Like many Upper Valley towns, Orford was incorporated in 1761 when charters were issued. Other towns have held their celebrations, but Orford chooses to recognize the true start of the community as 1765.

The 250th Anniversary Celebration recognizes Orford’s first permanent colonial settlement established in 1765. The town had a centennial celebration in 1865. On August 7, 8, and 9, Orford’s residents will come together to celebrate its 250th anniversary with fun for all ages and events ranging from music and art exhibits to a Mall Walk and family activities. Friday, August 7, festivities kick off at 5pm with a dinner by the Firefighters of Orford Association on the East Common followed at 6pm with a concert by the band Conniption Fits.

Saturday, August 8, is a full day, starting with breakfast at the Mount Cube Mason Lodge from 7:30 to 10am, re-enactments, art exhibits at the Orford Social Library from noon to 4pm, free ice cream from Tullando Farm, “Meet Your Neighbors Under The Tent,” family activities, and badminton and croquet throughout the day. At 2pm the Vermont Fiddle Orchestra will perform, and a special “Orford 250th” cancellation at the Orford Post Office takes place from 1 to 3:30pm. A town-wide photo shoot at the end of the Mall Walk starts at noon.

Saturday evening the Orford/Fairlee Lions Club will serve a steak and lobster supper from 5 to 7pm, followed by a concert on the East Common with the Blue Rooster Band.

Sunday, August 9, starts off with breakfast at the Orford Congregational Church from 7:30 to 9am. A special church service will be held at the Orfordville Church from 10:30 to 11:30am.

Re-enactments, free ice cream, family activities, and art exhibits continue on the East Common with a cupcake competition for “Best Orford 250th Themed Cake” from 4:30 to 6pm.

Also on Sunday in Orfordville, the Grand Opening of the Town Heritage Center takes place at 2:15pm and a bench dedication at the Orford Free Library follows at 3:15pm.

After this three-day event winds down, on September 26 the town will celebrate the signing of the Orford Town Charter with a reading of the charter, a fall-themed supper at Main Street Congregational Church, horse-drawn wagon rides, and fireworks.