ORLEANS – The Orleans Chamber of Commerce is busy putting the finishing touches on the upcoming 2023 Dogwood Festival.
This year will mark the 53rd anniversary of the celebration of the blooming dogwood, which is set for April 22 through April 29. This year’s theme is “Historic Orleans, My Hometown.”
Chamber Executive Director Robert F. Henderson said the festival committee has been working hard these past many months to bring back both old favorites and some new offerings for this year’s edition of the town’s beloved springtime celebration and homecoming.
Below is a schedule of events:
Friday, April 21
All-Day Town-Wide Yard Sale
Saturday, April 22 (Opening Day!)
All-Day Town-Wide Yard Sale
10 a.m. On-Site Registration-Dogwood Mile Run & Walk-Congress Square
10 a.m. Registration Starts-Dogwood Car Show – Congress Square Show runs Noon until 4 p.m.
5 p.m. – 53rd Annual Dogwood Little Miss, Jr. Miss Queen, “Mr. Dogwood” and Queen Crowning – Orleans Elementary Gym
Sunday, April 23
2 p.m. – Baby Contest – Orleans High School Cafeteria (New Day & Time!)
Monday, April 24
5 p.m. – Carnival opens – Congress Square
*Brady Amusements sponsored by Orleans American Legion Post #69
*O.B.R. Band Parents Food Stand Opens Downtown
Tuesday, April 25
10 a.m. – 5:30 pm – Photo Display – Orleans Public Library
5-10 p.m. – Carnival – Congress Square – Bracelet Night
6 p.m. – Phi Beta Psi Styles & Salads – Orleans Elementary School Cafeteria
6 p.m. – Mock Accident Demonstration – Congress Square
Wednesday, April 26
Dogwood Headquarters – Chamber Office
Vendors Arts & Crafts – Congress Square
4-7 p.m. – Student Art Reception – Orleans Public Library
4-7 p.m. – Photo Contest Display – Orleans Public Library
5-10 p.m. Carnival – Congress Square – Bracelet Night
5 p.m. – OHS Choir/OHS Pep Band – Main Stage6 pm – Gospel Night – Breeding Sisters w/ Worth the Journey – Main Stage
Thursday, April 27
Dogwood Headquarters – Chamber Office
Vendors Arts & Crafts – Congress Square
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. – Photo Contest Display-Orleans Public Library
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. – Student Art Display – Orleans Public Library
5 p.m. -10 p.m. – Carnival-Congress Square Bracelet Night
6 p.m. – Orleans Cub Scouts Pack 384 Rain Gutter Regatta – Congress Square
6 p.m. Registration Starts-Euchre Tourney – Old Leipsic School
Games begin 6:45 p.m.
7p.m. – Sweet Water Duo – Main Stage
Friday, April 28
Dogwood Headquarters – Chamber office
Vendors Arts & Crafts – Congress Square
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Photo Contest Display – Orleans Public Library
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Student Art Display – Orleans Public Library
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. – Chili Cook-Off/Supper – OCC Unity Hall
(Register Chili Sample & Recipe by 5:30 pm)
5-10 p.m. – Carnival – Congress Square
5:30 p.m. – Pet Parade – Congress Square
7 p.m. – Shiloh – Main Stage
7 p.m. – Murder Mystery Dinner Show – Orleans Wesleyan Fellowship Hall
“And Then There Was One Too Another Spoof”
($15 per person)
Saturday, April 29
Dogwood Headquarters – Chamber office
Vendors Arts & Crafts – Congress Square
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Student Art Display – Orleans Public Library
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Photo Contest Display – Orleans Public Library
10 a.m. – Kids Chalk the Walk – Congress Square
11 a.m. – Orleans Kiwanis Creekbank Potatoes – Carroll Corner (S.E. of Square)
12 noon – 10 p.m. Carnival – Congress Square
1:00 p.m .– Circle City Sidewalk Stompers Band – Main Stage
2 p.m. – 53rd Annual Dogwood Parade – Historic Maple Street (SR 37)
Theme: “Historic Orleans, My Hometown”
Grand Marshall: The Orleans Progress Examiner
7 p.m. – Murder Mystery Dinner Show – Orleans Wesleyan Fellowship Hall
($15 per person)
Sunday, April 30
7 p.m. – Murder Mystery Dinner Show – Orleans Wesleyan Fellowship Hall ($15 per person)
Weather Note: Some events subject to change or cancellation due to weather.
*In the event of severe weather, or any other type of emergency, the Orleans Christian Church and Orleans United Methodist Church are designated shelter areas during festival week.
First Aid – Orleans 1st Responders (South side square).
Dogwood Headquarters, festival, area visitor info, etc. (Orleans Chamber, north side of square)
