In 2025, New Ipswich marked its 275th Anniversary with a slate of events, leading up to the main celebration in October, with the town’s annual Autumnfest, an anniversary parade, and fireworks.
The celebrations began in January, with a chili-cookoff in the Congregational Church. Nine-year-old Lincoln Worth, a first-time chili maker (and first-time stove-user) won the $100 grand prize out of seven entries.
Other celebrations included a town picnic on the lawn of the Barrett House, also known as Forest Hall. Resident brought blankets and their own lunch to have on the 1800-era home’s back lawn, enjoyed tours of the historic site, and had their photographs taken in historic-style clothing created by Daniel Ziarnik-Case.
The Club at Oak Hill, once known as the Souhegan Country Club, held several dances this year, with live music and a contra dance caller. The club has been the site of town dances dating back to the early 1900s.
School children from New Ipswich submitted essays on why they loved their town, which were on display during Autumnfest for residents to read.
The year-long celebration culminated on Oct. 4, with the anniversary parade, featuring town organizations and businesses and floats. The parade marched down Turnpike Road, ending at the town field, where immediately after, festivities for Autumnfest began, with an address by the Select Board, local vendors, a touch-a-truck, live music and food.
The night was capped off by fireworks at the Mascenic High School that evening.
