Hudson will rock to the oldies at Old Home Days

HUDSON – Dust off those poodle skirts and saddle shoes, because the 1950s are making a comeback.

At least they are for the weekend.

The theme of this year’s Old Home Days, which kicks off Friday night on the grounds of the Hills House on Route 102, is the 1950s.

There will be plenty of chances to show off those ’50s skills, including a dance contest, hula hoop contest and trivia contest.

“The ’50s were great,” said Priscilla Clegg, Hudson Historical Society president and one of the Old Home Days organizers.

The three-day event also will feature dozens of vendors, bands, rides and fireworks. About 60 vendors will be on hand selling everything from homemade fudge to custom leather items.

RJ’s Exotics from Nashua is coming out for its second year with a range of animals. Last year, the snakes, lizards, alligators and tarantula drew a large crowd, Clegg said.

“You couldn’t get near that tent,” she said.

The 1950s theme also will be reflected in the choice of entertainers. The Classic Oldies Band will be playing on the Hills House’s porch on Saturday evening, and the Super Legends Oldies Show, which features mostly songs from the 1950s, will be there Friday night.

There will be many returning acts and events, including the motorcycle parade, weather permitting, and the state police will be there with its helicopter and bomb squad.

The Hudson police K-9 officer will be present with his partner, Akim.

There also will be a climbing wall and tours of the Hudson Hills House.

People who pay a dollar to park will be given tickets for raffles that will be held throughout the day, Clegg said. There will be detailed instructions included with the tickets this year.

Old Home Days has been ongoing for more than 100 years, and this is the sixth year it’s been sponsored and managed by the Historical Society.