By Polly Lynn The unofficial start of summer kicks off with the Memorial Day three-day weekend. Open-towed shoes, white pants, shorts and tank tops are now permitted (for those who follow traditional “rules” of etiquette.) Barbecues, parades and patriotism are the hallmarks of the holiday. But despite the fanfare, Memorial Day is a somber federal…

Courtesy of Town of Killington Spectators cheer for cyclists during the Stage Race’s Circuit Race last year. The town of Killington estimates the race brings about 1,200 people to town. KILLINGTON — The Killington Stage Race returns for the sixth consecutive year this weekend, bringing with it hundreds of top competitive cyclists from across the…

Courtesy of KAG See oils, watercolors, acrylics, sculpture, photography, and print books in the Killington Arts Guild gallery, such as this by enhanced photo by Bruce Pike Photography. Friday, May 22 at 5 p.m. — KILLINGTON — Killington Arts Guild holds an opening reception for its latest gallery show, “Where I Am,” on Friday, May 22 from…

Submitted JENNI JOHNSON Friday, May 22 at 7 p.m. — TINMOUTH — Jenni Johnson and the Jazz Junketeers make a welcome comeback to the Tinmouth Old Firehouse concert series on Friday, May 22. Doors open at 7 p.m. Johnson is a widely travelled jazz singer whose home and roots are in Vermont. Her full, smooth voice offers…

Courtesy of VINS “Archchaeopteryx” by Todd Marshall, renowned paleo-artist, on display in VINS’ “Birds are Dinosaurs” exhibit. Friday, May 22 — QUECHEE — The Vermont Institute of Natural Science presents the opening of an exciting, new exhibit, “Birds are Dinosaurs,” on Friday, May 22. The exhibit traces the amazing story of how birds evolved from dinosaurs. Take a walk…

Submitted Samples of art by Brandon artists, that can be viewed during Open Studio Weekend: Planter by Susan Smith-Hunter; “Barn Door Topiary Farm” quilt by Judith Reilly. May 23-24 — BRANDON — Brandon, Vt. has been known as a community for visual arts since the start of the Brandon Artists Guild, which brought into town fine artists…

Photo one: Courtesy of VCC. Bill LeQuier of Readsboro Glassworks, looks thoughtfully through his glass sculpture. LeQuier’s work will be on display for Open Studio Weekend along with many others. Photo two: By George Rilly. Fabric artist Judith Reilly in her Brandon studio, surrounded by her works of art behind her. Photo three: By Tom Way. Fiber artist…

Courtesy of Brandon Music SARAH BLACKER Saturday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. — BRANDON — Boston’s “Sundress Rocker,” Sarah Blacker returns to Brandon Music for a release party for her new album “In Waves” on May 23 at 7:30 p.m. before embarking on a national tour. The album is Sarah Blacker’s strongest songwriting and playing to date.…

Courtesy of Flip Side Skatepark A group of young girls sits on a wall at Flip Side Skatepark, gear on and ready to learn to ride. Saturday, May 23 — RUTLAND — Flip Side Skatepark located at Giorgetti Park is one of the largest indoor skate parks in the state of Vermont, designed with transition and flow in…

Submitted “Margaritaville” by Karen Deets is a sample of the colorful, stained glass artwork that can be seen at her studio. May 23 and 24 at 10 a.m. — FAIR HAVEN — May 23 and 24 is the statewide Open Studio Weekend, sponsored by the Vermont Crafts Council. Look for the yellow road directional signs. Karen Deets…

Saturday, May 23 — PLYMOUTH NOTCH — The President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site opens for the 2015 season on Saturday, May 23. The highlight of the season is the new exhibit: First Lady Grace Coolidge: “A Glass of Fashion.”  Mrs. Coolidge helped establish the first lady’s role of fashion trendsetter and her look reflected the best…

POULTNEY — Vendor spaces along historic Main Street for Poultney's 2015 Annual Town Wide Yard Sales in both June and October are now available for rent. They are available on a first-come, first serve basis through Poultney Area Chamber of Commerce, the event sponsor. The 2015 Yard Sale events dates are Saturday, June 6 and Saturday, Oct.…

By Mary Holland Karl Kemnitzer rides the yellow long-tail electric cargo bike up Mt. Washington. Wednesday, May 27 at 4:30 p.m. — WOODSTOCK — Wondering if an electric bicycle can replace your car? Learn about the uses, different styles, hardware, and requirements in a discussion with Karl Kemnitzer about his two electric cargo bikes that have been used…

Courtesy of Billings Farm & Museum Sample Billings’ new raw milk cheddar cheese at the 6th annual Cheese & Dairy celebration May 23 and 24. May 23-24 — WOODSTOCK — Branded Billings Farm cheese is a tangible and tasty symbol of the history and significance of the Billings Farm in Woodstock – one of the oldest continuously-operating…

May 22 and 23 — WEST RUTLAND — The Marble Valley Players and director Martin Bones are pleased to present another “Fringe Festival Favorite” for your amusement. “If you liked ‘Plague, The Musical,’  you will love ‘Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens’ on May 22 and 23!” say the Marble Valley Players. “Think ‘Saturday Night Fever’ and…