The RVMS is one of the oldest Main Streets organizations in the country. In addition to keeping Roslindale's store fronts occupied by quirky local businesses and tasty new resteraunts, RMVS sponsors a number of community events throughout the year.

Winter:

Sometimes when the snow is coming down it can be tempting to stay inside with your toes under the radiator. RVMS tempts people out of their warm cocoons with community events throughout the winder months. At the end of November, RVMS flew Santa Claus down from the North Pole for the annual holiday tree lighting in Adam's Park. (pictured). On the first three Thursdays in December, stroll around the village for the Holiday Wander.  Stores will be offering discounts, plus there are trunk shows from local artisans, artists demonstrations, and caroling! This year there is also a weekly pop-up shop with rotating local vendors.

Spring:

On the Saturday before Easter, Roslindale Village Main Street drops 6,000 plastic eggs full of goodies for the annual egg hunt.  The Easter bunny comes to supervise the fun, and there are lots of activities for children under 12 and their families, including an egg toss, bunny hop races, and arts and crafts.

Summer:

The Roslindale Farmer's Market is arguably one of the best in the city, and runs every Saturday from June to November in Adam's Park.. In addition to the expected variety of farm stands and fresh produce, the thirty-some vendors include local baked goods and handcrafted items. Last summer a group of children operated a donation-based lemonade stand to benefit the World Wildlife Organization.  There are children's activities and live music every weekend too, making the farmer's market a great place to hang out, even if you don't want to buy anything.

In July, RMVS partners with the Mayors Office of Arts, Tourism, and Special Events to bring free outdoor concerts to Adam's Park every Thursday evening. Last year's performers included The Marshalls, the Carla Ryder Band, Zili Misik, and Jack Columbo and Friends. While 2014's performers have not been announced yet, I am sure they will be a treat.

Fall:

In October, RVMS sponsors the Roslindale Day Parade. For the past 30 years, Roslindale residents have come out to watch bands and floats that highlight the diversity of the neighborhood.  The 2013 parade included bagpipes, a women's equestrian team, the Friends of the Roslindale Library, Hispanic Classical Ballet, the Aleppo Shriners, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, and the Home for Little Wanderers, among others. As a fundraiser, people can run for the "Mayor of Roslindale," with the person soliciting the most donations declared the winner.  There is a pet contest run on the same theme. Winners get to march in the parade. After the parade, people gather at Fallon field for entertainment and refreshments.

If you like good food (and who doesn't?) be sure to check out the annual Taste of Roslindale event, also held in October.  Chat with local chefs, listen to live music, and mingle while sampling seasonal dishes from the neighborhood's restaurants. There are also raffles and prizes!

So no matter what time of year it is, Roslindale Main Streets is organizing some sort of fun activity.