JANUARY

Stowe Winter Carnival
Stowe
The 32nd Stowe Winter carnival celebrates with our 2006 theme "Stowebound", as we highlight many reasons why people visit our winter wonderland of Stowe. Stowe will shine with 13+ major activities for both young and old, from zany sports events, Ice Carving Competitions, Celebrity Game Show, movies, Kids Carnival Kaos and the infamous Village Night Block Party. There is something for everyone in the family as we become "Stowebound". Free to public, sporting events have nominal entry fee. 800-247-8693 or 802-253-7321 www.stowewintercarnival.com  

Banknorth Craftsbury Marathon
Craftsbury Common
For 25 years the Craftsbury Outdoor Center has presented this point-to-point cross country ski race and tour for those with intermediate or better skiing skills and good endurance. Skiers start in Greensboro, and participants ski 25 or 50 kilometers on a linear course finishing on scenic Craftsbury Common. Five local inns serve their house specialties at trail-side food stations. Event has a special family touring division (40 kids participated last year). Entry fee. No admission for spectators. 802-586-7767 johnbrod@craftsbury.com  www.craftsbury.com 

FEBRUARY

Annual Harris Hill Ski Jumping Competition
Brattleboro 
One of New England's premiere winter sporting events, this 2 day event brings ski jumpers from around the world together for a weekend of breathtaking, 90-meter jumping. The renowned competition features the PEPSI Challenge on Saturday and the Fred Harris Memorial Tournament on Sunday. Join us for this spectator-friendly event offering music, food, raffle, bonfire, giant snow pile for kids, and other pre-jump spectator activities. 802-257-7174 debdean@harrishillskijump.org  www.harrishillskijump.org  

Jay Peak Mardi Gras
Jay
A week-long family celebration of all things Mardi Gras! Enjoy scrumptious New Orleans food prepared on-site by Chef Mark Uddo (founding partner & senior chef of the Culinary Institute of New Orleans). Participate in great activities like mask making workshops with Vermont artist Maggie Sherman, Zydeco dance instruction, and more. Huge crawfish boil with live music on Saturday, March 4th. It's Big Time Fun for all ages! All events free except mask making. 802-988-2611 bkeet@jaypeakresort.com  www.jaypeakresort.com 

MARCH

U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships
Stratton
The world's best snowboarders travel home to where it all began - Vermont and Stratton Mountain. Olympic medalists, world champions and talented amateurs compete for the sport's most coveted trophy and a piece of the purse. Fans, friends and family members gather to watch the action, meet the pros and celebrate a sport born and raised at Stratton. In addition to the Superpipe, Slopestyle and Rail Jam, the 2006 event will feature a junior halfpipe jam to showcase the talent of snowboarders ages 15 and younger. No admission for spectators. 1-800-STRATTON mfoster@intrawest.com  www.stratton.com  

North American Telemark Festival
Mad River Glen, Fayston
The 31st annual festival celebrates comradery with the world's first and largest gathering of telemark skiers. A great opportunity for skiers of all ages to demo equipment. Clinics ranging from beginner to radical terrain skills. Competitions include the World Championship Berserkebeiner Race and World Championship Bump Buffet. Enjoy the annual Tele-Dance Party. Fee. 802-496-3551 eric@madriverglen.com  www.madriverglen.com 

Vermont Maple Open House Weekend
Statewide
The fifth annual Vermont Maple Open House Weekend will be held at sugarhouses throughout Vermont and will officially kick off the maple sugaring season. This free event is an opportunity for visitors to visit sugarhouses, talk with sugarmakers, and sample fresh maple syrup and other maple products. Come join us to see how Vermont's "official flavor" is made. The 2006 Vermont Ski & Maple Guide offers more information and a list of participants. Available at: www.vermontvacation.com  or 1-800-837-6668. Information: 802-899-9926 or 802-828-3461 cstevens@skycasters.net  www.vermontmaple.org  

JUNE
5TH ANNUAL STROLLING OF THE HEIFERS PARADE & FESTIVAL 
Brattleboro. The fifth annual parade and festival brings 4 days of agricultural events to southern Vermont, highlighted with the Saturday parade of flowered bedecked bovine beauties strolling down Main Street, followed by world-class entertainment. Other events include a Dairy Fest & Marketplace, Pig Roast & Street Festival and on Sunday, self guided farm tours. Free. 802-258-9177 orly@svcable.net , www.strollingoftheheifers.com  

BURLINGTON DISCOVER JAZZ FESTIVAL
Burlington. Named one of the Top Ten Festivals in the world by The Music Festival Guide (Chicago Review Press, Inc.) the festival celebrates its 23rd year. The streets come alive with a blend of internationally renowned artists with regional and local ties, spanning traditional to avant-garde in venues such as the Flynn Theatre, Church Street Marketplace, City Hall Park, Waterfront Park, neighborhood clubs and restaurants. Free and Adm. 802-863-7992 info@discoverjazz.com  www.discoverjazz.com  

STOWE GARDEN FESTIVAL
Stowe. An exciting and informative array of workshops, fairs, tours and presentations by well known gardening experts. Highlights will include: Trapp Family Lodge Garden Tour, Cooking with the Garden’s Delights, Container Gardening, Trolley Garden Tours. Visit three of our loveliest gardens and then relax at our tea. Adm. 1-800-247-8693. info@stowegardenfestival.com  www.stowegardenfestival.com  

VERMONT HISTORY EXPO 
Tunbridge. Experience Vermont’s living history in this statewide celebration that spans generations. Featuring exhibits from the collections of 150 local historical societies, museums, and heritage attractions; music & dance performances, traditional crafts and historic preservation demonstrations. Living history encampments, rare breed animals, games and a "History on Parade" are but a few of the attractions that make this weekend so special. Adm. 802-479-8500. www.vermonthistory.org/expo  

JULY

THE BRANDON INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Brandon. fireworks at dusk. A day-long old fashioned family event! Music, food and entertainment at venues throughout town. Parade at 1:00 pm with over 70 entries, including bands and floats. Post parade activities include blue grass music, silent auction and fiddlers contest. Free 802-247-6354 bidc2000@aol.com  www.brandon.org/parade.htm  

"REPUBLIC OF VERMONT CELEBRATION" - WINDSOR HERITAGE DAYS
Windsor, July 8-9. 10 am - 5 pm. Experience Vermont Independence through living history. Featuring the first annual statewide "Vermont Independence Day Parade," and the "Cavalcade of Horses" horse & carriage parade. Learn about Vermont as an Independent Republic from 1777-1791. Music & dance performances, re-enactors and encampments, crafts, children’s games, carriage rides and more. Some adm. 802-674-5910 www.windsorheritagedays.com  

AUGUST

ADDISON COUNTY FAIR & FIELD DAYS
New Haven. Vermont’s largest agricultural fair is a tradition dating back to 1948. The original purpose of Field Days was to provide a place where people could see and participate in innovative farm and home products and techniques, engage in a little friendly competition and have fun with the community as a whole. Over 57 years later, the Addison County Fair continues that tradition and also offer carnival rides, great food, animal shows, demo derbies, tractor pulling, live bands, kids’ activities and so much more. Adm. 802-545-2557 acffd@shoreham.net  www.addisoncountyfielddays.com  

LAKE CHAMPLAIN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Alburg, Ten renowned bluegrass bands. Fifth annual fiddle and banjo contest, craft show, antique tractor show, Alburg Volunteer Fire Departtment BBQ, hayrides, Vermont National Guard - Black Hawk fly-in to start the festival. Bonfires at midnight Friday and Saturday. Adm. 802-482-8110 www.lakechamplainmusic.com  

ANNUAL STOWE ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC CAR MEET 
Stowe. View some 850 vintage autos and trucks at Vermont’s largest antique and classic car show, including fire trucks, commercial and military vehicles. Large automotive flea market and car corral. Saturday - fashion show, parade through Stowe and evening 1950s era street dance. Sunday - vehicles technical judging and awards presentation. 802-223-2933 fncook@together.net  www.vtauto.org  

ART IN THE PARK SUMMER FESTIVAL
Rutland. Vermont’s oldest continuing arts tradition occurring in August and October. In its 45th year, juried fine artists, craftspeople and specialty food producers will be exhibiting and selling their work. Visual arts are represented by oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics and photographs. Crafters will offer baskets, pottery, adult & children’s clothing, rugs, quilts and much more. Musical entertainment and food concessions. 802-775-0356 beyondmarketing@yahoo.com  www.chaffeeartcenter.org  


SEPTEMBER
PLYMOUTH CHEESE & HARVEST FESTIVAL
Plymouth Notch, An old-time harvest festival in a perfectly preserved early Vermont hill town, birthplace and boyhood home of President Calvin Coolidge. Showcasing the award-winning world of Vermont cheese. Cheese sampling displays, historic farm and craft demonstrations, wagon rides, children’s games, music and more. 802-672-3773 william.jenney@state.vt.us  www.historicvermont.org/coolidge  

SOUTH END ART HOP
Burlington. The largest two-day celebration of the visual arts in Vermont. A free community event showcasing the work of hundreds of artists working in every medium. Visit a series of open studios and creative businesses in an area of special historical interest. "Hop" to exhibitions in galleries and alternative spaces. Demonstrations and workshops. 802-859-9222 kbrown@seaba.com  www.art-hop.com  

TUNBRIDGE WORLD’S FAIR
Tunbridge, This 135th year honors Antique Hill, a unique collection of agricultural antiques, and the grand opening of its new museum, featuring horse-drawn field equipment, carriages, wagons, sleighs, hearses and also, old tractors. Shows also feature the most beautiful farm animals from cattle and horses to sheep and poultry, pulling events with pony, horse and oxen; harness racing; plus garden and harvest competitions. Adm. 802-889-5555 info@tunbidgefair.com  www.tunbridgefair.com  

ANNUAL CHESTER FALL CRAFT FAIR
Chester. Featuring unique homemade crafts and gift items made by over 60 Vermont and New England artisans. Spend an early autumn weekend exploring Chester and learning why "Vermont Makes it Special." The weekend is a feast for eyes (seeing the work of top artisans), ears (listening to live music each afternoon), and your palette (tasting a wonderful variety of foods). Adm. 802-228-5830 info.ovrcc@tds.net  www.okemovalleyvt.com/news/craft.html  

STOWE OKTOBERFEST
Stowe, September 23-24. Celebrate Oktoberfest - Stowe-style ... Grab your chicken hat, flower crown, dirndl and lederhosen and join us. A huge parade of fun floats, oompah music, dancing, games, vendor and craft booths. Genuine Bavarian food and microbrews, a grand silent auction, raffles, and an energetic Kinderplatz. Adm. 802-253-8506 stodevine@netscape.com  www.stoweoktoberfest.com  

CIVIL WAR EXPO
Tunbridge, Civil War re-enactor camp life, artillery, cavalry and infantry drills, speakers, historical displays, genealogical research, book signings, battle scenario, live period music, educational activities for children and adults, torchlight parade and more. Adm. Youths under 15 and those in period dress free. 802-476-3580 eigthteenthvtregt@aol.com  www.18thvt.com  

OCTOBER

THE BRATTLEBORO LITERARY FESTIVAL
Brattleboro. A three-day celebration of those who read books, those who write books, and of the books themselves. Featuring readings, panel discussions, and special events by emerging and established authors from Vermont and around the world. Also readings and special events for children. Free 802-365-4483 scott@hallfarm.org  www.brattleboroliteraryfestival.org  

DOWNTOWN RUTLAND’S CHILI CHALLENGE
Rutland,  We make it hot, hot, hot in downtown Rutland. Taste chili, in the Center Street Alley, prepared by groups, individuals and restaurant professionals and vote for your choice. As part of the Harvest Days Celebration, enjoy wagon rides, live entertainment, farmers’ market, face painting and stop by Art in the Park. Adm. 802-773-9380 info@rutlanddowntown.com  www.rutlanddowntown.com  

SOUTH HERO APPLEFEST
South Hero. A two day festival celebrating the apple harvest and autumn in the Champlain Islands. Craft fair, petting zoos, cider pressing contests, family entertainment, lots of food, tractor-driven shuttles and a flea market along the roadside in the orchard. Enjoy bright red, crunchy apples picked from a tree - or dripping with warm caramel. Friendly folks and feast of fall flavors. Free admission and parking. 802-372-8400 info@champlainislands.com  www.champlainislands.com  

CHAMPLAIN VALLEY ANTIQUES FESTIVAL
Essex Junction. Two hundred plus dealers in Vermont’s largest indoor antique show. Dealers from New England and Atlantic states offer 18th and 19th century furniture, fine jewelry, quilts, fine and folk art, exquisite china, Victoriana and Americana, country antiques and European decorative pieces, many in room settings. Adm. 718-862-4039 or 802-878-5545 mgetman@rcn.com  


DECEMBER

Christmas at the Farm
Woodstock
December weekends, and December 25 - January 1. (excluding Christmas Day) 10 am - 4 pm
Experience the traditions of a 19th century Vermont Christmas with a visit to the Billings Farm & Museum this holiday season. Visit the authentically decorated farmhouse with preparations underway for the holiday meal. Holiday programs and activities. Traditional music performed on selected days. Horse-drawn sleigh rides 12/26 - 1/1/2006 conditions permitting. Adm. 802-457-2355 billings.farm@valley.net  www.billingsfarm.org  

Coolidge Christmas Open House
Plymouth Notch
Enjoy an old-time Christmas at Plymouth Notch, considered one of the best-preserved presidential sites in the nation. The Coolidge Birthplace, traditionally decorated for the season, and several other historic buildings will be open free of charge. This day-long event includes period music, craft demonstrations, wagon/sleigh rides, special postal cancellation, and carol service at the village church. 802-672-3773 william.jenney@state.vt.us  www.historicvermont.org/coolidge  

First Night Burlington
Burlington
December 31, 2005, 12 noon to midnight. 
Vermont's premier, affordable, substance-free New Year's Eve festival of the arts, welcomes people of all ages to downtown Burlington for our 23rd celebration. One thousand artists are presented in 30 venues from noon through midnight. The streets are alive and aglow with continuous entertainment and artistry for all ages. Enjoy the wonderful sights and sounds of music, theater, magic, comedy, dance and family activities. Fireworks, Drums & Dragons Parade, Circus Smirkus, and enjoy the BUZZFEST bands - Something for everyone. Adm. 802-863-6005 or 1-800-639-9252 info@firstnightburlington.com  www.firstnightburlington.com