WRTA Opens Input Window on Grafton Bus Routes as Schools Close for Juneteenth
South Grafton Elementary School marked its last day of the 2025–2026 school year Thursday, with the entire Grafton Public Schools district set to close Friday for Juneteenth — and residents have until Monday evening to register for a public Zoom session that will determine the future of two WRTA bus routes serving the town.
TOWN HALL
The Worcester Regional Transit Authority will host a public Zoom meeting on Monday, June 22, at 6 p.m. for Grafton residents to hear about future plans for Routes A and B — the two WRTA lines that currently serve the town — and to offer input. The meeting link is available at grafton-ma.gov.
The town's Annual 4th of July Parade is also in the planning stages, with organizers promising food, music, and floats for the whole family. Residents can enter a "Doggy Mayor" competition for their pets, and bike riders are invited to decorate their bikes at the starting point near North Street Elementary using free red, white, and blue supplies provided by the town.
SCHOOLS
June 18 is the last day of school at South Grafton Elementary School. All Grafton Public Schools will be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth — a date already marked on the district calendar. The district's 2026 Summer Enrichment Program is open for enrollment, featuring hands-on learning, artistic expression, and STEAM exploration. Kindergarten registration for the 2026–2027 school year is also open; families can find details at graftonps.org.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
Grafton Public Library will be closed this Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth (Freedom Day) — patrons should plan accordingly for the long weekend. The library is encouraging residents to take part in the Massachusetts Center for the Book 2026 Reading Challenge, which runs throughout June. The library is also forming a Strategic Planning Committee and is looking for community members to help shape its future direction; interested residents can connect at graftonlibrary.org. For those who make it in on Friday before the holiday, drop-in cribbage runs every Friday during regular hours.
On Saturday, June 20, the Grafton Common will host an Antique Show organized by D. Therrien. Nelson Fields 1, 2, and 3 are reserved for a Grafton Girls Softball Tournament that runs Saturday through Sunday, June 21.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
Grafton Patch published its weekend events preview, "🌱 Patch AM: Saturday Situation and 12 more events," highlighting upcoming local and regional happenings including the Upton Fireworks Festival on the Grafton Patch calendar (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/grafton).
No new coverage from MetroWest Daily News or The Boston Globe in this cycle.
COMING UP
- **Saturday, June 20**: Antique Show on the Grafton Common; Grafton Girls Softball Tournament at Nelson Fields (continues Sunday, June 21). - **Monday, June 22**: WRTA public Zoom meeting, 6 p.m. — future of Routes A and B; Planning Board Meeting. - **Tuesday, June 23**: Trails Committee Meeting; Conservation Commission Meeting. - **Wednesday, June 24**: Board of Sewer Commissioners Meeting; Board of Library Trustees Meeting; Grafton Farmers Market. - **Thursday, June 25**: Traffic Safety Advisory Committee Meeting.