A host of friends, relatives and loyal customers joined Sunday with Cranston Mayor Allan Fung in helping the Macera family celebrate the 60th anniversary of Atwood Greenhouses, located at 700 Atwood Ave.

Founded in 1955 by Italian immigrants Basilio and Amelia Macera, the business was handed down to their son, Raymond, and after his death, to his sons Michael and Raymond.

Michael manages the operation, while Raymond keeps the books. Their mother, Elizabeth, helps out.

On Saturday, Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian also made a visit to present a commendation from his city.

Sunday’s guests arrived with balloons and bottles of wine and discovered a lavish, catered buffet from Solitro’s Bakery, plus a cake made by Andrea Soave of Carina e Dolce Specialty Cakes that replicated the nursery’s sign.

“She went to high school with me,” Michael Macera said.

“It’s critically important to have family businesses like Atwood Greenhouses serving as the heart of the community,” Fung said. “We congratulate them on 60 years of success and wish them all our best for another 60 years.”

The mayor pledged his support for any future endeavors the nursery may undertake.

With the shifting state of Rhode Island’s economy – one business opens, and another closes – the mayor added that to have one that’s been in the same family in the same location for so long is remarkable.

Fung presented a citation honoring the occasion and posed for a photograph with Raymond, Michael and their mother. She kept insisting that the mayor choose something to eat from the calzones and pizza strips, but he made a beeline to the miniature eclairs and other pastries.

“I’ve got a sweet tooth,” he confessed, also grabbing a soda.

Fung stayed for some time, visiting with the crowd and shaking hands. Daniel Archetto, Elizabeth’s brother, gave him a tour of the greenhouses, explaining when they were updated and how the recent ones are wind resistant up to 120 mph.

Winning bragging rights as the youngest person in attendance was Landon Lazzaro, three months old. He is Michael Macera’s godson.