MEREDITH ― Edward J. “Rusty” McLear, one of Meredith’s most influential visionaries, is being honored as grand marshal of Meredith Old Home Day 2026. Aligning with this year’s Old Home Day theme ― "Honoring yesterday, celebrating today: Meredith 1776-2026" ― Rusty’s presence connects Meredith’s past and present, celebrating his role in transforming Meredith from a former mill town into the quaint, lakeside tourist destination it is today.
“It is an honor to have Rusty serve as our grand marshal for Old Home Day. His vision for Meredith, along with his countless contributions to the community, helped shape the town we know and love today,” said Michelle Brown, member of the Meredith Old Home Day Committee.
“Rusty is a larger than life figure," said Bonnie Edwards, a member of the Old Home Day Committee and vice president of preservation for the Meredith Historical Society. “Just as we talk about key historical figures from our past, like John Bond Swasey and Ebenezer Smith, in 100 years, people will still be talking about Rusty McLear.”
A coalition of groups in town have come together to work on Old Home Day 2026. The Town of Meredith is taking the lead organizing role, along with the Meredith Chamber of Commerce, the Shop Main Street group and the Greater Meredith Program.
Local bands, entertainers, craft vendors and nonprofit groups are contributing to the celebrations which will take place on historic Main Street. An egg toss, scavenger hunt and the famous pie-eating contest are planned as well as a climbing wall, a dunk tank ― with special guests ― and a bouncy house for kids. Heather Bishop will again be the master of ceremonies.
The Old Home Day tradition began in New Hampshire more than 125 years ago as a way to celebrate rural towns as people were lured away to cities and western states. Meredith was established in 1768, eight years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This year’s Old Home Day focuses on the rich history of Meredith from 1776 to the present day, and what comes next.
For more information and updates, go to facebook.com/MeredithOldHomeDay, or mereditholdhomeday.com.
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