Orleans Police Department Block Party is Wednesday, August 20

Join in on a beloved annual tradition – the Orleans Police Department’s Block Party! Since its inception over 20 years ago, this event has become a highlight of the season 

When: Wednesday, August 20
Time: 5 - 8 PM
Where: Main Street (closed between Route 6A and Route 28) 

Expect a lively evening packed with favorite community elements: music to dance to, classic cars, food trucks with burgers and hot dogs, fun games and face painting, plus visits from SWAT, motorcycle patrol, and even local emergency units and fire/rescue displays. 

This free, family-friendly gathering is a great opportunity for neighbors to meet, mingle, and celebrate our shared community spirit. Bring your kids, pets, and neighbors to help close out summer on Main Street! 

Fire-Rescue Station Project Update 

The Fire-Rescue Station Building Committee has officially been appointed and held its first meeting this month. This group will help guide the planning and design of a new facility to support the critical work of Orleans Fire-Rescue.
 
Visit the Fire-Rescue Station Headquarters webpage for updates, meeting info, and ways to stay engaged.

Cape Cod Remains in a Drought – 

Please Follow Water Use Restrictions

Despite recent rainfall, Cape Cod continues to experience drought conditions. Groundwater levels have been slow to recover, and projections suggest we’re in for a dry summer. Conserving water remains critical to protecting our natural resources. 

As a reminder, mandatory non-essential outdoor water restrictions are in effect from May 1 through September 30, 2025. Per the vote of the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners, residents and businesses are limited to outdoor watering no more than two days per week, and only outside the hours of 9 AM to 5 PM. 

Restricted (non-essential) uses include: 

• Lawn, garden, or shrub watering via sprinklers or automatic irrigation
• Vehicle washing (except at commercial car washes or for safety reasons)
• Washing of buildings, driveways, sidewalks, or parking lots

The following uses are allowed: 

• Watering new lawns and plantings (May and September only)
• Irrigating public parks and athletic fields (with automatic sprinklers before 9 AM or after 5 PM)
• Watering gardens, flowers, and ornamental plants with a hand-held hose or drip system
• Lawn watering with a hand-held hose

Thank you for working together to protect the local water supply! 

Help Shape the Future Look of Orleans 

The Town of Orleans is working with a local creative design agency to develop a new brand identity that reflects the community's character, values, and vision for the future. This brand will help unify how the Town presents itself through signage, websites, printed materials, and more - improving communication and enhancing Orleans’ sense of place. 

Over the past few months, a diverse stakeholder group has worked to review options and give feedback. Now, we’re inviting Orleans residents and business owners to weigh in. Visit the project page to watch the latest presentation and share your thoughts through a short online form. Feedback is open through July 24. 

Device Advice is back at Snow Library 

for the summer 

Get free tech help from Cape Cod Tech students every Tuesday & Wednesday, 10 AM - 12 PM. Drop in with your phone, tablet, or laptop - no appointment needed!

Phase 2 Sewer Construction Meeting 

Residents and businesses in the Meetinghouse Pond area are invited to a public meeting about Phase 2 of the Town’s sewer construction project. Join town officials, staff and engineer consultants to learn about the current and upcoming construction schedule, the connection process and timeline, and more. 

When: Monday, July 28
Time: 6 PM
Where: Nauset Room, Orleans Town Hall

Turn Trash into Treasure

The Orleans Recreation, Culture & Community Events Department is teaming up with the Gift House at the Orleans Transfer Station to launch a creative, fun, and eco-friendly new art opportunity: the Objet Trouvé Art Contest! 

Objet Trouvé - French for “found object” - is an art form that transforms everyday discarded items into imaginative works of art. This is your chance to get creative, reduce waste, and showcase your artistic side! 

Here’s how it works: 

1. Stop by the Gift House and chat with volunteers to select your materials.
2. Create your masterpiece using items you’ve found.
3. Register your finished piece with the Recreation Department by August 29.
4. All entries will be displayed at 44 Main Street during the week of September 8 with a final Gallery Night and winner announcement on September 12.

All ages and skill levels are welcome - just bring your creativity! 

Questions? Contact the Recreation Department at 508-240-3700 x2333. 

Story Time with the Firebirds

Throughout the month of July, Orleans Firebirds players have been “pinch-hitting” as story time leaders at Snow Library on Mondays at 10:30 AM. Eager and proud fans have been coming to listen to some members of the local team read aloud their favorite stories and get autographs afterwards. These story times have been outside, but the Craine Room is the backup in case of rain. All ages are welcome; no registration is required.

For fun that never stops, visit snowlibrary.org to get more information on this and other summer programs going well into August! 

Trailhead Tick Talk Pop-Up 

Planning to hit the trails this summer? Make sure you're prepared to stay safe from ticks. The Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment’s Trailhead Tick Talk: Pop-Up Education Series is stopping by Thompson’s Field in Harwich on Friday, July 25 from 9 AM – 12 PM 

Community Health Educators and Seasonal Public Health Assistants will be on-site sharing tips and tools for avoiding tick bites, protecting your pets, and safely enjoying the outdoors. Swing by the table to grab helpful resources, learn about tick testing, and get real-time advice on tick checks and repellents. 

Location: Thompson’s Field, 971 Orleans-Harwich Road, Harwich
Rain location: Brooks Free Library, 739 Main Street, Harwich 

This regional outreach event is hosted by Barnstable County’s Shared Public Health Services, in collaboration with the towns of Orleans, Harwich, Brewster, and Chatham. No registration is required - just stop by! 

Can’t make it to this one? Keep an eye out for more pop-ups at trailheads across the Cape all summer long.

A Fourth to Remember in Orleans 

Orleans proudly hosted one of its largest Fourth of July parades yet, with nearly 90 entries that included everything from festive floats and decorated bikes to antique cars and lively displays from local organizations, businesses, families, and community groups. The Town extends a heartfelt thank you to the Fourth of July Parade Committee for organizing this unforgettable celebration. A special thank you goes to Jenn Allard, who has served as chair since 2018 and is stepping down this year - her leadership and dedication have helped make this cherished tradition truly special. 

Help Shape the Future of EV Charging 

in Orleans 

The Town of Orleans has been selected for a feasibility study through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) On‑Street Charging Solutions Program. This opportunity - funded by the MassCEC in partnership with Commonwealth Electric Technologies and Leidos - will help explore the potential for curbside EV charging in Orleans at no cost to the Town. 

Your input will help guide key decisions, including: 

• Ideal charger locations
• Neighborhood access needs
• Local priorities and concerns

Take the survey today

Have You Tuned in Yet?

Orleans: Behind the Scenes is the Town’s official podcast designed to pull back the curtain on local government. Each episode features conversations with staff, board members, and community partners to help you better understand how things work - and what’s on the horizon - in Orleans. 

Recent episodes have spotlighted: 

• The Fire-Rescue Station building project and why a new facility is needed
• Beach safety tips and how the Lifeguard and Natural Resources teams keep our shores safe
• A new direction for the Recreation Department - including culture and community events
• What it takes to maintain town roads, beaches, and facilities with the Department of Public Works
• How the Town is supporting local businesses and strengthening the year-round economy through economic development initiatives

Catch up on episodes and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or listen here.