By Christine Galeone

With May and June being two of the most beautiful months of the year, this is the perfect time to get outside and reconnect with nature. It’s also a great time to reconnect with other members of the community.

Thanks to several local organizations and businesses, Grafton is an ideal place to reconnect with both. There are also opportunities to socialize and enjoy nature at the same time.

Grafton Recreation recently announced that it will be holding two free fun family events. On Saturday June 18 from 10 a.m. until noon at Millbury Street School, kids can explore a variety of big rigs during Big Truck Day. Then, on Thursday June 23, families are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets to gather at the Grafton Common under the stars to watch “The Secret Life of Pets 2.” The free film, presented by Quite Fetching Barkery & Pet Boutique, starts at dusk.  Beginning at 6:30, people can visit vendors including Butler Park, K9 Pawformance Massage, Patrick Subaru, Safe with us Rescue and Waggy Tails Grooming.  

Those who like to grill outdoors can find grills and cookers from Weber, Traeger and other manufacturers at Koopman Lumber, the hardware and paint store in North Grafton. Besides selling a varied selection of items that shoppers can use to enjoy spending time outdoors, the store will be holding a propane sale on Friday May 27 and Saturday May 28. After buying a $15 tank fill, customers with a free advantage account will receive a $15 Koopon that can be used for anything in the store June 1 through June 14.   

In June, two shops that can help people enjoy the outdoors and gatherings – one through breezy style options and one through décor – will celebrate milestones. Off the Common Antiques Marketplace a multi-artisan, multi-vendor shop, located at 4 Worcester Street in Grafton, will celebrate its 5th anniversary. The shop sells beautifully restored furniture, farmhouse style items and other antiques, in addition to new handmade items from local artisans. And Paisley Boutique, located at 40 North Main Street in North Grafton, will celebrate its 8th anniversary. The shop, which also has stores in Mashpee and Hudson, carries affordable boutique style clothing and accessories in classic and contemporary styles. 

Beginning June 15, people can also come together to appreciate the joys of nature and community while supporting small businesses. The Grafton Farmers Market, which will be held every Wednesday from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on the grounds of the Grafton Municipal Center at 30 Providence Road, will return for the season. With a wide 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.  

Finally, for people who would like to buy Memorial Day baskets, there are at least two Grafton businesses that sell beautiful arrangements. The baskets can be found at Perreault Nursery & Landscape Supply in North Grafton and at Pete’s Oasis at Blackstone River Farm in South Grafton. 

With everything that’s happened in the world in the last couple of years, everyone could use some relief. Enjoying the sunshine and fresh air with family, friends and neighbors is something that we can be grateful for. At the same time, it can also help us to appreciate the freedom that so many of our brave military members gave their lives to protect.

 

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