Old Home Day is an annual day of celebration held in Charlton on Labor Day weekend at the end of each summer. This year, it will be celebrated on September 1, 2024. 

It’s a tradition more than 120 years old, established in 1897. The event is a gathering time that brings friends, neighbors, family, and visitors together in a true community spirit, reminiscent of the get- togethers held by Charlton residents before the beginning of the fall harvest and the onset of winter. It offers a chance for folks to join and reflect on the important things required to be a citizen here in a small town in Massachusetts. This day honors the town, the people and the past, with fun for all.

The entertainment and many of the activities vary from year to year, but are free of charge. It is a day filled with exciting entertainment, traditional events, friendship and fun for the residents of Charlton, neighboring towns, extended families, acquaintances and anyone who wants to know what Charlton is really all about!

All are welcome to enjoy the free entertainment and take part in the spirit of the community!

Saturday, August 31 at 6:30 p.m. 

Concert by Dock 10 at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks to follow at 9 p.m. at Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School, 57 Old Muggett Hill Road, Charlton.

For a family night out, come and join in the celebration. Spread a blanket to sit on the grassy fields of Bay Path, chow down on hot dogs, hamburgers and popcorn, and do some street dancing while listening to the free entertainment.

Sunday, September 1 

Information - Gazebo on Common

Soap Box Derby 

On Muggett Hill Road at 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Mandatory car inspections and weigh-ins onsite at 7 a.m. on the morning of the race.

Two classes from ages 7 - 10 years and  11-14 years. New this year is an Adult class – for ages over and under 21 years. The 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 boxracing 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! Soap Box Pre-Race Activity; there will be a mandatory derby car inspection.

Download the Soap Box Derby Application/Regulations Form (PDF) . Please contact Larry Pierce (978) 320-7958, Jerry Doble (508) 434-0297,  Steve Koronis at 774-230-6647 with any questions.

The Road Race starts at 9 a.m. on the Common. Come run the 57th Charlton Old Home Day Road Race. It’s a fun, yet challenging 5 mile, figure-8 race course that brings the runners back through the Common area and past the spectators halfway through the course.  Most participants consider it a challenging race due to the hilly nature of the course.  Walkers are welcome!​ Bib pick up and same day registration, 7:30 – 8:50 a.m. in front of Town Hall or register online at https://charltonoldhomedayroadrace.com/

This race is USATF sanctioned.

Trophies will be distributed after the race.

Parade

Steps off from the Overlook Senior Living, 88 Masonic Home Road at 3:30 p.m.

Decorated Power Wheels / 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. 

Floats: Organizations (including churches) will enter floats - floats may be as elaborate as a decorated flat-bed or as simple as any interesting, decorated 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!

Patsy Rydlak, Parade Organizer, 774-922-7022 

All Day

Keep an eye out for booths and games set up on the Common by Charlton non-profit organizations.

Grizzly Adams Photos on the Common near the Gazebo

Scottish Highland Games include heavy events like stone puts, weight throws and hammer throws and tossing the caber and the sheaf on the Field behind Library. Visit www.townofcharlton.net/DocumentCenter/View/1284/Highland-Game-Rules-PDF

Old Home Day Award Ceremony to take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 1, 2024, in front of the Library

Each year the Charlton Old Home Day Committee seeks nominations for Community Service Awards for Charlton businesses or residents. The awards are intended to recognize the volunteer work in the community, schools and service to fellow citizens. The awards are not intended for those, who during their traditional occupation complete their tasks, but for those who perform the good deeds purely out of volunteerism and civic duty.

Whatever the endeavor, these people deserve to be recognized and applauded for their efforts. Nominations were due by July 31.

Youth Community Service Award – Established in 2011, this award is intended to recognize the positive contributions of a young member of the community who has altruistically pursued humane efforts in improving the world in which we live. Such an award is to establish an example for others of a young age to follow. 

Individual Community Service Award – This award is given to those who have made contributions which have brightened our little corner of the world.                          

Business Award – This award is intended to recognize local businesses, who on a regular basis, support community events, groups or activities. 

Honorary Parade Marshal- This award goes to longtime residents who, during their lifetime here in Charlton, have consistently improved our quality of life.

Citizen of the Year – This award would be of the highest honor with consistent presence and repeated acts of major impact.

Posthumous Award – given to a departed citizen who gave much to the community.