Every Summer the community of Freedom is one of only five NH towns that celebrate an "Old Home Week" a unique idea initiated by NH Governor Frank W. Rollins in 1899 and officially recognized by Proclamation in the New Hampshire State Legislature in 1913. Going strong for more than a century, Freedom Old Home Week (FOHW) is a time for residents, guests, their friends and their families to attend and participate in fun and informative activities and events throughout Freedom.

Schedule of Events

July 26, 2024

LAWN PARTY

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 small 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 27, 2024

LADIES GUILD CRAFT SALE

The Freedom Christian Church Ladies Guild Craft Sale is open during Parade Day activities.  Stop by and visit and shop!  Help support a great organization making baby quilts for Memorial Hospital.

Location: 12 Elm Street (First Christian Church)

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!

GRAND MARSHALS

One highlight of the parade is the recognition of a Grand Marshal.  Throughout the parade's 100+ year history., the Freedom Old Home Week (FOHW) Association has named annual Grand Marshals ? a person or persons recognized for their outstanding contributions to our community, including volunteerism and dedication to making Freedom a special place in which to live.

Location: Elm Street & Old Portland Road (Freedom Village)

Click here for Parade Registration

FREEDOM HOUSE ANTIQUES

Freedom House is chock full of antiques and vintage collectibles, including kitchenware, garden decor, advertising, books, ephemera, toys, Christmas, other holidays, and much more.

Location: 17 Old Portland Road

SOUTH EATON MEETING HOUSE LUNCHEON

Come join us at the South Eaton Meeting House annual luncheon event. Enjoy lunch and delicious homemade desserts along with baked goods.  Visit our historic Meeting House and take a self-guided tour across the street to our historic cemetery.

Location: 402 Burnham Rd., Eaton (corner of Towle Hill & Burnham Rd)

July 28, 2024

OPENING SERVICE - FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF FREEDOM

PADDLE ON OVER!

Location: 12 Elm Street

PADDLE OR SAIL OVER FOR FUN!

Camp Robin Hood - a wonderful neighbor and fixture in Freedom for over 90 years - is delighted to help celebrate 125 years of Freedom Old Home Week with a "meet-on-the-beach" at the camp!  The Robin Hood staff will greet all guests at the beach as you arrive in your human-powered watercraft of choice (no motor boats, please) where there will be organized beach activities and light refreshments offered.  Come enjoy a summer morning on beautiful Broad Bay!

Location: Camp Robin Hood waterfront

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS - FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF FREEDOM

Location: 12 Elm Street

"LESS TOLD STORIES OF FREEDOM" WITH ALAN FALL

Learn the history and interesting little known facts about Freedom!

Location: 16 Elm Street (Freedom Town Hall)

ILLUSIONIST LYN DILLIES

AMERICA’S PREMIER FEMALE ILLUSIONIST - FUN FOR ALL AGES!

Master illusionist Lyn Dillies has mesmerized audiences of all ages throughout the U.S. and Canada for over three decades. Hailed as the finest female magician in the land, Lyn’s engaging personality, along with some of the most spectacular, eye-defying illusions in magic today wows her audiences with an unforgettable experience.

AMAZING, DYNAMIC, SPECTACULAR!

"The most highly acclaimed female illusionist in America, Lyn Dillies delivers a dazzling display of spectacular magic for the entire family!  She had the sold-out crowd applauding her every move!"

Location: 40 Loon Lake Road (Freedom Elementary School)

July 29, 2024

FREEDOM HISTORICAL SOCIETY EXHIBITS

See artifacts and other relics of historic Freedom and peruse our wonderful Archive Resource Room making our Museum a great summertime visit!

Location: 28 Old Portland Road

CRIBBAGE

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!

Location: 16 Elm Street (Freedom Town Hall)

YOGA FOR ALL AGES

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

Location: 8 Elm Street (Freedom Gallery)

BINGO!

Join us for a fun family evening!  Thanks to our generous FOHW Sponsors, there's no charge and light refreshments will be served.

Location: 40 Loon Lake Road (Freedom Elementary  School)

July 30, 2024

PROSPECT MOUNTAIN HIKE

A short but rewarding hike to multiple views of the White Mountains!  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.

Location: 184 Scarboro Ro

MAH JONGG TOURNAMENT

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.

Location: 16 Elm Street (Freedom Town Hall)

FREEDOM HISTORICAL SOCIETY EXHIBITS

See artifacts and other relics of historic Freedom and peruse our wonderful Archive Resource Room making our Museum a great summertime visit!

Location:  28 Old Portland Road

LAND SPORTS - SPONSORED BY FREEDOM ELEMENTARY PTO

Fun for kids of all ages!

Location:  40 Loon Lake Road (Freedom Elementary School Ballfield)

FREEDOM HISTORICAL SOCIETY WALKING TOUR

One hour walking tour of Historic Businesses of Freedom Village.

Location:  28 Old Portland Road

"THE SECRET LIVES OF MOOSE"

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

Location:  16 Elm Street (Freedom Town Hall)

July 31, 2024

HISTORICAL WALK WITH ALAN FALL

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

Location: 40 Loon Lake Road (Freedom Elementary School)

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

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.

Location:  40 Loon Lake Road (Freedom Elementary School)

FREEDOM HISTORICAL SOCIETY EXHIBITS

See artifacts and other relics of historic Freedom and peruse our wonderful Archive Resource Room making our Museum a great summertime visit!

Location:  28 Old Portland Road

FREEDOM HOUSE ANTIQUES

Freedom House is chock full of antiques and vintage collectibles, including kitchenware, garden decor, advertising, books, ephemera, toys, Christmas, other holidays, and much more.

Location:  17 Old Portland Road

QUILTS OF VALOR - PRESENTATION TO VETERANS

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.

Location: 16 Elm Street (Town Hall - upstairs)

MARY'S MOUNTAIN HIKE

Meet at Mary's Mountain Trailhead in the Freedom Town Forest for this short, slightly steep, rewarding climb to enjoy a view of Ossipee Lake and environs.  Wear sturdy & comfortable boots/shoes; dress appropriately for the weather, including a sweater that could be donned if it gets chilly and possibly rain gear.  Bring water and perhaps a snack.  Consider sun screen and bug spray.

Location: Mary's Mountain Trailhead in the Freedom Town Forest

"TIL WE MEET AGAIN"- RITUAL OF REMEMBRANCE

Share a brief time of remembering Freedom friends, now departed. Whether recent losses, or friends long gone, we will speak their names, tell a few stories about them, and share fond memories from Old Home Weeks' past.  All are welcome!

Location: 12 Elm Street (First Christian Church of Freedom)

August 1, 2024

FREEDOM HISTORICAL SOCIETY EXHBITS

See artifacts and other relics of historic Freedom and peruse our wonderful Archive Resource Room making our Museum a great summertime visit!

Location:  28 Old Portland Road

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

What should you do in an emergency? Come find out!

Location: 16 Elm Street (Freedom Town Hall)

FREEDOM HOUSE ANTIQUES

Freedom House is chock full of antiques and vintage collectibles, including kitchenware, garden decor, advertising, books, ephemera, toys, Christmas, other holidays, and much more.

Location: 17 Old Portland Road

FREEDOM HISTORICAL SOCIETY WALKING TOUR

One hour walking tour of Historic Businesses of Freedom Village.

Location:  28 Old Portland Road

GUIDED CANOE/KAYAK TOUR WITH NATURALIST LUCIE VILLENUEVE

Canoe or kayak up to 3 hours at your own pace with instructor/guides nearby for assistance.

-Ages 10+
-Register by August 1
-Bring coast guard approved, properly-fitting PFD
-Rentals available
-Registration cost varies if bringing own canoe/kayak, or if renting equipment.
-Snacks/water provided.
-Wear layers of quick-drying clothing & water shoes
-Bring hat, sunscreen, insect repellent

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

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

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!

Location: 33 Old Portland Road (Freedom Town Offices Bandstand)

August 2, 2024

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK & BAKE SALE

Annual sale of books and baked goods.

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

Location: 38 Old Portland Road (Freedom Public Library)

47TH ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR

See and shop an array of handmade goods from local artisans.There will be holiday gifts, pottery, cold drinks and food, as well as a raffle!Admission is free.

For more information contact Bonnie Ellie: [email protected]  or 978-337-4323

Location:  40 Loon Lake Road (Freedom Elementary School)

FREEDOM HISTORICAL SOCIETY EXHIBITS

See artifacts and other relics of historic Freedom and peruse our wonderful Archive Resource Room making our Museum a great summertime visit!  For more information contact the FHS: [email protected]  or 603-539-5799

Location:  28 Old Portland Road

THE SILVER CIRCUS

One man circus to demonstrate perseverance, self-confidence, and overcoming obstacles.  Sponsored by the Freedom Public Library

Location: 16 Elm Street (Freedom Town Hall - upstairs)

TALENT SHOW

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

Location:  16 Elm Street (Freedom Town Hall)

August 3, 2024

5K ROAD RACE & KIDS FUN RUN

The Freedom 5K road race is held annually on the last Saturday of Old Home Week.  Serious runners have a USATF certified course, while casual runners and walkers are invited to participate to get their blood flowing on an early Summer morning.  We guarantee all will enjoy the beauty and serenity of the country course!

Location:  40 Loon Lake Road (Freedom Elementary School)

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK & BAKE SALE

Annual sale of books and baked goods.

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

Location: 38 Old Portland Road (Freedom Public Library)

FREEDOM HISTORICAL SOCIETY EXHIBITS

See artifacts and other relics of historic Freedom and peruse our wonderful Archive Resource Room making our Museum a great summertime visit!  For more information contact the FHS: [email protected]  or 603-539-5799

Location:  28 Old Portland Road

FREEDOM HOUSE ANTIQUES

Freedom House is chock full of antiques and vintage collectibles, including kitchenware, garden decor, advertising, books, ephemera, toys, Christmas, other holidays, and much more.

Location:  17 Old Portland Road

MARGIE’S LUNCH

For one day only you can relive the past and have lunch at Margie's. Reservation required (3 seatings only: 11-12pm, 12-1pm, or 1-2pm). Seating limited to 25 per seating. To reserve email your request for number of seats and  time slot (11am, 12pm or 1pm) to [email protected] . We will confirm your reservation. Adults $10; Children 12 and under $5 (pay upon arrival).  No tickets will be sold at the event.  Contact FHS: [email protected]  or 603-539-5799

Location:  28 Old Portland Road

FREEDOM FIRE DEPARTMENT FAMILY FUN DAY

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.

Location:  40 Loon Lake Road (Freedom Elementary School - Ballfield)

August 4, 2024

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

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.

Location:  16 Elm Street (Freedom Town Hall)

CLOSING SERVICE - FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF FREEDOM

For more information: [email protected]

Location: 12 Elm Street

Date: July 26, 2024 - August 4, 2024

Location: Various Venues in Freedom

Click here for more information