MEXICO – Mexico First Baptist Church will hold a free block party from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at the church, 20 Roxbury Road.

“It’s going to be a big backyard barbecue,” said event organizer Tony Rea, “with hot dogs, music, games and prizes … we’re even going to have grand prizes in a couple of age categories.”

Not wanting to spoil the surprise, Rea will only say that the items are being specifically selected for youth and adult grand prizes.

Josh Shaw, part of FBC’s Word of Life Tournament second-place winning basketball team, is organizing teen and youth activities that will include a free-throw booth. Other volunteers are working on more carnival-style games.

Local juggler/performance artist Alan Tachney will perform.

Musical guests include Blue Hill Brass, a jazz/classical ensemble seen at area fairs and festivals. For more contemporary tastes, Christian group GMR (formerly Equal Access) will also perform.

For younger guests, plans include a moon bounce, a shorter basketball hoop, face painting and other surprises. Though planned for the neighborhood, in the words of one organizer, “Any of our friends and neighbors from the River Valley are welcome. There will be plenty of fun to go around.”

There will be parking available at St. Theresa’s and the Free Store. For more information, call 364-8712 or 357-1250.