The Rotary Club of Needham's summer carnival hit a milestone this year, with the 10th edition of the four-day fundraiser running July 23-26 at Needham High School.

Families packed the hilltop grounds at 609 Webster St. for rides, midway games, face painting, a fun house, and concession stands serving fried dough and ice cream. At least 12 rides spun through the weekend, including the Tilt-a-Whirl, Dizzy Dragon, and Superloop, according to the Needham Observer.

Cooler temperatures gave the event a boost after last summer's brutal heat. Rotary member Ted Shaughnessy, speaking on the carnival's second day, said last year's 95-to-100-degree temperatures under full sun had slowed attendance considerably.

"This weather — this four days is supposed to be perfect, so yeah we expect to have a better turnout," Shaughnessy told Hometown Weekly. "So far I think we're doing well."

Shaughnessy, who has helped run the carnival since at least 2021, said the mood on the grounds was upbeat. Parents dragging reluctant kids toward the exit was the only source of unhappiness, he joked.

Admission to the grounds was free. Attendees paid per ride or purchased a wristband.

The Rotary Club donates ride tickets to local nonprofits as part of the carnival's community mission. Recipients this year included the Charles River Center and the Needham Free Public Library's summer reading program.

The carnival has grown into one of Needham's signature summer events over its decade-long run. Shaughnessy reported "best attendance ever" after the fourth annual edition in 2021, and the club has continued expanding the event since.

Thursday and Friday hours began at 6 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday gates opening at noon.