By CHRISTINE GALEONE

Have you heard that old adage proclaiming that the early bird catches the worm? It’s generally true. Although it’s not good for the worms, it’s certainly advantageous for the birds and their families.

Knowing about a popular event in advance and arriving early can give you the opportunity to get a good seat, to get a parking space, and to browse and purchase from a greater selection of items if there will be vendors there. Being early can also sometimes come with rewards such as discounts. Thankfully, in Grafton, there are several businesses and organizations that are giving people the chance to reap all the rewards of being early birds. 

Beginning Wednesday, June 14, people can 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. will return for the season on that day. And this year, it’s returning to its original 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.  

Grafton Recreation recently announced that it will be holding two free fun family events. On Saturday, June 24 from 10 a.m. until noon – with 10 to 10:30 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 22, families are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets to gather at the Grafton Common under the stars to watch “DC League of Super Pets.” The free film, presented by Quite Fetching Barkery & Pet Boutique, starts at dusk. Beginning at 6:30, people can participate in activities and visit vendors including Bay Path Humane Society of Hopkinton, Safe with Us animal rescue, Veterinary Emergency Group, Waggy Tails Dog Grooming and Worcester Animal Rescue League.  

Another much anticipated event is happening in town Saturday, June 17. Starting at 9 in the morning and going until 3 p.m. is the 54th 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 food, antiques and collectibles vendors. There will also be music and antique appraisals.

For parents of kids who enjoy dancing, Dance It Up is one business that has early registration summer camp offerings for kids of all ages. For kids ages 3-6, it has Pink Princess & Magical Fairytale Camp. For those ages 4-9, there will be Dancing Dolls Camp (for kids and their dolls). Kids ages 7-11 can also participate in the studio’s Musical Theatre Broadway camp. The registration fee for each of these camps is $25 less if you register by May 28. Cost, registration information and availability can be found on the dance studio’s website, www.danceitup.com.

Before their fall classes begin, Murphy Academy of Irish Dance is offering a chance for kids ages 3-8 to try Irish dance, this August, at their Try It Out Camp. The dance school, which just celebrated its 6th anniversary, has pricing and registration information on its website, www.murphyacademy.com/summer. 

We’re grateful for the opportunities that Grafton organizations and businesses offer local families and individuals. 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.

 

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