Old Home Day committee previews June 20 schedule, fundraiser and youth 'Freedom Fest'

The Plaistow Old Home Day Committee updated the Select Board March 30 on plans for the June 20, 2026 celebration, including a youth 'Freedom Fest' the prior evening, a fundraiser to preserve the fireworks, a 5K, contests and a car show.

Committee chair Allen Davis said the committee is ramping up planning and that the Old Home Day theme will mark the nation’s 250th birthday. Vice chair Angela Edwards described a fundraiser called 'Dance for the Boom' on April 18 at the Fish and Game (doors 6–10 p.m.; ticket $10; 21+ cash bar) with a live performance by the Time Bandits and raffle baskets to raise funds for fireworks.

Edwards and parade coordinator Kate Deroche described day‑of programming: a youth music lineup for the Friday 'Freedom Fest' (free admission), a 5K, a traditional cutest‑baby contest with registration at the gazebo, a Main Street car show, martial‑arts and dance demonstrations, vendors and a DJ. Deroche said the parade starts at 2 p.m. and that lineups typically begin around 12:45–1:30 p.m.

Committee members reported vendor signups sold out and that they opened additional vendor spots; they are actively recruiting parade participants and volunteers and will meet with department heads (police, fire, highway) to resolve parking and logistics while Pollard construction continues.

The committee encouraged businesses and residents to sign up via their Facebook page or by emailing oldhomeday@plaistow.com; committee meetings are scheduled first and third Tuesdays through June.