By: Debra Durkee, Metro Source
The Clarence Center Meet in the Center group is kicking off summer right with a family-friendly event that promises to have a little something for everyone. Taking place on between 5 and 9 p.m. Friday, June 24, Summer Centerfest activities will be taking Clarence Center by storm.
The list of events is a long one, and every store in the square will be having their own special events for visitors. From face painting, bounce houses and a basket raffle to horse-drawn carriage rides and wine tasting, those in the Meet in the Center group have made sure that there’s something for every member of the family -- because they want every family member to come.
“This is our kickoff to summer, so we try to schedule it to coincide with the end of the school year,” says Linda Carpenter, owner of Yours Truly. “So before people head off on vacation or off to summer camp, we want to give them the opportunity to have a family walk-about through town.”
So there’s plenty for the kids to do, from sampling some of Anderson’s ice cream to getting some balloon animals. Adults can partake in a wine tasting and enjoy the Caribbean music put on by the band, while entering to win one of the many baskets that will be up for raffle.
And the whole family can join in on the treasure hunt. The map has all the participating stores outlined on it, and almost every store will have something fun set up in conjunction with the treasure hunt. Once the map has been stamped by every store, the family is entered to win a prize.
“The treasure hunt is always such a hit, the kids just love it,” says Carpenter. “The whole thing is just a wonderful stroll through town -- and of course, the bikes will be up!”
It’s a particularly meaningful event for one store, as newcomer Creative Essence will be having their grand opening. An arts and crafts store where visitors can learn to create the beautiful handmade pieces they may have always admired, Creative Essence will be having face painting for the kids as they invite the community in to see their newly remodeled space.
The idea behind Summer Centerfest began in the winter. The stores in Clarence Center had always gotten together to put up Christmas decorations, lights and a tree -- and one year, they decided to invite people to the lighting. That grew into the Winter Centerfest, which will be taking place on Saturday, December 3 this year.
“We had so much fun, we decided to do it again for other seasons,” Carpenter says. “People have been so supportive here in Western New York. You truly have to have a pioneering spirit to live here!”
The event will be taking place rain or shine, although if the weather doesn’t cooperate some of the events may get rained out. The majority will still be on, though, because if there’s anything the pioneering spirit of the Meet in the Center group stands for, it’s that the celebration of community will go on. Pets are also welcome, with all the proper precautions. They’re expecting between 600 and 1,000 people to come to the event, so there’s bound to be something for even the furry family members to enjoy.
For more information, contact Linda Carpenter at 741-4500 or friend the Clarence Center: Meet in the Center group on Facebook.
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