By Seamus McAvoy/VTDigger Vermonters can expect a return to amusement rides, fried food and demolition derbies this summer, as most fairs plan a revival after a year off due to Covid-19, including the Vermont State Fair at the Rutland fairgrounds, which will celebrate its 175th anniversary Aug. 17-21 with two demolition derbies and a rodeo, among…

By Brooke Geery Scott Downs, from Middleton, Massachusetts, and Lincoln, New Hampshire, comes to Killington in the spring after Loon Mountain (New Hampshire) closes.  In addition to skiing as many spring days as he can, “I always try and make the June 1 days at Killington,” he said.  With the Icon Pass he also comes…

By Emma Cotton/VTDigger When Ed and Barbara Morrow founded Northshire Bookstore in 1976, they moved with their son, Chris, into an apartment below the shop. Chris, who was 9, remembers climbing a ladder from their home through a trap door that led to the service desk. The Morrow family has owned the Northshire Bookstore ever since.…

By Brooke Geery FAIR HAVEN— Sometimes you walk into a place and it immediately feels like home. The Fair Haven Inn is one of those places. When I arrived for happy hour on a rainy day last week, co-owner Bruce Ieremias greeted us at the side door, informing me that the front door was being…

QUECHEE—The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) is welcoming the spring season by extending open hours at the center and offering new daily programs. Beginning May 1, VINS resumed live bird programs, and the Forest Exhibit and Reptile Room will be open to viewers of all ages. The live bird programs will be held daily…

May 5-9—VIRTUAL—The Vermont International Film Festival (VTIFF) presents inaugural launch of the Made Here Film Festival, the only film festival dedicated exclusively to films and filmmakers from the northern New England states of Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts; northern New York; and their neighbors in Québec. The festival is a partnership with Vermont PBS. …

Project of “First Friday” outdoor film, arts, and dining receives $18,000 grant Friday, May 7 at —WHITE RIVER JCT—An underutilized parking lot behind the Hotel Coolidge in downtown White River Junction will become a vibrant, pandemic-safe place to eat, visit, and watch films and projection art this summer, thanks to an $18,000 grant from Vermont…

Friday, May 7 at 5 p.m.—BRANDON— It’s spring! And the Brandon Artists Guild is showing Signs of Life — the name of its latest exhibition. Signs of Life features works by printmaker Jeannie Podolak and painter Dan Brett. The exhibit runs from May 7-July 5.  A free opening reception will be held Friday, May 7…

Saturday, May 8 at 10 a.m.—RUTLAND—Stop by the new Artisan Marketplace outside on the Chaffee grounds starting this Saturday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and throughout the summer and fall.  It’ll be open just in time for Mother’s Day with lots of gift ideas inside and outside the Chaffee. Booths will change…

By Bonnie Kirn Donahue, UVM Extension master gardener It’s spring and that means it’s time to get back into your flower and vegetable gardens. Once the soil has dried out in your flower gardens, remove any sticks, dried leaf debris and old mulch, being careful not to step on any emerging plants. Use this time to think…

Mothers receive free admission Sunday, May 9 at 10 a.m.—WOODSTOCK—Learn all about the powerful draft horses, working steers, and oxen that farmers have traditionally used on the farm. Billings Farm & Museum welcomes visitors on Sunday, May 9, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. for Draft Animal Day.  Celebrate Mother’s Day at the farm – mothers receive free admission. Watch local teamsters and their…

Sunday, May 9 at 7:30 a.m.—WEST PAWLET—The West Pawlet Volunteer Fire Dept. will be hosting its monthly pancake breakfast at the Fire House located at 2806 Vermont Route 153, West Pawlet, on May 9 from 7:30-11 a.m. The menu includes plain, chocolate chip, cranberry and blueberry pancakes and waffles served with pure Vermont maple syrup,…

On Sunday, May 9, 2021, millions of people will celebrate the special women in their lives, particularly the mothers, grandmothers and stepmothers who often tirelessly care for those they love.  Created by Anna Jarvis in the early 20th century and designated an official United States holiday in 1914, Mother’s Day is a special day in…

Sunday, May 9 at 4 p.m. — VIRTUAL and  RUTLAND — Grace Congregational UCC is  hosting a free Mother’s Day concert.  Tenor Ryan Mangan offers a vocal recital accompanied by Grace Church Minister of Music, Alastair Stout. The concert will be in-person in the spacious beauty of Grace Church Sanctuary, with the audience seated in…

Sunday, May 9 at 9:15-10:15 a.m.— KILLINGTON— Start your Mother’s Day right with a yoga class with Cristy at the new Killington Boot Camp Wellness Center. The class is open to all with a $10 special drop in rate.  Members can attend for free.  Space is limited.  Killington Boot Camp is located at 2363 US-4,…