WARWICK — Music, laughter, sunshine and — of course — ice cream filled the small woodland clearing that is Warwick Center, as residents packed onto the Town Common for the annual ice cream social.
A steady stream of people lined up throughout the afternoon to choose their favorite Snow’s ice cream flavors and toppings, and donated money to the Trinitarian Congregation Church, which hosts the event, while they were at it.
“This is a great event. It’s really special,” said Mary Humphries, with local band Friendly Town Sound playing in the background.
Humphries volunteered to scoop ice cream and chatted with neighbors and friends, who appreciated the sense of community the event brings. People sat on benches and under trees, listening to music or sharing the latest town gossip, while enjoying their ice cream.
“It’s just a fun way to raise money, and also get people together,” Humphries said.
Pastor Daniel Dibble started the ice cream social 20 years ago, five years after coming to the church. According to Dibble, donations are nice, but they really are just to cover the event’s costs.
“It’s mostly just for people to come out and be social,” Dibble said.
He said events like the ice cream social, Old Home Day and the North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival in Orange are part of what makes the region special.
“These are great ways to meet a lot of people,” Dibble said, looking out over the Town Common. “And this, it’s a perfect day for a good time.”