The Main Street Stroll is back for its 11th season, and the first Thursday stroll is dedicated to mothers (Mother’s Day is Sunday!) and military spouses. The weather looks to be perfect for strolling, with temperatures in the 60s, and there will be a trolley too.

The stroll, from 5 to 8 p.m., features different musicians and artists up and down Main Street, as well as all the shops and restaurants that have made downtown East Greenwich such a draw in recent years. It’s sponsored by the EG Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to shopping for Mom, the other focus of the stroll is to celebrate military spouses, those women and men left behind when their spouse is called up overseas.

“They serve too,” said Becky Moniz, who first came up with the spouse appreciation idea three years ago.

It ties in with National Military Appreciation Month, which is May, and Military Spouse Appreciation Day, which is Friday, May 9.

By Wednesday, 53 spouses had registered (which can be done here). They check in at Fresco and get a map of participating businesses as well as a goodie bag with items from businesses off Main Street, and then they visit as many businesses as they can, getting their cards stamped in the process. There will be specials and giveaways and, when they are done shopping, they return to Fresco, for raffles, entertainment and food.

“It’s a win-win,” said Moniz, a real estate agent with Weichert in East Greenwich. Businesses get to show off their stores and to say, ‘Thanks,’ and the spouses get some well-deserved appreciation.  

Other strolls this season:

Thursday, June 19 – Jazz in June

Thursday, July 17 (rain date July 24) – Dog Parade

Thursday, Aug. 14 – Taste of East Greenwich