Keep your calendar open for Labor Day weekend this year for Charlton’s Old Home Days festivities. This long-standing tradition started in 1897 when the citizens of Charlton gathered at the end of the summer before the beginning of the fall harvest and the onset of the isolating winter. 

This year, the celebrations  kick off at 6:30 pm on Saturday, September 5 at Bay Path RVTHS, 57 Old Muggett Hill Rd., with a concert provided by Dock 10, followed by the fireworks. Spread a blanket on the Bay Path fields, bring your own picnic basket, or enjoy food from local vendors. and listen to the concert. The  fireworks will begin around 9 p.m.

Sunday begins early with the Soap Box Derby at 7 a.m. (weigh-ins even earlier). And these are the old-fashioned, full-sized, race-down-the-hill soap boxes that had to be built to exacting specs. 

Festivities continue on and around the Charlton Town Common (37 Main St) with local food vendors, family-friendly activities, live music, and citizen-recognition awards. Don’t forget to visit the Charlton Garden Club tent from 10 am-3 pm. Stop by to admire beautiful and unique floral designs created by members. Chat with club members and get a list of their fall meetings and speakers. For more info, email Glendaly Stockley or Tricia Gay at [email protected]

The parade steps off at 3:30 and organizers invite everyone to participate: Decorated Power Wheels / Doll Carriages / Bikes / Wagons for the little ones; floats from organizations or individuals; marching units from local organizations; equestrian units; automobiles – antique, classic, or new – and of course costumed characters. If you have a suggestion or question, call Patsy Rydlak, parade organizer, at 774-922-7022,

Event Schedule Highlights

7:00 AM: Soap Box Derby on Muggett Hill Road. Confirm times for weigh-ins!

9:00 AM: Annual 5-Mile Road Race starts at the Town Common

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM: Booths, displays, and the Charlton Garden Club Flower Show on the Common

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Live music performance by Holdin’ Back; the ‘60s at the Town Common

1:00 PM: Awards Ceremony at the Bandstand. Past categories include Community Service Awards, Youth Community Service Award, Business Award, Parade Marshall, and Citizen of the Year

3:30 PM: Parade steps off from Overlook (88 Masonic Home Rd).