World Smile Day Activities
Friday, October 4 | 12 – 3pm
Worcester Common at City Hall
Each year on the first Friday in October, the world celebrates World Smile Day with the motto, “Do an act of kindness, make one person smile” — a quote from the late Harvey Ball, the creator of the smiley face who created this iconic symbol in 1963 – right here in Worcester. This day has always held significance for the City of Worcester, and the Worcester Historical Museum is committed to celebrating World Smile Day with a free event held on City Hall Plaza on October 4th, from 12-3pm! There will be food trucks, Table Talk pies, entertainment, the Creative Hub van and Technology Bus, Worcester Center for Crafts, Andi the Clown and more! Join us on World Smile Day and share a smile with Worcester and the world!
23rd Annual Harvey Ball
Location: Mercantile Center, 100 Front Street, Worcester
5:30-9:30 PM
The 2024 Harvey Ball Smile Award recipient is the
Coghlin Family
Worcester Historical Museum is excited to announce that the 2024 Harvey Ball Smile Award will be presented to the Coghlin Family—James Coghlin Sr., James Coghlin Jr., and Chris Coghlin of the Coghlin Companies, and Susan Mailman of Coghlin Electrical Contractors. For more than 130 years, since 1885, John P. Coghlin, an engineering and manufacturing pioneer, founded Coghlin Electric Company, the family and its companies have been dedicated to serving the citizens and businesses of Worcester and the surrounding communities.
The Harvey Ball Award was initiated in 2001 to recognize Harvey Ball and his iconic image, Smiley Face, the universal symbol of happiness and goodwill. The “Harvey” is presented annually to an individual, organization, or group of individuals whose commitments have made a difference in the city of Worcester. Contributing to greater Worcester for over 130 years – dedicated to community involvement and remarkable work culture – the Coghlin Family truly makes Worcester smile!
On behalf of the Coghlin Family, Chris Coghlin, President, CEO and Chief Culture Officer of the Coghlin Companies announced, “It is a great honor for our family to be named the 2024 recipient of the Harvey Ball Smile Award. We look forward to receiving this distinguished honor on behalf of four generations of Coghlin family business leaders, countless dedicated professionals that have worked for Coghlin’s, and so many trusted community leaders.”