By Jon Gilbert Fox
Young participants watch a wood worker demonstrate his carving skills at a forest festival in Woodstock.
Sept. 26-27—WOODSTOCK—Working farms and forests give Vermont its beautiful rural character and unique sense of place while serving as an important part of the economy for many communities throughout the state. This fall, one event celebrates those great aspects of Vermont.
The Vermont Woodworking & Forest Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26-27 in Woodstock. The Vermont Wood Manufacturers Association will once again partner with Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and, new this year, the Billings Farm & Museum, an operating dairy farm and a museum of Vermont’s rural heritage, located opposite the park on Route 12. This event is a celebration of Vermont’s working landscapes and the people who take care of these special places and delight us with unique products that represent the best of Vermont.
This family-friendly event will be full of activities and experiences that will delight all ages and interests. Visitors can learn how important farms and forests are to Vermont and enjoy the many products that come from each component of Vermont’s working landscape. Vendors, demonstrations, and activities at both locations will offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience Woodstock’s own Billings Farm and the Mt. Tom forest.
Meet the artisans while shopping for furniture and wood products at the Billings Farm & Museum. Vermont woodworking vendors will be selling their unique products including carvings, home accessories, jewelry, bedroom and dining furniture, toys and games. View the “History of Vermont Woodworking” exhibit, as well as the “Vermont Forest Products Supply Chain” display. Watch spring-pole lathe-turning techniques at the farm. Come see and feel the quality of the products you will hand down to generations to come.
In the farm barns, see farm work firsthand, including care of the Jersey herd, draft horses, sheep, oxen, and chickens. Get comfortable with the farm’s livestock through interactive activities, programs, and events, and explore the restored and furnished 1890 Farm House and the extensive farm life exhibits.
Across the road, enjoy the many engaging outdoor activities at the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park during its annual Forest Festival Weekend. Wagon rides, horse logging, hands-on wood crafting and games, sawmill demonstrations, and forest walks are scheduled.
Memorable family experiences, distinctive gifts and home decor, live woodworking demonstrations, and colorful Vermont foliage are all in Woodstock during one great weekend. Billings Farm & Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and regular admission includes the Woodworking Festival and parking. Programs and activities at the national park run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are free. Visit https://go.nps.gov/forest-festival-weekend for event information or call 802-457-3368, ext. 22. The Farm is located at Route 12 & Old River Road and the National Park is conveniently across the street.
