Welcome Packet
North Shore District Event
March 11-13, 2016
Reading Memorial High School
62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA 01867
Table of Contents
1
Welcome to the North Shore District Event (NSDE) ............................................................................. 4
1.1
2
3
Welcome to Reading Memorial High School ........................................................................................ 4
2.1
Reading Memorial High School ..................................................................................................... 4
2.2
Reading Field House ....................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Getting Around ..................................................................................................................................... 4
3.1
Traveling around Reading ............................................................................................................. 4
3.2
Directions to the Competition Arena ............................................................................................ 5
3.3
Driving Directions .......................................................................................................................... 6
3.3.1
From the North (Lowell, Southern New Hampshire) ............................................................ 6
3.3.2
From the west (MetroWest, Worcester, Connecticut) ......................................................... 6
3.3.3
From the south (Boston, Rhode Island) ................................................................................ 6
3.3.4
From the northeast (North Shore, NH Seacoast) .................................................................. 6
3.4
4
5
Greetings from the NSDE Planning Committee ............................................................................ 4
Public Transportation.................................................................................................................... 6
3.4.1
MBTA Commuter Rail............................................................................................................ 6
3.4.2
MBTA Bus .............................................................................................................................. 7
Parking at Reading Memorial High School ............................................................................................ 7
4.1
Speed limit .................................................................................................................................... 7
4.2
Event parking ................................................................................................................................ 8
4.3
Load In/Out Information ............................................................................................................... 9
4.3.1
Bag and Tag Rules ................................................................................................................. 9
4.3.2
Day 0 (Friday) Load-in ........................................................................................................... 9
4.3.3
Day 1 (Saturday) Load-in ....................................................................................................... 9
4.3.4
Day 2 (Sunday) Load-out ....................................................................................................... 9
4.3.5
Tips ......................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Event Information ................................................................................................................................. 9
5.1
General Event Information ........................................................................................................... 9
5.1.1
Consent Forms ...................................................................................................................... 9
5.1.2
Event Rules .......................................................................................................................... 10
5.1.3
Seating in the Arena ............................................................................................................ 10
5.1.4
Upper Level VIP Seating ......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.2
In Case of Emergency .................................................................................................................. 11
5.3
Additional Activities at the Venue .............................................................................................. 11
5.4
The Pits ........................................................................................................................................ 11
5.5
Machine Shop Information/Rules ............................................................................................... 11
5.6
Event Schedule ............................................................................................................................ 11
5.6.1
Day 0 – Friday March 6 ....................................................................................................... 12
5.6.2
Day 1 – Saturday March 7 ................................................................................................... 12
5.6.3
Day 2 – Sunday March 8...................................................................................................... 12
5.7
5.7.1
Breakfast and Lunch ............................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.7.2
Dinner..................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.7.3
Hotels .................................................................................................................................. 13
5.8
6
8
Event Contacts ............................................................................................................................ 13
Emergency Information ...................................................................................................................... 13
6.1
7
Meals and Accommodations....................................................................................................... 12
Area Hospitals ............................................................................................................................. 14
6.1.1
Urgent Care ......................................................................................................................... 14
6.1.2
Emergency Room ................................................................................................................ 14
6.2
Dental .......................................................................................................................................... 14
6.3
Optical ......................................................................................................................................... 14
6.4
Pharmacies .................................................................................................................................. 14
Retail Resources near Reading Memorial High School ....................................................................... 14
7.1
Office Supplies/Copies ................................................................................................................ 14
7.2
Electronics/Computer Stores ...................................................................................................... 14
7.3
Hardware/Home Improvement Stores ....................................................................................... 14
7.4
Other ........................................................................................................................................... 15
What to Do If Your Team Has Some Spare Time ................................................................................ 15
8.1
Shopping Areas around Reading Memorial High School ............................................................ 15
8.2
Movie Theatres ........................................................................................................................... 15
8.3
Tourist Attractions (Optional?) ................................................................................................... 15
8.4
Other Tourist Resources ............................................................................................................. 15
1
Welcome to the North Shore District Event (NSDE)
1.1 Greetings from the NSDE Planning Committee
Welcome to the inaugural North Shore District Event! The North Shore of Massachusetts contains many
historic communities along the Massachusetts Bay. Reading is located at the western edge of the North
Shore and serves as a gateway and commuter hub between Boston and the rest of these communities.
Reading, a mostly residential community, is home to about 25000 people.
The North Shore District Event planning committee is thrilled to have you as a participant in this
competition. We are excited to deliver an event to you in the Reading Memorial High School field house.
Please use this welcome packet as a reference for our competition and the event’s surrounding areas. If
you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us using the information listed in this
document.
We welcome you to the 2016 North Shore District Event, and good luck in the competition!
2
Welcome to Reading Memorial High School
2.1 Reading Memorial High School
Reading Memorial High School, home of the Rockets, was opened in 1954 and expanded in 1971. The
high school was renovated in 2007, allowing it to deal with an influx of new families in the Reading
community. In 2012, the girls’ basketball team went 25-0 on their way to the Massachusetts state
championship. Reading also won a state championship in hockey in 2008.
The 2016 North Shore District event will be held in the Reading Field House. Important things to note
about the event:
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Admission is free and there is more than enough space for family and friends
There is free parking on the campus of Reading Memorial High School and adjacent streets
We look forward to seeing you at the event!
3
Getting Around
3.1 Traveling around Reading
Reading MA is centrally located, near the northern intersection of interstates 93 and 95. As such, it is a
convenient destination for Boston, Worcester, southern New Hampshire, and beyond. Driving is the
most common way to reach the venue. Be aware that traffic might be congested on the main highways
in the area, particularly on Friday evening.
Please be cautious and keep weather in mind when planning your travel. Early March in southern New
England can bring any variety of inclement weather, as you all know. Please keep safety in mind as you
reach your destination.
3.2 Directions to the Competition Arena
The Field House at Reading Memorial High School is located at 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA. The map
below shows the field house and the surrounding areas.
Figure 1: Reading Memorial High School and Surrounding Areas
The center of Reading is located at the junction of routes 28 and 129, south of the event. Sections 5
through seven of this document outline services, activities, and restaurants located near the
competition.
Information on event parking can be found in section 4.2 of this packet.
3.3 Driving Directions
3.3.1
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From the North (Lowell, Southern New Hampshire)
Begin on I-93 South
Take exit 38 onto MA Route 129 east, continue right towards Reading at the end of the ramp
In one mile, turn left onto Intervale Terrace
Continue until road ends (0.3 miles), turn left onto John Carver Road (turns into Birch Meadow
Dr)
In 0.5 miles, turn right onto Oakland Rd. Follow signs to venue parking.
3.3.2
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From the west (MetroWest, Worcester, Connecticut)
Begin on I-95 North
Take exit 38B onto MA route 28 north, merge onto 28 at bottom of the offramp
In 2.3 miles, turn left onto Birch Meadow Drive
Take first left onto Oakland Rd. Follow signs to venue parking.
3.3.3
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From the south (Boston, Rhode Island)
Begin on I-93 North
Take exit 37A onto I-95 North
In one mile, take exit 38B onto MA route 28 north, merge onto 28 at bottom of the offramp
In 2.3 miles, turn left onto Birch Meadow Drive
Take first left onto Oakland Rd. Follow signs to venue parking.
3.3.4
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From the northeast (North Shore, NH Seacoast)
Begin on I-95 South
Take exit 40 for MA Route 129 west, take second exit from offramp rotary towards Wilmington
Continue on 129 west for 1.2 miles, then turn right onto Route 28 north (Main Street)
In 0.7 miles, turn left onto Birch Meadow Drive
Take first left onto Oakland Rd. Follow signs to venue parking.
3.4 Public Transportation
3.4.1 MBTA Commuter Rail
The MBTA Commuter rail has a stop in Reading Center, which is located about one mile south of the
venue.
The Reading stop is on the Haverhill line, which has stops in Boston, Malden Center, Wyoming Hill,
Melrose Cedar Park, Melrose Highlands, Greenwood, Wakefield, North Wilmington, Ballardvale,
Andover, Lawrence, Bradford, and Haverhill. The line schedule can be found on the MBTA website at the
following address: http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/?route=HAVRHILL
The schedule of the MBTA commuter rail is different for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and is subject to
change in inclement weather conditions.
Walking directions from the commuter rail station to RMHS:
1. Begin by walking east on Woburn Street (start
on eastern side of tracks) for two blocks.
2. Turn left onto Bancroft Avenue and continue
north for half a mile. You will cross route 129,
which is a busy road crossing with no traffic
light protected pedestrian crossing. Please use
caution when crossing (There is a traffic light at
the intersection of 129 and 28 about five blocks
further east). Continue past 129 on Bancroft St
for another two blocks.
3. Turn right onto Auburn St. Continue for two
blocks.
4. Turn left onto Parkview Road, and continue for
two more blocks.
5. Turn right onto Oakland Road. Reading
Memorial High School and the Field House will
be located on your left.
3.4.2 MBTA Bus
Figure 2: Walking Directions from MBTA
MBTA Bus Routes 136 and 137 largely parallel the
commuter rail to RMHS
route of the Haverhill commuter rail line between Oak
Grove (the end of Boston’s Orange Line), Malden, and Reading, with more frequent stops. Like the
commuter rail, the closest stops are about a mile away from Reading Memorial High School.
Each bus line ends at the Reading Commuter Rail Station, which would result in the same directions as
listed above. There is also a stop located at the intersection of Woburn Street and Lowell Street, at the
southwest corner of the town square at the intersection of routes 28 and 129. From there, walk a block
to the west on Woburn Street, take a left onto Main Street, continue on Main Street north for 0.7 miles,
and then take a left onto Hillside Road. After two blocks, Hillside Road intersects Oakland Rd and the
venue will be slightly down the hill to your right.
Schedules for bus route 136 can be found here:
http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/bus/routes/?route=136
Schedules for bus route 137 can be found here:
http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/bus/routes/?route=137
Like the commuter rail, schedules are different on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and are subject to
change in inclement weather.
4
Parking at Reading Memorial High School
4.1 Speed limit
The speed limit in school parking lots is 10mph. However, certain conditions such as evening hours or
inclement weather may require reduced speed. When entering and leaving the event area, please be
considerate of the surrounding residential communities and obey all posted signs.
4.2 Event parking
Here is an overhead map of the event venue, with parking lots annotated:
Figure 3: Reading Memorial High School Parking
Bus and trailers can be parked in front of the middle school, located along Birch Meadow road, across
the street from the football field. Busses can drop off passengers between the field house and the
school.
4.3 Load In/Out Information
4.3.1 Bag and Tag Rules
1. You must bring your own bagged, tagged and sealed robot into the venue through the
designated robot entrance.
2. Teams will NOT have access to a loading dock or forklift; we recommend bringing a rolling cart
or dolly to facilitate the load in.
3. Bags may not be opened until it has been checked, approved by an on-site inspector, and the
pits have officially been opened for robot work. Teams may load in when pits open at 5PM on
day 0 (see section 5.6.1 for detailed Day 0 schedule)
4. Please be sure to bring an additional tag for resealing your robot after the event so it can be
properly transferred to another competition.
4.3.2
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Day 0 (Friday) Load-in
Team load-in begins at 5:00 PM.
Teams will load in to the parking lot behind the field house, labeled as “Friday load-in entrance
1” on figure 3 (section 4.2).
Team vehicles must queue in the upper parking lot as directed by event staff. Do not park in
marked fire lanes.
Team equipment will be loaded into the field house through the door labeled “Friday load-in
entrance 1” on figure 3. Entrance 2 will be used as required.
4.3.3 Day 1 (Saturday) Load-in
 Any additional load in should be discussed with the Pit Administrator on Day 0.
 Day 1 load-in will not be allowed until after pits open at 8AM.
4.3.4 Day 2 (Sunday) Load-out
 After alliance selection, the top 8 seeds that were not picked will remain as backup robots.
 Other teams may start loading out immediately
 Team vehicles must queue in the parking lot and will be directed to the unloading area by event
staff.
5
Event Information
5.1 General Event Information
5.1.1 Consent Forms
Teams cannot register on Friday without a completed form for each team member attending the event,
including adults travelling with the team. Persons under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal
guardian’s signature.

FIRST consent forms are available at the following link:
http://www.firstinspires.org/resource-library/youth-team-member-consent-and-release-form
Mentors and students are required to fill out the form for FIRST by following the link to TIMS or
STIMS. Additionally, an NEFIRST consent form will be required, and will be linked to on the
North Shore District Event webpage when available.
5.1.2 Event Rules
Please read the following restrictions and adhere to them in order to promote an orderly and exciting
competition. As a group, we all should honor agreements with the venue and help promote the spirit of
good partnership.
PLEASE DO:
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Distribute team pins and similar promotional items for teams and spectators.
Bring enough safety glasses for your team and visitors.
Wear safety glasses at all times in the PIT and on/around the playing field.
Hang your team banners on the wall behind the bleachers using non marking tape
PLEASE DON'T:

Attempt to deliver or ship robots, pit setups, tools, and/or materials directly to the site.
Everything must be carried in during load in.
 Sell any products such as food, hats, shirts, or any promotional products.
 Distribute out any free food products, such as candy, water, soft drinks, fruit.
 Bring any food or beverage product, other than water, into the gym.
 Distribute stickers or decals as they are often left behind in the venue.
 Use noisy devices, such as floor stompers, whistles, and/or air horns.
 Invite or bring live bands to play in the audience.
 Play loud music in the Pit because it interferes with important announcements.
 Connect to Reading private WiFi or use mobile hotspots.
 Use walkie-talkies as they interfere with the wireless radios used by event service providers as
well as the district event volunteers.
 Wear open-toed or open-backed shoes in the Pits or on the playing field. This includes “clog”
and “mule” style shoes, such as Crocs.
If event staff deems something or someone to be unsafe or against Reading Memorial High School or
FIRST standards, they will work with the person(s) to correct the situation. If the situation cannot be
corrected, the item will be removed or the person(s) will be asked to leave.
Finally, please respect the event staff as we are attempting to run a smooth event and keep everyone
safe.
5.1.3 Seating in the Arena
Ample stadium style seating is available for teams with great views of the competition field. Please do
not hang banners on any part of the bleachers or on the venue walls. Seating areas will not have power
and have limited cell service, so plan ahead.
5.2 In Case of Emergency
In case of an emergency at the venue, make sure to listen to the instructions of the event staff, as it may
be necessary to evacuate or clear a path for emergency personnel. We recommend setting up a team
meeting place outside of the venue beforehand.
A First Aid station will be available in the pit next to the Pit Administration table. Section 6 of this packet
contains information on additional emergency facilities in the area.
5.3 Additional Activities at the Venue
Please visit the various tables and booths set up in the Field House.
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Local FLL teams will be demonstrating their robots
Tables on scholarship opportunities will be available
Event sponsors will have displays on their companies
FIRST apparel will be for sale
5.4 The Pits
Teams will receive a pit map when they register at the Pit Administration Center.
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Each team’s pit will have an 8 ft table and 1 power outlet
Due to safety and regulations, teams cannot build any structure that supports people or items
for storage above the work area in their pit space.
No structures should be higher than 10 feet above the floor and must safely support any signs or
displays mounted to the structure.
Section 4 of the FRC Administration manual has suggested items to bring to your pit station.
As a special reminder, don’t forget:
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A 25ft heavy duty extension cord and a power strip.
A small cart to transport your heavy robot from the Pit to the playing field.
Safety glasses for everyone on your team and your guests that will be visiting the pits.
5.5 Machine Shop Information/Rules
The North Shore District event will have a basic machine shop available to competing teams (drill press,
bandsaw etc). The location of the shop will be provided at the event. There will be no mill, lathe, or
welding capabilities, so please plan ahead.
5.6 Event Schedule
A final event schedule will be provided at team check-in, but this is a guide of what you can expect.
5.6.1
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Day 0 – Friday March 11
5:00 PM
Pits open, load-in begins
8:00 PM
Practice matches begin (Time permitting)
9:30 PM
Practice matches end
10:00 PM
Pits close
It is likely that field setup will be occurring concurrently with team load-in. Please stay in the pits or
stands while the field is being constructed. Additionally, this will limit the availability of practice
matches. It is possible that no practice matches will be available on Friday. Please plan ahead.
5.6.2
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Day 1 – Saturday March 12
8:00 AM
Pits open
9:00 AM
Practice matches begin
10:00 PM
Practice matches end
10:30 AM
Opening ceremonies
11:00 AM
Qualification matches begin
1:00 PM
Lunch
2:00 PM
Qualification matches resume
8:00 PM
Pits close
5.6.3
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Day 2 – Sunday March 13
8:00 AM
Pits open
9:00 AM
Opening ceremonies
9:30 AM
Qualification matches resume
12:30 PM
Alliance selection
1:00 PM
Lunch
2:00 PM
Elimination rounds begin
5:00 PM
Awards ceremony
6:30 PM
Pits close
5.7 Meals and Accommodations
Concession info is subject to change. Please do not order food to be delivered at the school. Many local
businesses will be providing food to sell at the event, and other deliveries to the school will be
logistically difficult. In many cases, the prices offered at the event will be lower than the prices offered
at the same restaurant outside of the event.
If you are interested in pre-ordering meals for the event, please complete the following form by Friday,
March 4th: http://goo.gl/forms/2PTjT5sUlZ
Pre-ordered meals will be available to be picked up just outside of the school cafeteria at the times
specified on the pre-order form. Cash, credit card, and checks made out to Reading Engineering Teams
will be accepted. For any questions regarding food orders, please e-mail robockets.4761@gmail.com
5.7.1 Local Restaurants
If you are not eating at the field house, here are some restaurants near the event:
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Bertucci’s: 45 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading MA 01867 (1.7 miles from event)
Chili’s: 70 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading MA 01867 (2.0 miles from event)
Fuddrucker’s: 50 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading MA 01867 (2.2 miles from event)
Portland Pie Co.: 54 Haven Street, Reading MA 01867 (1.4 miles from event)
Mandarin Reading: 296 Salem Street, Reading MA 01867 (1.9 miles from event)
Grumpy’s Ale House: 530 Main Street, Reading MA 01867 (1.3 miles from event)
5.7.2 Hotels
For preferred hotels, please follow this link:
https://registration.experientevent.com/MEMBureau/ROB151
5.8 Event Contacts
You may need the following contacts regarding the event. If you are not sure who to reach, then please
e-mail Kyle Henry and your question will be answered or forwarded appropriately.
Kyle Henry – Co-chair, NSDE Planning Committee
khenry425@gmail.com
Sanat Patel – Co-chair, NSDE Planning Committee
sanat.n.patel@gmail.com
Steve Cremer – NE FIRST
scremer@nefirst.org
Event e-mail
ma.reading@nefirst.org
6
Emergency Information
In case of a serious medical emergency during the event, please dial 9-1-1. Please also notify event staff
and any EMTs who will be present at the event for assistance.
6.1 Area Hospitals
6.1.1

6.1.2
Urgent Care
Hallmark Health Urgent Care / Rt. 128 Reading: 30 New Crossing Rd, Reading MA 01867
(1.7 miles from event) – 781-213-5500
Emergency Room
 Winchester Hospital: 41 Highland Ave, Winchester MA 01890 (6.0 miles from event) – 781729-9000
6.2 Dental

Redstone Dental Center: 70 Main Street, Stoneham MA 02180 (Closed Sundays, 3.3 miles
from event) – 781-438-0345
6.3 Optical

Reading Eye Associates: 70 Haven Street, Reading MA 01867 (Closed Sundays, 1.3 miles
from event) – 781-942-0044
6.4 Pharmacies
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7
CVS Pharmacy: 650 Main Street, Reading MA 01867 (1.1 miles from event)
Rite Aid: 25 Haven Street, Reading MA 01867 (1.4 miles from event)
Walgreens: 158 Main Street, North Reading MA 01864 (3.4 miles from event)
Retail Resources near Reading Memorial High School
7.1 Office Supplies/Copies
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Fedex Office Print & Ship: 204 W Cummings Park #36, Woburn MA 01801 (Closed Sundays, 3.6
miles from event)
Staples: 34 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading MA 01867 (1.7 miles from event)
7.2 Electronics/Computer Stores
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Best Buy: 84 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington MA 01803 (9.0 miles from event)
7.3 Hardware/Home Improvement Stores
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The Home Depot: 60 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading MA 01867 (2.2 miles from event)
Lowe’s: 15 Commerce Way, Woburn MA 01801 (3.3 miles from event)
7.4 Other
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8
REI: 279 Salem Street, Reading MA 01867 (1.8 miles from event)
Target: 101 Commerce Way, Woburn MA 01801 (4.0 miles from event)
Walmart: 72 Main Street, North Reading MA 01864 (3.0 miles from event)
What to Do If Your Team Has Some Spare Time
8.1 Shopping Areas around Reading Memorial High School
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Woburn Mall: 296 Mishwaum Road, Woburn MA 01801 (3.5 miles from event)
Burlington Mall: 75 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington MA 01803 (8.9 miles from event)
North Shore Mall: 210 Andover Street, Peabody MA 01960 (11.1 miles from event)
Liberty Tree Mall: 100 Independence Way, Danvers MA 01923 (11.9 miles from event)
8.2 Movie Theatres
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IMAX 3D Theatre at Jordan’s Furniture: 50 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading MA 01867 (2.0 miles
from event)
Showcase Cinemas Woburn: 25 Middlesex Canal Parkway, Woburn MA 01801 (6.0 miles from
event)
AMC Burlington Cinema: 20 South Avenue, Burlington MA 01803 (9.0 miles from event)
AMC Loew’s Liberty Tree Mall: 100 Independence Way, Danvers MA 01923 (11.8 miles from
event)
8.3 Tourist Attractions
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Peabody Essex Museum: 161 Essex St, Salem MA 01970 (13.9 miles from event)
National Register of Historic Places listings in Salem, Massachusetts: Salem MA (~14 miles from
event)
Salem Witch Museum: 19-1/2 North Washington St, Salem MA 01970 (13.7 miles from event)
Historic Downtown Salem: Salem MA (~14 miles from event)
Salem Seaport: Salem MA (~14 miles from event)
Saugus Iron Works: 244 Central Street, Saugus MA 01906 (8.8 miles from event)
Historic Gloucester and Rockport Seaports (30-40 miles from event)
8.4 Other Tourist Resources
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Reading MA Chamber of Commerce: http://www.readingnreadingchamber.org/
North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau: I-95 Southbound, Exit 60, Salisbury, MA
www.northofboston.org
Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce: 24 Main Street, Peabody, MA
www.peabodychamber.com
Boston Convention and Visitor’s Bureau: http://www.bostonusa.com
Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism: http://www.mass-vacation.com
World Guide to Boston: http://www.boston.world-guides.com/
Boston on a Budget: http://boston.citysearch.com/roundup/40237/
Boston.Com Visitor’s Guide: http://www.boston.com/travel/boston/
Boston Online for Visitors: http://www.boston-online.com/visitors/index.html