Exploring Vermont this July!

We are so lucky to live in a state that has so many recreational opportunities. From Lake Champlain to the Long Trail to all the State Parks, lakes and rivers in between there is never a lack of places to escape to. Keep active this summer while exploring all that our state has to offer. Check out some of the great ideas below:


July 2-6,  Ancient Arts Intensive Now for Adults!
This is an immersion into creativity, the natural world, and the wide variety of natural materials and mediums that are available to the artist. This course is heavily focused on drawing: from real life as well as from the mind’s eye. Awareness and perception are foundational to the creative process, and therefore is a strong emphasis in this immersion into nature, art, and our human origins. This is a great class for you if you want to develop and refine your drawing skills, love visual art, nature, music, or making things with your hands.
www.RootsVT.com P.O. Box 932 Montpelier, Vermont 05601 802.456.1253

July 6, 2012, The Great American Northeast Kingdom Flatwater Kayak Championship & Festival
Lake Memphremagog, Newport, Vermont
 
www.kingdomkayak.org  A ten mile flatwater race and “expedition” on Lake Memphremagog, starting at Prouty Beach in Newport, Vermont then heading out of the bay to the Canadian Border, around Black, Cove, and Belle Islands and back to Prouty Beach. There are four divisions: 1) All In - any size or shape, 2) 12 foot standard kayaks, 3) Sailing Kayaks (any size or shape), 4) Expedition (non-race) The event starts at 1 pm on Friday afternoon at Prouty Beach. It is followed by The Frontier Animal Society’s Pet, Swimmers, and Yackers Parade down Main Street in Newport at 6:30 pm and the Montgomery’s CafĂ© Swimmers and Yackers Pasta Dinner under the tents by the Gateway Center on the shores of Lake Memphremegog starting at 7:00 pm. The event is held in conjunction with Kingdom Aquafest a week-long celebration of summer in the heart of the Northeast Kingdom and Kingdom Swim the following day. 

July 6-8 - Dirt Road Biking Weekend
Join us this Fourth of July for an exciting weekend of exploring the backroads of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom by bicycle. It's been said: "The best of Vermont is not touched by pavement." There's no better place to test this claim than Craftsbury, with its campus nestled in the middle of a 200 mile maze of lightly traveled dirt roads. The weekend will offer cyclists the option of either taking a long ride on Saturday, or two shorter rides. Saturday's long ride option will take approximately six hours, with a stop for lunch. The two shorter options will take about an hour each. Sunday will feature a couple of 2 hour rides, one before and one after lunch.
http://www.craftsbury.com/general/stay/dirtRoadWeekend.htm

July 6-8, 2012, -
26th Anniversary Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival

More than 25 hot-air balloons will soar through the sky during Stoweflake 26th Anniversary Hot Air Balloon Festival, July 6-8, 2012. One of Vermont’s most popular summer celebrations, Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa will once again host the spectacular three-day event. The Festival will kick-off on Friday, July 6 at 4 p.m. with a twilight balloon launch at 6:30 p.m. The event will continue with sunrise launches at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 7, and Sunday, July 8, and a second twilight launch at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 7. Viewing the morning launches is complimentary for all visitors. Admission for the evening festival events is $10 (children 12 and under are admitted for free). A small fee applies for some children's activities.
www.stoweflake.com/activities_balloon_festival.aspx

July 7, 2012 – The Fourth Annual Kingdom Swim
On Lake Memphremagog, the Swim now offers 10 mile, 6 mile, 3 mile, and 1 mile swims for adults and youth, along with ¼ mile and 100 yard swims exclusively for kids. The swim is hosted in conjunction with Kingdom Aquafest, which includes a Pet and Swimmers Parade on Friday, July 6, 2012 followed by the Montgomery’s CafĂ© Swimmers and Yackers Pasta Dinner. Our open water rallying cry: No Lanes – No Lines – No Limits.
http://www.irocvt.org/index.php?id=10  www.kingdomswim.org

July 7, 2012, - Automobiles at the Islands Center at Knight Point State Park
North Hero on Saturday, July 7th. All vehicles are welcome, including historic autos, trucks, motorcycles and more. To register a car for the show, send $7 with the following information: name, address, phone number and email, as well as the make, model, body style, year and number of cylinders to: VAE, 4 Wing Street, Burlington, VT 05408-1317. Vehicle must be covered by insurance and must have a fire extinguisher. Pre-registration by July 1, 2012 is recommended! To rent a vendor space or for further information, contact the Lake Champlain Islands Chamber at (802) 372-8400.

July 7,  Castleton Bird Walk
Find the breeding birds of the Bomoseen area. "Join Sue for a morning walk to find the breeding birds of the Bomoseen area. Warblers, thrushes, vireos are some of the possibilities and perhaps a view of a peregrine falcon! Meet at the beach pavilion. " Bomoseen State Park 8:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. 802-265-4242  
www.vtstateparks.com/htm/events.htm   Free

July 7 - 8, BATTLE OF HUBBARDTON ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND
HUBBARDTON, Vt. – Head to the Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site on July 7 and 8, 2012, for a colorful full scale history pageant to commemorate the 235th anniversary of the Revolutionary War battle of Hubbardton. This weekend is also the 35th annual event honoring the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Vermont.  Experience the sights and sounds of the Revolutionary War and colonial times, and the time when British troops under Lt. Gen. John Burgoyne first met the resistance and bravery of Americans in battle—musket fire cracking, black powder smoke, food cooking over open fires, men and boys in breeches and waistcoats, and women and girls in long skirts and caps. The weekend offers activities for all ages and interests. Reenactors will portray American and British soldiers and their families. Visit the tent camps, talk with reenactors, watch the tactical and artillery demonstrations, see camp life activities, learn how to drill, and go on guided camp and battlefield tours. Mistress Davenport will set up her popular school and storytelling. Hands on activities for children are offered in a tent near the museum.
www.historicsites.vermont.gov

July 7 - 8, Cannondale Demo Day at Millstone Hill
When: Saturday, July 7 (9-4) and Sunday, July 8 (9-3) Where: Millstone Hill Touring Center (General Store and Granite Museum), Websterville, VT 
Description: Cannondale representatives will be bringing their full 2013 demo fleet to Millstone Hill Trails July 7 and 8, 2012. This will be THE ONLY Cannondale demo in Vermont this year, and over 40 of the newest Cannondale Mountain bike line will be available to test out on Millstone’s renowned trail system. Millstone Hill will be offering a discounted day pass for participants ($8, $10 for non-participants). Onion River Sports will be present with expertise and a grill. For more information contact Kip or Carrie at Onion River Sports, 802-229-9409 or
events@onionriver.com

July 8, 2012, Lake Fairlee Triathlon
8:00 am, Camp Horizons, Rt 244, Fairlee, VT - This is an olympic distance triathlon in a beautiful venue which will raise money for two scholarships for local kids to attend Camp Horizons this summer. USAT sanctioned and directed by USAT certified race director. Post race BBQ included in registration.
Individual: $85.00, Collegiate $80.00, Relay $180.00,
eric.averill@comcast.net , http://www.imathete.com/events/lakefairleetriathlon,  508-944-5138

July 8 Waitsfield, VT - 2nd Annual Mad Marathon, Mad Half, Mad Corporate Team Challenge
The Mad Marathon, known as the World's Most Beautiful Marathon, takes place annually in the Mad River Valley. All are welcome to participate either in the Mad Marathon, Mad Half, 3 Person Relay Team, or Mad Corporate Team Challenge. Mad River Valley Mad River Green Start 7:00AM 802-4965393
www.madmarathon.com  Registration Fee dori@madmarathon.com

July 8-12,
Green Mountain Fly Fishing Camp

Green Mountain Fly Fishing Camp is New England's newest destination camp providing kids between 10 and 15 years of age an incredibly unique, 5 day/4 night experience in one of Vermont’s most pristine settings. Green Mountain Fly Fishing Camp employs a professional staff of guides and instructors with a dedication to introducing our campers to the wonderful world of fly fishing in a way that is safe, fun and sure to leave a lifelong impression!
www.gmffc.com

July 13 - 15, 2012 Waterbury, VT. - 5th ANNUAL VERMONT MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVAL
Join us for an exciting two day event including: group rides, skills clinics, kids’ activities, industry expo, bike demos, shuttles, BBQ, beer garden, and raffles. The Stowe Mountain Bike Club (SMBC) in conjunction with the Vermont Mountain Bike Association bring you the the 5th Annual Vermont Mountain Bike Festival (VMBF). Join us at the Ice Center in Waterbury, Vermont, on July 14th and 15th, 2012. The VMBF is Vermont’s premier mountain biking event, bringing riders together to enjoy Vermont’s finest trails as well as industry manufacturers and retailers with booths and demo products. Proceeds from the 2012 event will benefit projects at the Perry Hill trail system in Waterbury, Vermont. For two jam-packed days, the VMBF will be home to exciting events catering to beginner and expert cyclists alike. VMBF is family friendly and will also offer kids’ rides lead by Wheels Around  Waterbury, a local summer camp that teaches kids mountain biking skills. Local shops and industry vendors will be on hand to share their products and provide demos. 
www.vermontmountainbikefestival.com

Jul. 14,  South Hero, VT -  Islands Bike Tour
Farms, Food, Art, Wine! | Lake Champlain Islands, VT Join Vermont Farm Tours for our annual Islands Bike Tour. Choose a 10 or 25-mile loop with stops at Island farms, art studios, and vineyards. Return to Snow Farm for wine tasting, free massage, live music, and a chance to bid on auction items featuring lo Snow Farm Vineyard 190 West Shore Rd 9am Check-in, Tour begins at 10am 802-922-7346
www.VermontFarmTours.com/biketour.html   chris@vermontfarmtours.com

July 14-15, 2012 
Ditch Pickle Classic

Lake Champlain's Exclusive Catch-Photo-Release Tournament for the Fly Rod Angler
Missisquoi Bay on Lake Champlain, Swanton, Vermont
The tournament will start at 12pm on Saturday, 7/14 and end at 12pm on Sunday, 7/15. This will allow anglers to fish right until Sunset on Day 1 and get an early start on Day 2. Day 1 results will also be posted at the end of the day, so you'll be able to see how you stack up to the others going into Day 2.
We realize that it can be difficult to secure two days for an event like this, which is why we are providing as much notice as possible. Those of you that fished the DPC last year know that this event is not to be missed and 6 months should be enough time to secure your availability on the 14th & 15th. We are working on some options for group camping for those of you traveling from a distance, so please stay tuned. Like last year, each angler's $25 registration fee will translate into a $15 year-long membership to Friends of Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge. The remaining $10 will get each angler an official Ditch Pickle Classic t-shirt! We plan to hold the "Post Pickle BBQ" at the Refuge Headquarters on Tabor Road, just down the road from the Larry Greene Access Area.
DitchPickleClassic@gmail.com  www.ditchpickleclassic.blogspot.com   www.dpcvt.com

July 14 - 15,  Rutland, VT -  33rd Annual RAVE Car Show & Flea Market
31 classes, no year limits, Sat night dance at the Holiday Inn of Rutland 33rd Annual RAVE Car Show & Flea Market, 31 classes - no limitations, large auto related flea market, car corral, craft vendors, new item vendors, food, music, model car contest, kid's coloring contest, 50/50, silent auction and more. Donations made to lo Vermont State Fairgrounds Route 7 South 9a.m.-4:30p.m.Sat, 9a.m.-3p.m. Sun   802-265-8026   802-779-2556
www.ravecarclub.com  ravecarclub@gmail.com

July 20 - 21 - 1st Annual Crossroads Car & Bike Show
Farr's Field, Waterbury, VT - Farr’s Field on Route 2, just north of the village, the Crossroads of Routes 2 & 100, Waterbury, Vermont. The fun starts on Friday afternoon when the gates open to the public. That’s the beginning of a great weekend full of live bands, motorcycle rodeo, loud pipes, burnout, vendors, great food, great friends, wet t contests, mud wrestling, Ms. Crossoroads and more. On site camping is available or check out one of the many local hotels, Stowe has many hotels and inns and is just ten miles from the rally site.
http://crossroadsmotorcyclerally.com/2011/

July 21,  Ludlow, VT -  Plant ID and Walk
Learn the names and uses of local flora and tips on how to identify plants in the wild. "Steven Schlussel, a.k.a.""The Weedman"", will lead a plant identification walk where participants will learn the names and uses of local flora and tips on how to identify plants in the wild. Comfortable shoes and water are a must. " Camp Plymouth State Park 10:30-12:30   802-228-2025  
www.vtstateparks.com/htm/events.htm  Free

July 21 - 22,  Vergennes, VT -  Small Boat Festival
Lake-friendly family event! Lake-friendly family event! Longboat try-outs, Live music by Rick Norcross, Boat and outboard motor restoration demos. Saturday: 3-mile Challenge Race (entry fee includes museum admission). Sunday: Kids’ Duct Tape Regatta. Event admission included with re Lake Champlain Maritime Museum 7/21/12 10am-5pm, 7/22/12 10am-5pm   802-475-2022  
www.lcmm.org/ 

July 22, 2012, The Champ's Challenge for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Fundraising Ride
The Champ's Challenge for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) fundraising ride has helped the CF Lifestyle Foundation award over 150 grants, totaling over $100,000 in direct financial assistance to help people with CF live more active lifestyles and improve their life. Last year Champ's Challenge raised $40,000, and we're hoping to exceed $50,000 this year. We hope that you will mark your calendar now to come join us again this year, and please bring a friend! Our goal this year is to have over 200 cyclists! As the title sponsor, Basin Harbor Club welcomes cyclists from near and far to come stay at a special group rate!  Businesses interested in becoming an event sponsor, please contact Cindy Sherwood. For more information on sponsorship, http://www.champschallenge.org/
Your help is needed! Please consider stepping forward in volunteering to hang posters, post the event online, donate a raffle item or service, or bring 'Invite' cards to work or your gym and help make this event bigger than ever!

Jul. 22 - 27,  Woodstock, VT -  Best of Vermont Bike Tour
Six day bike tour celebrating the beauty of Vermont Bicycle through some of the loveliest landscapes and towns Vermont has to offer. Explore covered bridges, historic sites, working farms, dramatic gorges and country stores. Taste local cheddar, maple syrup and micro-brews. Hike to a mountaintop with panor The tour starts and finishes in Woodstock. see website for details 508-545-1864
www.greatfreedomadventures.com/vermont-bike-tours.html   info@greatfreedomadventures.com

July 28, 2012, 9th Annual Onion River Century Ride to benefit the Kellogg-Hubbard Library 2012
Registration is open! The Onion River Century Ride is a beautiful ride through the heart of the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. All proceeds benefits the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier. Join us this year for our 9th Annual Onion River Century Ride by riding in the, the full 111 mile Century Ride, 110k Metric Century (68 miles), or 35 mile dirt & paved loop. All rides leave at 8:30 with a police escort out of Montpelier as far as Route 302.
www.onionriver.com/events-results/century

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