Loyalty Day looks for parade entrants
Planning for the May 7 Loyalty Day parade is underway, and Ron Fairbanks is looking for entries. The parade is the first Sunday in May to express their patriotism and honor the men and women who have served their country. Begun in 1956 during the Cold War as a parade for democracy to counter Russian Communist May Day parades, the Loyalty Day parade was – and may still be – the state’s longest. Scout troops, marching bands, police and fire departments, floats, tractors, and community organizations are invited, call 802-558-3965.
Local teams win championships
Rutland High basketball enthusiasts are rejoicing with the Raiders’ winning the Division I state championship Mar. 13. It’s the first state championship for the school’s basketball team in 50 years.
Rutland High’s cheerleaders were also recent winners, bringing home the first National Cheer championships won by any Vermont squad. They competed in the Reach the Beach National Competition held in Ocean City, Md.
Fairgrounds plans on warmer weather
The Rutland County Agricultural Association is looking ahead to bringing a smorgasbord of events to the Rutland County Fairgrounds in a few short months. The first is the Holstein Summit, two days in which youth learn about animal health, nutrition, showmanship, and clipping, April 28-29. The following weekend is likely to be far less quiet, with two days of Vermonster 4×4 Trucks Gone Wild.
Feet will fly during Girls on the Run, May 13 and Relay for Life, June 17-18. July is busy beginning with the Summer Smash demolition extravaganza Sunday, July 2, winding up with the annual Chamber of Commerce fireworks. The Rutland Area Vehicle Enthusiasts (RAVE) car show lines up at the fairgrounds, July 8-9 and Rutland County 4-H Dairy Days, July 15-16.
The Vermont State Fair brings five days of fun, youth exhibits and contests, midway fun and food, demolition derby, livestock contests, vendors, domestic arts, and exhibits. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights, the Woodbooger Demolition Derby provides a family-oriented smash-up.
Vehicles are the focus of the fairgrounds’ three remaining scheduled events: the Vermont State Championship demolition derby, Sept. 9; VW car show, Sept. 17; and Vermonster 4×4 Fall 4×4 Festival, Sept. 23-24.
Opportunities for doing good
Habitat for Humanity is looking for volunteers and a homeowner-partner for a home to be built at 42 Cleveland Avenue. The College of St. Joseph is raising money for its Provider Scholarship Fund with a scholarship gala, April 21 in Baxter’s Restaurant at the Rutland Country Club. The evening celebrates Tom Donahue as Provider of the Year and thanks Lawrence Jensen for serving as interim president.
Lyme disease warning is announced for 2017
Health officials expect 2017 to be a year for Lyme disease. The state has been tracking this tick-borne illness since 1990, when 14 cases were recorded. In the following 25 years, the number has been growing; nearly 500 cases were reported in 2015.
Prevention begins with deterring ticks by wearing light colors, long sleeves and long pants and checking for ticks upon coming in from outdoors. Experts say to see a doctor if you find an attached tick or a tick bite. Antibiotics can stop the disease.
West Rutland school budget gets revote
WEST RUTLAND—West Rutland residents are asked to return March 27 to revote on whether to approve the $5,814,209 school budget.
On Town Meeting Day, ballot-casters were evenly split on that issue, 157 to 157. Six voters apparently did not weigh in on the issue; total voter turnout was 320.
