MATTAPOISETT— The Select Board approved a slate of summer events at its June 1 meeting.

The July 4th Road Race will be held on August 21. Town Administrator Michael Lorenco said that the details of the race are still undecided.

Town Band concerts will be conducted by Jim Farmer from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Shipyard Park from July 7 to August 25.

The Annual Square Dance will be held in Shipyard Park at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 10.

Harbor Days will be returning to Shipyard Park. 

The event will kick off with the sale of strawberry shortcake at the Wednesday night concert at the gazebo on July 14. On Thursday, July 15, a paint night event will be held under the tent. Tickets are required, and cost $35.

On Friday night, there will be a fish fry, and lobster will be served on Saturday night. The craft fair will be held on Saturday and Sunday, July 17 and 18.

Bob Saunders of the Lions Club said his group has talked with the Board of Health and Town Nurse Emily Field to make sure Harbor Days plans gel with state safety guidance. 

Governor Charlie Baker dropped all statewide covid restrictions on May 29. The only remaining regulation that would be relevant to the event is an advisory that unvaccinated people should wear masks when inside or unable to socially distance.

Although all capacity limits have been dropped, the fair will have about 14 fewer vendors this year than in years past to allow for more open space for distancing. The Lions said that they will keep a close eye on changing regulations and adjust plans accordingly if necessary.

“As far as I’m concerned, this is a Harbor Days just like any other Harbor Days — just with a heightened sense of understanding that we still need to know what’s going on,” said Select Board member Jordan Collyer. Collyer noted that vendors should have hand sanitizer available, and the Lions agreed to post signs in tents reminding attendees of the mask advisory for unvaccinated people.

The triathlon usually held during Harbor Days will likely be held later in the summer.

All events were approved unanimously by the board.