7 Unmissable Highlights Of Greencastle-Antrim's 42nd Triennial Old Home Week 2025
The countdown has officially begun! As of today, December 25, 2025, the highly anticipated Greencastle-Antrim Old Home Week is just months away, promising a spectacular return of this beloved triennial celebration. This unique, week-long festival, which transforms the historic Borough of Greencastle, Pennsylvania, into a hub of community pride and nostalgia, is set to mark its 42nd iteration in 2025. The tradition, which dates back to the early 20th century, continues to honor the past while celebrating the vibrant present of the Greencastle-Antrim community.
The Greencastle-Antrim Old Home Week Association has confirmed the dates for the 2025 celebration, ensuring that former residents and visitors from across Franklin County, PA, and beyond can plan their return. From the colossal parade to the daily community gatherings, this is an event steeped in local history and tradition, making it a truly unmissable experience for anyone connected to the area.
Confirmed Dates and Historical Context of the 42nd Triennial Celebration
The Greencastle-Antrim Old Home Week is not an annual event; it is a cherished triennial tradition, meaning it occurs just once every three years. This rarity is what makes the 2025 celebration so significant and highly anticipated by the local populace and returning "Old Boys" and "Old Girls."
- Official 2025 Dates: The 42nd Triennial Old Home Week will run from Saturday, August 2nd, through Saturday, August 9th, 2025.
- The Founding Vision: The tradition officially began in 1902, though its roots trace back to September 1901. It was originally known as the "Old Boys' Reunion."
- The Founder: The event was the brainchild of concert singer Philip Baer, who was inspired to create a welcoming reunion for those who had moved away from Greencastle. Philip Edward Baer is celebrated as the father and founder of this lasting community event.
- A Century of Tradition: Maintaining a tradition that has now spanned well over a century, the Greencastle-Antrim Old Home Week Association ensures that each celebration honors past themes, such as the 2022 focus on Allison's Tavern, one of Greencastle's earliest structures.
The event is a powerful demonstration of topical authority in community heritage, drawing thousands to the area. It serves as a profound connection between the past and present residents of Greencastle and the surrounding Antrim Township.
The 2025 Old Home Week Parade: A Spectacle Not to Miss
The centerpiece of any Old Home Week celebration is the massive, hours-long parade, which draws enormous crowds to the streets of Greencastle. The 2025 parade is already being planned and promises to be a spectacular showcase of local organizations, businesses, and emergency services.
Parade Details and Featured Entities
The parade is scheduled for the second half of the week, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the earlier events before the grand finale. This is one of the largest parades in Franklin County, PA, and a true testament to the community's spirit.
- Parade Date and Time: The main Old Home Week Parade is scheduled for Thursday, August 7, 2025, starting at 6:00 PM.
- Key Participants: Spectators can expect to see a wide array of participants, including numerous fire trucks from local and surrounding volunteer fire companies, marching bands, community floats, and, notably, a display of antique tractors.
- Community Involvement: The parade route, typically along Washington Street and other main thoroughfares, becomes packed with families, high school alumni, and visitors. The sheer scale and length of the procession are legendary in the Cumberland Valley region.
The planning for this massive logistical undertaking involves the Greencastle-Antrim Old Home Week Association and various local authorities, including the Borough of Greencastle, to ensure a smooth and safe event for all attendees. Contractors are even restricted from performing work during the week to maintain the town’s festive atmosphere.
Essential Community Events and Local Dining During Old Home Week
While the parade is the highlight, the week is filled with dozens of smaller, yet equally important, events that provide opportunities for reunion and community engagement. These events showcase the best of Greencastle's local life and hospitality.
Daily Gatherings and Special Offers
Beyond the main carnival and entertainment on the square, several key entities host special events designed to welcome back visitors and celebrate the community.
- Greencastle Senior Activity Center Open House: A specific date has been announced for the center’s celebration. The Open House is scheduled for Monday, August 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM, welcoming seniors and the general public to join in the festivities.
- Local Dining Specials: The John Allison Public House, a popular local establishment, is known to host special menus and events throughout the week, catering to the influx of visitors and providing a taste of local cuisine. Be sure to check with other local restaurants and eateries for their Old Home Week Specials.
- Entertainment on the Square: Historically, the center of Greencastle becomes a temporary fairground, featuring rides, games, food vendors, and nightly musical entertainment. The Old Home Week Program will detail the full schedule of performances and activities for the 2025 event.
- Reunions and Alumni Events: Numerous class reunions and family gatherings are strategically planned to coincide with the Triennial Old Home Week, making it the premier time for Greencastle-Antrim High School alumni to return home.
The spirit of the Old Home Week Association is to foster a sense of belonging and nostalgia. The event is a massive undertaking, and the Board of Directors relies on the assistance of various local organizations to make the week a success. This collective effort underscores the deep community spirit that the founder, Philip Baer, envisioned over a century ago.
Planning Your Visit to Greencastle, PA in August 2025
If you are planning to attend the 42nd Triennial Old Home Week, early planning is highly recommended. The event significantly increases traffic and accommodation demand in Greencastle and the wider Franklin County area.
- Accommodation: Hotels, bed and breakfasts, and short-term rentals in Greencastle, Chambersburg, and Hagerstown (just across the Maryland border) book up quickly. Secure your lodging well in advance.
- Parking and Transportation: Be prepared for street closures, especially around the town square and along the parade route on August 7th. Utilize designated community parking areas and consider arriving early for events.
- Official Program: Keep an eye on the official Old Home Week website and social media channels for the release of the complete 2025 Program, which will include specific times for all daily events, entertainment lineups, and the official theme badge for the celebration.
The 42nd Triennial Old Home Week is more than just a festival; it is a cultural anchor for the Greencastle-Antrim community. It’s a chance to reconnect with roots, celebrate local history, and enjoy a week of unparalleled community pride in the heart of Pennsylvania.
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