Courtesy of Jay Luebke
This “Mystery Woodchuck” was present during the first annual Woodchuck Festival in 2004. Have you seen him? Organizers are requesting his presence again this year.
Saturday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m.—WEST PAWLET— West Pawlet Volunteer Fire Department invites the “Mystery Woodchuck” from the first annual Woodchuck Festival held in 2004 to return as its guest on Saturday, Feb. 3, for the 15th annual Woodchuck Festival. Waiting for this mystery man is a $25 Chuck Bucks gift certificate to the Woodchuck Kitchen. Mr. Mystery Woodchuck, please find Fire Woman for a nostalgic picture and your prize.
The festival takes place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Mettawee Community School located on Route 153 in West Pawlet. The Woodchuck Marketplace, featuring craft and unique product vendors, opens at 10 a.m.
The legendary Woodchuck Rescue Challenge, a competitive event open to four-man departmental teams of volunteer firefighters in full gear, begins at 1 p.m. A $250 cash prize will be awarded to the first place team.
Rescue teams are encouraged to bring cheerleader teams to rally them as they compete for the honor of being the 15th champions. The best cheerleader team will receive a $25 Chuck Bucks gift certificate to the Woodchuck Kitchen. Cheerleaders will be judged by their vocal encouragement as well as their apparel.
The public is invited to join the West Pawlet Volunteer Fire Department and Auxiliary in celebrating the legend of the Vermont Woodchuck by dressing for the occasion. For more information, call 802-645-0109 or email luebked@aim.com.
