Celebrate Newcastle Day: Heritage, community, spirit

The heart of Newcastle comes alive on Sunday, May, 18, with the warmth and charm of its "Celebrate Newcastle!" Day – a beloved community tradition that will bring locals and visitors together to celebrate the town's rich history and small-town spirit. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Historic Downtown Main Street. Admission is free, and all are welcome. Set against the backdrop of the Sierra foothills, Newcastle's historic downtown will be transformed into a vibrant street fair. Local vendors will line Main Street with booths offering handmade crafts, treats and treasures, with the aroma of a hot breakfast cooked up by the Newcastle Firefighters and BBQ lunch made possible by Carol's Market. Children will enjoy Kid's Zone activities, with live music, Hula dance and Jazzercise demonstrations will create a festive soundtrack throughout the day. The event also serves as a tribute to Newcastle's roots, dating to the 1860s when the town emerged as a key stop on the Central Pacific Railroad. Visitors can explore photograph exhibits on the area's agricultural legacy – particularly Newcastle's famed orchards and early fruit-packing industry, and historical homes. It's anticipated that longtime residents will share stories of growing up in the foothills and the early fruit farming in old Newcastle. At the center of it all is a strong sense of community. Whether you're watching the Newcastle-Gem of the Foothills film, enjoying Carol's Market famous BBQ, shopping or chatting with neighbors, "Celebrate Newcastle!" Day will be a heartfelt celebration of heritage, hard work and the people who keep this little town thriving.