Shrewsbury to celebrate July 4 with old-fashioned family picnic and concert in the park

By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter

Shrewsbury – Shrewsbury Parks and Recreation will present an old-fashioned Fourth of July family celebration, complete with picnic and concert in the park.

Pack a picnic, bring a lawn chair or a blanket, and come on down to Dean Park’s bandstand, 805 Main St., Thursday, July 4, for a family friendly and free summer concert. The event features the band Holdin’ Back that performs rock ‘n’ roll, patriotic songs, classics and tunes for all to sing along to.

The concert will begin at 5 p.m. and will be preceded by the ever-popular Doll Carriage and Bike Parade at 4:30 p.m. Hotdogs and hamburgers will be available for purchase from the Boy Scouts as well.

Gary Grindle, Shrewsbury’s recreation supervisor, said that this is a new concept. In the past, the town has put together an event with inflatables, food and games at Dean Park in the middle of the day.

“We looked to see what we could do weather-wise and that wasn’t as hot for people and makes it easier with other time commitments. We went back and forth to figure out what would be a good idea,” Grindle stated.

They decided a summer concert along with the Boy Scouts cooking food would be better for residents.

“We are talking 5 to 7 p.m.; the sun isn’t beating on you and you can do the concert and still make it to see the fireworks,” Grindle noted. “We are trying to give a nice little niche in the day to give families something to do that doesn’t conflict with other things.”

For more information, call the Shrewsbury Parks and Recreation Department at 508-841-8503.