Salem Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey, left, and Columbiana Mayor Rick Noel have been working to develop a transportation loop between the two cities. The trolley will provide free transportation between the two cities June 7 on an hourly loop from 3 through 9 p.m. (Photo by Morgan Ahart) 

SALEM — The cities of Salem and Columbiana will be collaborating to provide free transportation between two upcoming community events. 

Salem Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey and Columbiana Mayor Rick Noel said that they have been working together to develop transportation between both cities for several months and with both cities set to host community events on June 7 in the Super Cruise in Salem and the Wine Festival at Firestone Farms in Columbiana from 4 to 9 p.m., the first transport loop has been set. According to a joint press release the Salem Historical Society, Salem Tourism Board, and the Columbiana Area Tourism Bureau, they have partnered to sponsor the Quakertown Trolley to provide free transportation between both cities “to all who would like to attend the Super Cruise and Columbiana Wine Festival.” 

Dickey said that the shuttle service will help people to enjoy both events, and that in addition to increasing accessibility, 

by providing free transportation the trolley rides will help to reduce traffic and parking pressure in both cities. 

“Last year we had 50,000 people attend the Super Cruise on Saturday, and they had over 15,000 at the Wine Festival. If some of those people decide to ride back and forth, it would really be excellent. They could enjoy both events and it would really benefit local businesses in both cities,” said Dickey. 

The trolley will begin its loop “in Salem at the City Hall rear parking lot, proceed to Salem Tractor Supply parking lot on the east end of town and make the first trip to Columbiana at 3 p.m.” and drop riders off are Firestone Farms near Homestead Restaurant for the Wine Festival, and anyone wanting to ride from Columbiana to Salem for the Super Cruise will depart at 4 p.m. The trolley will continue to make alternating trips on the hour until 8 p.m. when it will make its last trip to Salem, meaning that the trolley will leave Salem for Columbiana at 5 p.m., and Columbiana for Salem at 6 p.m. and so on. 

Any riders whose final destination is Salem will need to take their return ride by 8 p.m., with the final ride from Salem to Columbiana to follow at 9 p.m. There will be one final trip within the city from city hall to the Tractor Supply parking lot at 10 p.m. 

Entry for the Wine Festival, which features “entertainment, food, vendors, and tastings of all varieties of local wine,” is typically $40, but for Quakertown Trolley riders tickets will be $30. Admission includes “tasting tickets, access to all of the event activities, and a commemorative wine glass,” and there is a $10 designated driver admission for those who wish to eschew the wine tastings which includes “snacks and access to the event.” 

As always admission to the Super Cruise is free of charge, with food and craft vendors set up throughout the downtown area. The cruise has several events slated for Saturday, June 7 including: the SUPERKIDS Soapbox Derby at 9 a.m., a car show at Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; valve cover racing from 2 to 8 p.m. on South Lundy; the annual garden tractor pull at 2 p.m. on South Broadway; music by the Memphis Soul Brew band from 3 to 6 p.m. on the Broadway Stage, followed by the SB Music from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. on the Broadway Stage, and cruising downtown all day. 

Noel said that he hopes that people attending both events will take advantage of this free service to enjoy both communities, and that he hopes Columbiana and Salem will be able to continue collaborating to promote both communities.

“[Salem and Columbiana] really have a lot in common, and lots of things for people to do and enjoy. Hopefully we can get some people coming back and forth along [state Route] 14 and partner more in the future,” said Noel.