ORLEANS — The Orleans Chamber of Commerce is finalizing preparations for the 56th Anniversary of the Dogwood Festival, scheduled to run from April 18 through April 25, 2026. This year’s celebration adopts the patriotic theme “Celebrating America 250 1776-2026,” aligning with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
ORLEANS — The Orleans Chamber of Commerce is finalizing preparations for the 56th Anniversary of the Dogwood Festival, scheduled to run from April 18 through April 25, 2026. This year’s celebration adopts the patriotic theme “Celebrating America 250 1776-2026,” aligning with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
ORLEANS — The Orleans Chamber of Commerce is finalizing preparations for the 56th Anniversary of the Dogwood Festival, scheduled to run from April 18 through April 25, 2026. This year’s celebration adopts the patriotic theme “Celebrating America 250 1776-2026,” aligning with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
Residents can also purchase a piece of the celebration through special Orleans America 250 commemorative t-shirts created by J & S Sportswear, with prices starting at $18.
The festival excitement begins early with the Dogwood Classic Car Show on April 11 at Congress Square. Official festivities kick off on Saturday, April 18, with a full day of pageantry at Orleans Elementary School:
- Little Miss Dogwood: Starts at 1 p.m.
- Jr. Miss & Queen Crowning: Begins at 6 p.m. (new start time).
- Mr. Dogwood: Named during the Queen pageant intermission.
Festival organizers have introduced several new events to the 2026 lineup, including:
- Pickleball Bash Tournament
- Stars, Stripes & Spices Chili Cook-Off (sponsored by Veteran 7)
- Phi Beta Dogwood Bingo & a Dunk Tank
- Children’s Petting Farm & Pony Rides
In honor of the “America 250” milestone, the festival will give away 250 free dogwood trees during the week.
The Orleans Library will celebrate its $10,000 Carnegie Grant with a ribbon cutting for a new outdoor Carnegie America 250 Play area on April 21. Meanwhile, the Orleans American Legion brings back the “Funtime Carnival” Midway with new rides and games. Advance sale “bracelet” tickets will be available for $45, offering unlimited rides on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights.
Unity Hall will serve as a central hub from April 23–25, hosting:
- The popular Silent Auction
- The Dogwood Photo Contest
- A commissioned “America 250” patriotic quilt display (to be given away on Parade Day)
The main stage lineup has been expanded to include performances by Last Call, The Breeding Sisters, and RetrOasis, alongside sets by the OHS Choir and Pep Band.
The week concludes with “Everyone’s Favorite Parade” on Saturday, April 25, at 2 p.m., led by chairmen Jennifer and Neil Blanton. This year’s edition will feature a special patriotic flair as it travels through the “Dogwood Capital.”
The Town-Wide Yard Sale is set for April 17–18. Contact Neva Stroud at The Progress Examiner to be included in the free advertising.
Vendors and parade entry applications are still being accepted at Town Hall or online.
Visit www.orleansdogwoodfestival.com for full details and entry forms.
