WESTERLY — Deliberate acts of niceness might be seen all over town Sunday as the 14th annual Neighbor Day is observed.

Begun in 1993 as an answer to “violence and rage” in the community, the event is celebrated in May, “on the Sunday before Memorial Day Weekend each year in Perpetuity,” as the town ordinance is quoted on the Web site, www.neighbordayworldwide.com.

Residents are encouraged to walk around their neighborhood and introduce themselves, or perhaps exchange baked goods, send a letter or e-mail, have a block party or come to the Town Hall steps to pick up free flowers, magnets, bookmarks, bumper stickers and refreshments, and enjoy performances by the Westerly Band and the High School Band, Dan Lapointe, Lori Urso & Marty, and some gifted hermit crabs.

There will be face painting, blood pressure testing, a fire engine to see up close and, starting at noon, drawings for donated items. Winners must be present to claim a prize.

Across the street in Wilcox Park, the Garden Market Fair will be going on. Organized by park workers and volunteers, the fair features live plants for sale, some of them unusual or historic, as well as vendors selling garden accessories, jewelry and edibles. The park is in full bloom, and most of the flowering trees, shrubs and beds are ready to pose with children or adults for photos.

dnaylor@projo.com