By CHRISTINE GALEONE

Grafton business scene bustles with anniversaries, milestones

As summer begins in Grafton, some highly anticipated events are returning. And the light has also been shining on the milestones and achievements of local businesses. 

A North Grafton nonprofit that gives back to its community just celebrated its 15th anniversary in early June. To mark the special anniversary, it celebrated with 15 days of prizes for its customers. Over the years, Treasures – an upscale thrift shop that’s located at 82 Worcester Street – has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Whitinsville Christian School. The non-profit shop’s efforts have enabled many students to be able to attend the school, since the money donated reduces tuition increases.   

In June, two other shops also celebrated anniversaries. Off the Common Antiques Marketplace a multi-artisan, multi-vendor shop, located at 4 Worcester Street in Grafton, celebrated its 6th 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, celebrated its 9th anniversary. The shop, which also has a store in Hudson, carries affordable boutique style clothing and accessories in classic and contemporary styles. 

Last year, to the delight of many, the Grafton Lions Club brought back its tradition of holding an Independence Day concert. This year, the free concert will be held on Monday July 3 at 7 p.m. on the Grafton Common. And it will feature the 215th Massachusetts Army Band.

The Town of Grafton’s 2023 Concerts on the Common will also return soon to provide free music-filled summer evenings. Presented by Ross Mortgage Company, sponsors include but aren’t limited to Homefield Credit Union, Premier Sport Taekwondo, Gaudette Insurance Agency, Savers Bank and Templeman Tree Service. Held on the Common every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. starting July 12, the first concert will be performed by Hit the Bus, a rock and dance band; the July 19 will be by Northern Fried Revival, a classic R&B and rock band; the July 26 one will be by the oldies band Shades of Grey; the Aug. 2 concert will be given by Big Chief, an R&B, Jump Swing and Boogie Woogie band; the Aug. 9 one will be by Dock 10, an eighties music band; and the final performance of the season will be given Aug. 16 by the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra.

Grafton Recreation announced that Silver Lake Beach will be open every day (weather permitting) from Saturday June 17 through Aug. 13. Information about hours, fees and amenities can be found on the Grafton Recreation website, www.grafton-ma.gov/recreation-department.  

Finally, in North Grafton, a longtime business recently achieved something it has been working towards for a while. Houlden Farm, the multi-generational family-owned business which sells a variety of its produce along with dairy items, baked goods and more had been working diligently to be able to continue operations of its Sunflower Shanty, which will return for the summer beginning Friday July 14. After working with the Town to draft Article 29, the farm was overwhelmingly supported by the enthusiasm of Grafton residents who showed their support by voting at the Town Meeting on May 8. On the farm’s Facebook page, Houlden Farm recently wrote, “To say we are truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support would be an understatement. Walking into that jam packed auditorium had us speechless, and I hope you know we couldn’t do it without you all.”

The longest day of the year has come and gone. But its light certainly continues to shine on local businesses and events. 

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