The Dunbarton Old Home Day was in full swing at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, as men lined up, waiting for the parade to begin.

Kim Vaillancourt, the Dunbarton Old Home Day organizer, was seen zipping from one side of the common to the other, calmly moving people into position and giving instructions. When asked how many volunteers she had working with her, she laughed for a long minute and said, “There’s no committee – it’s just us!”

Four local families are responsible for the vast amount of work that goes into throwing this party for 400 people. The Trottier, Belanger, Lefebvre and Vaillancourt families get started three months in advance, looking into music choices, making sure concession stands are organized, and deciding on games and activities. There are 10 teens who volunteer every year, and many vendors who arrive from the community to sell hamburgers and daffodils, hoping to finance another year for their nonprofit.

Everyone who sets up a tent at Dunbarton Old Home Day is in some way related to the immediate area, whether it’s the Dunbarton Garden Club or the Goffstown Friends of Hockey.

Debbie Lemire worked the food concession for the Hockey Friends said, “It’s a great time, we like coming here. It’s one of our two biggest fundraisers!”

There were three different bands, an antique car and tractor show, artists, jugglers, magicians and clowns, a ham and bean supper and fireworks at dusk.

“Every year, I try to bring in something for every age group,” said Vaillancourt. “It’s a super day for families to come out. My goal is for people to relax from their busy week, and enjoy the day. Everything is free except the food, so come and enjoy it!”