ATHOL – This week’s Fourth Friday festivities in downtown Athol will not only offer the opportunity to peruse local merchants and listen to live music, but also the chance to help some local children spend a couple of weeks at Camp Wiyaka.

The camp, located in Richmond, New Hampshire, is operated by the Athol Area YMCA.

A spaghetti supper fundraiser to help send kids to camp is being held this Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Kellie’s, 567 Main St.

Emily White, the YMCA Interim Senior Program Director, said the cost of the dinner is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 3 to 12, and free to children under 3. The event is dine-in or takeout. The money raised will go toward the scholarships given out to campers.

“Every year we try to raise money so that kids whose families can’t afford it get a chance to go,” said White.

Activities for kids, said White, include swimming and boating, arts and crafts, sports, games, and archery. The cost is $229 per week for YMCA members and $249 for non-members.

Fourth Friday will transform the downtown into a pedestrian mall with the closure of Main Street between School and Exchange streets. A release from event organizer Mary Holtorf states that The Can Collectors will provide music for the festivities. The four-piece band, which includes steel drum, plays music ranging from Fleetwod Mac’s “Dreams” to “Summer in the City” by the Lovin Spoonful and “Mary Don’t You Weep,” made famous by Aretha Franklin.

According to Holtorf, the Community Health Center of Franklin County will be be on-site with its new Mobile Health Center.

The TNT COOP Mall, she added, will have several vendors setting up on the street selling baked goods, crafts, candles and more. Also at TNT there will be readings by palm reader Marian. Appointments can be made, but walk-ins are also welcome. The cost is $15 per reading.

There will be a Community Booth manned by Town Planner Eric Smith with information on community surveys, upcoming meetings, and open seats on town boards and committees.

Other businesses, organizations or vendors who will be at Fourth Fridays include:

The Polus Center, hosting a Community Canvas at Athol Credit Union

The Reading Refinery, a reading tutor

Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which provides beds for kids in need

Pop’s Sweetheart’s Ice Cream truck and for adults, alcohol-infused frozen treats

Launchspace of Orange and Athol with info on workshops and summer events

Food by Los Agaves and Athol House of Pizza

The YMCA Community Center, with a preview of upcoming events and programs

Fourth Fridays is supported by the Athol Downtown Vitality Committee, the Athol Cultural Council, and many volunteers.

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.