MARION – The sights and sounds of the season were alive at Silvershell Beach on Saturday, Aug. 27, as the Marion Town Party celebrated the final days of summer.

The beach smelled like a carnival as scouts from Marion Cub Scouts Pack 32 helped pass out free popcorn to residents.

With the smell of cooking food and the shouts and cheers from children playing lawn games, the day seemed more like the height of summer than a bookend to it.

However, tradition in the town of Marion has the tents rising up on the lawn on the weekend before school starts, signaling the last days of freedom from the classroom for many local children.

Donna Hemphill, executive assistant to the Town Administrator and a member of the Town Party committee, said that while this was only the second year they hosted the party at the beach instead of by the Town House, she believes the change in location will be permanent.

“There’s far more space to spread out here,” she explained, “and look at that view.”

Hemphill motioned toward the beach, where you could see the grass blowing in the breeze as boats passed by on the water.

She said that the event is made possible thanks to volunteers, such as other members of the committee, the Old Rochester Regional High School ambassadors club, and the town’s Cultural Council.

As a result, they were able to have a wide variety of activities set up, including a DJ, a free rock wall, and games like cornhole and inflatable basketball hoops for kids.

The games attracted large crowds, including a screaming group of boys who were excitedly competing to see who could make a basket from the furthest spot on the grass. A few parent’s heads were casualties in the tournament, but there were some impressive throws.

“It’s an awesome end of summer tradition that we are excited to continue,” Hemphill said.

She added that they would end the night with three bonfires to gather around as the sun set.