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NORTH ATTLEBORO - Once again this summer, downtown North Attleboro will look more like a California beach.

The annual Downtown Block Party sponsored by Downtown Associates of North Attleboro will be held July 28 with a rain date of July 30.

During the event, portions of downtown streets are turned into sandy beaches, where children can build sand castles and adults participate in a beach volleyball tournament.

Dawn DaCosta of the Hockomock Area YMCA is handling arrangements for the volleyball teams and can be reached at 508-695-7001, ext. 270, for anyone interested in entering a team.

Downtown restaurants and street vendors also will offer food to sample, crafters will sell their wares and kids can try climbing a rock wall or taking a train ride. Other entertainment includes karate, dance demonstrations and a performance by Showcase Pro Wrestlers, which will be held in the Bank of America parking lot.

Participants can bring a blanket for a walk-in movie on the front lawn of Grace Church and Downtown Associates will offer up its strawberry shortcake.

A classic car show will feature a large assortment of cars from different eras.

In addition, entertainment will be provided by the Baystate Stompers, Treelyne, Sound Stream with DJ Paul. The summer concert series at the Amvet Gazebo will feature former "American Idol" contestant Ayla Brown of Wrentham.

Corporate sponsors for the event are North Easton Savings Bank, Wal-Mart, Remax Realty, TD Bank North, Mansfield Bank, Stop & Shop, Shaw's, Sharon Credit Union, Bedard Realty and St. Mary's-Sacred Heart Church.

Anyone interested in being a vendor or volunteering for the event can contact the DANA office at 508-695-4814.

In addition, a farmer's market will be held on Saturdays beginning this week, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Community School's circular driveway. Anyone interested in participating as a vendor can call the DANA office 508-695-4814 or Shirley's Fine Chocolates at 508-695-3883.

The downtown is also soliciting donations to help pay for Flower Power, the annual flowering basket displays hung throughout the downtown. Donations can be sent to Downtown Associates of North Attleboro, P.O. Box 407, North Attleboro, MA 02763.

Flower Power T-shirts created by local North Attleboro Middle School student Rachel Guisti can also be purchased at downtown locations for $10 to help support the effort.

AMY DeMELIA can be reached at 508-236-0334 or at ademelia@thesunchronicle.com.