Celebrate Medway Day Is Back at Revamped Choate Park

On Saturday, July 20th, from 2-9:30 p.m. at Choate Park and Thayer Homestead, the Annual Celebrate Medway Day will be back! The day is funded in part by the residents, as well as local businesses and clubs, including Medway Lions. “The day is just about getting people to smile and celebrating our hometown of Medway with the neighboring townspeople. Children as well as adults. Most people are just in disbelief you don’t need tickets, and I’m thrilled we’ve been able to sustain this. We would not be able to do this without support of the townspeople,” says Chair Carole Bernstein. “The fact that it grew organically to a committee with more new members has been fabulous. It’s easy (to plan), because everyone does what they need to do.”
All the events at Celebrate Medway Day are free, and there are lots of them, for young and old alike. Events include the remote-control racetrack, a climbing wall, boating on the pond (boats supplied), pony rides, arts and crafts, face painting, a petting zoo, a photo booth, balloon animals, the Bubble Man, a watermelon-eating contest and a firemen’s activity. There will be family bingo at 2:30 p.m. in the Thayer House, and artist Judy Moffat is back with her colored pencils to inspire and encourage all artists.
New this year, local photographer Tim Rice and his “We are Medway” series will be part of the event from 3-5:30 p.m., Mass Audubon’s Stony Brook will join in the fun with a nature discovery program, the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office will host a booth, Seishun Martial Arts will perform, and townspeople will be able to buy a t-shirt commemorating the day. Participants will also enjoy a Corn Hole Tournament at 4:30 p.m. and a fishing derby on the pond from 6-8 p.m. This year, there will even be a beer garden, running from 3-8 p.m. That event is sponsored by Medway Café and will feature beer from Jack’s Abbey in Framingham.
At 3:30 p.m., a clock created by the Electric Time Company and installed at Choate Park, which was donated to the Town of Medway by Jim Smith in memory of his fiancée, Cindy Kairit Reding, will be dedicated.
Music is planned for the entire day, including a return of the band, Abandon Jack from 2:30 p.m.-6 p.m., Elaine Kessler, children’s entertainer, at 6 p.m., and a concert by the Southeastern Massachusetts Community Concert Band at 7 p.m. Fireworks will follow over the pond after dark.
The only cost to folks attending Celebrate Medway is for refreshments, and Bernstein points out that these are set at “old-tyme” prices.
“It’s only $2 for a slice of pizza or a cheeseburger, plus chips and a soda. Cotton candy and popcorn are 50 cents or a dollar. A family can enjoy themselves for $20 for the whole day,” says Bernstein. “It’s free and it’s just about the fun. We believe we are very fortunate to be able to do that, through the goodness of the town and all the local businesses, we’re able to put this on for free.”
Parking for the event will take place at Cassidy Field, as well as side streets that are not labeled “no parking.” Parking for people with disabilities will be available at the Thayer House.
Corporate sponsors and volunteers are still needed. If interested, please contact Carole carole02053@gmail.com.
Members of the 2019 Celebrate Medway Committee include: Carole Bernstein, Dennis Crowley, John Foresto, Kathie Foresto, Julie Harrington, Sandy Johnston, Judi LaPan, Jeff Lynch, Terri Mee, Tim Rice and Allen Tingley.
Generous sponsors of the 2019 event, at the time of Local Town Pages deadline, include: Medway Lions Club, Exelon Corporation, Medway Cable Access, Middlesex Savings Bank, Charles River Bank, Medway Café, Muffin House Café, Direct Tire, and Roche Bros.