Arlington’s 47th annual Town Day on a bright, sunny Saturday drew hundreds of people, many with their families, friends, teammates and pets.

Over 250 booths from local businesses and organizations covered three blocks of Mass. Ave. in Arlington Center, with trucks bookending the festivities. The energized crowd flowed through the stands selling local food, offering information about community programs and raising money for local sports teams.

The first Town Day in 1966 commemorated the town’s connection to “Uncle Sam,” the top-hatted figure based on Samuel Wilson, a New York businessman who was born in Arlington in 1766 and supplied meat to U.S. troops in the War of 1812.

In 1976, the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Town Day, which is organized by the town each year, became an annual tradition after growing out of the former bicentennial celebrations. Arlington, then called Menotomy, was the site of the bloodiest battle of the Revolutionary War’s opening day. Town Day happens rain or shine, though it has been skipped some years, as it was in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The main stage on the Town Hall steps showcased student music groups and other performances Saturday. Pony rides were offered behind the Robbins Library next to a free art-in-the-park event.

Stewart Ikeda, co-chair of the Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture, credits the town’s cultural district with how supportive the community is of public and inclusive art.

“Arlington’s arts are incredibly robust,” Ikeda said. “This town-wide commission culminates after 10 years of planning and several separate groups, now into one well-funded and town-resourced entity.”

The Arlington Author Salon, which had a booth at Town Day, aims to connect residents with literature by spotlighting local authors.

Historical fiction novelist Jennifer Brown said the goal is to “bring the books to the people,” which inspired the launch of the Salon’s free quarterly reading series. Each event features three local authors gathered around a theme. They read and discuss their work, then take questions. Authors often incorporate props, music, visuals or food, Brown said.

First Step, a local program dedicated to providing a safe space and support for survivors of domestic violence, offered locals a chance to learn more about the program at its booth.

“It’s about making the town a little bit better every day for everyone.”
Capt. Rich Flynn

Sally Stacchi was referred to First Step by Arlington police after leaving an abusive relationship. Since then, she’s been a volunteer in the organization. “In general, for someone who is in a situation, it’s hard to reach out,” Stacchi said. “They feel embarrassed or that it’s their fault, but it’s not.”

The Arlington Police Department was joined by its two police dogs, Eiko and Roger, under its booth. APD Chief Julie Flaherty and captains patrolled the blocks and talked to visitors. “It’s great to work in a community where you were born and raised,” said Capt. Rich Flynn. “It’s about making the town a little bit better every day for everyone.”

Amber McMahon, a part-time clinician for the Arlington Police Department, said she appreciates how collaborative police here are.

“It’s been an honor to work with our department,” McMahon said. “I worked at two other police departments, and it makes a huge difference that our officers are community members here. They’re more willing to work together – it is definitely a partnership between the community and the department.”

Michaela Bassett, a volunteer at Arlington EATS food pantry, grew up in town and said it’s in the nature of Arlington’s residents to be involved. The food pantry serves about 500 people and families a week, she said.

“This community helped and shaped me,” Bassett said. “And now to be able to get back to that and ensure the next generation has a great time growing up and have their future success.” Over 700 people volunteer with Arlington Eats, she said.

Marah Pinnolis created Beehive Moms in 2024, a mothers’ support group that participated in Town Day for the first time. While Beehive Moms is a new organization, Pinnolis said she hopes it can become a community resource.

Arlington is a place that thrives because of how supportive the community is, Pinnolis said, and she hopes to strengthen that.

“When I became a new mom a few years ago, I needed some more support,” Pinnolis said. “I feel like Arlington is this amazing community with so many young families, and I wanted to create something to bring all those people together.”

All photos are by Dave Shrewsbury.