by Christine Galeone

For some people, saying goodbye to summer isn’t easy. They’ll miss the sunny picture postcard skies, the outdoor adventures and the slower pace of the season. But although summer is drawing to a close, it’s possible to bid it farewell in a joyful way.

In Grafton, there are several fun activities that people can participate in before fall arrives. Some of them could be seen as wonderful ways to end the summer.  

If there’s a special dog in your life, there’s probably no better way to end the season than with your furry friend beside you. On Saturday Sept. 3, from 10:30 a.m. until noon, at Quite Fetching, located at One Grafton Common, you can do just that. The barkery and pet boutique will hold its second annual Pancake Breakfast (for dogs), which will offer dogs a free buffet of dog-friendly pancakes and topping. That same day, humans can enjoy the shop’s End of Summer Clearance Sale, which will continue throughout the day. 

If you would prefer to spend the Saturday of Labor Day weekend at a farm, you could stop by Houlden Farm’s Sunflower Shanty in North Grafton. The multi-generational family-owned business sells a variety of its produce along with dairy items, baked goods and more at its farm store. Its Sunflower Shanty will be open that day and every Saturday through Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The outdoor beer garden features live music, food and drinks. And during the day, families can visit the farm’s goats and its playground.

If enjoying an ice cream cone under the sun is your favorite summer activity, or an activity on your summer bucket list, you’re in for a treat. Not only does Houlden Farm now sell ice cream cones, you can find the sweet treats at Swirls and Scoops, Mooving Cow mobile ice creamery, Grafton Flea Market (for soft serve only) and frequently at the Grafton Farmers Market.    

On Friday September 16, Engine Company No. 2 of Grafton, Inc. – a nonprofit run by firefighters from Grafton Fire Department Station Two in North Grafton – will end summer with the return of its GFD Station Two 16th Annual Golf Tournament at Highfields Golf & Country Club. The event will raise money to help the GFD with training and equipment needs. Proceeds will also go towards a scholarship for a Grafton High School student. The registration fee of $160 per player includes greens fee, cart, dinner and prizes. An auction and raffles will be held after the dinner. For more information, you can visit the nonprofit’s website, www.graftonengine2.org. 

People who want to end summer by signing themselves or their kids up for a fall class or sport could visit the Grafton Recreation website. The department is now registering students for its fall and winter sessions. Registration information can be found on the Grafton Recreation website, www.grafton-ma.gov/recreation-commission in the department’s Fall/Winter 2022-2023 brochure. It offers programs such as soccer, basketball, horse riding and care and outdoor adventure. There are also programs on babysitting and kids’ safety while being home alone.     

Parents with kids who enjoy dancing might be interested to know that there’s a new dance studio in South Grafton. MCW Performing Arts just opened at 156 Main Street in South Grafton. On the studio’s website, www.mcwperformingarts.com, it states that they are “excited to welcome everyone to a safe, creative and nurturing space where they can become not only incredible dancers, but incredible humans.”

It won’t be long before summer nights are replaced by autumn evenings. But there’s something to be said for bidding farewell to this season with the warmth it’s known for.

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