The Newtown-based autism support nonprofit Families United in Newtown (FUN) has been taking advantage of stellar spring weather and making the most out of the great outdoors.

The final formal activity of the 2020-21 school year is also scheduled to be another outdoor event. The eighth annual spring fundraising concert with the theme “Music For FUN” is planned for Sunday, June 6, beginning at 4 pm.

The special event will be at the Dickinson Park band shell, near the rear parking area and skate park. Those planning to attend should use the park entrance off Deep Brook Road for easiest access to the area where events will take place.

In the event of rain or extremely high temperatures, FUN founder and concert organizer Linda Jones has secured Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, as a backup location. Attendees are asked to watch the group’s Facebook page in the event the concert is moved indoors.

Provided the concert is being held outdoors, attendees are reminded to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets unless they prefer to sit on the grass adjacent to the band shell. Portable restrooms will be available near the band shell.

Tickets to FUN’s 8th Annual Autism Awareness Benefit Concert and Dinner are $25 for adults, $15 for students under 18. They can be purchased at bit.ly/3euqafk.

The roster of performers includes Aug, Christine Manalo, Chris Samson, Shawn Mangold, Chris Simon, Anne Marie Carlson, Sabrina Spraggins, Kevin Eckler, and WestConn grad Sam Blanchette, who is heading back from Vermont to participate.

Along with the individual musicians, several ensembles will be featured: the band Eclipse, featuring Dick Neil, Nell Malyszka, Trish Keil, and Andy Lafreniere; a jazz duo with Tim McCarthy and Ryan Brown; and the Ridgefield Jazz Giants with Hunter Sims, Ryan Francis, Sarah DiMiceli, Scott Robert, Caroline Morton, and Thomas Hasselburger.

Dr Margaret Bauman, a neurologist and pioneer in the study and treatment of autism, will be honored at the event, as will Newtown High School’s National Honors Society senior volunteers.

Food, included with the tax-deductible admission fee, will be provided by the Green Grunion food truck, offering California-style burritos (choice of beef, chicken, vegetarian, and gluten free), chips, and a bottle of water.

Mac and cheese will be available for kids who want it, and FUN will serve up dessert and coffee at the end of the concert.

FUN was established by Newtown residents Linda and Duane Jones, who started fundraising in 2008 with a dream of providing recreational programs and respite for families with special needs children. One year later, following the death of their son, Tyler, the program blossomed with the support of Newtown High School National Honors Society students.

Since 2010, the group has held regular social meetings and events for families with special needs children while promoting autism awareness.

The annual benefit concert is a key fundraiser for FUN, with proceeds helping to fund meetings and events throughout the year, ensuring special needs children can benefit from positive peer-to-peer social opportunities while their parents enjoy respite with other parents.

Additional information is available at familiesunitedinnewtown.org or by calling 203-512-6284.