Townsend has always been a community that honors its past while looking toward the future, and now we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate both. As our nation marks America’s 250th birthday, Townsend has been hosting a series of events that will lead up to a grand finale: a 250th Anniversary Parade and Old Home Day Celebration on Saturday, June 20, 2026. This date is special because on June 20, 1776, Townsend voted to support our country’s independence.
This will be more than just a parade. It will be a hometown celebration of who we are, where we’ve come from, and the people who make this community strong. The parade will start from Scales Lane at 11:00 a.m., travel down Main Street, and end at the Town Common, where the Old Home Day festivities will continue with games, local food, and displays such as antique cars.
Want to be part of this parade? To bring this incredible milestone to life, the Townsend Historical Society, working closely with town residents, organizations, and volunteers, is inviting all town boards, committees, departments, churches, businesses, and community and nonprofit organizations to be part of the parade! To sign up your group, click the button below. Every group and business that participates gets a free time capsule kit to make the 250th extra special!
Who has signed up?
| Group | Parade activity | Old Home Day activity |
| Townsend Historical Society | Townsend Community Time Capsule | |
| Lions Club | Walking as a group/float? | Open to help…perhaps food?? |
| Squannacook Greenways | Decorating bikes and riding together in the parade | |
| Townsend-Ashby Youth Soccer Association | We have not yet decided if it will be a float or walking parade but most likely a little of both. | Possibly mini-nets for the kids to play? |
| Townsend Community Access Media | Video recording | Video recording |
| Townsend 4-H Club | Some type of float | |
| Townsend Rod and Gun Club | Old military truck with people | Military truck to explore |
| Townsend Veterans of Foreign Wars | Walking/riding in a vehicle | Table |
| Townsend Veteran Service Officer | ||
| Women in the Military Service – WIMSA | ||
| Townsend Minuteman Company | Marching with drummer and fifer | Setting up a small recreation of a Rev War encampment – usually in the corner toward Evans |
| Girls scouts and Congdon family | Float depicting the Bill of Rights and our amendments including women’s right to vote | |
| Sven Hills Foundation | We support individuals with disabilities and their families, throughout North Central Mass | Walking as a group |
Want to be a sponsor?
To help us put on this celebration, we are looking for your support! In appreciation of your generosity, THS offers several sponsorship levels to be recognized in the official program to be handed out to all participants the day of the event, in addition to social media and our website. Please review the sponsorship levels outlined below and consider joining us as a proud supporter of the 250th celebration. Signing up is as easy as scanning the QR code below, or clicking on the Sponsorship button.
Thank you for your support in preserving our town’s history and making this celebration unforgettable!
Townsend Celebrates 250th Sponsorship Levels & Benefits
Colonial Friend – $100
- Name listed in 250th Event Pamphlet
- Recognition in one social media post
- Name listed on event website (townsend250.org) and THS website
Patriot Supporter – $250
- Quarter page listing in 250th Event Pamphlet
- Recognition in two social media posts
- Logo listed on event website (townsend250.org) and THS website
Independence Partner – $500
- Half page listing in 250th Event Pamphlet
- Recognition in two social media posts
- Logo listed on event website (townsend250.org) and THS website
Founding Sponsor – $1,000
- Full page listing in 250th Event Pamphlet, logo on front page of pamphlet
- Recognition in three social media posts
- Logo listed on event website (townsend250.org) and THS website
Sponsors
Independence Partner
Meeting minutes
Other events celebrating the 250th
- November 22, 2025 Time Capsule Kits for Sale. $10.00 donation to THS, at the Congregational Church Fair
- Dec 6, 2025 Time Capsule Kits for Sale at Townsend Library /Senior Center Holiday Fair. $10.00 donation to benefit Townsend Historical Society.
- Dec 6 through Jan 2026 – “Sam The Minuteman.” THS decorated tree at the Townsend Public Library Festival of Trees.