FAIRS AND FESTIVALS > VERMONT

JUNE 15, 16, AND 17 ù BALLOON FESTIVAL, FINE ART, MUSIC, AND CRAFT FAIR
Village Green, Quechee, VT (map)
800.295.5451 or 802.295.7900
http://www.quechee.com/balloonfest.cfm

Featuring craft vendors, food stands, artists, live music, an assortment of acrobats, and, of course, balloon rides. Open on Fri at 3 pm, with the first flights departing at 6 pm. On Sat and Sun, flights leave at 6 am and 6 pm. Balloon rides may be booked in advance through the Hartford Vermont Chamber of Commerce office or at the festival. Rides cost $195 per person, plus the cost of admission. Admission $10, $5 for children six to 12, free for children under six.

JUNE 16 AND 17 ù ETHAN ALLEN DAYS
Hildene Meadowlands, 1005 Hildene Rd, Manchester, VT (map)
802.362.1788
info@hildene.org
http://www.hildene.org/html/ethan_allen_days.html

Enjoy battle re-enactments, tour the encampments by candlelight, and purchase period wares. Period crafts and demonstrations. Events run on Sat from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm, and on Sun from 10 am to 1 pm. Admission $5, children $2.

JUNE 29 THROUGH JULY 1 ù VERMONT QUILT FESTIVAL
Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, VT (map)
603.444.7500
info@vqf.org
http://www.vqf.org

New England's oldest and largest annual quilt event. New and antique quilts, classes, lectures, and appraisals. Most classes will be held at St. Michael's College in Colchester. Open on Fri and Sat from 9 am to 6 pm, and on Sun until 3 pm. Admission $10, $9 for seniors and groups, free for children under 14. Two- and three-day passes available.

JULY 4 ù WARREN PARADE AND VILLAGE PARTY
Warren, VT (map)
800.517.4247
info@warren4thofjuly.com
http://www.warren4thofjuly.com

Now in its 59th year, the "Fueling the Future" themed parade starts at around 10 am. Related events include a street dance, athletic activities, pony rides, and live music. Designated a top-10 summer event by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. $1 suggested donation.

JULY 7 AND 8 ù BATTLE OF HUBBARDTON REVOLUTIONARY WAR ENCAMPMENT
Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site, Hubbardton, VT (map)
802.273.2282
Hubbardton@HistoricVermont.org
http://www.historicvermont.org

This two-day commemoration of the only Revolutionary War battle fought on Vermont soil features re-enactments of tactical maneuvers from the era of George Washington. Open on Sat from 9:30 am to 8 pm, and on Sun 8 am to 5 pm. Candle-guided camp tour on Sat at 7 pm, followed by a memorial service at 8 pm. Admission $2, free for children under 14.

JULY 8 THROUGH 14 ù MIDDLEBURY FESTIVAL ON THE GREEN
Town Green, Middlebury, VT (map)
802.462.3555
festival@festivalonthegreen.org
http://www.festivalonthegreen.org

The festival features folk, world music, jazz, bluegrass, a big band, and storytelling. A "Brown Bag Lunch" is offered each day at noon and features a vibrant hodgepodge of puppeteers, storytellers, magicians, and dance acts. Street dance and evening concert performances. All events are free.

JULY 11 ù WASHINGTON COUNTY BAND CONCERT
Hildene, 1005 Hildene Rd, Manchester, VT (map)
802.362.1788
events@hildene.org
http://www.hildene.org

Variety of pop and old favorites in Hildene's event tent. Gates open for picnicking at 5:30 pm. Concert begins at 7 pm, rain or shine. Admission $2.

JULY 28 ù COW APPRECIATION DAY
Billings Farm & Museum, Rte 12 and River Rd, Woodstock, VT (map)
802.457.2355
http://www.billingsfarm.org

The 22nd annual celebration includes a ôCowledge Bowlö dairy trivia competition, butter and ice-cream making, and answers to all your questions about the bovine cultural experience. Open from 10 am to 5 pm. Museum admission $10, $9 for seniors, $8 for students, $6 for children five through 12 years old, $3 for three-to-four-year-olds, free for children two and under.

JULY 29 THROUGH AUG 6 ùáAMERICAN SOCIETY OF DOWSERS ANNUAL CONVENTION
Sugarbush Resort, Warren, VT (map)
802.684.3417
ASD@dowsers.org
http://www.dowsers.org

Dowsers search for underground water and minerals using nothing but a stick and their psychic energy. Find out about all the modern advances in the craft at this annual gathering. (Digital sticks?) Dowsing schools run July 30 through Aug 1, convention runs Aug 1 through 5, and the post-convention workshop runs Aug 5 and 6. Call or visit the Web site for registration fees.

AUG 3, 4, AND 5 ù SOUTHERN VERMONT ART AND CRAFT FESTIVAL
Hildene Meadowlands, 1005 Hildene Rd, Manchester, VT (map)
802.425.3399
info@hildene.org
http://www.hildene.org

More than 200 artisans display and sell original works at the 26th annual fesitval. Craft demonstrations, music, and food in a beautiful setting. Open on Fri and Sun from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sat until 6 pm. Admission $7.

AUG 3 THROUGH SEPT 3 ù VERMONT FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Mad River Valley, VT (map)
800.517.4247 or 802.496.6682
info@vermontartfest.com
http://www.vermontartfest.com

The 10th annual month-long festival includes visual arts, theater, film, music, dance, and workshops in Warren, Waitsfield, Moretown, and Fayston. Call or check the Web site for detailed events.

AUG 11 THROUGH 19 ù BENNINGTON BATTLE WEEK
15 Monument Circle, Bennington, VT (map)
802.447.0550
Bennington@HistoricVermont.org
http://www.historicvermont.org

A town-wide celebration of the infamous Battle of Bennington. On Aug 11, the celebration will kick off with a 5K road race. Other events include a spirited battle reenactment on Thurs, and a march on Sat.. The Bennington Battle monument is open daily fron 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is $2, $1 for children six through 14, and free for children five and under.

AUG 25 ù QUECHEE SCOTTISH FESTIVAL
Quechee Polo Field, Clubhouse Rd, Quechee, VT (map)
802.295.5351
info@quecheescottishfestival.com
http://www.quecheescottishfestival.com

Scottish games, a rugby match, sheep-dog trials, Highland dancing, and Scottish food (yum). Open from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Free parking. Check the Web site for schedule and ticket information.

SEPT 1 AND 2 ù MOUNT SNOW BREWER'S FESTIVAL
Mt. Snow Resort, VT (map)
802.464.4174
gfisher@mountsnow.com
http://www.mountsnow.com

Try a variety of ales, lagers, stouts, and hefeweizens from more than 60 brewers, plus food and live music. Admission $18 for one day, $25 for both days. Discounts available for underage guests. Admission includes a souvenir pint glass and a beer ticket each day.

SEPT 1 AND 2 ù 16th Annual New England Crafts Fair
Quechee Gorge Village, Rte. 4 West, Quechee, VT (map)
800.438.5565
quechee@quecheegorge.com
http://www.quecheegorge.com

Crafters and artisans from all over New England come to celebrate the end of summer and beginning of fall. Open on Sat from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sun from 9 am to 4 pm. Free admission and free parking.