Everyone's invited to bring their folding chairs and sunglasses to celebrate the height of summer in Bangor's Chapin Park this week, to benefit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

I used to live on the corner of Garland and Palm Streets, so I'm very familiar with Chapin Park. It was a great time in my life, when my kids could walk to school, and to the local playground. But the highlight of the summer was always the Chapin Park Neighborhood Block Party. And the coolest part is that you don't have to live in the neighborhood, or even in Bangor, to join in the fun.

For anyone who isn't familiar with the area, Chapin Park sits behind the Abraham Lincoln School in Bangor, between Forest Avenue and Parkview Avenue. It's a good-sized grassy park, with benches for the adults and playground equipment for the kids.

Tuesday, July 24th, however, even more fun will be added to the park, including a free concert from the Bangor Band. There will be hot dogs and ice cream for sale and face painting for the kids. Folks are encouraged to either buy some refreshments there, or bring their own. It's a perfect opportunity to pack a picnic dinner and listen to some live music while enjoying the beauty of Chapin Park.

The Annual Chapin Park Neighborhood Block Party will be held from 6 to 8 Tuesday evening and is hosted by the EMHS Foundation Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. This wonderful organization helps sick children in Maine access the healthcare they need close to home, rather than having to travel to Boston.

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