The annual Natick Days celebration got off to a sunny start on Saturday and drew big crowds to the Common and surrounding area for a variety of fun activities largely designed to foster community and support good causes.
The DPW and Fire Department had their big rigs out, ready to give adults and even some children a view from inside. The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center (better known as the Labs or Dev Comm) also showed off its impressive stuff.
A youngster tries on a helmet and body armor at the Natick Dev Comm booth (Photo by Maureen L. Sullivan)
Natick youth sports and clubs had a big presence, offering a dizzying variety of games and chances to win valuable prizes—though not as valuable as the $1 million lottery ticket from Saturday sold at a Natick 7-Eleven. Duck races and the Natick High ski team’s water balloon puncture game made their usual splash.
Natick Ski team isn’t all about frozen water (Photo by Maureen L. Sullivan)
Photo by Maureen L. Sullivan
Other sports teams and school clubs assured me their squads are feeling confident upcoming their upcoming seasons, whether this fall, winter, or next spring. The Natick High football team unfortunately had its Friday night game pushed to the same time as the Natick Days start, but the Redhawks weren’t complaining after a 35-0 win (we felt bad for those pulling football and cheerleader booth duty during the game).
Really, the Ultimate Natick Days photo
The Natick High hockey team is versatile: Ice or street hockey
Community non-profits, including religious organizations, spread their messages, with a very special appearance by a Pope Leo XIV cutout ready for photo opps.
Photo by Maureen L. Sullivan
Members of St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church on Oak Street, including the V. Rev. Father Samuel Hanna, joined the Natick Days celebration. They’re doing lots of celebrating this year, including the church’s 40th anniversary in town (they’re holding an open house on Oct. 4 from 2-5pm for those who want to learn more).
Natick Days leads the Eliot Church in South Natick into its busy fall season, which includes the Oldtown
Photo Calendar competition and the Jack O’Lantern Contest. The photo calendar competition is marking its 20th anniversary and takes place on Sunday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church. Photographers on all levels are welcome to submit their local photos by Oct. 10; winning images will be published in the Oldtown Calendar, a fundraiser for several local nonprofits. The Jack O’Lantern Contest will take place on Thursday, Oct. 30, at the church. Entrants should RSVP to theoldtowncalendar@gmail.com.
Elected local and state office-holders, as well as town employees, hobnobbed with attendees, too.
State Rep. David Linsky and Deputy Town Administrator Jon Marshall celebrate Natick Days (Photo by Maureen L. Sullivan)
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As always, Natick Days was not just a feast for the eyes…but for bellies. Hope you didn’t miss out on the cotton candy palate cleanser.
The Sons and Daughters of Italy served up meatball subs and baked goods
(Photo by Maureen L. Sullivan)
The Natick High Band and Choir had baked goods and snacks covered
Dev Comm shows MRE (meals ready to eat) packages (Photo by Maureen L. Sullivan)More photos….
Photo by Max Cogliano
