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RDC History window
Fourth of July at RDC: A Tradition Through the Years
Independence Day at RDC has always been a time for community, celebration, and a deep sense of tradition. In the early days, guests gathered in the dining room for a festive meal of salmon and peas. According to the 1948 Recreational Committee report, that year marked the first officially recorded Fourth of July celebration at RDC—a milestone in what has become one of our most cherished summer events.
Prior to World War II, the highlight of the day was a large fireworks display, funded by camper donations. Young men competed for the honor of setting them off from Needle Point or rafts anchored offshore. Occasionally, misadventures with torches led to all the fireworks igniting at once, sending canoeists into the water and onlookers scrambling!
Today, the Fourth has evolved into a full day of spirited fun and togetherness. Many guests kick off the morning with the RDC Triathlon, which includes a swim from the Main Dock, a canoe race around Algonquin Point, and a run from the Rockywold dock to Route 113 and back. In the afternoon, a colorful parade—led by enthusiastic grand marshals—winds its way to the ballfield, where old-fashioned games, a pie-eating contest, and a classic picnic bring everyone together.
At its heart, Independence Day at RDC continues to honor our strongest tradition: families gathering on the shores of Squam to make lifelong memories, year after year.
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