Temperatures hung in the low 30s on the evening of November 22, but that didn’t stop David Dore and his six-year-old daughter Sydney from sitting on the ground at Crapo Field. Before them, a bonfire burned more than 10-feet high, lighting up the night.

The father-daughter duo kept a safe distance from the community bonfire due to Sydney’s fear, but they were two of more than 100 people who showed up to watch firefighters from all three districts light the pile of lumber doused in diesel fuel.

“We just wanted to get out and be a part of the community,” Dore said.

The bonfire was organized by the Dartmouth High Class of 2018. The suggested $5 donation supported senior week activities, including prom and dances. Class of 2018 Advisor Meg Rogers said the students began planning the event at the start of the school year.

The idea stemmed from an old Dartmouth tradition. One class had successfully hosted a bonfire in 2011 and intended for it to be an annual event, but after the 2012 event was rained out, interest died down. The Class of 2018 decided to resurrect the activity.

Rogers worked with students to find a venue and sponsors, and get town approval. The end goal was to create both a community tradition and raise money for the class.

“It is fully organized by parents and Class of 2018 kids,” Rogers said. “It’s a real community event, not just for high schoolers.”

Class of 2018 Vice President Noah Goldberg was happy the weather cooperated, even if it was cold.

“It’s a great fun fire on a cold night,” Goldberg said.