Write your article here..By Christine Galeone

Helen Keller once remarked, “Keep your face to the sunshine, and you cannot see a shadow.”  Although she was speaking metaphorically, her words seem particularly appropriate during the summer months. 

With Father’s Day and Juneteenth behind us and Independence Day on the horizon, the bright light of summer has been shining on important events and milestones, and it continues to do so.  In Grafton during June and July, there are even more milestones and events to spotlight.   

In June, one shop that celebrated an anniversary is Off the Common Antiques Marketplace, the multi-artisan, multi-vendor shop, located at 4 Worcester Street in Grafton. It celebrated its seventh anniversary. But the shop, which sells beautifully restored furniture, farmhouse style items and other antiques in addition to new handmade items from local artisans, will officially celebrate with a special customer appreciation event. From Friday July 5 - 7, its customers can get 10 percent off items storewide, complimentary lemonade , and  while supplies last, a voucher for a free ice cream at Uncommon Cow for customers who spend $25 or more.   

A North Grafton nonprofit that gives back to its community just celebrated its 16th anniversary in early June. 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.   

And Paisley Boutique, located at 40 North Main Street in North Grafton, celebrated its 10th anniversary. The shop, which also has a store in Hudson, carries affordable boutique style clothing and accessories in classic and contemporary styles. 

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 appearances at area farmers markets.    

Once again, the Grafton Lions Club will hold its Independence Day concert. This year, the free concert will be held on Tuesday, July 2 at 7 p.m. on the Grafton Common. And, following tradition, it will feature the 215th Massachusetts Army Band.

The Town of Grafton’s 2024 Concerts on the Common will also return soon to provide free music-filled summer evenings. Presented by Grafton Cultural Council,sponsors include, but aren’t limited to, Savers Bank, CSR Financial Services, Gaudette Insurance Agency, and Swirls and Scoops. Held on the Common every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. starting July 11, the first concert will be performed by Hit the Bus, a rock and dance band; the July 18 one will be by Petty Larceny, a Tom Petty tribute band; the July 25 one will be given by Big Chief, an R&B, Jump Swing and Boogie Woogie band; the Aug. 1 concert will be by Dock 10, an eighties music band; the Aug. 8 one will be by Holdin’ Back the 60’s, a pop and oldies band; the Aug. 15 concert will by the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra; and the final performance will be given on Aug. 22 by Northern Fried Revival, a Rock and R&B band. 

This week we experienced some of the longest days of the year. It should be one of those times when it’s easier than ever to follow Helen Keller’s advice. And it’s even easier in Grafton.

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