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Community Corner

Great Escape: Celebrating the Flag and More

Plenty of ways take a break from the demands of life and enjoy some much-needed time off.

Quincy Flag Day Parade

On Saturday, June 11, Quincy hosts the 60th annual Flag Day Parade. The parade starts at 7:00 pm, at the corner of Coddington and Hancock Streets, winds its way north to Merrymount Parkway, and eventually lands at Pageant Field. A flag-raising ceremony precedes the 30 minute fireworks finale, expected to start around 9:15 pm, over Black’s Creek.

Dedham Square Music and Art Festival

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Dedham Square continues to retain the small-town feel of yesteryear despite its proximity to the bustle of Route 1. Ice cream shops, an art deco movie theatre, boutiques, and restaurants offer plenty to see and do. The Dedham Square Music and Art Festival, held on Saturday June 11 from 11:30 to 8:00 pm, celebrates the vibrancy of the square. Musicians will be performing live, artists will be on hand for demonstrations, and games and activities will keep the children happy. There is also plenty of free parking. The event is hosted by the Dedham Community House and the Dedham School of Music.

Dragon Boat Festival

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The 2-day Boston Dragon Boat Festival gets underway on Saturday June 11 along the Charles River in Cambridge. On Saturday, time trials take place to determine the finalists for Sunday’s race. On Sunday June 12, the event takes on a festive atmosphere with the Dragon Boat Festival. Entertainers, including dancers and musicians, Japanese drumming, and arts and crafts will be set up in a tent along the Cambridge side of the river at Memorial Drive. Food vendors will also be selling their fare. The event is free and runs from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday.

Wellesley Antique Show

This weekend is the 6th Annual Antiques at Elm Bank fair in Wellesley. Held on the grounds of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, the Antiques at Elm Bank feature the wares of over 100 quality dealers setup amongst the lavish gardens of the estate. Browse for that perfect item, at both the outdoor tents and the more select items indoors, all the while enjoying the beautiful plantings and surroundings.  Hours are Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is $8 and children 12 and under are free, though I just might leave the kiddos home for this one.

Restaurants Help with Tornado Relief

It still seems surreal to say tornado relief and Central Massachusetts in the same sentence but we know all too well the destruction that befell our Western neighbors just a short week and a half ago. The Greater Boston Restaurant Group is doing their part to aid in the reconstruction of Springfield, Monson, and Westfield by donating a portion of their proceeds to the American Red Cross.

One local area restaurant participating in the cause is Burton’s Grill, with its closest location in Hingham. On Monday June 13, Burton's will donate 10% of their total dinner sales to the American Red Cross. The Rally to Raise Funds runs from Sunday June 12 through June 19, 2011. For a full listing of participating restaurants check out this post from Boston Restaurant Talk.

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