GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — In the shadow of the building that will eventually become a community hub, the Boston Square Neighborhood Parklet will soon host the community's fourth annual Boston Square Fair and Summer Celebration.
The event will run from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 6 at the parklet. There will be games, music, and food, including free ice cream and hot dogs for the first 100 kids. The Grand Rapids Public Library will also be giving away free books to kids.
Organizers said the event has become a fun tradition over the last few years.
"Every year, people are looking forward to gathering and just coming together as community and having conversations, experiencing great food, just talking about the growth of the community, great things that are happening for one another," said Boston Square Neighborhood Association president Victor Williams.
The neighborhood has a lot to celebrate too. The hub is expected to open next year, bringing with it an early learning center, a clinic and wellness center, a coffee shop, a multi-purpose room, and community areas. Other businesses are scheduled to open up in Boston Square in the coming years as well.
"At one point, this neighborhood was really bustling with a lot of great business, thriving with grocery stores and things of that nature - fruit stands, just all sorts of great business. And we're looking to a day when we can see all of that and more come back to the neighborhood. So we're all working together to bring that to fruition," Williams said.
Saturday's event was made possible by more than a dozen community partners and sponsors that Williams said he's very grateful for.
"That's a great feeling to know that we're recognized in the community. They see and appreciate the work that we do, and when we extend our hand, they're right there, you know, showing us love back," he said.
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