May 2008

Please note:
While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the events listed, all information is subject to change. The contacts listed for each event can confirm dates and provide additional information. Be sure to verify all information in advance of your trip!

May 15

Middlebury
Doing Local History
Henry Sheldon Museum—Led by Deborah Clifford and is for anyone interested in working on a local history project using primary source materials. Research Center. Admission for non-members. 6-8 pm. 802-388-2117. www.henrysheldonmuseum.org

Middlebury
Author Da Chen
Ilsley Public Library—Novelist, memoirist, and children's book author Da Chen will speak on his journey from China, where he grew up during the cultural revolution to the U.S. where he studied law, worked on Wall Street, and became a writer. Chen's books include the novel "Brothers" and the memoir "Colors of the Mountain." 7 pm. 802-388-4095. www.ilsleypubliclibrary.org

May 15-17

Ticonderoga, NY
Pre-season Plant Sale
Fort Ticonderoga—Sale in the King's Garden. No admission fee for Garden. 518-585-2821. www.fort-ticonderoga.org

May 16

Vergennes
Roger McGuinn, co-founder of the Byrds Live Concert
Vergennes Opera House—Rock & roll Hall of Fame member and folk-rock legend Roger McGuinn from The Byrds performs solo for an evening of his classic hits and traditional folk. Admission with tickets available at the Opera House, Classic Stitching or through the www.flynntix.org. www.vergennesoperahouse.org

May 16

Burlington
Echo Celebrates 5th Anniversary
ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Cente enters its 5th year of serving locals and visitors alike, and they're launching their birthday celebration with a splash: Senator Leahy and Lois McClure will headline a special evening for invited guests, highlighted by a very exciting announcement. www.echovermont.org/media/photos.html

May 17

Goshen
Long Trail Maintenance
Green Mountain Club Bread Loaf Section—Trail work on the Bread Loaf section of the Long Trail. Bring water and lunch. 802-388-9868.

Middlebury
The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Broadway and Film Music
A benefit concert for community outreach and music programs featuring the Congregational Church Choir and singers from the community. Reception following. Donations accepted at the door. 7 pm. Congregational Church of Middlebury. 802-388-7634.

May 18

New Haven
Chicken & Biscuit Dinner
Chicken & Biscuits will be served at two sitting: Noon and 1 pm. Price: $8 adults, children (6-12 yrs) $4, under 6 free. Walk-ins welcome. Take out available by reservation. New Haven congregational Church. 802-545-2422.

May 22

Middlebury
Beyond Chinggis Khan: Mongolian Buddhist Art from the Rubin Museum of Art
Middlebury College Center for the Arts—Exquisite gilt bronze images and paintings with dramatic masks and ritual implements used in ceremonial dances reveal richness of this tradition. Also contemporary photographs exploring Mongolia's ancient landscape and its enduring nomadic culture. Exhibit through August 10. Museum of Art, Christian A. Johnson Memorial Gallery. Free. 802-443-6433. www.middlebury.edu/arts

Vergennes
"The Gods of The Hills"
Vergennes Opera House: Actor Jim Hogue channels the spirit of the Green Mountain Boy, Ethan Allen, in his one-man performance. 7pm, tickets $8. Visit www.vergennesoperahouse.org or call (802) 877-6737.

May 23

Vergennes
"A Night at the Opera"
Vergennes Opera House: The return of Friday Night Flicks. Come see this Marx Brothers comedy classic. Admission is FREE, donations are welcome and popcorn and drinks will be available! 7:30pm. Visit www.vergennesoperahouse.org or call (802) 877-6737.

May 24

Addison - Bridport Area
Bike Ride
Green Mountain Club Bread Loaf Section—Bike ride in the Addison-Bridport area. Easy, 20-25 miles with longer options. Bring water and lunch. Helmets required. 802-496-6677.

Orwell
Early Bird Nature Walk
Mount Independence State Historic Site—It's the traditional spring event. Enjoy walking with bird expert Sue Wetmore, as she identifies and "talks to" the birds of spring on Mount Independence. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. No pets please. 7:00 AM directions, Contact: MountIndependence@HistoricVermont.org

Ticonderoga, NY
Twelfth Annual Fort Ticonderoga Open Epee Competition
Fort Ticonderoga—Co-sponsored by the Middlebury Fencing Club. Rain date May 25. 518-585-2821. www.fort-ticonderoga.org

Vergennes
Schooner Lois McClure at North Harbor
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum—Constructed and launched in 2004 by staff and volunteers of LCMM, Lois McClure is a full-scale working replica of an 1862 canal schooner. The schooner will be in port at LCMM's North Harbor Daily boarding through June 15 available. 10 am-5 pm. 802-475-2022. www.lcmm.org

May 24-25

Statewide
Open Studio Weekend
Open Studio Weekend, sponsored by the Vermont Crafts Council, is a statewide celebration of the visual arts and the creative process in which Vermont artists and craftspeople invite the public to visit them working in their studios. More than 26o sites will be opened during this event with more than 285 artists and artisans participating. The Vermont Crafts Council publishes a free map booklet with directions to the participating sites. Addison County artists can be found by clicking here 802-223-3380. www.vermontcrafts.com

May 25

Ferrisburgh
Rokeby Museum Opening Day
Rokeby Museum—Patricia Kane, curator at Yale University Art Gallery, will lead a tour of Rhode Island furniture found in Rokeby's collection. The Robinsons hailed from Newport and brought some pieces to Vermont with them, including a Townsend-Goddard pipe box. Admission. 2 pm. 802-877-3406. www.rokeby.org

May 26

Hubbardton
Memorial Day Remembrance
Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site- At noon the battlefield flags will be raised to full-mast and tributes will be paid at the battle monument to the soldiers of Hubbardton. directions, Contact: Hubbardton@HistoricVermont.org

Ticonderoga, NY
Annual Memorial Day Commemoration and Wreath-Laying Ceremony
Fort Ticonderoga—Join a procession from the Fort to the American ceremony led by the fort Ticonderoga Fife & Drum Corps. 11 am. 518-585-2821. www.fort-ticonderoga.org

May 31

Burlington
Echo Celebrates 5th Anniversary
ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center. A community celebration will mark the actual date of ECHO's 5th birthday, celebrating the milestone of welcoming over 750,000 guests through the science center's doors. www.echovermont.org/media/photos.html

Button Bay State Fishing Access
Spring Way Regional Rowing Race
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum—Over 50 students from New England will participate in a series of three rowing races. Eight crews rowing in LCMM's 32' and 25' rowing gigs, built by area youth over the last eight years. Included in the fleet will be the newly launched boat built this year by students from the Diversified Occupations program at the Hannaford Career Center. 9:30 am-1 pm. 802-475-2022. www.lcmm.org

May 31-June 1

Vergennes
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum Season Preview and Member Days
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum—Take a peek at what's in store for the 2008 season. Featuring unveiling of new exhibit, "Fish Stories" and other new exhibits including the first of LCMM's "Maritime Machines". Observe progress and plans for two new building, the Blacksmith Arts Center and the Small Watercraft Center; watch demonstrations and take part in workshops such as fish seining, sea shanty singing, and samplings of 2008 Special Events. New members who join LCMM during this weekend get in free the rest of the season. 802-475-2022. www.lcmm.org