The 112^th Annual Charlton Old Home Day is scheduled for:
Labor Day Monday, September 1, 2008!
Master of Ceremonies: TBA

Old Home Day

The Old Home Day Committee is proud to present – free of charge – a day filled with exciting entertainment, traditional events, friendship and fun to the residents of Charlton, our neighbors, extended families, acquaintances and anyone who wants to know what Charlton is really all about. Join us on Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 2008, for the celebration of the 112th Old Home Day. Check back for a full recap of activities and entertainment planned for this year's Old Home Day!

2007 Old Home Day Committee Award Winners!!

Old Home Day 2008

Labor Day weeked is fast approaching and that means Old Home Day in Charlton - Monday, September 1.

There are lots of ways to participate in the day's events, so here are some important numbers you might need.

Bike or Run to Old Home Day This Year!

Tired of searching for a parking space on Old Home Day and walking a mile back to your car after the parade? Ride your bicycle and bring those running shoes! Quality Physical Therapy will be on hand for any safety questions you might have about your gear

Soap Box Races

An annual favorite! Soap box racing began way back in 1933 in Dayton, Ohio when a bunch of kids raced against each other down a hill in cars made from pieces of crap and junk from around the house. There first race cars were made out of wooden crates, sheet metal, wheels off a baby stroller and even REAL soap boxes. This event has been part of Old Home Day in Charlton for over 30 years.

The good thing about soap box racing is that you need to be both a good racer and a good builder. Kids should build their own cars. This means they can't just sit inside and watch while Dad does the work in the garage - but Dad (or Mom) can help! Inspections for Soap Box cars will take place on Saturday, September 2 in the rear of the Town Administration Building.

For more information about the race, please contact Glen or Donna Moran.

Craft Fair

In an effort to represent Charlton’s historical past, we are seeking to include representations of Charlton's agricultural and historical past. The crafts persons wanted are: glass artists, potters, spinners, weavers, blacksmiths, metal artists, leather artists, candle makers, portrait artists, wood crafts, needle crafts, textile artists, hunting & fishing artists (makers of decoys, lures, & flies), toymakers, etc.

If you would like to participate in the Craft Fair, please complete an application. Craft Fair Spaces are assigned. We have limited space. Preference is given to Charlton artisans of historical hand made crafts. To obtain an application form: downloaded now by clicking here or in person at the Town Administration Building bulletin board. There is a $25.00 fee for participation. Craft fair questions may be answered by e-mail or by writing to: The Charlton Old Home Day Craft Fair, Charlton Old Home Day Committee, 37 Main Street, Charlton, MA 01507.

Booths on the Common

It's time for all those not-for-profit organizations to let the Old Home Day Committee know if they will have a booth on the Common this year. To the extent possible, we try not to have duplications in items sold but due to the growth of the town and the attendance on Old Home Day, there may be exceptions.

If your organization is selling as a fund raiser, there is a $25.00 donation.

In addition to selling food items, organizations may want to sponsor an activity or simply provide information about their organization. We would love having you on the Common! Please call Carol Smeltzer at (508) 248-5358 or e-mail her at smeltz508@aol.com to make arrangements for a booth on the Common.

Decorated Doll Carriages/Bikes/Wagons

This is especially fun for younger children! Encourage your child to decorate their doll carriage, bike, wagon (or other vehicle) and join the parade. Children will gather at the Charlton Market parking lot approximately 1 hour before the parade to have their decorated entries judged. Then, they will join the parade at approximately the half-way point.Polka Dot the Clown will be on hand to organize children at Charlton Market at 3:00 pm.

42nd Annual Charlton Old Home Day Road Race

A five mile run around the common area beginning at 10 a.m.. For more information or to register, contact Rob Thomas at 508-248-1585 or via email or visit the Charlton Road Race Website. Download a Road Race entry form.

29th Annual Old Home Day Art Show!

Art Show Entry Form - OHD is set for Monday, September 1, 2008! Entry Forms Must be Submitted by August 24th! Entries may also be brought to the Charlton Library. For more information on the Art and Photo Exhibit, please call Susan Wilbur at (508) 248-3985 or email.

Frog Jumping Contest!

Registration: 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.
Jump Off Time: 11:00 A.M.
Location: North end of the Charlton Town Common
Download the Flyer with Contest Rules and Regulations


CONTEST RULES & REGULATIONS

• Contest open to children who are between 3 to 14 years of age.
• Each contestant must supply his/her own frog.
• Contestants are responsible to ensure that their entry is a frog. NO TOADS ALLOWED!!!
• While waiting to compete, all contestants must keep their frog(s) moist in a well ventilated container that will maintain an average temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the well-being of the frog(s).
• Each contestant may only enter the contest once.
• Each frog will only be allowed to jump in one event.
• Contestants may not be accompanied or assisted in the frog jumping area.
• To begin the event, each contestant must place his/her frog on the jumping pad.
• After a frog is placed on the jumping pad the frog may not be touched to make it jump.
• Each contestant may jump up and down, shout, blow or coax his or her frog to get it to jump.
• Each frog will be scored by marking the distances of three consecutive jumps.
• Judges with marking pins will mark the three jumps by placing a pin at each location where the frog lands.
• Prizes for First, Second and Third place will be given out to the winners in the following categories:
  #1. The longest first jump.
  #2. The longest single jump.
  #3. The longest distance of the three combined jumps.
• Contestants will be responsible to ensure that each frog is safely returned at the conclusion of the frog jumping contest to the respective location where it was caught.

AND REMEMBER - THE WORLD LOVES A PARADE!

The bigger, the better. We invite everyone to participate in the parade. We hope:

• Organizations (including churches) will enter floats - floats may be as elaborate as a decorated flat-bed or as simple as any interesting, decorate vehicle. The more colorful, the better. A little music is always nice.
• Marching units - perhaps your organizations could form a special drill team for the occasion?
• Equestrian units - horses help to make a parade. Let's see more of Charlton's finest!
• Automobiles - if you have an interesting older or classic car, show us! Perhaps you would like to provide transportation for a dignitary?
• Costumed characters - if you are not afraid to entertain the citizens of Charlton by appearing in a special costume, come and walk the parade!

PLEASE call Cathy Kuehl at (508)248-6383 if you want to participate in the parade in anyway. Cathy is very creative and full of ideas. She will have you in that parade!

Old Home Day 2008 Schedule of Events - Tentative!