Grafton Launches Fourth of July Parade Signups, Three Board Meetings Set for Wednesday
With the Fourth of July parade on the near horizon and a full slate of civic and community meetings scheduled for this week, Grafton is moving into a busy late-June stretch — even as primary-source news was quiet in the past 24 hours.
TOWN HALL
The town's homepage is drumming up enthusiasm for the Annual Fourth of July Parade, promising food, music, floats, and family fun along the same lines as last year's celebration, which steps off from North Street Elementary School. Residents who want to participate can decorate a bike or pick up free red, white, and blue decorations at the starting point. Dog owners get their own moment: the town is again running a Doggy Mayor competition during the Fourth of July festivities for any four-legged pet whose owner thinks their pup runs the household.
Three board meetings are on the calendar for Wednesday, June 24: the Board of Sewer Commissioners, the Board of Library Trustees, and the Select Board. Thursday brings the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and a Finance Committee Appointment Committee session.
SCHOOLS
Grafton Public Schools is promoting its 2026 Summer Enrichment Program, described as featuring hands-on learning, artistic expression, and STEAM exploration for students. The district also continues to accept kindergarten registrations for the 2026-2027 school year; families can find enrollment information on the district website. Separately, the district has flagged ongoing capital planning work, with roofing needs at Grafton Middle School remaining a tracked item. Superintendent Dr. James Cummings can be reached at the district office at 508-839-5421.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Grafton Public Library is participating in the Massachusetts Center for the Book's 2026 Reading Challenge throughout June, giving readers a structured way to diversify their summer picks. The library is also forming a Strategic Planning Committee and is seeking community members to help shape its next long-range plan — anyone interested should reach out through the library's website. Drop-in Cribbage continues every Friday at the library for anyone who wants a casual game. The library's Board of Trustees meets Wednesday, June 24.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
Grafton Patch published its daily calendar digest, "🌱 Patch AM: (MVP) Reserved for A. Jordan and 12 more events," noting upcoming local happenings including a Bancroft School Virtual Admissions Office Pop-In on June 26. Per Grafton Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/grafton).
Patch's statewide desk reported "MA Beach Closures Rise To 28 As Downpours Cause Flash Flooding, Stormwater Runoff," with runoff from Tuesday's heavy rain pushing the number of closed beaches higher across Massachusetts. Per Patch Massachusetts (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/grafton).
Patch also flagged "SJC Clears Way For Ballot Question That Would Eliminate Political Party Primaries In Massachusetts," a ruling that could reshape how Bay State voters engage with future primary elections. Per CBS Boston via Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/grafton).
COMING UP
- **Wed., June 24:** Board of Sewer Commissioners, Board of Library Trustees, and Select Board meetings; Grafton Farmers Market on the Common; Library Trustees meet at Grafton Public Library - **Thu., June 25:** Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Finance Committee Appointment Committee meetings - **Fri., June 27 and ongoing:** Drop-in Cribbage at Grafton Public Library (every Friday) - **Thu., July 4:** Annual Fourth of July Parade, starting at North Street Elementary School; Doggy Mayor competition