By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
As North Attleborough’s Kids Day approaches its 44th year, the North Attleborough Firefighters Kids Day Association partnered with NAHS art students to restore part of Kelly Field’s history—the Kim Ganley memorial soccer kick wall.
“The kickboard near our softball and soccer fields has always been more than just a wall – it’s a community landmark,” said NAHS Principal Peter Haviland. “Originally painted in memory of NAHS student Kim Ganley, it has long served as both a training spot for athletes and a canvas for student expression.”
The wall was erected in 1995 in memorial of Ganley, who died the previous year at the age of 16. Ganley was a talented soccer player and member of the 1990 first junior high all-girls team in North Attleborough. A group consisting of her teammates, family and friends came up with the idea of a kicking wall with the saying “you only get one shot,” and a mural of a goalie reaching for a ball.
However, years of exposure to the elements took its toll, and Kids Day Association members Richard Burns, Wayne Hitchcock and Shawn Pierce approached the high school’s art department to see if they were interested in helping with the restoration.
Jessica Caldarone, a high school art teacher, and a group of her students led the project from there, said Kids Day Spokesperson Scott Langille.
“All of the credit goes to the art department and the students that donated their time,” said Langille. “It was really hot out while they were doing it, and it was just nice that the kids came out to take the initiative to help out. That’s the most important part.”
The original slogan of “you only get one shot” was kept during the restoration. However, students came up with a new design that includes the Kids Day logo, a ferris wheel and fireworks. The committee also took down and restored the wall’s accompanying plaque, which had become faded and illegible over time.
In an emailed statement to the North Star Reporter, Haviland thanked students Faith Wilder, Sam Nikou, Adrian Nguyen and Jun Le for what he called creative, thoughtful and community-centered work. Sherwin Williams of North Attleborough donated all paints and supplies.
“The final mural, completed just this week, is more than just a fresh coat of paint—it’s a vibrant tribute to Kim Ganley, North pride, and the spirit of Kids Day,” said Haviland.
Langille, who was a freshman at North Attleborough High School when the wall went up, remembers Ganley as a friend to all and a great soccer player.
“It’s a nice thing to have refurbished,” said Langille. “The art director who helped out was phenomenal; her students did the work and it was beautiful to have them come out and do it.”
Kids Day 2025
This year’s Kids Day will run from July 24 through July 27, and feature a carnival, live entertainment, food, two nights of fireworks, and much more.
Langille noted that admission is free, but there is a fee for carnival wristbands and to purchase food and extras. All money raised goes back to local charities and, according to Langille, the Kids Day Association raises anywhere from $50,000-100,000 each year.
Highlights from each day will include:
Thursday, July 24:
- Rides and games from noon-10 p.m.
- Cruise night from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
- Live music from 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Friday, July 25:
- Rides and games from noon-10 p.m.
- Field events from noon-10 p.m.
- Meet celebrations and athletes on the field (TBA) from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
- Live music from 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
- Fireworks by Atlas Pyrotechnics at 9:15 p.m.
Saturday, July 26:
- Fire truck parade; starts at 11 a.m. and arrives at North Attleborough Middle School at noon
- Rides and games from noon-10 p.m.
- Event sponsors presentation at 5 p.m.
- NCW Wrestling event from 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
- Live music from 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
- Fireworks by Atlas Pyrotechnics at 9:15 p.m.
Sunday, July 27:
- Rides and games from noon-6 p.m
- Touch-a-truck from noon-3 p.m.
- Craft fair from noon-4 p.m.
A Kids Day 5K and road race, which has happened in years past, will not take place this year.
Of important note is that the Spring Street and Stoddard Drive walking paths to the high school and middle school will be closed from Friday morning until after the final fireworks show on Saturday night. According to the Kids Day Association’s website, this is being done for safety reasons.
More information and a full schedule can be found on the website nakidsday.com.