How to Take Part

1. 1

   Mark Your Calendar

   Old Home Week takes place annually. Check back for this year's dates and schedule.

2. 2

   Choose Your Events

   From the road race to the boat regatta, pick the activities that interest you most.

   The Freedom Old Home Week celebration has anchored summer in this quintessential New England village for well over a century, drawing together generations of residents and returning visitors. The weeklong gathering transforms quiet streets and green commons into a lively hub of connection, memory, and small-town pride. Each year the community builds on traditions that stretch back to a time when the town first paused to honor its roots and the people who shaped its character. That spirit of continuity remains at the heart of every event, reminding everyone who attends why this place continues to feel like home no matter how far they may have traveled.

   Saturday morning brings the much-anticipated parade, a rolling spectacle of handmade floats, marching bands, vintage automobiles, and waving neighbors that winds through the village center. Families stake out curbside spots early, setting up chairs and blankets along the route while children scramble for candy tossed from passing vehicles. The grand marshals lead the procession with a sense of ceremony that reflects the deep respect the community holds for those who have contributed to town life. Laughter and applause ripple through the crowd as each entry passes, creating a shared moment of joy that sets the tone for the days ahead.

   The road race offers an invigorating start for runners and walkers eager to experience the village landscape at their own pace. Participants trace a scenic route that meanders past historic homes, stone walls, and wooded stretches before looping back toward the center of town. Spectators gather at key points to cheer on friends and family, their encouragement echoing across fields and lanes. Whether someone is chasing a personal best or simply enjoying a morning jog among neighbors, the race embodies the active, outdoors-oriented spirit that New England summers are known for.

   Thursday evening unfolds into a relaxed social gathering where conversation flows as freely as the lemonade. Lawn chairs dot the grass, clusters of old friends reconnect, and newcomers find themselves welcomed into the fold with genuine warmth. The ice cream social has long been a favorite stop for families, offering a sweet interlude as the sun begins to dip behind the surrounding hills. Children run between groups while adults swap stories about town happenings and reminisce about celebrations past, making the event feel less like a scheduled activity and more like a natural extension of front-porch living.

   Friday night shifts the energy toward a lively lawn party where music drifts across the village green and the community cuts loose under the stars. The gathering blends casual picnic vibes with the buzz of a summer celebration, attracting a mix of ages who come to dance, chat, and enjoy the warm evening air. Twinkling lights strung between trees add a festive glow, and the hum of conversation mingles with the sounds of local performers. It is the kind of evening that lingers in memory long after the last song fades, a reminder of the simple pleasure of being together.

   A quieter but equally meaningful thread runs through the historical society events, where visitors can explore photographs, documents, and artifacts that tell the story of the town and its people. Displays often highlight the evolution of village life, from early agricultural roots to the close-knit community that thrives today. Knowledgeable volunteers share context and anecdotes that bring the past into sharper focus, helping younger generations understand the foundations beneath the traditions they enjoy. These glimpses into earlier times deepen the appreciation for what Old Home Week represents and why preserving that heritage matters.

   The boat regatta brings a splash of friendly competition to a nearby pond or lake, where colorful sails and determined paddlers skim across the water. Spectators line the shore with picnic baskets and cameras, enjoying the relaxed rhythm of the races and the natural beauty of the setting. The event draws participants of varying skill levels, from seasoned sailors to enthusiastic beginners who simply want to be part of the fun. Laughter carries across the water as boats jostle for position, and the regatta remains a cherished fixture that celebrates the region's connection to its lakes and ponds.

   Throughout the week the village store, library, and church open their doors wider than usual, serving as gathering points and informal welcome centers. The public library might host a small exhibit or a quiet reading corner, while the town store becomes a natural meeting spot where visitors grab cold drinks and catch up on local news. The historic church often contributes its own hospitality, offering a place for reflection or a community meal. These everyday institutions form the backbone of village life, and during Old Home Week they shine as reminders that community is built in ordinary places through small, consistent acts of care.

   As the final events wind down and visitors begin their journeys home, a quiet satisfaction settles over the village. Another year of memories has been stitched into the long fabric of this enduring tradition, and conversations already turn toward next summer. The success of the week is measured not in attendance figures but in the laughter shared, the friendships renewed, and the sense of belonging that lingers. Freedom Old Home Week endures because it honors something timeless: the deep human need to gather, to remember, and to celebrate the place we call home.

3. 3

   Register or Volunteer

   Sign up to participate or lend a hand — volunteers are always welcome.

4. 4

   Show Up & Celebrate

   Bring your family and friends and enjoy everything Freedom has to offer.