By Christine Galeone

Even in tumultuous times, many people look forward to July as a month of respite and relaxation. Having barbecues with family and friends, basking in the sunshine or building sandcastles at beaches, and dedicating time to hobbies are all activities made for the first weeks of summer.

Fortunately, Grafton organizations and businesses are happy to help people find the R&R they’re seeking. Upcoming events and programs offer summer fun for children and adults of all ages.      

Earlier this month, Angel Hair Alpacas in North Grafton, held its annual Shearing Day. It’s the day when the farm’s alpacas are shorn, so their fleece can be used to make knitted items. To celebrate it, the farm gave tours and demonstrations, and its shop, which sells hand-knitted accessories, was open for visitors. In the coming weeks, the alpacas will make several appearances at farmers markets in the area.    

Quite Fetching, the barkery and pet boutique located on the Grafton Common, is another great place to find adorable animals. On Saturday July 2 and Sunday July 3, the shop will celebrate Independence Day by having a Yankee “Doodle” weekend. All oodles are invited to stop by the shop for special sales and contests – including an apple pie eating contest and a best trick contest.   

Independence Day will also be celebrated with a small parade this year. Justin Stone and Bob DeToma, members of Grafton’s Veterans Advisory Committee – which was just formed last year – are the parade organizers. At 10 a.m. on Monday July 4, the parade will leave the North Street Elementary School, and it will end at Oak Street. At the time this column was written, the organizers were seeking participants, volunteers and donations of items such as bottled water, hard candy, miniature flags and streamers. For more information, people can email [email protected].       

Additionally, the Grafton Lions Club is happy to reinstate its tradition of holding an Independence Day concert. The free concert will be held on Sunday July 3 at 7:30 p.m. on the Grafton Common. And it will feature the 215th Army Band.

The Town of Grafton’s 2022 Concerts on the Common will also provide relaxing music-filled evenings. Held on the Common every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. starting July 13, the first concert will be performed by Buzztones Rhythm Revue, a rock and soul band; the July 20 will be by Drive South, a classic rock band; the July 27 one will be by the Petty Larceny; the Aug. 3 concert will be given by Kelly & the Poor Boys, a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band; the Aug. 10 one will be by Holdin’ Back, a pop and oldies band; Beatles for Sale will give the Aug. 17 concert; and the final performance of the season will be given Aug. 24 by the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra.

Grafton Recreation announced that Silver Lake Beach will be open every day (weather permitting) from June 18 through Aug. 14. Information about hours, fees and amenities can be found on the Grafton Recreation website, www.grafton-ma.gov/recreation-department.  

On the Grafton Common, a dance studio is offering kids something else to look forward to this summer. Beatz Dance Studio has half-day summer program sessions. The programs include Broadway Cuties, Ballet & Jazz/Musical Theater, Jazz/Musical Theater, Dance & Design, World of Jazz, Beatzcanto, World of Legos Hip Hop, Tiny Tumblers and Acro. Registration information can be found on the studio’s website, www.beatzdance.com.  

Dance It Up in North Grafton is another dance studio that has summer camp offerings. The programs include Pink Princess & Fairytale Magic Camp, Dancing Dolls Camp (for kids and their dolls), Stars on Stage Broadway camp and Summer Dance Workshop. Cost, registration information and availability can be found on the dance studio’s website, www.danceitup.com.

Murphy Academy of Irish Dance also has summer camp offerings. Its programs include the Annual Murphy Summer Fun Camp and the Mini Murphy Summer Fun Camp. Cost, registration information and availability can be found on the studio’s website, www.murphyacademy.com.

Finally, in North Grafton, Premier Sport Taekwondo will once again offer summer camp sessions for kids. The day-long summer camp sessions are for kids entering grades one through six. Through martial arts fun and games, the program teaches kids respect, discipline, focus and confidence. More information about its summer camp can be found on its website, www.premierkick.com.

Whether people find their respite from the daily stresses of life by kicking back and relaxing or by participating in fun hobbies, local organizations and businesses have something for nearly everyone. So, thankfully, it shouldn’t be difficult to find that sometimes elusive R&R. 

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