 12 River Valley Charter School: grades kindergarten to 8 Immaculate Conception Catholic School: grades pre-kindergarten to 8 Newburyport Montessori School: pre-kindergarten and kindergarten On Monday, November 4, 2019, the Newburyport School Committee unanimously (with one member absent) voted to implement a Start School Later policy, the first of the Cape Ann League to do so. The times will be: Francis T. Bresnahan Lower Elementary School: pre-kindergarten to grade 3; 8:20–2:50 Edward G. Molin Upper Elementary School: grades 4 and 5; and Rupert A. Nock Middle School: grades 6 to 8; 7:45–2:15 Newburyport High School: grades 9 to 12; 8:15–2:45 Newburyport is served by the Newburyport Public Library, part of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium. Newburyport High School competes in the Cape Ann League, an athletic conference in District A of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association. The athletics program offers a variety of sports for girls and boys during the fall, winter, and spring seasons. The school colors are Crimson and Old Gold and the mascot is a Clipper Ship. Fall Winter Spring Field Hockey Basketball Baseball Football Indoor Track Softball Soccer Ice Hockey Lacrosse Golf Ski Racing (Co-op with Georgetown High School) Spring Track Volleyball Swim (Co-op with Triton Regional High School) Tennis Cross Country Wrestling (Co-op with Pentucket High School) Cheerleading Cheerleading Activities Waterfront boardwalk on a winter night Newburyport makes activities available for its residents, including a year-round ice skating rink and a beautiful waterfront and boardwalk. Many Newburyport residents love boating, fishing, swimming, and other water sports. The city's picturesque downtown shopping district also makes it a great location to enjoy boutique shopping. The city sponsors several youth sports leagues, including baseball, football, soccer, lacrosse, basketball, and hockey. The city's youth services program also provides classes, campouts, and activities in robotics, music, rock climbing, chess, fencing, sewing, dance, skateboarding, judo, academics, cooking, yoga, cheerleading, art, fashion design, photography, biking, and frisbee. Annual events Yankee Homecoming Yankee Homecoming, run not by the city, but by the non-profit Yankee Homecoming, Inc., is the annual festival celebrating the natives coming home to Newburyport. The event was initiated in 1957 by native Newburyporter George Cashman, who sought to stimulate the economy and lift the spirit of the citizens. It lasts one week. The first Sunday of the festival, known as "Olde Fashioned Sunday", is celebrated at the Bartlet Mall in Newburyport, and features many activities, including an art show, an appearance by the city's oldest fire engine, the "Neptune #8", and the participation of many local businesses. There is also an antique car parade. Each Yankee Homecoming features a grand marshal and numerous street vendors. The festival includes eight days and over 200 events. There are concerts every night at Market Landing Park. Other popular events include the Newburyport Lions' 10-mile (16 km) and 5-kilometer road races, which run through the city's downtown streets and neighborhoods. There is also a 45-minute fireworks show on Saturday night, which is followed the concluding Sunday by the famous Yankee Homecoming parade. First held in 1958, Newburyport's "Yankee Homecoming" is the second-oldest homecoming festival in the United States. Many charities raise their funds during this time. Waterfront Concert Series This was held Friday evenings in Waterfront Park in downtown Newburyport, these free concerts were intended for all ages. The concerts were presented by the Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and the Waterfront Trust and were sponsored by a local insurance agency, Arthur S Page Insurance. Newburyport Literary Festival Held during the last weekend of April, the Newburyport Literary Festival was started in 2006 as a new effort by the city to increase interest in reading and literary arts. Many local authors are invited to sign and chat about their book, and schoolchildren create projects to show to an author who visits their school. Among the authors who regularly visit are Andre Dubus III, Tess Gerritsen and Rhina Espaillat. Points of interest Atkinson Common in 1908 Over the years, the town has cultivated a significant tourist population. The quaint downtown shopping center includes businesses that appeal to all ages. Local businesses and restaurants surround Market Square and along State Street. During festivals throughout the year, visitors are invited to enjoy concerts, food, and entertainment. An old mill building on Liberty Street is home to other small businesses and a local farmers' market during both the summer and winter seasons. The historic area has a charming feel and upbeat atmosphere. High Street is a remarkable street of fine old Federal-style houses, linking the Atkinson Common (1893–1894) with the Bartlett Mall, site of the Charles Bulfinch-designed Essex County Superior Courthouse (1805). Laid out in 1801, the Bartlett Mall was redesigned in the 1880s by noted Boston landscape architect Charles Eliot, with later improvements by Arthur Shurcliff. First Presbyterian Church dates from 1756. The clock tower bell was cast by Paul Revere. One of the most famous individuals in 18th-century America, evangelist George Whitefield, before dying in Newburyport in 1770, asked that his remains be buried under the pulpit of the "Old South" church, and they are there to this day. Some other points of interest are the city's historic waterfront, Atwood Park located in the so