SALEM, Ohio - The cities of Salem and Columbiana are partnering on an initiative designed to boost economic growth and tourism, highlighted by a free shuttle service connecting major events this weekend.

Salem Mayor Cyndi Dickey and Columbiana Mayor Rick Noel have spent months developing a "loop" to foster local economic development and tourism, while also providing free transportation for visitors.

The collaborative effort will be showcased Saturday, June 7, as Salem hosts its annual Super Cruise and Columbiana holds its Wine Festival at Firestone Farms. The tourism boards of both cities have teamed up to sponsor the Quakertown Trolley, offering complimentary rides between the two events. Additionally, trolley riders will receive discounted admission to the Wine Festival.

The Quakertown Trolley service will begin its route at the rear parking lot of Salem City Hall. It will then proceed to the Salem Tractor Supply parking lot before its first trip to Columbiana at 3 p.m., stopping near the Homestead Restaurant.

Riders will be dropped off at the Columbiana Wine Festival. For those wishing to attend the Salem Super Cruise, the trolley will pick up passengers at the festival, departing for Salem at 4 p.m.

The Salem Super Cruise, which runs from June 5-8, is free and open to the public, featuring entertainment, food, artisan vendors and a wide variety of cars. The Columbiana Wine Festival will take place June 7 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., offering entertainment, food, vendors, and wine tasting. Admission to the Wine Festival is $40, but trolley riders can enter for $30. Designated driver tickets, which do not include wine tasting, are available for $10.

A complete itinerary for the Quakertown Trolley is as follows:

  • 3 p.m.: Departs Salem City Hall (rear parking lot), proceeds to Salem Tractor Supply, then to Homestead at Firestone Farms in Columbiana.
  • 4 p.m.: Departs Homestead in Columbiana for Salem.
  • 5 p.m.: Departs Salem City Hall (rear parking lot), proceeds to Salem Tractor Supply, then to Homestead at Firestone Farms in Columbiana.
  • 6 p.m.: Departs Homestead in Columbiana for Salem.
  • 7 p.m.: Departs Salem City Hall (rear parking lot), proceeds to Salem Tractor Supply, then to Homestead at Firestone Farms in Columbiana.
  • 8 p.m.: Departs Homestead in Columbiana for Salem. (Last trip to Salem.)
  • 9 p.m.: Departs Salem City Hall (rear parking lot), proceeds to Salem Tractor Supply, then to Homestead at Firestone Farms in Columbiana. (Last trip to Columbiana.)

All riders whose final destination is Columbiana must make their return trip no later than the 9 p.m. departure from Salem. Riders returning to Salem from Columbiana must depart no later than 8 p.m. A local shuttle in Salem will make one final trip from Salem City Hall to the Salem Tractor Supply parking lot at 10 p.m.