ORLEANS- The Orleans Chamber of Commerce is putting the finishing touches on its upcoming 2025 Dogwood Festival. This year will mark the 55th anniversary of the celebration of the blooming dogwood, which is set for April 19 through April 26. This year’s general theme is “Dogwoods Thrive in 2025.”
Orleans Chamber Executive Director Robert Henderson said that this year the festival is also honoring the area’s Vietnam Veterans, as 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the conflict (1975-2025).
The town’s signature event was spotlighted last week with a special segment on Louisville WHAS 11’s Great Morning Live program.
Pre-festival events include the annual Dogwood Classic Car Show, which will take place on April 12th on historic Congress Square.
The Dogwood Baby Contest is back this year and set for a new day, Monday, April 21st. The longtime festival event will be held at the OHS Cafeteria that evening beginning at 6 pm.
Emily Qualkenbush and Ashley Knight are co-chairing the combined Dogwood Pageants. This year, as in recent past, the Little Miss and Queen Crowning will again take place on the same day, Saturday, April 19th, at Orleans Elementary School. As has become tradition, the 2025 “Mr. Dogwood” will also be named during the intermission for the queen crowning and official opening ceremonies. The pageant will begin at 5 p.m.
The Orleans Chamber’s Annual Town Wide Yard Sale is set for April 18-19. The Chamber will pay for advertising for anyone wishing to have a yard or garage sale that weekend. Everyone is welcome to participate, and there is no fee to participate. Please contact Neva Stroud at The Progress Examiner to be included in the advertising.
New this year is the Dogwood Mile Run & Walk on Saturday, April 26th, with a start time of 10 a.m. The event will start and end at the newly opened Orleans Monon South Trailhead.
After a two-year absence, the Chamber’s popular Silent Auction is back. An array of interesting and unique items is once again expected to be up for bidding during the three-day event, which will be staged at Unity Hall from April 24 through Parade Day, April 26.
Gretchen Nelson is chairing the Dogwood Photo Contest this year. Entries will be displayed at Unity Hall in conjunction with the Silent Auction.
Festival organizers have also commissioned an Amish handmade Dogwood quilt to be given away on Parade Day. The quilt will also be on display at Unity Hall along with the Silent Auction and Photo Contest exhibit.
The Orleans American Legion will once again provide the Midway, Brady’s Amusements, which is under new ownership and expected to be expanded this year with new rides, games, and concessions. Advance Sales of the 3-night “Bracelet” Tickets begin on April 11th and will continue through April 21st while supplies last. The cost will be $45 and offer unlimited rides on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights of the festival.
The entertainment lineup for the main stage this year has been expanded and will include performances by the popular band Whiskey & Wine, Kirby Stailey Band, Old ‘N Gold, and Last Call. The OHS Choir and OHS Pep Band are also planning special performances during the festival week.
Other festival favorite highlights include the Phi Beta Psi Styles & Salads, Kids Chalk the Walk, Photo Contest, Student Art Show, Band Parents Food Stand, Pet Parade, and Arts & Crafts in the Park.
The Dogwood Euchre Tournament is on April 24th at 6:30 pm at the old Leipsic School.
Jennifer and Neil Blanton are returning as Parade Chairmen. The area’s Vietnam Veterans have been chosen as this year’s Grand Marshals. Everyone’s favorite Parade will make its way through the streets of the Dogwood Capital on Saturday, April 26 beginning at 2 p.m. The Chamber is now accepting entries for the event, and everyone is encouraged to participate in this year’s Dogwood Parade. Entry forms may be found inside The Orleans Progress Examiner, the Orleans Town Hall, and online on the dogwood website.
Vendor applications are still being accepted for arts and crafts and flea market-type vendors to set up in the park during festival week.
More festival details, entry forms, and event chairmen’s contacts are available on the festival’s newly updated website: www.orleansdogwoodfestival.com.
The Orleans Dogwood Festival Facebook page is also regularly updated with new information for 2025.
