That's right 400 for Lake Champlain. Whew! And that is a reason to celebrate! Saturday there is so much to do and it all culminates in the Big Parade. After you follow Bread & Puppet to the grand finale at One Main, you might want to grab a bite at an eatery right there like Splash, Skinny Pancake or Burlington Bay Cafe. Sunday enjoy just as many events around town or head out to Shelburne farms for a great cause and good food at the Habitat for Humanity Community Picnic.
Vermonters have a lot of choices when it comes to taking in the sights and sounds of Independence Day celebrations. This year we asked you to tell us how to paint the town red, white and blue. Fourth of July weekend is a holiday that has something for everyone in the family to enjoy. The people have spoken and here is what you had to say:
Burlington - Friday, July 3. Events start at 4pm and fireworks go on at 9:30. Users say best places to spot the fireworks, aside from the obvious waterfront, are the Cherry Street Parking Garage, the Patio of the Ballroom of the HoJo Suites, the UVM Green, Water Tower Hill, or the Rock the Dock event. Other insider tips include taking the train into town so you don't have deal with parking.
Montpelier - Friday, July 3. A full day street festival at our State Capital. A pancake breakfast starts the day, followed by a lawn party in front of the library and the No-Strings Marionette Company on the State House lawn. The gigantic parade with bands and floats starts at 6:00 and the "not to be missed" fantastic fireworks finish off the day at 9:30!
Richmond - Saturday, July 4. Users say the Fun Run is your best bet, followed by the parade, and old fashioned games on Volunteer's Green. Families can participate in the egg toss, a watermelon eating contest and tug of war. New this year is the hollering contest (SAY WHAT?!) The best place to catch the fireworks is right from the green in the center of town.
Williston - Thursday, July 2 - Saturday, July 4. This town goes all out with 3 days of festivities. It was voted #1 for parade and #2 for fireworks and it is no wonder. It includes a bike & blade race, a 5K fun run, an ice cream social, a parade, BBQ chicken dinner, frog jumping contests and fireworks.
Bristol - Friday, July 3 - Saturday, July 4. Fireworks for this celebration are Friday night. Sources say for a primo view, park yourself at the Rec. Field. For Saturday's fun , insiders recommend entering into town from the New Haven side and "get there early (before 9am) or you might be stopped." The 5K Race starts at 7:30, followed by the 9:00 Great Bristol Outhouse Race and the Parade at 10:30.
Warren - Saturday, July 4. The road into Warren closes at 8:30am for this parade, but transportation is provided into town. One users says the absolute best place to see the evening fireworks is from the middle of the 7th Hole of the Sugarbush Golf Club. Don't forget a flashlight for the walk back. True for most fireworks viewing!
Brandon - Saturday, July 4. The Vermont Chamber of Commerce gives this event the big thumbs up and so do our readers. There is a huge parade, fun and games in the park, a fiddlers contest and fireworks at dusk.
From Colchester to Morristown and beyond, check the weekend calendar for a complete list of holiday festivities to make your 4th spectacular.
From every mountainside, let freedom ring!
Miss Magpie
It all starts this weekend...the official, first day of summer! Sugarbush is inviting you to kick it off at their Free Kids' day so you can get a taste of what summer is all about. If one day just isn't enough, they've got big time plans for a season full of fun. Sugarbush wants to spend the summer with you and your family.
Sample Sugarbush with the whole family on Kids' Day. Introduce kids to mountain biking with the help of Sugarbush Coaches. Bring your bike for inspection with their bike tech. Hit the links with golf clinics in the morning and afternoon. Or if tennis is your game, the Pro will be courtside to volley and play a few games. Want more? There is disc golf, zipline rides, swimming and rock climbing. And did I mention all of this is FREE for kids pre-school to 6th grade?
Have you ever wondered what staying at Clay Brook would be like? Well here is your chance to do just that for a lot less than what it costs during the winter months. Swe-e-t! Think of it as a Vermontacation: a weekend escape on one tank of gas.
While you are there catch the Nimble Arts Acrobatic Spectacular on Saturday at 5:30. It is a Cirque-du-Soleil-style theatrical performance featuring breathtaking aerial stunts, creative juggling, music, and more. Come for just the show or buy a day pass to the mountain that includes tickets to the performance.
New for 2009 at Camp Sugarbush are Day Camps
Activities include: swimming, tennis, golf, arts & crafts, rock climbing, zip line, moon bounce, lift rides, naturalist tours, team building, hiking, field trips, and more. The usual suspects are back too. Don't miss mountain bike and adventure camps. But hurry, spots are filling up fast!
Feeling like Staying at Sugarbush while the kids go to camp? Parents get to enjoy many of the same summer activities the kids do. Packages include:
Plan ahead and get the scoop from the Parents' Page for babysitter services, restaurants and more before you go. Or if you must know where to get the best homemade muffin or where the local swimming hole is check out all the Secret Spots in the Valley.
Ain't no mountain high enough for your kid? Book the Bounce House Obstacle Course which currently only comes to life for birthday parties but as summer progresses this will become a regular staple at the resort. Want more info? Call 802-583-6700 or email sharc@sugarbush.com directly.
Sadly all good things must come to an end. But you can take some of that Mad River Valley goodness home with you. Swing by the Waitsfield Farmer's Market as you head out of town for some fresh squeezed lemonade, Somosa Man’s famous somosas and other treats.
Do something fantastic with your family this summer.
Miss Magpie
