Saturday June 15
Reading 375 has been an enormously successful two-week celebration in honor of Reading’s 375th anniversary. At this point, the celebration has included well attended opening ceremonies on the common, free concerts, a town-wide art show, an app-based scavenger hunt, public events celebrating our history, and Reading Rotary’s Taste of Metro North. The celebration draws to a close this Saturday, June 15, and the Reading 375 Steering Committee has saved the best for last.
Friends of Reading Recreation Kids Fun Run
Registration starts at 9 AM; First race starts at 10 AM
RMHS Track
Get the kids out of the house to burn off a little energy. This event is FREE. Kids Pre-Kindergarten and younger will participate in a 25-yard dash. Kindergartners will participate in a 100-yard dash. Students entering grades 1 – 5 will do a half lap of the track. Students entering grades 6 – 8 will complete a full lap of the track (approximately ¼ mile). You can save time by registering your runner ahead of time at: www.forr01867.org/funRunSignUp.html.
Reading Lion’s Club Friends and Family Day 10:30 – 3
Birch Meadow Field
Join us at the 16th annual Reading Lions Club Friends and Family Day at the Birch Meadow Field. Over the past 15 years, the Reading Lions Club has seen a tripling of the number of people who attend Friends and Family Day – and they expect this year to be the biggest event yet. Come out for food, crafts, games, giveaways, entertainment and to learn more about local organizations and businesses. It’s Reading’s official kick-off to summer – don’t miss it.
Reading 375 Dog Parade 2:30 PM
Wood End School
Don’t let your dog be left out of the Reading 375 celebration. For the first time ever, Reading is celebrating our furry, four-legged residents with a town-wide dog parade. Whatever kind of dog you have, we want them to join the Reading 375 festivities!
The Reading 375 Dog Parade will include registration, group photos, and interviews, and a parade around the soccer field. All dogs who register will be given a commemorative Reading 375 bandana to wear and keep. All dogs who participate must be licensed, up to date on their rabies vaccine, leashed, and accompanied by their owner at all times.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT
Register online at reading375.com/dog-parade
Registration Fee: $10
IMPORTANT: By purchasing a registration you are certifying that your dog is registered in the State of Massachusetts and up to date on their Rabies Vaccine.
Grand Finale Evening Events
Beginning at 6 PM
Birch Meadow
Food Truck Event 6 – 9 PM
Nobody wants to cook dinner on Grand Finale Day! No matter what you are craving, Reading 375 has your covered. Buy and eat your dinner at Birch Meadow. Every member of your family can choose what THEY want to eat – everybody wins!
The only problem you’ll have is choosing where to eat. We suggest coming hungry.
Here’s a list of participating food trucks:
Amigo Loco – Tex Mex deliciousness combining Texas-style BBQ meats with fresh ingredients
Metzy’s – A Taqueria on Wheels –outstanding specialty tacos and burritos
Chicken N Rice Guys – Bet you didn’t know chicken and rice could taste this ridiculously amazing
Bon Me – Bold, unique, bursting-with-flavor Asian-inspired food
Sir Loin Catering – Mouth-watering meats served with top-notch sides
Cupcake City – A sweet local favorite – treat yourself
Kona Ice – Sweet, flavored shaved ice to cool down and cap off your dinner
Kid Dream Coffee – A caffeine jolt in the form of a great cup of coffee
Hot Air Balloon Rides 6 – 8 PM
See Reading from a whole new perspective – aboard the RE/MAX Encore Hot Air Balloon. Tethered rides available. This event is weather dependent. Set up begins at 5:30 – come on down and see RE/MAX pilot Chris Mooney get the balloon in the air.
Live Music 7 – 9 PM
You’ve had your hot air balloon ride, and you’ve eaten some delicious dinner from the food trucks. Time to pick your spot for the fireworks. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. And don’t worry – you won’t be bored while you wait for the big show. Enjoy the Reading Community Concert Band and the Northshoremen Barbershop Chorus for live music that will keep the party vibe going. Go ahead – dance in the aisles.
Friends of Reading Recreation FIREWORKS – 9PM
It happens every year thanks to the hard work and generosity of Friends of Reading Recreation. This will be the grand finale of our town’s 375th anniversary. Two weeks of art, music, history, community, food, and fun come to a close. Keep your eyes peeled for a little something purple at the end in honor of Reading 375. Kick off your summer and close out Reading 375 in the most fun way possible!
Last Chance to Buy Reading 375 Merchandise
Grand Finale day is a perfect day to wear your limited edition Reading 375 t-shirt or Reading 375 pin with pride. If you haven’t purchased yours yet, commemorative Reading 375-anniversary t-shirts are still available for $20 at Reading Trophy and Shirt and RCTV Studios. Limited edition Reading 375 pins are available at Whitelam Books, Reading Cooperative Bank, The Town Clerk’s Office at Town Hall, and RCTV Studios for $3.75. Get yours before they’re gone.
About Reading 375: Reading 375 is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization whose goal is to bring our community together to celebrate Reading’s 375th anniversary in 2019. Events will occur over a two-week period, from May 31 – June 15, and will include local artists and musicians, architecture unique to Reading, and fun community gatherings. The Reading 375 Steering Committee hopes to create a town-wide celebration of Reading’s rich history and exciting future. To learn more and stay informed, like and follow Reading 375 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and check out reading375.com.
