Entry period now underway for Old Home Week parade and flower show
It’s time to get ready creative for the 39th Triennial Greencastle-Antrim Old Home Week parade and flower show. Entries are open for both of these favorite Old Home Week traditions which also are offering something new in 2016.
Parade registration forms are available on the Old Home Week website at www.oldhomeweek.org and flower show pre-entry categories can be registered by calling 597-7557 or 404-4890.
Be a part of the parade
Everyone loves a parade and Old Home Week organizers hope a lot of people want to be in a parade Thursday, Aug. 11.
Entries are now being accepted for the triennial event that traditionally fills the sidewalks and curbs of Greencastle with more than 6,000 spectators.
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New this year is the start time, which has been moved up a half hour to 6 p.m. in order to provide more daylight. The rain date is Saturday, Aug. 13 at 2 p.m.
Organizers are hoping to generate a little more Old Home Week flavor in 2016 with expanded categories.
New to the lineup with be a special category for Community/Civic Themed Groups with four prizes of $100, $75, $50 and $25.
The judges will also get to select an all around favorite with a Judges Choice category which will pay out $200 to the winner in the promenade.
There will be a separate categories for individual mummers and couples this time around. There will be cash prizes for Old Home Week themed individuals under 19 and for 19 and over. First place pays $30 and second place nets $20.
The premium for the Old Home Week themed couple has been increased to $50 for first place and $30 for second.
Good news for fire and rescue companies — premiums have been increased for best appearing aerial unit, best appearing engine and best appearing special unit. Other emergency apparatus categories include best appearing squad, amublance/medic, antique apparatus and company overall.
Bands will appear by invitation. Other prize categories include uniformed organization, junior organization (under age 19) and float. A new category will be for Dance or Cheer Group of 10 or more.
Those interested are asked to enter as soon as possible, but no later than Aug. 1. Questions can be directed to 597-8625 or by e-mail at sparkman51@hotmail.com
The parade has grown to become the highlight of Thursdays. The Greencastle Lions Club has been in charge since 2007, with John Alleman as chair. Last time around there were 112 entries. The route goes from Leitersburg onto South Washington, Franklin to South Carlisle, then Walter to head back south on Allison to the starting point. The sidewalks and curbs fill with 6,000 spectators who wave, cheer and collect candy and other goodies from the passing units.
‘Come Home and Smell the Flowers’
The beauty produced in local gardens and the creativity of local residents will be on display with the Old Home Week Flower Show Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 8 and 9, held in the First United Methodist Church, 45 N. Washington St.
“Come Home and Smell the Flowers” is the theme of the 2016 event which is sponsored by the Greencastle-Antrim Lioness Club. The show will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9.
Divisions include those which need to the pre-entered and those which may be bring in on the first day of the show.
The Artistic Design categories require pre-entry and will be under the theme of “A Tribute to our Veterans.” Fresh flower arrangements are wanted in the following categories: “Fireworks” with accessories of ones choice; “Red, White and Blue” using the “Americana” colors and accessories; “Smell the Flowers” with a traditional design of choice.
Fresh and/or Dried arrangements are needed for the following divisions: “The Porch Swing” using a weathered wood, vines and may show anything pertaining to the porch and swing; “Arsenic and Old Lace” incorporating additional accessories to capture this theme; “The Old Country Store” create the feeling of the “old” neighborhood country store or an illusion of it.
Other divisions that require pre-entry are for table arrangements and door arrangement.
For “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” a fresh arrangement is placed on a card table covered with a tablecloth using a plate, cup, saucer, soup bowl, stemware and napkin as a place setting. No flatware should be used. Tables are provided.
For “Welcome Home” doors will be supplied. Door hanger should be furnished by exhibitor.
There are also divisions which may be brought to the show with no pre-entry. Categories are potted plants, hanging baskets and horticulture specimens (one cut flower in glass bottle). Bottles are provided. There is also a division for miniature arrangements called “Petite Expressions.” New this year in this category is “Fairy Gardens.”
To enter or for information, contact Lioness Dolly Shoemaker at 597-7557 or Brenda Cunningham at 404-4890.