After a two-year break because of the pandemic, the festival is back and will start today (Saturday, April 23) and continue until next Saturday, April 30 with amusement rides, a town-wide yard sale, music, vendors, food trucks, a 5K and the parade on the last day.
Orleans Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Robert F. Henderson has announced a last-minute addition to the 2022 Dogwood Festival lineup of events.
“We are really excited to play host to “Colts in Motion,” as part of the festivities this year,” said Henderson.
The special visitor experience will be in town for one day only on Parade Day, April 30th, and set up in the Orleans Library Parking lot, adjacent to the Orleans Police Station.
Everyone is encouraged to stop in and check out the interactive exhibit.
The Orleans Dogwood Festival has once again been named by Midwest Living magazine as one of its “Top Flowering Festivals in the Midwest.”
Here are some of the events to check out —
• Dogwood Murder Mystery Dinner Theater with its show “Murder at the Art Show.” The dinner show is in partnership with The Orange County Players. Tickets are still on sale from the Orleans Town Offices for all three performances on April 29, April 30, and May 1.
The cost will be $12 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
• Little Miss and Queen crowning will take place on April 23 at the Orleans Elementary School. The 2022 “Mr. Dogwood” will be named during the intermission for the queen crowning ceremonies. The pageant will begin at 5 p.m.
• The Orleans American Legion will provide the midway, Brady’s Amusement, which will set up and operate the entire week.
• Euchre Tourney is April 28 at the old Leipsic School building
• Longtime Orleans Pastor Tom Bostic and 2022 parade grand marshal will lead the parade at 2 p.m. on April 30. The chamber is still accepting last-minute entries for the event and everyone is being encouraged to participate.
Categories include floats, political, walking, equestrian, classic, and/or antique vehicles, bands, etc.
This year’s theme celebrates the resiliency of “Hometown Spirit.”
The parade will start from the Orleans Jr-Sr. High School, is located on the north edge of town.
The school traditionally serves as the staging area for the event. Line-up begins at 11 a.m. and continues until 1 p.m. Judging of units begins at approximately 1 p.m.
The parade travels down Maple St. (S.R. 37 S.) and through the historic downtown area.
Entry forms may now be obtained by visiting the Dogwood Festival website www.orleansdogwoodfestival.com For more information on the Parade contact Chairperson Jennifer Blanton, 812-797-2847
• Live entertainment is planned for the Main Stage during the festival week with Lick Creek Bank, and a gospel concert with The Breeding Sisters with Worth the Journey.
Other festival favorite highlights include the Phi Beta Psi Styles & Salads, Photo Contest, Student Art Show, Pet Parade, Arts & Crafts in the park, Orleans Christian Church’s chili supper, and Kiwanis famous Creek Bank Potatoes.
More festival details, entry forms, and event chairmen contacts are available on the festival’s website, www.orleansdogwoodfestival.com.
