August 1, 2012
Blueberries and Raspberries for August in Vermont
Mark Thompson READ TIME: 6 MIN.
MONTPELIER, Vt. - Vibrant, active, gorgeous and memorable are just a few descriptions for the days that lie ahead. Summertime festivities are abundant in Vermont's lakes, mountains and towns.
Come hungry, a dozen Vermont agricultural fairs are showcasing summer veggies like they're Vermont's Venus de Milo and that sweet smell of raspberry pie is around every corner.
Of course, there are other tasty events, like the Blueberry Festival, ripe for exploration and regional art events, like Take a Seat in the Champlain Islands, are a feast for the eyes.
August 3-5
Manchester, Vt.
200 juried artisans exhibit and sell a wide range of contemporary and traditional craft work as well as original art, photography, sculpture and specialty foods. You'll find a cornucopia of creativity under the colossal Camelot tents. www.craftproducers.com
August 1- Sep. 3
Mad River Valley
The Vermont Festival of the Arts entertains the soul, enlightens the mind with 125 events including exhibits, performances, workshops & demonstrations. www.vermontartfest.com
August 2 - 11
The Dorset Theatre Festival is staging the world premiere of The Whore and Mr. Moore August 2 - 11 starring Judd Hirsch. The play is written by Michael Cristofer, now in the current NBC show Smash. Cristofer is also the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award winner for The Shadow Box. His film writing credits include the Bonfires of the Vanities and the Witches of Eastwick. www.dorsettheatrefestival.org
August 3-5
Burlington, Vt.
Enjoy street theater in celebration of circus arts, music and comedy for family audiences, featuring the best international street performers from around the globe. Visit four main stage locations surrounding the Church Street Marketplace and City Hall Park with a last-day grand finale featuring all the performers of the festival. www.burlingtoncityarts.org
August 2-5
Highgate, Vt.
An old-time country fair with rides, food, games, and agricultural contests and exhibits. www.franklincountyfielddays.org
August 4, 2012
Middlebury, Vt.
The Midd Summer Festival is a celebration of Vermont Beer, Wine and Cheese. The event attracts residents and visitors to Vermont into downtown Middlebury to listen to music, socialize, and have a great time sampling Vermont made products! In addition, a portion of the proceeds benefit Vermont non-profit organizations. www.middsummerfestival.com
August 5
Burlington, Vt.
This fun-filled fund-raising festival is an inspiring sight at the Burlington Waterfront Park. Dragonheart Vermont
August 7 - 11
New Haven, Vt.
An old-time country fair with amusement rides, food, games and agricultural contests and exhibits.
www.addisoncountyfielddays.com
August 9-12
Burlington, Vt.
See classic boats and long boat, canoe, kayak and Dragon boat demonstrations celebrating Lake Champlain's past, present and future. Experience boat building, sample local fare, enjoy nationally acclaimed music concerts and bring the children for hands-on daytime exhibits. www.lcmfestival.com
August 11
Windsor, Vt.
Vermont Foodbank's premiere fundraising event! Cyclists choose from three beautiful rides - 115, 50 or 25 miles, and all routes finish at the Harpoon Brewery. This event is a collective effort to raise awareness and funds for Vermonters in need. www.harpoonpointtopoint.com
August 11-12
Rutland, Vt.
Annual fine arts and crafts fair held in Main Street Park, with music, food and custom crafts. www.chaffeeartcenter.org
August 11-12
Experience artisan cheeses, Vermont wines and tasty local foods. Children's activities and a village-wide sidewalk sale will line the already adorable streets. www.woodstockVt.com
August 12
Woodstock, Vt.
Vintage tractors from 1930 to the 1960s will be displayed by the proud and talented folks who restored them. Enjoy a tractor parade, wagon rides and tractor activities for children. www.billingsfarm.org
August 15-19
Stratton Mountain, Vt.
A bicycle challenge that offers short and long rides over four days in the forests and valleys of central and southern Vermont. www.Vt.challenge.com
August 15-19
Barton, Vt.
The entire family will love this grand historic county fair nestled in Vermont's Green Mountains. www.orleanscountyfair.net
August 16-19
Wilmington, Vt.
An old-time country fair with rides, food, games and agricultural contests and exhibits. www.dvfair.com
August 18
Ludlow, Vt.
Featuring over 90 of New England's finest artists and craftsmen exhibiting top quality wares such as primitives, paintings, carvings, jewelry, woodenware, fabulous foods and more. www.fletcherfarm.org
August 18-19
Tunbridge, Vt.
A Morgan Horse Show at the historic Tunbridge fairgrounds. www.lippittclub.net
August 18-26
Colchester, Vt.
Join Artistic Director Soovin Kim, internationally acclaimed pianist Jonathan Biss, composer Joan Tower and a line-up of other stars for a week-long musical journey exploring the works and influence of Johann Sebastian Bach. www.lccmf.org
August 22-26
Lyndonville, Vt.
An old-time country fair with rides, food, games, and agricultural contests and exhibits. www.Vt.fair.com
August 23-26
Stowe, Vt.
Celebrating Vermont's farms, foods, forests, and Vermont's unique sense of place, and its creative economy. Enjoy cooking demos, seminars, marketplace tent, craft demos, music and much more. www.celebratevermontfestival.com
August 24-26
An old-time country fair with amusement rides, food, games, and agricultural contests and exhibits. www.bondvillefair.org
August 25
Vergennes, Vt.
This small town fair - big on activities, fun, food and crafts - takes place beneath stately shade trees on the town green and is a great way to experience Vermont living. www.addisoncounty.com
August 25
For all things Scottish, this event is not to be missed. Pipe bands will perform and compete. There'll also be country dancing, balladeers, fiddling and over 100 dancers from the US and Canada in dance competitions. Watch the thrilling Vermont Championship Sheepdog Trials, and enjoy Scottish meat pies, haggis, fish & chips, scones and tea. Heavy-weight Highland games include Tossing the Caber. Race in the Kilted Mile. 50 Clans to meet & greet. Children's games & much more.
August 25-Sep.3
Essex Junction, Vt.
Vermont's biggest fair features amusement rides, contests, and exhibits with participation of people and businesses across Vermont. www.cvexpo.org
August 30 - Sep.3
This is the must attend New England motorcycle rally in a gorgeous location, offering a Vendor Village and many early autumn rides through Vermont's famous valleys and covered bridges. www.killingtonclassic.com
August 31 - Sep. 9
Rutland, Vt.
An old-time country fair with rides, food, games, and agricultural contests and exhibits. www.vermontstatefair.net
More events across Vermont are listed at www.vermontvacation.com/TravelPlanner of www.VermontVacation.com
A long-term New Yorker and a member of New York Travel Writers Association, Mark Thompson has also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The author of the novels WOLFCHILD and MY HAWAIIAN PENTHOUSE, he has a PhD in American Studies and is the recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center. His work has appeared in numerous publications.
