For most, the action will start around 5 p.m. on the Rindge Common. So close to the summer solstice, the sun in the sky will be quite high, as will the anticipation of nighttime darkness to illuminate spectacular Independence Day fireworks.

But for many others behind the scenes, operations for the annual Rindge Family Fun Festival on June 30 have been in motion for quite some time.

I chatted recently with Rindge Chamber of Commerce President Lynda Hunt about the event. Her enthusiasm about Rindge Family Fun Festival was palpable as she listed off all that was planned for the big night and all who are involved to make it happen.

Hunt’s description of the planned activities certainly seems to fit the bill of “family fun.” Face painting compliments of ChristinPeirson and Added Touch Salon, food, refreshments, games and prizes courtesy of the Rindge Recreation Department, live music by Jennie Aho and the Heirlooms and, later in the evening, Rick and The Redhead, and some great opportunities to interact with our police and fire departments.

Chief Rachel Malynowski is eager for the Rindge Police Department to have the opportunity to be out with the community at such a positive and festive event. In addition to setting up safety protocols and managing road closures, Chief Malynowski says the department is going to create a positive police presence for children and families to engage with at the Family Fun Festival.

“We want the public to be comfortable with us. We want positive experiences, to talk with kids and let them know we are approachable,” the Chief told me recently in her office at the police station. I did my best to give Chief Malynowski my full attention, but with their sweet kitty Bandit playing and cuddling at my feet I couldn’t help get distracted from time to time.

But even with Bandit dividing my attention, the message from the Rindge Police Chief was clear: the community and its perception of the police department is important. By engaging residents of Rindge in a positive way, Chief Malynowski hopes the perception of and relationship with the police department continues to improve and grow stronger.

Chief Malynowski described with a big smile the plans the Rindge Police Department has for Family Fun Festival: opportunities for children and families to explore the cruisers, try on police gear, put mom or dad in handcuffs, and even hold up mugshot board and have a photo taken. Association Funds also allowed for the department to purchase some freebies and giveaways for kids to take home.

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Talking with Rindge Chamber of Commerce President Hunt and Rindge Police Chief Malynowski also brought to light just how many people, organizations and businesses are involved to make a night as great as June 30 will be. Dan Bemis of the Rindge Recreation Department, DPW Director Mike Cloutier, and the Rindge Fire and Police Departments plan and execute tirelessly to put this family event on.

Organizations like P.O.O.R. and the Rindge Chamber of Commerce provide important sponsorship, as do businesses like Atlas Fireworks and Hannaford’s grocery store. Anonymous donors, selfless volunteers, and the use and preparation of land owned by the Van Dyke family for the great fireworks show are all crucial to the success of this event.

While writing about this year’s Family Fun Festival, I can’t help but reflect on the many years I’ve attended with my family. It’s always a thrill to walk up the hill on School Street after parking at Rindge Memorial School, the sun’s brightness filtered by all the leafy trees lining the common. Anticipation of the goings-on just beyond the top of the hill. At the foot of our great Meetinghouse, a distant song from the gazebo, muffled, though growing clearer upon approach. Summer dresses, patriotic outfits, red, white, and blue abound on the green. The scents of summertime fill the air: hotdogs and hamburgers, and the fire fighters’ French fries. And of course, the breath-taking fireworks display.

Thank you to all involved in making this great event possible. I hope to see you June 30 on the Common at the Family Fun Festival over in Rindge.