Orleans Police To Host Annual Block Party

ORLEANS – As summer begins to draw to a close, the Orleans Police Department wants to help the community end the season on a positive note.

Food, games, music and classic cars are all on the itinerary for this summer’s annual block party. On Aug. 21 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Main Street will be closed off between the intersections of Route 6A and Route 28 to accommodate the event.

“We look forward to everyone being there, and hopefully the weather’s good,” Orleans Police Lt. Andrew McLaughlin told the select board in an update on Aug. 7.

The block party has been held annually by the police department for more than two decades, save for an interruption in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID. Rain forced the cancellation of the event again in 2022, but police were able to bring the event back from hiatus last summer.

One of the most popular features of the block party are the classic cars, which once again will be staged along Main Street near Friends’ Marketplace and Santander Bank. Food, including burgers and hot dogs, will be available, while the event will also feature games and activities such as yoga and face painting.

“We’re looking for another face painter, if anybody has anyone in mind,” McLaughlin said. “They’re hard to find, but they’re always a big hit.”

The event also offers members of the police department an opportunity to engage with the public. Officers will be on hand to meet attendees, including members of the department’s motorcycle and SWAT units. Residents and visitors are also invited to bring their pets to the event.

Select board members said Aug. 7 that they planned to attend next week’s festivities.

“We’re going to have a meeting that day but we’ll make sure it’s brief,” select board chair Mark Mathison said.