South of the Square Block Rally will benefit Grace Harris-Nichols Foundation
It started with one business and a grill set up amid a downtown construction zone. Now, the South of the Square Block Rally is a local tradition.
This year's event, organized by Mizick Miller & Company, will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 30 at Schines Art Park, according to Melissa Miller, who works for the accounting firm. Proceeds will benefit the Grace Harris-Nichols Foundation.
"It's a great event and it's a great time for the community to get together and then give back to a charity that's trying to also give back to the community as well," Miller said.
Lunch available for a donation to charity
People can get lunch — a hot dog or bratwurst, chips, cookie and a drink — in exchange for a donation to the charity.
"We have probably about 40, 45 businesses that are involved in it," Miller said. "Some of them will be able to set up tables down there at the park to promote their businesses. We have a bunch of games and stuff for the kids. Mark's Homemade Ice Cream will be there. I know that there'll be a putt-putt and a bunch of games. The radio station will be there too, playing music and doing things."
East Warren Street adjacent to the park will be blocked off during the event.
Costumed characters are always a hit with children at the event, she said. This year, the event will add two new characters: Bluey and Mario will join Poppy and Marshall for a meet-and-greet from noon to 1 p.m.
The event, now in its 13th year, started during the city's downtown revitalization project in 2010. With the roads closed, no one could get to businesses along South Sandusky Avenue. Roger Miller, president of Mizick Miller, put together an event in hopes of bringing people downtown, according to previous reports. The first event raised about $400 for Bucyrus Little League.
In the years since, more and more businesses have joined the annual event, Melissa Miller said. Each year, the businesses select a local charity to benefit from the event. This year, the Grace Harris Nichols Foundation was chosen.
Grace Harris died from COVID-19 complications
Grace Harris was 28 when she died in October 2021 of complications from COVID-19 pneumonia, according to previous Telegraph-Forum reports. She died just days before she planned to marry Jeremy Nichols.
"She was very involved with her church and her community and just doing good for others," Miller said.
The foundation created in her memory seeks to "share Grace’s light and kindness by helping people in need," according to the organization's Facebook page.
The organization's representatives visit nursing homes to help spread cheer, she said. The group also helps children in need, especially during the holidays.
"They just try to give back to the community and are doing a lot of good deeds," Miller said.
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This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: South of the Square Block Rally returns for 13th year Friday
