NEW SALEM — The town has had many Old Home Day events in the past. But the one on Saturday, Sept. 12, will be the first since the United States turned 250 years old.
“It seemed like the time and the place to do it, to do both,” said Jeanne Clayton, who is chairing the 2026 celebration.
The event begins on the town common at 10 a.m., though it’s possible to get a cup of coffee and a doughnut at the library’s used book sale as early as 9 a.m. There will be a dozen local craftspeople showing their skills, as well as a six-family tag sale, tours of the trees and the old New Salem Academy building, and civic booths featuring information about social services, the school, volunteer opportunities and more.
The New Salem Fire Department will also offer a grilled lunch as a fundraiser.
The Wendell Community Chorus is expected to sing at 11 a.m. and the Bad News Jazz & Blues Orchestra will perform at 1:30 p.m. Children’s activities are scheduled throughout the day, with the parade slated for noon. Clayton explained the parade will consist of two waves — one for patriotic walkers and bike riders, and one for Fire Department, Police Department and antique vehicles.
Anyone in need of a moment of peace can visit the quiet room in the old academy building, which will also feature a continuous slideshow depicting a visual essay on the Quabbin region by Belchertown photographer Ed Comeau. The festivities wrap up at 3 p.m.
“Old Home Day is really, I think, an opportunity to celebrate New Salem [and] recognize its citizens,” Clayton said.
She mentioned that Bruce Spencer, retired chief forester at the Quabbin Reservoir, and Nancy Slator, editor of the New Salem News community bulletin, will be on hand to receive official citations from the state Legislature.
Old Home Day will also feature a sawdust treasure hunt, miniature golf, cornhole, hula hoops, a touch-a-truck event, a cake-baking contest, a kickball tournament, and opportunities for children to make tricorn hats and decorate bicycles.
