By Xander Belogour, Vermont Country correspondent.
WHITINGHAM — Every decade since 1906, Whitingham has honored its Old Home Week, a celebration dedicated to the community’s history, culture, and the bonds that make up Whitingham.
This year’s celebration—July 24 through 26—is special, coinciding with America’s 250th birthday. Honoring the occasion, organizers said this year’s Old Home Week will certainly go off with a bang, promising a special show for visitors and locals alike.
Old Home Week Chairwoman Amy Myers-Delaney said she began planning the event three years ago, drawing on her professional experience in corporate event planning. She said that after town officials put out a request for help, she volunteered to help plan. It takes a village, and she is grateful to all the other volunteers who are making the event come to life!
Myers-Delaney, a Jacksonville resident, said she used community input to make sure that the favorites returned this year to celebrate the country’s milestone.
“We are celebrating the 250th birthday of America through different activities. Usually, we do a large fireworks show, but this year’s show is going to be bigger and better,” she said. “The children’s parade is coming back, along with the grand parade, all day entertainment including a dance with a live band.”
The home base of the event is Twin Valley Middle High School with events happening around town including places like Town Hill.
New this year to the festival is a food truck rally, as well as entertainment going from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, the 24th and Saturday, the 26th. The celebration will also see a plethora of kids’ activities: a giant inflatable obstacle course, face painting and old-timey games for children.
Placing community at the core of the event, organizers of Whitingham’s Old Home Week have also planned an interactive community art project.
“We’re trying to beautify the town, and we have a town art project happening at Town Hill that everybody can join,” said Myers-Delaney. “We’re creating a tree out of all these hand prints, so visitors can leave their mark as part of this community mural.”
The committee is planning for 1,000 or so attendees, a number calculated based on attendance in 2016, the last time Whitingham celebrated Old Home Week.
“Although it’s a celebration of Whitingham,” Myers-Delaney said, we welcome anybody who just wants to come have fun and celebrate with us.”
Indeed, Old Home Week’s 120-year-old tradition has its roots in the many different villages and small towns around the area. Old Home Week is a homecoming event to celebrate everybody’s unique history; a joyous excuse for everybody to come home and celebrate with friends, family, and visitors alike.
Numerous committees and oversight boards have finalized the full schedule for the three-day event, available online at https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/P7mAgKkRV6t8v.
Events, ranging from the firework show, live music, parades, food, and recreation, can be found below:
Friday, July 24 — Old Home Week begins with registration, art and history displays, local food vendors, family-friendly games and activities, and community attractions including a scavenger hunt and art project. The day will feature a children’s parade, kids’ entertainment, old-fashioned field games, dance and hula hoop activities, and special gatherings for community members. Evening festivities include live music followed by fireworks.
Saturday, July 25 — Saturday’s events include the community parade, food vendors, games and activities, a car show, historical and educational exhibits, and ongoing community attractions. Live entertainment will be featured throughout the day, along with a barbecue, bingo, storytelling and family activities. The celebration continues into the evening with live music and dancing.
Sunday, July 26 — The final day begins with a community pancake breakfast and continues with art and history displays, a scavenger hunt and community art activities. Outdoor recreation opportunities include a fun run/walk and a mountain bike ride, followed by a community church service. Old Home Week concludes with a volunteer appreciation gathering and closing ceremonies.
Visit their website to learn more.
