The Brunswick Downtown Association was cooking up a grand old time on Saturday at the Brunswick mall. Members of the nonprofit organization pitched in to host the second annual community barbeque, complete with burgers, hot dogs and a myriad of other events for children and adults alike. Proceeds go toward BDA programs, such as the holiday tree lighting in December.

“I want to give a huge shout out to the town of Brunswick for helping us make this barbeque a reality,” said Deb King, director of the BDA. “Parks and Rec really went above and beyond to make sure this space was ready for the event. The fire department and police department were invaluable as well.”

There was a firetruck display on-hand at the event, much to the delight of the kids. Other events included a blow-up funhouse where children could bounce and play, a face-painting station, a story walk, and a craft station donated by the local Lowe’s called Build ‘n Grow, where children used small hammers and plastic blocks to build structures.

“Build ‘n grow is totally free, and gives kids a goal to work toward,” said Bethany Bolton, a community volunteer who oversaw the event. “Parents can either build with their kids or drop them off while they walk around. It’s great to see so many kids out and having fun.”

Lowe’s will put on a Build ‘n Grow event at the upcoming Brunswick Arts Festival as well.

Square dancing proved a popular event for the older crowd. Hosted by the Sage Square and Round Dance team out of Bath, couples of all ages learned to do-si-do on the green grasses of the mall. When that event was through, local band Earl Bigelow and the Restless Natives serenaded the crowd with hits from the seventies.

“We are having a blast and we thank you so much for helping us kick off the summer in true Brunswick fashion,” said King as she addressed the crowd during a break in the music.

She thanked sponsors such as Hannaford, Midcoast Parkview Health, Performance Food Group, Sunnybrook Village, Maine Natural Gas, and Pepsi Cola for helping make the barbeque possible.

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