CLINTON – After a forced sabbatical in 2020, Clinton’s Olde Home Days returns on Friday, Sept. 10, and Saturday, Sept. 11.
Like nearby Bolton Fair, there will be some accommodations to deal with current circumstances, but at least the show is going on.
In Clinton’s case, it will mean a large, indoor event – the Red, White and Brew tasting – was cancelled and the number of vendors was limited to control crowds.
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But committee members have been working hard to make sure there will be fun for the entire family.
Friday night events are scheduled from 5 to 10 p.m. The Reminisants Band will be performing on the Town Hall steps and the bed race will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Walnut Street. The grand prize is the “golden bed pan.” The Trailer Park Boys reportedly will be there to defend their crown.
The outdoor movie, hosted with Parks and Recreation, is “Raya and the Last Dragon.” The movie starts at dusk, approximately 7:30 p.m.; bring chairs and blankets
The Duo Fire Show is at 8:30 p.m. at the intersection of Walnut and Church streets.
Also beginning Friday night is the pop-up art show at the Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church from 5 to 9 p.m. and the Princess Stilt Walker in the park from 7 to 8 p.m.
Saturday will start with a moment of silence planned as an observance for the victims and families of the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001. Members of Clinton’s civic groups will be raising the American flag at the Corcoran House, while seniors and veterans of wars will be present. The Clinton High School band will perform.
Following the flag raising at the Corcoran House flag pole, the Clinton Middle School will perform at 10 a.m. on the town hall steps.
Following the opening ceremonies, activities will be held around Central Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In addition to crafters and artisans, as well as nonprofits, in the park, entertainment includes the WingMasters Raptor Show, Wood Wizards Carvers, Toe Jam Puppet Band, Mary Poppins Reading Room, Make It and Take It Art Class with Cheryl Hughes, Roaming Characters in the Park, Amusement trailer, Curious Creatures Zoo, Pumpernickel Puppets, Magic Steve and his Balloon Characters, Mr. Vinnie, the Bubble Guy, martial arts, gymnastics and dance groups, the train ride and the announcement of the winners of the pop-up art show.
Committee members looking forward to the event
Two long-time Olde Home Day Committee members are planning their last Olde Home Day – Laura Taylor and Mary Backiel.
“This is my final year on the committee and I have enjoyed every minute of it,” Taylor said. ” I am looking forward to the woodcarver on Saturday. I think that’s gonna be a lot of fun and something different. We made a decision to limit our number of vendors this year to allow for spacing; we have a really great selection of vendors coming into the park from civic to church to crafters. It’s gonna be pretty great.
“I am also looking forward to the art show. I always love to see how people express themselves with different mediums,” Taylor added.
Backiel said, “as a 20-year veteran of the planning committee, I’ve loved watching the way Clinton has embraced this festival, and can’t wait to celebrate. I’m especially looking forward to the new activities and previous events that OHD is known for.
“One of my favorite parts of OHD every year is our live music on Friday night where both the older and younger generations dance or sit, listen and at times sing along,” Backiel added. She also likes seeing people watch “proudly as their children and grandchildren perform gymnastic or martial art skills in front of their hometown.”
While the pandemic forced the closure of the Red, White and Brew event and forced them to limit the number of teams involved in the bed race, Backiel said, there is a new twist.
“We’re thrilled announce a new Revenge Competition Team Race between the Police and Fire departments. The Police Department will be defending their basketball win from 2019 and the Fire Department wants its revenge.”
The number of inflatables were cut down, to ensure safety, and sanitation stations have been set up around the area.
“We will be encouraging mask wearing and observing social distancing protocol as much as we can,” Backiel added. “While this year’s event will be smaller than in past years, we’re ready to celebrate and can’t wait to welcome all of you to Olde Home Days.”
The committee includes an army of dedicated volunteers.
“It’s a blessing to volunteer my time to an event that will bring the community together,” Erica Duran said. “My hope is that after last year’s unforeseen hiatus, this year’s event will offer immense opportunity for fellowship and feed the soul of our beloved community of Clinton; as well as the amazing people that reside in and around it.”
Michelle Watson has been on the committee for a few years.
“I always look forward to seeing what our local artists have in store for the community at the OHD Pop Up Art show. It amazes me how talented some of the young artists in this community are,” Watson added.
The 5th annual show is open Friday, Sept. 10, 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Email questions or a request for an application, to oldehomeday@gmail.com.
Committee member Dean Shannon said the past year-and-a-half have been interesting for the committee, with things changing daily.
“With COVID being a part of everyone’s life, one of the biggest challenges for us as a committee has been how we can continue to strive to be the best at what we do, providing family-type fun for all ages while ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all who attend. We continue to evaluate every step within every process to anticipate any opportunity to address these challenges,” Shannon said.
“The bar has been set very high for us when looking back at previous years. With a year of restrictive gatherings, we’re very excited to see the turn-out for this year,” he added. “Though we look forward to seeing the folks come out to enjoy this weekend with us, no matter the turnout, the best part is to see the look on people’s faces when doing the things they enjoy the most at Olde Home Days, no matter the age.”
New fun planned
Ever dream of being an artist? Cheryl Hughes from Tinker’s Cart Art will have a “Make It Take It” paint class from 10 to 11 a.m. in the area between Town Hall and the church.
You can choose a fall/Halloween themed pre-drawn 8-by-10-inch canvas to paint. All supplies are included and you will leave with a finished work of art. Cost is $20, to be collected on site.
Hughes can be reached at (978) 618-0004 for any questions.
The Reminisants entertain on Friday night. They have been entertaining audiences of all ages throughout New England since 1973. The band specializes in music from the 1950’s through the ’90s, playing a collection of music for all kinds of musical tastes and generations.
Curious Creatures will be at the Central Park stage from 1 to 4 p.m. The group has been a favorite animal educator for the New England area for over 30 years. They provide a hands-on interactive activity that includes interesting facts and stories about the animals. Their shows are a favorite of all ages.
Wood Wizards will set up on Walnut Street, and can produce anything from hummingbirds and centerpieces to a 10-foot bear or anchors. As a family business started 26 years ago by their dad, more family members are learning the skill and letting their individual talents shine through in each cut.
All pieces will be sold at end of Olde Home Days.
Mary Poppins Reading Room will be held Saturday, Sept. 11, in Central Park at noon and 2 p.m.. Listen to her read stories and share experiences with her magical umbrella.
Wing Masters will appear on Saturday, between town hall and the church, at 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Julie Anne Collier and Jim Parks are licensed raptor rehabilitators based in Western Massachusetts and will bring several birds to teach people about wildlife.
More entertainment includes the Pumpernickel Puppets, at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Toe Jam Puppet Band from 10 a.m. to noon.
Cody’s Martial Arts will do a demonstration at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Magic Steve will perform at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Mr. Vinnie the Bubble Guy will be in the park from 12:30 to 2 p.m. U.S. Robotics will put on a demonstration at 11:45 a.m. at the Town Hall steps.
There are two fundraisers for Olde Home Day: Buck-a-Duck and corn hole, both at the fountain.
Nearby institutions are also taking part in Olde Home Day activities on Saturday, including the Bigelow Free Public Library’s book sale, an exhibit at the Clinton Historical Society’s Holder Memorial museum and The Museum of Russian Icons is offering free admission in celebration of Clinton’s 21st annual Olde Home Day.
Take a guided tour of the museum, view exhibits celebrating the life of Museum Founder Gordon Lankton, and bring the children for some drop-in crafts.
