ORLEANS — The Orleans America 250 Celebration is keeping the patriotic momentum going this coming Friday, July 3rd, with an evening of live music, free treats, and a showcase of local history in historic Congress Square.
The festivities kick off at 7:00 p.m. on the Bicentennial Stage, located in the southwest corner of the square, featuring a special Concert in the Park by the popular Southern Indiana band, Sweetwater.
Known for delivering a high-energy mix of Country and Classic Rock covers, Sweetwater blends heartland storytelling with rock grit. Concertgoers can expect everything from driving guitar riffs and classic country melodies to Beach Boys-style vocal harmonies. Because seating is limited in the town square park, attendees are highly encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets.
Free Ice Cream and a Centennial Celebration
Alongside the music, the town will host an Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social featuring Hometown Scoops. In honor of the nation’s milestone, free ice cream will be given to the first 250 attendees.
Friday night also marks a massive milestone for local history as the Town of Orleans celebrates the 100th birthday of its original 1926 Peter Pirsch Fire Engine. To mark the truck’s centennial, free cupcakes will be distributed to the first 100 guests.
A Century of Local History: The 1926 Peter Pirsch Fire Engine
- Original Cost: $6,500 (Purchased brand new by the town 100 years ago from Peter Pirsch & Sons of Wisconsin)
- Serial Number: 569
- Service History: In continuous active service for Orleans up into the early-to-mid 1970s.
- Current Status: Fully operational with many of its original fittings intact.
The vintage truck is a beloved community staple. Orleans town officials and members of the fire department previously spearheaded a major fundraising effort to restore the engine to its original appearance for the town’s own 200th birthday celebration back in 2015.
Since then, the truck has gained statewide recognition. It was named an Official Indiana Bicentennial Legacy Project and was chosen in 2016 as a symbol of Indiana culture and heritage to carry the official Indiana Bicentennial Torch along its route through Orange County. The fully operational engine will be on display throughout Friday’s event for the public to admire up close.
Fourth of July Fireworks Reminder
The weekend’s celebrations will culminate the following evening. Orleans area residents are reminded that the annual Independence Day fireworks display will take place on Saturday, July 4th at the Orleans Airport.
The show is scheduled to begin at 9:45 p.m. Families are encouraged to arrive early to find a viewing spot for the display.
