CELEBRATING THE QUINTESSENTIAL NEW ENGLAND VILLAGE

Every summer the community of Freedom is one of only five NH towns that celebrate an “Old Home Week.” Freedom’s 124th Old Home Week will feature ducky day, a lawn party, a parade, an ice cream social, a 5K and more.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 2023

July 28  Friday 5PM-7:30PM - 8 Elm Street

A FUN KICK-OFF TO OLD HOME WEEK!

As is tradition, Freedom Old Home Week kicks off the week-long calendar of activities with the Lawn Party ? a social event with food, drink and featuring soothing music by String Equinox.  It's only a $5 cash donation (per-person) to attend and as a true community event everyone is encouraged to bring an appetizer or dessert.  

SIGNATURE DRINK - THE WHISKEY SOUR

The Whiskey Sour is THE signature drink at this FOHW Kick-Off event! 

Please note this is a 21+ event. 

July 29 Saturday - 10AM - Elm Street & Old Portland Road

PARADE

EVERYONE LOVES A PARADE!

Who doesn't love a marching band, clowns, antique automobiles and fire engines?  There is something for everyone at the FOHW parade!  Get there early along Elm Street and Old Portland Road in anticipation of a true old fashioned parade featuring floats and marchers from local farms, summer camps, bands and more!  Always one of the highlight events of Old Home Week - don't miss it!

JOIN THE FUN & HELP US MAKE THIS THE BEST PARADE EVAH!!

Walk as a group...enter a float...showcase your antique/classic car...we welcome your participation!  Signing up is easy, just click the registration form and join the fun!

2023 GRAND MARSHAL!

For all of her contributions that have bettered our community, the Freedom Old Home Week Association is honored to recognize Lucy Kendall as this year’s FOHW Grand Marshal!  

July 29 - August 5 - 10AM

FREEDOM HISTORICAL SOCIETY EXHIBITS

Freedom Historical Society - 28 Old Portland Road

Our 2023 feature exhibit is a refreshing update of our popular 2022 exhibit on the Historical Businesses of Freedom Village, offering new perspectives on the entrepreneurs and businesses that made Freedom such a special place over the years. This, together with the other relics of historic Freedom and our wonderful Archive Resource Room, makes our Museum a great summertime visit!  The exhibit is open as follows:

July 29:  10A - 1P

July 31 - August 4:  10A - 12P

August 5:  10A - 1P

For more information contact the FHS: [email protected]  or 603-539-5799 

SOUTH EATON MEETING HOUSE LUNCHEON

July 29 Saturday - 11:30AM-2PM

402 Burnham Road, Eaton (corner of Towle Hill & Burnham Road)

Come join us at the South Eaton Meeting House annual luncheon event on Saturday, July 29 from 11:30a to 2p at 402 Burnham Rd. (corner of Towle Hill & Burnham Rd) in Eaton. Lunch will include hamburgers, bratwurst, hot dogs, veggie burgers, pulled pork, baked beans, curried chicken mango salad, various gourmet vegetable salads, fruit salad, and delicious homemade desserts along with baked goods. Participate in the 50/50 raffle and check out the silent auction consisting of items from local artists and businesses. Visit our historic Meeting House and take a self-guided tour across the street to our historic cemetery.

For more information contact Laura Robinson:  [email protected] 

July 30 Sunday  

First Christian Church of Freedom - 12 Elm Street

FOHW OPENING SERVICE - 10AM

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS - 12PM

LUETHI-PETERSON CAMP OPEN HOUSE 2PM-4PM - 103 Moulton Road

Join the international campers at Luethi-Peterson Camp here in Freedom for an Open House, featuring folk song and dance performances, and a history of the camp. Founded in 1949, the Luethi-Peterson Camps (LPC) are nonprofit co-ed summer camps in different countries whose aim is to foster international understanding by bringing together children from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Members of Luethi-Peterson Camps believe that good human relations and responsible community living can best be learned by personal experience at an early age. All are welcome!

For more information, please contact Jesse Clements at [email protected] 

LESS TOLD STORIES OF FREEDOM - 4PM - Freedom Town Hall - 16 Elm Street

Learn the history and interesting little known facts about Freedom!

For more information contact:  [email protected]  or 603-539-75...

July 31 Monday

YOGA FOR ALL AGES - 3:30PM

Freedom Art Gallery - 8 Elm Street

Learn the basics of Yoga in a serene outdoor setting on the lawn of the beautiful Freedom Art Gallery.  Open for all ages and abilities (PLEASE NOTE:  Children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by an adult).

RAIN DATE

In the event of rain, yoga will be held on Tuesday, August 1, at 3:30P at the same location.

CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT - 1PM-5PM

Freedom Town Hall - 16 Elm Street

Can you land the rare  "29 hand" and peg out first?  Test your skill at the grand old game against other players in town.  All levels are welcome!

BINGO! - 6:30PM-7:30PM

Freedom Town Hall - 16 Elm Street

Join us for a fun family evening - and celebrate the return of Bingo Night to this year's Freedom Old Home Week! 

Thanks to our generous FOHW Sponsors, there's no charge and light refreshments will be available. And, in partnership with the Freedom Food Pantry, non-expired, non-perishable food items will be warmly accepted at this event. 

For more information contact Jane Johnson at [email protected] or 603-730-7306

August 1 Tuesday

PROSPECT MOUNTAIN HIKE - 9:30AM

Meet at 184 Scarboro Road

A short but rewarding hike led by Caroline Martson, Prospect Mountain (aka "Sally's Mountain"), is a peak on the Scarboro Ridge. There are multiple viewpoints located near the summit. 

Plan to meet at 184 Scarboro Road at 9:30AM.  Please park on the road past the house, next to the pond on the right.  Wear sturdy but comfortable boots or shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather, including a sweater that could be donned if it gets chilly and possibly rain gear.  Bring water (at least a liter per person if it is hot) and perhaps a snack.  Consider sun screen and bug spray.  Appropriate for hikers of all ages five and up, and having a moderate level of fitness.

For more information contact Bill Barrett at 603-539-6385 or [email protected] 

MAH JONGG TOURNAMENT - 9:30AM-3:30PM

Freedom Town Hall - 16 Elm Street

With tiles clacking, players chatting and laughing, and exclamations of “Two bam!” “Three crack!” and “Four dot!” this is sure to be a fun time!  There is a limit of 24 players. $20 registration fee is payable the day of the tournament and includes snacks and lunch.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER! 

Contact Joanne Haley for more information: [email protected]  or 603-539-8330

THE MYSTERY OF OWLS - 6:30PM

Freedom Town Hall - 16 Elm Street

Join natural history educator & wildlife photographer Joe Callanan for a one hour talk to learn all about the owls that live in our New England woods. See exciting images of owls in the wild captured by Joe’s photography.

Joe will share the intimate details of their lives as we learn about the natural history that makes each species so successful living right here in our midst under the cover of darkness.

Owls are reclusive and shy by nature and owing to the nocturnal lives they lead are seldom seen. Joe has spent years seeking them out including: Screech owls, Barred owls, and Great Horned owls.

We will also touch on rare visitors to New England such as Snowy owls, Long Eared owls, Short Eared owls and Great Gray owls.

Prepare to be amazed!  This will be a Hoot!

August 2 Wednesday

FREEDOM HISTORICAL WALK WITH ALAN FALL - 9:30AM

Meet at Freedom Elementary School - 40 Loon Lake Road

This year's walk will visit three historical cemeteries in Freedom, including Cushing Corner, Andrews and Lake View cemeteries.  Some carpooling will be required for those that attend.  

Be prepared with good walking shoes, appropriate attire for the weather that day, and what you may need for hydration.  

For more information contact:  [email protected]  or 603-539-7596

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS - 10AM-11AM

Freedom Elementary School - 40 Loon Lake Road

Go on an “imaginary safari around the world!” Meet animals whose ancestors lived in a variety of habitats and places on Earth, while discovering their amazing adaptations, learning their eco-contributions and learning their personal stories.  

For more information contact Chris Libby:  [email protected]  or 603-539-5176

QUILTS OF VALOR - PRESENTATION TO VETERANS - 1PM-3PM

Freedom Town Hall - 16 Elm Street

A Quilt of Valor is a hand or machine made quality quilt presented to military veterans, retirees and active duty personnel as a way to say “Thank you for your service, sacrifice and valor in serving our nation.”  

Light refreshments will be served.

For more information contact Nancy Bossi:  [email protected]  or  603-344-8517 

"TIL WE MEET AGAIN"- RITUAL OF REMEMBRANCE - 6PM

First Christian Church of Freedom - 12 Elm Street

August 3 Thursday

GUIDED CANOE/KAYAK TOUR  - 1PM-4PM

Provided by naturalist Lucie Villeneuve of Freedom.  A great opportunity to get into nature and explore our local waterways for paddlers ages 10+. If you are an experienced paddler (or two), younger children and non-paddling adults may ride with you. Canoe or kayak up to 3 hours at your own pace with instructor/guides nearby for assistance. If you are new to paddling, lessons are available beforehand by appointment. Everyone must register by August 1 and wear coast guard approved, properly-fitting PFDs (life jackets). Rentals available: Canoe, kayak, paddles, PFDs, and drybags to safely stow your gear. Group size is limited. If there’s enough interest, we’ll add another session in the morning. Registration is $10 per person if bringing own canoe/kayak, and $20 per person if renting equipment. Snacks and water are provided. We suggest wearing layers of quick-drying clothing and water shoes (expect to get wet), and bringing a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.   

Contact Lucie for pre-registration information at 603-528-0136 or [email protected] 

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

6PM-8PM

Freedom Town Offices Bandstand

I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!

Held at the historical town bandstand outside of the town offices, the ice cream social is always a wonderful event for all ages...really, who doesn't love ice cream, whether plain or with a selection of sundae toppings!  Accompanied by the smooth stylings of local musicians you can enjoy your ice cream then sing along, dance along, or both, with your family, friends and neighbors.  Plan to bring your own chairs and blankets for your comfort.

MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT

We are thrilled to have the Starlight Honeys, a local lakes region band of musicians rooted in the folk tradition play at the ice cream social. They play an array of acoustic instruments and deliver smooth vocal harmonies.  Influenced by folk/Americana traditions they perform songs that will inspire emotion or make you want to hop around a little!  They cover songs in diverse genres ranging from folk to rock, country to reggae and are focused on the joy of making a beautiful noise together!

August 4 Friday

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK & BAKE SALE - 9AM-3PM

Freedom Town Library - 38 Old Portland Road

Annual sale of books and baked goods.  

For more information contact Chris Libby:  [email protected]  or 603-539-5176

46TH ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR - 9:30AM-3PM

Freedom Elementary School - 40 Loon Lake Road

STEVE BLUNT - CHILDREN'S MUSICIAN - 3PM-4PM

Freedom Town Hall (upstairs) - 16 Elm Street

A fun, upbeat performance of songs that celebrate diversity & build community—with warmth, humor & lots of audience participation. Steve is an award-winning children’s musician who plays a delightful mix of original tunes & beloved standards.  

For more information contact Chris Libby:  [email protected] or 603-539-5176

TALENT SHOW - 6:30PM-8:00PM

Freedom Town Hall (upstairs) - 16 Elm Street

Calling all bands, singers, musicians, poets, storytellers, dancers,  and comedians!  The show is 7-8P and sign-ups start at 6:30P. Come show us your talent!

For more information contact Pamela Clemons Keith:  [email protected]  or 603-986-5232

August 5 Saturday

5K ROAD RACE & KIDS FUN RUN - 7:30A

Freedom Elementary School - 40 Loon Lake Road

RUN (OR WALK) FOR FUN...FOR ALL AGES!

The classic Freedom Old Home Week (FOHW) 5K is back in 2023 with an improved vibe, increased excitement, and -- due to the fantastic sponsorship support from businesses and individuals in Freedom and beyond -- a low price of $20 per person. Plus registrants will receive a Food Truck voucher that is good for up to $10.

COURSE:

The registered course starts in front of the Freedom Elementary School, and then turns left onto Village Road that has a nice, rolling hill. For those who hate hills -- not to worry. This is the only part of that race that we are able to identify as a hill -- and just barely! Ha! In no time at all, runners/walkers will turn left onto Freedom Point Road where we begin the dirt/gravel portion of the course. This is a quaint country road that brings about a feeling of peace, weaving a bit as it meets up with Round Pond Road. The last big turn of the course is a left onto Loon Lake Road which leads participants back to the Freedom Elementary School -- the course's finish!  A course map is located at the bottom of the page.

COST:

Pre-Registration -- Through August 4th at 6 PM -- Thanks to generous sponsors of FOHW 2023, the registration fee for the Freedom 5K is just $20 which includes one the benefit of a voucher for use at the Food Truck (the token's value is for anything up to $10). On Race Day -- Anyone can participate without having pre-registered, but the cost on Race Day is $25 -- and it comes with the Food Truck voucher, too.

Kids 10 and under participating with a registered adult are welcome to participate at no cost! Leashed dogs will check in on Race Day ($2) and receive a bandana and a treat!

TIMING:

This will be timed "In-House" by volunteers. Participants will learn more on Race Day. A big *THANK YOU* to the White Mountain Milers for the use of its Timer.

WAIVER (including permission to be photographed):

Each registrant will read a waiver (and, to participate, must click YES).  We'll have plenty of extra waiver forms at the registration table for those who register on race day. Those ages 15 and younger will need to be have a parent/guardian present at the race. Those younger than 18 will need the waiver co-signed by a parent/guardian.

PRIZES:

Ribbons, Bragging Rights, and special Gifts depending on placement for Men and Women in a variety of age ranges.

EVENT SUMMARY

Date:  Saturday, August 5, 2023

Time:  8:00AM Registration / 8:30A Start

Location:  Freedom Elementary School - 40 Loon Lake Road

Cost:  $20 Pre-pay / $25 Race Day

Course:  3.1 mile USATF certified

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK & BAKE SALE - 10AM-1PM

Freedom Town Library - 38 Old Portland Road

Annual sale of books and baked goods.  

For more information contact Chris Libby:  [email protected]  or 603-539-5176

MARGIE'S LUNCH - 11AM / 12PM / 1PM

Freedom Historical Society - 28 Old Portland Road

Eat at Margie's Lunch!!! 

Yes, for one day only, during Freedom Old Home Week, you can relive the past and have lunch at Margie's. You can have a Hamburg, a Frankfurt on buns cooked the way Margie did, along with chips, a drink and dessert....and a piece of penny candy for the kids!  For Saturday, August 5th you must reserve a seat at the table; three seatings only: 11-12pm, 12-1pm, or 1-2pm. Seating is limited to 75 people total, 25 per seating. So, reserve now by emailing your request for number of seats at the table and what time slot (11am, 12pm or 1pm) to [email protected]. We will confirm your reservation; pay upon arrival. We expect to sell out and no tickets will be sold at the event itself, so act now! Location will be under the tent at the Allard House, 28 Old Portland Road, Freedom, NH.  Rain or shine.

FREEDOM FIRE DEPARTMENT FAMILY FUN DAY - 1PM-4PM

Freedom Elementary School Ball Field - 40 Loon Lake Road

Join us for the Freedom Fire Department's FAMILY FUN DAY - Dunk Tank, Bouncy House, 50/50 Raffle, Touch a Truck, and more - not to be missed!  Admission is free for all ages!

August 6 Sunday

PANCAKE BREAKFAST - 7:30AM-9:30AM

Freedom Town Hall - 16 Elm Street

Enjoy pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage fresh off the griddle with friends, family & neighbors!

Admission is free; donations gladly accepted for the benefit of the Freedom Food Pantry.

FOHW CLOSING SERVICE - A CELEBRATION IN SONG - 10AM

First Christian Church of Freedom - 12 Elm Street

Date: July 28-August 6, 2023

Location: Various locations in Freedom, NH

Click here for more information