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NORTH ATTLEBORO - Whether your idea of summertime fun is cruising in a classic car, building sand castles or digging into a strawberry shortcake, you'll be able to find it all at the Downtown Associates of North Attleboro's annual Block Party.

The event will be held downtown from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday. No parking will be allowed on South and North Washington streets after 3 p.m. on that day. Violators will be towed.

In addition, bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades and pets are prohibited.

As in past years, Boro Sand & Stone will spread beach sand over portions of downtown streets to make way for a beach volleyball tournament and to make a play area for kids.

The annual beach volleyball tournament, featuring eight teams and sponsored by Wal-Mart, will kick off at 5 p.m. outside of the post office. There will be plenty of children's activities at veteran's park, including a train ride, jump-a-roo, and twister, which will be manned by St. Mary-Sacred Heart Church. At the nearby gazebo, the band Tree-Lyne will perform.

Children are invited to come wearing bathing suits because new this year will be a water slide for kids 5 to 10 years old in the Bank of America Parking lot.

That spot will also feature the popular dunk tank, manned by park and recreation department pool staff, and Showcase Pro Wrestlers ,with local champion Phil DeCarlo at 6:30 p.m.

Antique cars, movie

An array of antique cars will be on display near Richards Memorial Library, where the Bay State Stompers will be playing.

A "walk-in" movie will be held in front of Grace Church at 8 p.m., and visitors are welcome to bring a blanket and buy popcorn to watch "Monsters Inc." under the stars.

This year, there will be a special drawing for four tickets to the Jonas Brothers concert at the Comcast Center on Aug. 7. The proceeds from the raffle will benefit Julia's Garden at World War I Memorial Park.

Another special part of this year's event will be the dedication of the former North Attleboro Federal Credit Union branch of the Sharon Credit Union to the late Edward G. Lambert Jr., who had been president of North Attleboro Credit Union since 1979.

The grand opening and dedication ceremony will be at 7 p.m. and the Sharon Credit Union will have hourly drawings for $50 gas cards for anyone who stops by its table.

Karate and dance demonstrations will be held at Mason Avenue from 6 to 7 p.m. New to the event this year is Ed the Wizard, who will perform his magic all evening while strolling through downtown. Sound Stream with DJ Paul will offer music and a chance for visitors to try karaoke.

Refreshments will be available from local restaurants, which will be open for business. Vendors, including the Downtown Associates's strawberry shortcake booth, which will be at the TD Bank North parking lot.

This year's event is sponsored by North Eason Savings Bank. Additional community sponsors are Wal-Mart, Re/Max, Bedard Realty, TD BankNorth, Shaw's, Sharon Credit Union, Mansfield Bank and Willow Tree.