Dearborn’s annual Homecoming drew in thousands of people last week, bringing them together for a weekend of family-friendly festivities. But just because the summer’s prime event has passed, doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of ways meet and greet your neighbors.

If you talk to the residents, workers and others who feel connected to the city of Dearborn -- as I often do, having graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn -- that’s one of the biggest assets of the city for many people: connecting with the diverse yet inclusive community. When residents and leaders want to showcase the best of what the city has to offer, it’s not just the food, cultural institutions, and green space, but the people who make the community go round.

Here are three opportunities to get out and engage with fellow Dearborn community members this month, to meet up with neighbors and maybe even make new friends:

1- Dearborn’s new dog park opening

The public is invited to kick off the grand opening of the new Dearborn Dog Park at the 2.3-acre space south of the Henry Ford Centennial Library on Aug. 19.

Join in the grand opening ceremony at 11 a.m. when Mayor John O’Reilly, Jr. cuts the ribbon and get a “doggie goodie bags." Refreshments will also be served. Guests are welcome to bring their four-legged friends, but all canine attendees must have a license issued by the city of Dearborn.

The regular dog park season will run from April to November of each year. For more information, visit www.dearbornrecreationandparks.com.

Uncover a treasure at the Garage, Antique & Used Book Sale

If you’re up for digging up hidden gems and looking for new statement pieces for your home, you’ll want to head to the Dearborn Historical Museum’s Garage, Antique & Used Book Sale, set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 24 and 25, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 26.

The event will feature hundreds of items removed from the museum’s collection and a large selection of antique furniture. There will also be a used book sale at bargain prices.

Get started bargaining at the McFadden Ross House, 915 Brady St.

Family fun at Friday Nites and Foodie Rallies

Finally, don;t miss the next Friday Nites and Foodie Rallies in Downtown Dearborn. It's a summertime event to bring families together to enjoy free activities in the city’s growing downtown scene at the West Village Commons plaza, located at Michigan Avenue and Howard Street.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 25, the plaza will be closed to vehicle traffic, and the site will be taken over with live music, jugglers, face-painters, balloon sculptures and inflatable rides.

The event is free and open to the community. Don’t forget to stick around for good eats from 5 to 10 p.m. for the fourth Friday food rally.