Summer 2026 is shaping up to be a busy one in Grafton. From the launch of the Trail of Bears to planning for the first annual Grafton Games, Let's Grow Grafton volunteers have been working behind the scenes to create new opportunities for residents and visitors to explore town, support local businesses, and connect with their community.
Things are starting to come together for a busy summer in Grafton, with several Let’s Grow Grafton projects and events planned over the next few months.
The first is the debut of the Trail of Bears, a growing community-wide project designed to encourage people to explore Grafton, visit local businesses, and stop at places they may not have noticed before. Throughout the summer, painted wooden bear displays will begin appearing around town at businesses, community spaces, and local properties. Some will be funny, some artistic, some interactive, and some completely unexpected.
The goal is simple: give families, visitors, and residents something fun to do while helping support local businesses and community spaces at the same time. A printed map and online map will help people track down bears throughout the season as more are added. The Trail of Bears will officially begin launching in June, with additional bears continuing to appear throughout the summer.
Planning is also moving quickly for the first annual Grafton Games, happening August 15 at the Grafton Recreation Field. The Grafton Games is being organized by Let’s Grow Grafton in partnership with the Grafton Recreation Committee as a community obstacle-course-style event focused on fun, participation, and community involvement. The event is designed for all ages and skill levels, with a strong focus on creating something welcoming, active, and memorable for the entire town.
The course will include a mix of physical challenges, silly obstacles, team activities, and interactive elements created with help from local businesses, volunteers, and community groups. Costumes and themed teams are encouraged, and organizers hope the event feels more like a community celebration than a traditional race.
Plans for the day currently include a free kids activity area, local businesses and organizations, food, spectator areas, and a lower-sensory hour before noon for participants who may prefer a quieter experience.
One of the current fundraisers helping support the Games is “You’ve Been Bear’d,” a community surprise delivery fundraiser that has quickly become one of the more talked-about LGG projects this spring. Residents in Grafton and several nearby towns can secretly send a bear-themed surprise delivery to friends, neighbors, coworkers, or family members. Deliveries include treats, small gifts, and a visit from a costumed bear volunteer, with proceeds helping fund the Grafton Games and other community projects.
Volunteer help is still needed for painting, building obstacles, setup, decorating, sponsorships, and event-day support. Local businesses and organizations interested in getting involved are also encouraged to reach out.
These projects are all part of Let’s Grow Grafton’s larger goal of creating more reasons for people to spend time in town, support local businesses, and build stronger community connections through positive, community-led events and activities.
For updates, volunteer information, sponsorship opportunities, and future announcements, follow Let’s Grow Grafton on Facebook or visit letsgrowgrafton.com. Information about the You’ve Been Bear’d fundraiser can also be found at https://letsgrowgrafton.com/youve-been-beard/.
The Trail of Bears and Grafton Games are community-led projects organized by Let’s Grow Grafton, a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting local businesses, nonprofits, and community activities in Grafton, New Hampshire. Through events, partnerships, and community projects, Let’s Grow Grafton works to create more opportunities for residents and visitors to connect, explore, and support all that Grafton has to offer.
