Block out Saturday on the calendar for Middleboro’s Block Party

Jun 20, 2023

MIDDLEBORO — From a classic car show to a pride festival and lots of other events in between, Middleboro is chockablock with activities at the Fab Fest Downtown Block Party.

On Saturday, June 24 beginning at 9 a.m., downtown Middleborough will be transformed into a block party full of live music and performances, art exhibitions, vendors and other public attractions.

To ensure that attendees can take part in all activities and visit all vendors, events are staggered throughout the day’s schedule. The schedule for the day is as follows:

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Classic Car Show

The day begins with a Classic Car Show at Battis Field hosted by the Lions Club of Middleboro. This show features pre-1989 automobiles in a “blast from the past.’’ The event includes concessions and music. A $5 donation is requested.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Trash to Treasure

A live demonstration of furniture upcycling will take place in the window of Rekindled Home, 9 S Main St. Attendees will have the opportunity to enter into a raffle during the event.

Noon to 4 p.m.: Pride Fest

The second annual Pride Fest will take place on the Town Hall Lawn and feature food trucks, raffles, more than 40 vendors, a DJ and a live band.

“It’s going to be a great party,’’ said Sascha Mules-O’Roak, co-organizer of the event with departing select board member Arthur Battistini. “It’s important that we stand up for those that don’t always get recognition.’’

The festival will ensure that the LGBTQ community members have a “safe space in Middleboro that day,’’ she said. “Love is love, it doesn’t matter who it is. If someone has the opportunity to have love in their life, why dissuade them?’

3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Fashion Show on Thatchers Row 

Located along Thatchers Row, a brick path that connects Town Hall to downtown Middleboro, the show will feature the fusion of vintage and streetwear styles. 

Partnering with the Office of Economic and Community Development, ReVibed, a local merchant specializing in sneaker restoration and contemporary streetwear, has been very involved in using Thatchers Row as a public space for events. 

The upcycling ethos of ReVibed addresses the importance of environmental impact and affordability of the fashion industry. ReVibed, led by Alecia Preston and her partner, Andrew, connects with Middleboro’s youth by participating in Middleboro High’s Future Ready program, hosting after-hours gatherings in their shop, employing youth and providing a safe space for kids to hang out.

The show will feature a diverse group of local models who have volunteered their time, representing the rich tapestry of Middleboro’s community across various backgrounds and age groups. 

The fashion show will also serve as a fundraising opportunity for Heart in Art, a local non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through art and wellness programs. To learn more about Heart in Art and its inspiring initiatives, visit theheartinart.org.

4 p.m. Make a Memory Pillow Workshop

The Custom Decorator, 34 Center St., will host a pillow workshop beginning at 4 p.m. As part of the workshop, attendees will create a pillowcase from repurposed clothing from a loved one to serve as a permanent memory.

3 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Art Displays

BoroBot Makerspace, 11 Center St., will host an open house allowing community members to explore the different creations made by other community members with prototyping techniques. Simultaneously, the Peirce Block apartments, also 11 Center St., will have a window art exhibit from students in grades 6-12 on display.

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: The Byrne Project 

Middleboro Community Cable Access Media will host the grand opening of a public art window installation created by Savannah Byrne. “The Byrne Project,” a play on words of the artist’s name and the installation’s reference to the sun’s power, will be displayed at the cable access media’s window located at the corner of Center and Main Streets.

Savannah Byrne will speak about the creative process behind her artwork at 6 p.m. 

Middleboro Community Cable Access Media will also show film shorts inside its studio about the process of making “The Byrne Project” and the artist’s film, 10:13, about depression and procrastination.

6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Live Music at Kramer Park

The jazz trio Standard Deviants will perform live at Kramer Park. This event is sponsored by the Downtown Property Owners.

7 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Comedian Mike Cordry

The Bridge Church, 31 Center St., will host comedian Mike Cordry alongside live music featuring the band No Detour.

7:30 p.m. Football Game at Battis Field

The Mitchell Memorial Club Cobras will play against the Worcester Wildcats at Battis Field. For tickets, visit https://www.cobrasfootball.com.

To obtain a free ticket for the block party, which includes a chance at raffle prizes, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fab-fest-downtown-block-party-tickets-651049906797?aff=oddtdtcreator