Coronavirus

Roxbury event offering free barbecue and COVID-19 vaccines

The Youth BBQ Vax & Basketball Bash will be hosted at the Dewitt Center on Friday from 2-6 p.m.

Matthew Healey for The Boston Globe

July 30, 2021

Attendees of an event in Roxbury on Friday will get the chance to play games, eat some free barbecue, and get a COVID-19 vaccine.

The Youth BBQ Vax & Basketball Bash will be hosted at the Dewitt Center from 2 to 6 p.m. Organized by the Madison Park Development Corporation’s Summer Youth Employment Program, the aim is to encourage young people to get vaccinated. Gov. Charlie Baker and Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders will attend the kickoff of the event.

The vaccines will be available to anyone over the age of 12, and individuals who get the jab will receive a $25 gift card. Anyone between the ages of 12 and 17 will need consent from a parent or guardian to get the vaccine.

People attending the barbecue will also have the opportunity to enter a raffle, see performances, play kickball, and participate in other activities like a photo booth and a painting station.

A reminder that TOMORROW is the day of Boston Youth BBQ Vax and Basketball Bash. It's happening at The Dewitt Center from 2 pm to 6 pm! 💉

Those that are 12+ can get vaccinated FOR FREE and receive a $25 gift card. There will also be food, music, a photo booth, and more! pic.twitter.com/oqBEuvdlek
— MPDC (@MadisonParkDC) July 29, 2021