ORLEANS – The Orleans Chamber of Commerce held its May “Breakfast Chat” last Thursday, with Executive Director Robert Henderson providing an upbeat report on recent activities and exciting plans for the coming months.
Henderson reported that both the recent Dogwood Festival and the return of the Silent Auction “fun-raiser” were resounding successes, contributing positively to the community.
Looking ahead, the Chamber is gearing up for several key events. The 1st Annual Orleans Garden Tour is set for June 14th. Further details regarding tickets and specifics will be announced very soon.
A crucial deadline is fast approaching for small businesses in Orange County. The 2025 Small Business Grant, offered through the OC Economic Development Partnership, is accepting applications until May 30th. This valuable opportunity provides funding for various business needs, including building renovation and repair, signage and façade improvements, equipment and supplies, marketing, and website creation. Grant documents are available at www.ocedp.com.
The local Chamber will host a Ribbon-Cutting and Grand Opening ceremony for the new Butterfly Lane Preschool on May 31st at 10:00 a.m. The preschool is located at 370 N. Second Street.
Community favorites are also back in full swing. The Orleans Homegrown Farmers Market has returned for its 2025 season, operating every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. through late October. Additionally, Food Truck Frenzy continues downtown every Thursday evening from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Progress is also being made on the Orleans Monon South Trailhead, with work currently focusing on the installation of new restrooms and signage. The trail continues to experience increased usage by both locals and visitors, with numbers expected to climb further during the summer months.
Orleans is set to play a significant role in a county-wide celebration. The town will host Orange County’s America 250 Kick Off in historic Congress Square on Saturday, June 14th (Flag Day). This event will mark the beginning of a year-long observance leading up to America’s 250th Birthday in 2026. Festivities will include costumed re-enactors, a flag-raising ceremony, informational booths, heritage activities, and special guests. Residents and business owners are encouraged to adorn Orleans in red, white, and blue for the weekend, flying flags and putting up bunting to join the celebrations.
Special guest Artist Adam Long attended last Thursday’s “Breakfast Chat,” sharing insights into his ongoing project: creating one of the largest train-themed murals in the Midwest on three grain bins at Springer Farms on the north end of Orleans. To date, the mural project has garnered over 300,000 views on social media platforms. While several corporate and community partners have contributed, additional donations are still needed to fund the project’s final phase. Those wishing to contribute or seeking more information on how to get involved can contact the Orleans Chamber office at 812-865-9930.
