Pelham Old Home Day 2026
Is Coming to Town
Saturday September 19th 2026
About Our Old Home Day!
Pelham's Old Home Day is a gracious response to the request of the Governor of the state of New Hampshire in 1899 who asked for a statewide celebration of Old Home Days. The first Old Home Day was celebrated in Pelham on August 18, 1906. August was the best time because the farming communities were between harvests. Farmers were not known for having summer vacations. Pelham was championing its place on the new Electric Railroad System between the points of Lowell, Massachusetts and Canobie Lake/Salem, New Hampshire. Wednesday was an excellent day for this event! Businesses closed in Lowell for the afternoon and their day in the country benefited the people of Pelham. The first celebration in 1906 reunited the Greeley Singers. A souvenir book with ads and pictures was available. It was a time of speeches and a dinner at the Pilgrim Hall sponsored by the ladies of the Congregational Church. Several years later a parade and sporting events were added to the venue. The Lowell Symphonic Orchestra would come to play in the evening at 6 p.m. Mrs. Bigelow, choir director at First Congregational, was instrumental in bringing the Lowell Symphony to Pelham.
Some people still fondly recall those summer celebrations. People had a good time just visiting. By 1931, Old Home Day was sponsored by the Pelham First Congregational Church. This fundraiser helped to meet church expenses. The Ladies Aid Society would make aprons and pot holders which would sell for a few pennies each. May Smith was known for buying enough aprons to keep herself for a year. A doll carriage parade, baby shows, fashion shows, plus talent and dance became a part of the program. A bake table provided cuisine fresh from the oven. Tug of wars and baseball games would not only provide entertainment but also be wonderful means of endearment and encouragement.
Vendor Information
Time: 9:00 am until 4:30 pm
One of the most anticipated attractions at Pelham Old Home Day is the beloved Crafter and
Vendor Fair, where creativity and community come together! Each year, we welcome over 90
talented crafters and organizations from across Southern NH.
Crafters showcase a wide variety of beautifully handcrafted items, including:
Handmade baskets, pottery, quilts, and knitted items
Custom jewelry, wooden cutting boards, and cornhole boards
Handmade candles, lotions, wreaths, and decor
Photographs, custom signs, and more!
Delicious treats are also available, featuring:
Home-baked goods, candy, caramel apples, whoopie pies, and ice cream
Home shopping vendors round out the fair with popular brands such as:
Tastefully Simple, LuLaRoe, Hills Home Market, and more
Local businesses offering health services and information about home sales, insurance and
repairs are happy to share their expertise. Additionally, nonprofit and civic organizations will be
present in our Community Corner, ready to discuss the valuable services they provide.
Interested in Participating in the Crafter and Vendor Fair?
Applications are now being accepted for individuals interested in joining the 2026 Pelham Old
Home Day Celebration as a crafter or vendor. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served
basis, and we often sell out! Secure your spot today to be part of this vibrant community event.
**Non-profit organizations are welcome to join us in our Community Corner.
Reminder: We do not provide tables, tarps, chairs or tents.
NO ELECTRICAL HOOKUPS ARE AVAILABLE.
TENTS MUST BE SECURED WITHOUT THE USE OF STAKES.
Attention: Applicants with Branded Merchandise
Please e-mail marieohd@gmail.com if you have a branded product such as LuLaRoe,
Tastefully Simple, Arbonne, Usborne etc.
We only allow one vendor who sells branded merchandise to sell at the event.
Mail your application with payment to:
First Congregational Church, UCC
Old Home Day Reservations
3 Main Street
Pelham, NH 03076
First Congregational Church of Pelham Office 603-635-7025 uccpelham@gmail.com
For vendor space reservation questions, email Marie marieohd@gmail.com
Vendor Space Fees:
Standard Crafter Space $125
Prime Crafter Space $150
Standard Business Space $150
Prime Business Space $175
Non-profit Standard Space $50
Non-profit Prime Space $85
Thank you all so very much for your support!
Sponsors
If you wish to be a part of our fabulous sponsors please reach out to Stephanie Noel 603.635.7025 or uccpelham@gmail.com
