Darrington reached a population of 600 residents in 1945 and was officially incorporated as a fourth-class town in 1945, following a 96–60 vote in favor . The townspeople celebrated by establishing an annual summer festival, the Timberbowl, which ran until 1967 and was initially used to raise funds for a fire engine and other equipment. A two-story town hall was built in 1947, housing the town council chambers, offices for town officials, the police department, the fire department, and a public library. In 1952 the town built a dedicated community center to serve as a venue for various social functions and a general gymnasium with seating for 1,200. A new high school and municipal airport opened in 1958 at opposite ends of the town.