What’s quickly becoming a treasured Little Compton tradition returns in two weeks, when hundreds of residents from across town gather at the Commons for the fourth annual Community Dinner.

The dinner — it’s potluck, so bring a diner and a small desert — is open to all, and is held (weather permitting) in open air, at large banquet tables brought in for the event along the Commons. Last year, 556 attended.

This year, the dinner starts with a bell ringing at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10. But guests can come any time after 3 p.m. Those interested in attending should call 635-8692 or visit the website. Volunteers are always needed to help set up and break down. If you’d like to help, dial Susan Landry at 835-4563. Please, no dogs or alcohol, and note the rain date of Sunday, Sept. 17.

The dinner first ran in 2018 but took a hiatus during the pandemic. Barbara Passmore, who helped found the event, said she’s been happy to see it grow into a much-anticipated community celebration.

“I thought that the community needed to come together, and because of the state of the world at that time, I had this desire that we needed to bond,” Passmore said last year. “The first year, I had crossed my fingers and was hoping for 100 people … we ended up with over 300.”cwordell@littlecomptonri.org