Historical tradition returns to town this year

In the early 1920s, the people of Newfield set out their picnic baskets and blankets on the green grounds of the Newfield Methodist Church for what would eventually become an annual tradition in the town, Old Home Days. The event was initially set up by the Newfield Get Together Association, according to the Newfield Historical Society (NHS).

According to the NHS, it is not officially known what years Old Home Days were held, with the earliest evidence being an Ithaca Journal article published in 1922 and  a photo from 1924. The most documented evidence is a list of many months of planning by E. Craig Donnan, who was chairman at the time, in June of 1941.

At the 1941 event were a number of Finnish and Bohemian music and dance performances, as well as a choir performance from the Methodist Church and several other exhibits. 

Plans were eventually formed in 1971 to prepare to celebrate the Newfield Sesquicentennial (150th anniversary of the founding of the town of Newfield) in 1972. For the anniversary, plans were made to restore the town’s iconic covered bridge, and a 74-page book was written titled “Newfield – 150 Years.”

Due to the success of the 1972 anniversary event, Newfield decided to makeOld Home Days an annual event, hosting a celebration on June 8, 1973, for the first time in 32 years. This would be the start of the recorded annual tradition of Old Home Days.

Old Home Days is back for the second time since the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will take place over two days. Day one begins at Newfield Central Schools on Friday, July 28, at 5:00 p.m. On the following day, Saturday, July 29, a parade will take place from the Newfield covered bridge to Newfield Central Schools, beginning at 11:00 a.m.. 

Old Home Days will feature live music performances, bouncy houses, popcorn, parade floats, fireworks, food vendors and several more attractions that honor the annual tradition. 

Vicki Cody, chairperson of the Old Home Days committee, remarked about the importance of having an annual community event in Newfield.

“This is the only festival for the entire year for the town of Newfield. … As far as the village trying to get together and saying, ‘This is our festival, this is it,’ it’s fairly important,” Cody said. “There’s a parade down Main Street, and people line the streets and people come over and enjoy their time.” 

Apart from the food vendors and raffles, the event is free to attend, which makes it a fun activity for everyone to enjoy. 

“It gives people stuff to do – wholesome stuff, family-type stuff to do in the summer without spending a lot of money. … You don’t have to spend a lot of money to bring your family. I think that’s important.”

The Old Home Days committee is passionate about putting on the best event they can each year. Yet Cody stressed that working with a limited number of members can be overwhelming and urged community members to consider joining the committee.

“As much as we who are on the committee enjoy what we do, we work very hard because we’re small in number,” Cody said. “People who have over the years really enjoyed the event might want to think about what their part can be, what they can contribute to making Old Home Days a little easier for everyone.”

For those interested in getting involved, check out the Newfield Old Home Days Facebook page.

“If you’ve enjoyed this over the years, think about joining the committee and finding your niche, and sharing your specialty,” Cody said.

Newfield Notes appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.

In brief:

Mill Park Music Series

Tonight’s Newfield Music Series at Mill Park (July 26) begins at 6:00 p.m. and features a performance by Erin & the Backwoods Blues Project. 

Town board to meet

A Newfield Town Board work session will take place from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 27. Those wanting to attend should look to the town website for more information.

Coming up at the library

A puppet show and workshop with Lily Gershon will take place on Friday, July 28, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Newfield Public Library, 198 Main St. Gershon is a puppeteer, producer and singer with a master’s degree in education. 

Yoga For Beginners will be held at Newfield Public Library Saturday, July 29 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. The event will be hosted by Phyllis KuanYin Chi and is suitable for beginners and those with mobility issues.

Teen Takeover at the Newfield Public Library is on Monday, July 31 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. 

Cookbook club will take place at Newfield Public Library on Monday, July 31 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Family Story Time will be held at Newfield Public Library Tuesday, Aug. 1 from 10:30-11:15 a.m. The event includes stories, songs and more for infants through age 5.