More than 2,000 people turned out Saturday to begin a months-long celebration of the Town of Lexington’s 300th ­anniversary.

Around 50 performers from Lexington’s Dance Inn gamboled across the Lexington High School track as Afterburner, a rock band of service members from Hanscom Air Force Base, played the Martha and the Vandellas classic “Dancing in the Street.”

Elsewhere, children competed in sack races and hula-hoop contests while teens and adults showed off gardening and baking skills in blue-ribbon contests. About 20 teams took part in a Race Through Time, participating in challenges related to local history.

“It really has been wonderful to see so many people in town turn out of all ages,” said Kim Coburn, a Lexington resident who served on the planning committee.

The day began with opening ceremonies at the high school and the Cary Memorial Building. The crowds converged at the track area in parades led by the Lexington Minute Men and the William Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps. At the track, more than 1,000 residents gathered for a group photo.

Coburn credited the successful day of events to the dedication of local volunteers.

“It says a lot about the 300th committee and the events team, because we really have a lot of people that have poured their hearts and souls into these events and really made it happen,” she said.

The anniversary celebrations will continue into spring and include an October fashion show of period costumes; a formal ball in November; a full weekend of events March 16-17; and closing ceremonies in late May.

The Lexington Symphony will open its season at 3 p.m. Sunday with a program in honor of the tercentennial, including a performance of a piece by composer Sky Macklay that was written for the anniversary.