LONGMEADOW – Each year residents of Longmeadow come out for a two-day celebration on the Town Green for Long Meddowe Days. This year, the 40th Annual Celebration will take place on May 18 and 19.

Not only is this year the 40th anniversary of the celebration, it is also the 125th anniversary of the split of Longmeadow and East Longmeadow into two separate towns. Since 1980, the Historical Society has sponsored Long Meddowe Days with all proceeds being used to fund historical research, educational programs and maintenance of the Storrs House Museum.

As described by the Longmeadow Historical Society, Long Meddowe Days is a community fair that includes historical activities to educate and foster an interest in town and regional history.

Here’s a breakdown of coming attractions that will be open during the Long Meddowe Days Weekend:

•Storrs House Museum Exhibit: Through the Lens – Longmeadow into New Century – 1890-1920 will be open during the Long Meddowe Days weekend. Stop in to learn more about Longmeadow in the early 20th Century after the split of Longmeadow into two separate towns. Step into the past while walking through this historic home and view several period rooms set up to illustrate Longmeadow and regional history from the early 17th century to the mid 19th century. The Storrs House Museum will be open both days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

•Historical Society tent: The Historical Society will have a tent on the Town Green where residents can learn about Longmeadow history, upcoming programs, and  purchase some unique gifts.

•Tours of the Old Burying Yard: Tours will take place in the Old Burying Yard in Longmeadow Cemetery by an expert local guide. The tours will take place both days at 2 p.m. Many gravestones tell their own story about residents that lived in Longmeadow hundreds of years ago, with some of the gravestones being over 250 years old. The 9th Massachusetts Light Artillery group will be conducting a service, planning taps and firing a musket volley at the end of each cemetery tour.

•Architecture Walking Tours: On both May 18 and 19 at 12:30 p.m. there will be architecture walking tours around the Town Green. Meet at the Longmeadow Historical Society tent. Take a stroll along a section of the Town Green with a knowledgeable guide and learn something about these historic homes.

•Tim Paige 5K Memorial Road Race/Walk: The 26th Annual Tim Paige 5K Memorial Road Race/Walk will start at 7:30 a.m. on May 18. The race will be followed by a community parade with local groups and schools that starts at 9:30 a.m. in the St. Mary’s Church parking lot and ends at the Town Green.

•Crafters, Artists, Photographers: On both days, the Town Green will come alive with people and activities. Crafters, artists, photographers and talented youth crafters will be showcasing and selling their work. In addition, various community non-profit organizations and town departments will set up booths to interact with town residents and other visitors.

•Performers: There will be numerous musical acts on the entertainment stage on both days of the event. New performers this year will add more talent to the usual strong showing by local talented musicians, and there will be lunch and snacks available in the food court area to enjoy while listening to the performers. Additionally, on the evening of May 18 starting at 6 p.m., families are invited to the Town Green to gather and enjoy music and free food. Join your friends and neighbors for supper, a sing-a-long as the sun goes down, and an old-fashion campfire with hot dogs and hamburgers. Parents are asked to accompany children to the campfire.

•Civil War Re–Enactors: The 9th Massachusetts Light Artillery Civil War Re–Enactors will again set up camp on the Green and shoot their cannon periodically throughout the day. The soldiers will also make special presentations about Longmeadow’s own Civil War hero, Lt. Howard Burnham, and the role the town played in that conflict. The 9th Massachusetts Light Artillery also educates visitors about life during the Civil War.

•Children’s Activities: There are many activities for children at Long Meddowe Days. The popular miniature train, a climbing wall, a bounce house and temporary tattoos are returning favorites at this years event.

•Memorial Service: On May 19 at 11 a.m. there will be a Memorial Service on the Town Green to honor and to commemorate Longmeadow residents who served and also gave their lives for our country. This Memorial Service is usually well attended. Volunteers will replace American flags at veteran gravestones in Longmeadow Cemetery on Sunday after the Memorial Service.

•Used Book Sale: The Friends of the Storrs Library will be holding their 12th Annual Used Book Sale on May 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on May 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Storrs Library at 693 Longmeadow St.

For more information on Long Meddowe Days, visit their website at LongMeddoweDays.org or LongmeadowHistoricalSociety.org websites for updated and additional information including a schedule of activities. Updated and new information will also be available on Facebook at Facebook.com/LongMeddoweDays.