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YARMOUTH — The long line to enter Yarmouth High School and participate in local democracy surprised Yarmouth residents Tuesday evening.

“It’s a more exciting year than usual,” said Spencer Jones, who was elected to moderate the town’s annual meeting.

Over 440 Yarmouth voters showed up to the town meeting in what Town Manager Scott LaFlamme called an “unprecedented scenario.” Last year, 137 town citizens attended, according to Town Clerk Lisa Grant.

“Evenings like tonight remind us that democracy works best when it’s rooted in a community, grounded in respect, and carried forward through genuine conversation,” said LaFlamme in his opening remarks to the crowd packed into Yarmouth High School Performing Arts Center.

The town first honored retiring town employees, outgoing school committee and Town Council members with speeches and applause. Superintendent Andrew Dolloff, who has been with the district for 12 years and is retiring at the end of this month, was commemorated, as was LaFlamme, who is leaving for another position also at the end of June.

Following annual tradition since 1980, the town then presented the Latchstring Award, which honors a citizen who has demonstrated exceptional service and care for the community. The award was presented to Sandy Bowie for her caring nature, widespread volunteerism, and her humble dedication to improving Yarmouth.

As a longtime funeral attendant at Yarmouth’s Lindquist Funeral Home, Bowie has aided countless local families navigate difficulties with compassion, said LaFlamme. With Yarmouth Cares About Neighbors and Operation Bundle-Up, she helped provide free winter outerwear to those in need. An involved member of the Yarmouth Lions Club, each year Bowie delights Yarmouth children as Mrs. Claus in the club’s annual Santa’s Chalet, also ensuring that every letter to Santa dropped in the chalet’s mailbox gets a handwritten response.

“Sandy reminds us that community care is not passive, it’s active, it’s visible, persistent, and it’s usually personal,” said LaFlamme. “Her fingerprints are everywhere in this community.”

LaFlamme also described how Bowie is somewhat of an “ambassador of Yarmouth,” regularly seen walking throughout town greeting people — and also noticing areas for improvement. Both he and Bowie joked about how she regularly comes into his office asking that the town’s sidewalks be improved.

Not one to seek thanks for her work, receiving the award was humbling, said Bowie.

“I am so deeply honored for this presentation of this award. I know former recipients who have over the years been given this award,” said Bowie. “They were remarkable, which to me makes receiving this award even more meaningful.”

She then presented the town with a $2 bill to start a sidewalk fund, to a laugh from the crowd.

With minimal discussion, Yarmouth residents then raised their cards to vote to approve 26 warrant articles on the municipal and school budget. All items were approved by a large majority.

The town meeting was adjourned and will reconvene with a written vote in the June 9 election. Yarmouth residents can vote in person between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. at the Yarmouth High School gym.