Festival Looks to Boost Businesses on Dedham-Boston Line

Merchants in a business park on the Dedham-Readville-Hyde Park line will host a day of family fun in an attempt to bring more attention to the local businesses - and change perceptions of Hyde Park.

"As soon as [people] hear 'Hyde Park' they don't come down, because they remember Hyde Park from the 1980s - and it's a different time," said Jason Zagami, owner of Solid Body Fitness in Hyde Park. "I want to do everything I can to show everyone, 'this is us now.'"

On Aug. 28, locals are invited to spend the day - from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - enjoying family games, unique and trendy food and giveaways in the Boston-Dedham Commerce Park on Sprague Street.

"Everyone loves food, everyone loves music. It will be a great way to introduce people to the park in that area that normally wouldn't go that way," said Zagami, who spearheaded the event.

Zagami said he hopes the event drums up interest in business like Rock Spot Climbing, Broderick Gymnastics, Sky Zone Trampoline Park and his fitness center, Solid Body Fitness.

"We need to find somewhere in our budgets to turn our park into a destination. As far as family-friendly activities, we've got a couple great businesses," Zagami said.

Radio 92.3 will provide the entertainment and have giveaways, including concert tickets, Zagami said.

While advertised as the Readville Fest, Zagami said he wants to see many Dedham residents at the event.

Deals at the businesses within the park include:

• Rock Spot Climbing will be offering 1/2 price day passes and gear rental for anyone starting their climbing between 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. All memberships are 10 percent off, and members can bring a friend to climb for free.
• 30 minutes of jump time at Sky Zone Trampoline Park for you and a friend for $8.
• Broderick Gymnastics will host an open gym during the festival. They will have kids crafts, moonwalk, obstacle courses, kids games, sidewalk chalk, gymnastic demonstrations and more.

Food vendors include:

• Cupcakory
• Grilled Cheese Nation
• Mobile Coffee Break
• Mobile Home Foods
• Staff Meals
• The Sausage Guy
• The Dough Connection