Natick Days Festival Returns To Downtown Common

NATICK, MA — It almost didn't happen, but the annual Natick Days festival returns this weekend after last year's hiatus.

In past years, Natick Days has attracted thousands to the downtown common, showcasing local volunteer and nonprofit groups. Other activities typically include food, music, games and raffles.

"It's a Natick tradition that highlights the work of the service organizations and volunteers that make the town of Natick such a great place to live, work and play!" the Natick Recreation and Parks Department, which founded the event, said in a Facebook post.

In April, parks officials said Natick Days wouldn't happen in 2021 due to uncertainty about the coronavirus pandemic. But with the proliferation of vaccines, organizers decided to push forward with the event.

This year's Natick Days will also fall on the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. An hour-long memorial ceremony will precede the festival beginning with remarks by the Natick Veterans Council at 8:50 a.m. The memorial ceremony will also include remarks by local officials and veterans, a silent prayer and a rendition of "Taps."

Natick Days 2021 will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the common (no dogs allowed during the event). For more information, visit the Recreation and Parks Facebook page.