MONTPELIER, Vt. – If you’re thinking about where to spend the Fourth of July, you’ll have no trouble finding a place to celebrate in Vermont. Communities across the state from Bennington to Burlington are hosting a variety of Independence Day events with parades, fireworks, music and more. When the festivities are over, there will still be plenty of July events to look forward to, including outdoor concerts, horse shows, festivals, art tours and much more. Here are just a few of the many events taking place in Vermont in July.
Vermont Morgan Heritage Days
Tunbridge – July 1-3, 2011
The annual Vermont Morgan Horse Heritage Days show will be held at the historic Tunbridge Fairgrounds. This amateur-friendly show is always a great time and spectacle that showcases the history, ability, and versatility of the Morgan horse. Tunbridge Fairgrounds, Route 110. For more information, visit www.vtmorganheritagedays.org.
Vermont Symphony Orchestra TD Bank Summer Festival Tour
Statewide – July 1-10, 2011
The VSO presents its annual concert festival tour in eight beautiful outdoor locations with a program titled “Symphony Royale,” and Anthony Princiotti conducting. Performances to be held in Warren, Manchester, Grafton, Shelburne, Chittenden, Quechee, Randolph and Stowe. 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.vso.org.
Circus Smirkus Big Top Tour
Greensboro – July 3, 2011
This year's theme is “Front Page Follies: Big Top Big News!” Talented Troupers will seek the headlines and beat the deadlines, circus-style. On high-wire and aerials, as jugglers, clowns and more, they'll get the sensational Smirkus scoop, in a swell tribute to old-time journalism. 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Circus Road. Performances will also be held in Essex July 6-8, Brattleboro July 19-20, Killington Aug. 14-15, Montpelier Aug. 17-18, and a final performance Aug. 20-21 in Greensboro. For more information, visit www.smirkus.org.
Independence Day Celebrations
Statewide – July 3-4, 2011
Cities and towns across Vermont are offering a variety of Independence Day events. On July 3, Burlington’s waterfront boasts a massive fireworks display at dusk, while the Vermont Symphony Orchestra plays its annual “Independence Eve” concert in Grafton. Quirky fun marks the 4th of July parades in Moscow and Warren. Pick a town, and celebrate our country. For event listings, visit www.vermontvacation.com.
Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show
East Dorset – July 6-Aug. 14, 2011
The Vermont Summer Festival is a six-week jumping competition that is New England’s largest “AA” rated hunter/jumper horse show. The Vermont Summer Festival offers over $750,000 in prize money, making it the richest sporting event in the state of Vermont. Harold Beebe Farm, Route 7. For more information, visit www.vt-summerfestival.com.
Stoweflake Hot-Air Balloon Festival
Stowe – July 8-10, 2011
The annual hot-air balloon festival is one of Vermont's most popular summer celebrations and includes live music, children’s activities, food, a beer and wine garden, balloon launches and more. This spectacular event features 25 hot-air balloons. Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa, 1746 Mountain Road. For more information, visit www.stoweflake.com.
Windsor County Fair
Springfield – July 9-10, 2011
This year will mark the 36th year of the “Best Little Fair in Vermont.” The fair features agricultural and local industry exhibits, pony pulling, ox pulling, karaoke contests, midway, entertainment, food and more. Barlow’s Field, Eureka Road. For more information, visit http://windsorcofairvt.weebly.com.
Connecticut Valley Fair
Bradford – July 14-17, 2011
The fair includes entertainment, rides, activities, horse pulling, horse shows, demo derby, ox pull, vendors, live music and more. The theme of this year’s parade, held Thursday, is “From Farm to Plate.” Connecticut Valley Fairgrounds. For more information, visit www.connecticutvalleyfair.com
Vergennes French Heritage Days
Vergennes – July 15-16, 2011
French, Quebecois and Franco-American culture comes to life in parks and historic buildings throughout Vermont’s smallest city named for the French Count de Vergennes. Enjoy reenactments, exhibits, boat tours, children’s activities and more. Various locations. For more information, visit www.addisoncounty.com.
Vermont Brewers Festival
Burlington – July 15-16, 2011
The Vermont Brewers Association is pleased to present the annual Vermont Brewers Festival in Burlington’s scenic Waterfront Park. The Vermont Brewers Festival is the longest running outdoor brewers festival in the East, and it's no wonder since Vermont is home to more breweries per capita than any other state. Burlington Waterfront Park. For more information, visit www.vermontbrewers.com
SolarFest – Vermont’s Renewable Energy Festival
Tinmouth – July 16-18, 2010
SolarFest is a renewable energy-powered celebration of the performing arts, sustainable living, and community. The event includes more than 100 vendors and exhibitors, as well as workshops on renewable energy and sustainable living topics, and world-class performers on solar-powered stages. 12 McNamara Rd. For more information, visit www.solarfest.org.
Marlboro Music Festival
Marlboro – July 16- Aug. 14, 2011
Celebrating its 60th anniversary season, the festival features five weekends of chamber music concerts that offer compelling, insightful and passionate performances. For six decades, Marlboro has presented generations of the world’s musical leaders in collaborative performances on the hilltop campus of Marlboro College. Persons Auditorium. For details, visit www.marlboromusic.org
Rock River Studio Tour
Newfane – July 16-17, 2011
The 18 world-class artists who live in Newfane, South Newfane and Williamsville will open their homes, gardens and studios to the public for the weekend. Visitors take a self-guided tour to see custom furniture, paintings, sculptures, photography, pottery and much more. Various locations. For more information, visit www.rockriverartists.com.
National Ice Cream Day at Billings Farm
Woodstock – July 17, 2011
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day at Billings Farm and Museum. Help make and sample four different flavors of homemade ice cream as Billings Farm celebrates “the great American dessert.” 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 5302 River Road. For more information, visit www.billingsfarm.org.
Annual Antiques & Uniques Festival
Craftsbury – July 19, 2011
One of Vermont’s best-loved summer events will feature more than 100 vendors of antiques, pottery, paintings, jewelry, collectibles, toys, quilts, and much more. Visit the legendary bake sale tent, listen to great live music and enjoy free children’s activities. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Craftsbury Common, Route 14. For details, visit www.townofcraftsbury.com.
Killington Wine Festival
Killington – July 22-24, 2011
Enjoy a summer weekend tasting fine wines from around the world with Killington Peak and the Green Mountains of Vermont as a scenic backdrop. On Saturday, start at Killington’s K1 Gondola base and ride the gondola to the top of Killington (4241 feet elevation) and sample more fine wines from around the world. Tastings will be at various locations in Killington throughout the weekend. For more information, visit www.killingtonchamber.com.
Champlain Islands Artists’ Art Show
North Hero – July 22-24, 2011
The Champlain Islands Artists’ Organization is hosting its annual juried art show. More than 50 island artists and artisans will be exhibiting their work. Watercolors, oils, fabric art, pottery, stained and fused glass, jewelry and mixed media are included. North Hero Community Hall. For more information, visit www.ciaovt.org.
Lamoille County Field Days
Johnson – July 22-24, 2011
Celebrating its 50th year, the Lamoille County Field Days offers exhibits, rides, arts and crafts, a horse show, live music, food and much more. For more information, visit www.lamoillefielddays.com.
Vermont Cheesemakers Festival
Shelburne – July 24, 2011
With more than 50 cheesemakers, the highest number per capita in the country, Vermont is the premier artisan cheese state. Taste local cheeses and celebrate the bounty of the region. Buy, network, sample and enjoy. Shelburne Farms, Harbor Road. For more information, visit www.vtcheesefest.com.
Franklin County Field Days
Highgate – July 28-31, 2011
Celebrating its 35th year, the fair includes entertainment, tractor pulls, food, music, midway rides, activities and more. For more information, visit www.franklincountyfielddays.org.
Vermont’s 4rd annual Deerfield Valley Blueberry Festival
Wilmington – July 29-Aug. 7, 2011
Visitors will enjoy jam making, blueberry-themed specials in local eateries, blues music events, a blue car auto show, blue beer and more at locations throughout the Mount Snow Valley. For more information, visit www.vermontblueberry.com.
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