Londonderry Prepares for Annual Old Home Day Event

As Londonderry nears its 300th birthday, the town will be taking the opportunity to remind those in and around the area that Londonderry still has plenty to offer residents both young and old.

From August 16 to 20, Londonderry will be holding its 118th Old Home Day, a series of events that appeal to all ages and groups, perfectly fitting in with the lively summer season.

Old Home Day originated back in 1899 when it was created by Governor Frank Rollins in response to a decline of the concept of the small farming town in New Hampshire. Rollins formed the event throughout towns across the state to encourage former residents to return to their “old homes” and see that they are still full of life. On top of Londonderry, the event is also held in towns such as Hudson, Cornish, Sandown, Newbury, Northfield, and Pittsburg, just to name a few.

Not only is Old Home Day one of the oldest consecutive celebrations in all of New Hampshire, but Londonderry is “one of the few towns in New Hampshire that consistently holds the event on the same day every year, attracting over 10,000 people,” according to resident Janet Cichocki.

Putting together a five-day-long event is never an easy process, which is why preparation for each iteration begins as soon as the final activity comes to a close. The committee for the event meets once a month at town hall to form ideas, gain the attention of sponsors, and do whatever they can to help make the five days a huge success.

Old Home Day will be kicked-off on August 16 with the Senior Barbeque. Held in the Lion’s Hall Pavilion, the barbeque will start off with bingo at 4 p.m., while food will be served from 5 – 6:30 p.m.  Following the meal, the Windham Swing Band will play for the attendees in the Town Common from 6:30 – 8 p.m.  The event is open to all Londonderry residents and is free to all Londonderry seniors ages 62 or older, but tickets will be required for entry. Said tickets will be available at the Londonderry Senior Center.

Other events throughout the five days will include a fireworks display, a 5K race, a kids’ activity night, a singing competition, a softball game between the Londonderry’s fire and police departments, and more.

For more information on the festivities for Old Home Day and the event overall, please visit oldhomeday.com