Back in 1994, a group of concerned citizens petitioned Town Meeting to form a committee that would focus on the beautification and aesthetics of the town. Town Meeting agreed that there was a need for such a committee and Dedham Civic Pride was created. The Friends of Dedham Civic Pride incorporated a short time afterwards with the goal of fundraising for Dedham Civic Pride to supplement the funds received from the town.
The first two programs of Dedham Civic Pride were Blooms and Sponsor-A-Spot. From its small beginnings both programs are now the most visible of Civic Pride’s projects. Today there are 68 sites and over 80 flowerpots and planters throughout the town that are tended by the landscape crew from April through November. The Banner and Benches projects were next on the committee’s list. 70 benches now sit throughout the town. Decorative banners adorn Dedham Square and East Dedham through the year.
The Friends of Dedham Civic Pride have done a variety of fundraisers for Civic Pride in its 25 years. In the beginning there were plant sales, then the Holiday House Tour which gave way to the Spring Gala. The Beer and Wine Tasting is the newest fundraiser; it is now in its 7th year.
This year’s Beer and Wine Tasting will be Friday, November 1, 2019 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at the Endicott Estate. It is a fun evening where guests can try a great selection of international wines, craft beers and food samplings from local restaurants. Advance tickets are $40 through Eventbrite.com; tickets at the door will be $45.
