The Sippican Lands Trust Beach Bash was back on Thursday night, and this time around, there was a slightly different focus.

The event, which was on hiatus for a few years, has traditionally been an opportunity to raise funds for the nonprofit’s work to preserve open space.

This year, the board decided to do a “friend raiser.”

“What we’ve done is changed the menu and lowered the prices so younger families can get involved,” said Chris Bryant, president of the trust. “The most important thing is to have families come celebrate what we’ve been doing.”

With maps of all the trust's properties on display, Bryant hoped to point out some good places where families could explore the great outdoors.

Held at Silvershell Beach, the evening featured a steel band from Boston, a face painter, and a balloon artist. Preppy Pig BBQ, of Warren, R.I., served up slow-cooked meat, that owner Patrick DeSocio said his team had started at 5:30 a.m.

Marion resident Donna Maxim said Thursday night was her first Beach Bash, and she enjoyed the community atmosphere.

“It’s nice to see residents of all ages get together,” Maxim said.

Executive Director Robin Shields said she wanted the event to reinforce the trust’s push to reach out to the community and let people know what’s going on.

“Right now we’re trying to let different generations who didn’t know about us know that we’re around,” she said.

The trust is working to add more trails to its properties and is also beginning to revamp a small property adjacent to Tabor Academy on Front Street. The group wants to “create a little oasis that is very accessible,” said Shields.

Shields added that the trust is hoping to get more emails so residents can be informed of new programs and developments. Additionally, the trust has a Facebook page where information will be posted. Visit sippicanlandstrust.org for more information.