By Christine Galeone

It’s that time of the year again. After what seems like years of being cooped up, people are beginning to head outside to soak up the sunshine under bright azure skies.  

And Grafton businesses and organizations are happy to help them emerge from their winter doldrums. In recent weeks, they’ve been beautifying the local landscapes, reopening seasonal destinations, and preparing to greet families and individuals in need of some fresh air. 

On April 20, the Grafton Garden Club held an enormously successful Grafton Clean-Up Day.  The club organized the event, in which many volunteer teams – including ones from the Grafton Garden Club, the Grafton Historical Society, the Grafton Land Trust, Pack 107, Gaudette Insurance and Stop & Shop – removed trash from local roads, parks and playgrounds. Event sponsors included Pepperoni Express, Swirls & Scoops, Savers Bank, UniBank and the Grafton DPW.  

Another anticipated event is happening in town Saturday, June 22. Starting at 9 a.m. and going until 3 p.m. is the 56th Annual Antiques and Arts Fair, which will be held on the Grafton Common. Admission is $5.00. A fundraiser for the Grafton Historical Society, the fair will feature antiques and collectibles vendors. There will also be antique appraisals (for a small fee), food and music.

Grafton Recreation recently announced that it will be holding two free fun family events. On Saturday June 22 from 10 a.m. until noon – with 10 to 11 being sensory friendly – at Millbury Street School, kids can explore a variety of big rigs during Big Truck Day. Prior to that event, on Thursday June 20, families are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets to gather at the Grafton Common under the stars to watch “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie.” The free film is presented by Grafton Recreation with supporting sponsor Savers Bank. Activities begin at 7 p.m.

Beginning Wednesday June 19, people can come together to appreciate the outdoors while supporting small businesses. The Grafton Farmers Market, which will be held every Wednesday from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. will return for the season on that day. It’s returning to its location on the Grafton Common. With a variety of vendors (which vary each week), the volunteer-run market works hard to achieve its goal of providing “fresh, local food directly from farmers to consumers.” Its vendors offer an array of local produce, baked goods, jams, syrups, candy, natural skincare items, handcrafted gifts and more Those who want seasonal treats might want to head to North Grafton. Swirls & Scoops, the ice cream and frozen yogurt shop, Art Bradish Snack Shack and Houlden Farm have all recently re-opened for the season.

Finally, for people who would like to buy Memorial Day plants/flowers, there are at least three Grafton businesses that sell beautiful flowers. They can be found at Perreault Nursery & Landscape Supply in North Grafton, Koopman Lumber in North Grafton and at Pete’s Oasis at Blackstone River Farm in South Grafton.

We’re grateful to Grafton organizations and businesses for helping families and individuals to have a much-needed change of scenery. And on this Memorial Day weekend and always, we’re especially grateful for the freedom that so many of our brave military members gave their lives to protect, and we’re especially thankful for all the heroes who sacrificed their lives for our country.

 

Contact Christine with your business news items at [email protected].