ORLEANS – Orleans Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Robert Henderson announced that plans are being finalized for the Orleans Summer Homecoming event in July.
While organizers are still working out some of the final details, the special community event is set for downtown the week of July 5th.
The carnival Midway by Brady Amusements which will run from 5 p.m. until closing nightly July 6-9. There will be rides, games, and food concessions. Both the local Chamber and Orleans American Legion have been long-time community partners and are helping to spearhead the event.
Homecoming kick-off events are tentatively planned for Saturday, July 3rd, and include a Red, White, and Blue Classic Car Show from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. a BBQ Cook-Off, Homegrown Farmers Market, and live entertainment. All will be held on the historic town square.
Other activities being planned include the Orleans Chamber’s popular Silent Auction which will be staged at Unity Hall from June 30 through July 3rd.
Legion representatives have announced that advanced bracelet sales will begin on June 21 and go through July 6 at 3 p.m. while supplies last. “Bracelet Nights” will be on July 6, 7, 8. Those purchasing an advanced bracelet will be ride for three nights for only $25. Bracelets will be available from Orleans Marathon, Mid-Southern Savings Bank, Hucks, Dollar General Store, and Orleans Town Hall.
Chamber officials are encouraging everyone to decorate and dress up the town Red, White and Blue for the upcoming “Orleans Legion Homecoming”. Chamber representatives are hoping that all residents, merchants and business owners will join in this special celebration by displaying patriotic type décor i.e., banners, bunting, flags throughout the town and especially those located along Maple Street (S.R. 37).
Henderson added he hoped the event would be somewhat reminiscent of days past when the annual Orleans American Legion Homecoming was held every summer downtown. This was a beloved community tradition for many years.
“We want this to be a real old-fashioned patriotic-type event for the community as a whole,” said Henderson. “And think too that after the many months of dealing with the Pandemic we are all more than ready to come together and celebrate.”
