In one of the town’s only Fourth of July celebrations this year, the Dartmouth Community Band played songs of the republic to a crowd of around 60 people at the Russells Mills Schoolhouse July 1. 

“It is so hometown, it is so laidback, it is so charming,” said Jan Perry. 

“It’s what living in Dartmouth is all about,” said Jan’s husband, Barry.

The Dartmouth Historical and Arts Society organizes the annual event now, but the tradition stretches back to the 70s, when the now-closed Russells Mills Library hosted the concert, according to Historical Society Vice President Sue Guiducci. 

“The librarians decided it was good to get everyone out and listen to historical music,” Guiducci said.

That historical music includes the “Star Spangled Banner,” “God Bless America” and “Amazing Grace,” all of which were played by local musicians and students in the community band at the July 1 concert. Children walked around the schoolhouse’s track while the music played, carrying and displaying small American flags. 

Partway through the concert, conductor John Furtado called out each branch of the military and asked that active members or veterans stand. 

Sharron Bernier said she would come to the picnic and concert when her kids were little. Now, her kids have kids of their own, and they all show up to the yearly event, partially to honor her father and her son’s military service. 

“I like that we have it, this is kind of old school,” Bernier said.

“This is a celebration [for] the beginning of summer, the county’s birthday,” said Bob Harding, the Historical Society’s president. “It’s a really downhome, kind of old-fashioned celebration.”