ORLEANS– The Town of Orleans is buzzing with anticipation as it prepares to celebrate the 55th anniversary of its beloved Dogwood Festival. The festivities officially kick off this coming weekend, April 19th and 20th, with special opening events to welcome residents and visitors alike.
The weekend’s highlight will undoubtedly be the 2025 Dogwood Queen Crowning ceremonies, scheduled for Saturday, April 19th, at 5 p.m. in the Orleans Elementary School gymnasium. This time-honored tradition will also include the 2025 “Mr. Dogwood” crowning during the intermission. The public is warmly invited to attend this celebratory event.
Adding to the weekend’s excitement is the Town-Wide Yard Sale, which takes place on both Friday and Saturday and offers a treasure trove of finds for bargain hunters.
This year’s new addition to the festival lineup is the Orleans Masonic Cookout, set for Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. downtown on the square. For $15 per person, attendees can enjoy a delicious menu featuring pork loin, coleslaw, baked beans, creekbank potatoes, a cookie, and a drink.
Following the opening weekend, the Dogwood Festival will observe Easter Sunday, April 20th, with no planned activities or events to allow the community to celebrate the holiday.
The popular Dogwood Baby Contest will be held on Monday, April 21st, at 6 p.m. (a new day and time) in the Orleans High School cafeteria.
The festival will then kick into full swing on Monday, April 21st, with the grand opening of the Midway downtown. A brand-new carnival with exciting rides, engaging games, and tempting concessions will be the center of family fun, running through Parade Day on April 26th. The overarching theme for this year’s festival is “Dogwoods Thrive in 2025.” Organizers are also বিশেষà¦à¦¾à¦¬à§‡ honoring the area’s Vietnam Veterans this year, marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the conflict.
Festival attendees can also expect an increased number of vendors offering a variety of goods in the historic town park square throughout the week-long celebration.
Those eager to enjoy the carnival rides can take advantage of Advance Sales of Carnival Armband Tickets, now available at various locations around town for $45. These must be purchased in advance.
A festival staple, the Orleans Band Parents Food Stand, will open on Monday, the 21st. It will offer new menu choices and a convenient pick-up window to feed hungry festival-goers.
Another returning favorite, the Phi Beta Psi Styles & Salads, is scheduled for April 22nd at Orleans Elementary.
Art enthusiasts can enjoy the Student Art Show, showcased at the Orleans Library throughout the festival week.
Wednesday night, April 23rd, will feature “Gospel Night in the Park,” starting at 6 p.m. with performances by Kirby Stailey and friends and the Orleans Jr-Sr. High School Choir. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs for a comfortable evening of music.
The popular Orleans Chamber Silent Auction will return to a new location this year: the Orleans Wesleyan Church Fellowship Hall, located on S. Maple St. The auction will run from April 24th through Parade Day, April 26th.
The Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Visit French Lick/West Baden proudly sponsor the annual Orleans Dogwood Festival.
For a complete schedule of events for Dogwood ’55 and the latest updates, please visit www.orleansdogwoodfestival.com and/or the Orleans Dogwood Festival Facebook page.
