November..

Fall is beyond here & most people have overlooked Thanksgiving already! Don't forget:

• "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" Movie night, UMall on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 6:30pm
• Vermont Lake Monsters Family Fun Fest – Saturday, November 23rd from 10:30-12:30 at the Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Champlain Valley Exposition
• Harvest Feast Tue., Nov. 26, 3:15-4:30 p.m. Butternut squash, applesauce and pumpkin pudding are on the menu for this harvest-themed meal prepared by fledgling chefs. For kids in grades 1-5. Brownell Library 

I was going to try & wait until after to post the big holiday events coming but here goes what I got:

• Cookie Decorating, Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Continues through Jan. 29, Budding bakers doll up treats with sprinkles, frosting, sugar and nuts. Barrio Bakery 

• Meet Post Mark the North Pole Postman at Buttered Noodles, November 23 from 10-4 pm Children can meet Post Mark the elf, listen to him read a book every hour & give their letter to Post Mark to deliver to Santa. (Parents, if you wish for your child to receive a personalized letter back from Santa, actually postmarked from the North Pole, there is a fee.) Free buttered noodles for all.

• Have fun building a small toolbox for the holidays at this special holiday Home Depot Kids Workshop! Sat, Nov 30, 2013 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Church Street Marketplace Holiday Events & Tree Lighting Ceremony is the 29th, Santa arrives at noon & the pre-lighting show starts at 5:30
• Llama Llama will be making an apperence at Buttered Noodles Sat., Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 
• The local author, Tracey Campbell Pearson, presents her newest picture book 'Elephant's Story' about a pachyderm who plays with letters; Begins with a lost book and ends in friendship. Phoniex Books Nov. 30th @ 11 & The Flying Pig Wed., Dec. 4, 11 a.m. 
• Colchester's Burnham Library;s tree lighting is Sun Dec 1st at 4pm, The Colchester Community Chorus provide a festive soundtrack for crafts, hot cocoa and cookies.
• Mon Dec 2nd 6pm DAHL Winter Party with UVM Zest
• Meet The Grinch Sat., Dec. 7, 11 a.m. Parents snap pics of their kids with the mean green one himself during this seasonal story time with activities. Phoenix Books (Essex)
• Make a fun Tic-Tac-Toe Board. Dec 7th 9-12 Home Depot
• Recycled Craft Workshop, Sat Dec 7th 10-12pm, Learn to save money while saving the Earth in an eco-conscious class, please bring a nonperishable food donation for COTS. Ethan Allen Homestead Museum
• Simplifying the Holidays Mon., Dec. 9, 7 p.m., Waldorf teacher and parenting coach Anne Shapiro shares strategies for making the gift-giving season meaningful for families.Lake Champlain Waldorf School
• First Baptist Church in Sheburne is hosting a Live Nativity show on Friday, DEC. 13th & Saturday the 14th. The 20 min. dramatization begins at 6 & again at 7:30 p.m.
• Holiday Bonfire Fri., Dec. 13, 7-8 p.m. Straight from the North Pole, the big man in red attends a community sing-along with flickering flames and seasonal refreshments. All ages. Nonperishable food donations accepted for the local food pantry. Maple Street Park
• Lowe's Build & Grow Sat., Dec. 14, 10-11 a.m. Kids with a penchant for tools put together a festive train engine adorned with stickers
• "The Gift" Sat., Dec. 14, 3-5 p.m. Graceful gliders from the Champlain Valley Skating Club sail across the ice, performing holiday-themed acts during this seasonal revue. Leddy Park
• DAML "make your own star book' Mon., Dec. 16, 3-4 p.m., Elementary art teacher MC Baker teaches how to fold pages in an astral shape. Kindergarten and up. Children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

SANTA!

Ri Ra's Santa 5K Run & Walk Sunday, December 1, 2013 @ 10:00 AM

UMALL: 

• Santa - Nov. 29. Mondays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Tue., Dec. 24, 11 a.m.-4 p.m
• Storytime with Mrs. Claus -  Cookies, milk and pajamas enhance Christmas tales told by Santa's jolly wife. Meet at the JCPenney Court, Weds throughout Dec, 6:30 p.m.

BTC:

• Children with autism and other sensory conditions spend quiet mornings with Santa, Sun., Dec. 1, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Sun., Dec. 8, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 15, 8:30-10 a.m. 
• Pet nights! Mondays (December 2, 9, 16) starting at 6:00 PM, Those four-legged family members want to see the big guy in the red suit too. It's a waggin' good time.
• Santa's having a pajama party - Bedtime-ready kids wear their jammies and bring stuffed animals and blankets for photos with Mr. Claus. Starts Dec. 3. Tuesdays, 6 p.m. Continues through Dec. 17
• Live Reindeer & horse drawn buggy rides, Sats 11-3pm

Craft fairs/Holiday bazaars

• Women's Festival Of Crafts Sat., Nov. 30, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun., Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Female artisans sell bags, jewelry, clothes, pottery and more just in time for the giving season. Memorial Auditorium
• Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Fri., Dec. 6, 6:30-9 p.m. and Sat., Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m
• Unitarian Universalist Society, Sat., Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Shelburne Community School, Sat., Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Zing!

Okay so not 100% for the kids but if you got a crew like mine you need the caffeine fix as much as possible so here's a treat for you (or I suppose a hot cocoa for them if you have to)

"Fall in love with Farmhouse Blend every Friday in October…for free! Announcing Free Fridays 2013. Visit any Cumberland Farms location on a Friday in October (4th, 11th, 18th, 25th) and receive a coffee – any size, any way you like it – absolutely free!"

Find the closet one to you, grab a cup & GO!

Autumn Love & Halloween Happenings

Can't believe I've neglected you all for almost a month! I did finally get the computer back & it's running great, a few health things have been going on so we just haven't been doing alot of 'extra' lately. Hope everyone's been enjoying the gorgeous season. Anyways here's some top picks for the rest of October, I've even included some events a little further than my comfort zone but I felt it necessary this time around!

Saturday the 12th -

• Lil' Vermonters consignment sale 8-2 ($5 admission for 1st hour, free after 9 am) at            St. John Vianney in S. Burl
• Build a "Spooky Stacker" game at 10am with Lowes kids clinic
• Leaf peeping tour at Lake Carmi State Park in Enosburg 10 am
• Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome 11-1 pm @ Sports Complex in Saint Albans, walkers get a T-Shirt
• Great Pumpkin Weigh In 1 pm @ Mazza's

Weds the 16th - Burlington Parks & Rec's Playmobile will be at Leddy Park from 10-11:30

Tech Jam: Fri the 18th from 10-5 p & Saturday from 10-3 p @ Memorial Auditorium

Saturday the 19th - 

• John Dewey Day, kids can make masks & learn about the celebration at Fletcher Free Library then take part in a Church St parade 10-12 pm
• Cabot Apple Pie Festival 9-3 pm
• Ooky Spooky Race, through haunted forest by Rock Point School down to North Beach, 8-10:30 am, $10-$25 to participate which benefits CoTS. But sounds like it'd be fun to watch
• "Loosie B. Goosie" reading about a goose from Shelburne Farms & signing at none other than Phoniex Books from 11-12:30
• Pumpkins & Pirates party at Gardener's Supply 10-11 am, space is limited!

Monday the 21st - Burnham memorial Library in Colchester ages 12-18 film crew 6:30 pm

Wednesday the 23rd - "It's PJ night Charlie Brown" at University Mall, be at the center court at 6:30 pm. to watch "It's a Great Pumpkin" while enjoying some milk & cookies

Thursday the 24th - "misLEAD" documentary viewing about the risk of Lead poisoning, City Hall 5 pm


Friday the 25th - Light up the lawn of Essex Middle School with a giant jack-o-lantern display; Bring your pumpkins for this great family night of pumpkin carving!


Saturday the 26th - 

• Spooky Saturday at VPT in Colchester, join Curious George from 10-11:30 am & 1-2:30 pm for balloon animals, games, fun foods, a costume parade and more! Cost $1 per child & you're encouraged to donate a children's book (or 2!) Best suited for kids grade 5 and under. Registration Required!
• Maple St Park in Essex is having their pumpkin fest, activities begin at 4:30 pm & go into the evening with a bonfire & walk. They do ask that if you bring a carved pumpkin for the lighting display at 6pm.
• Pumpkins in the Park, BYOP for a public carving bonanza in South Burl 6-8 pm, pumpkins will be displayed at Sunday's carnival

Sunday the 27th - 

• Shelburne Halloween Parade starts at 2 pm, festivities follow until 4, bring a non-perishable food item & get a 'special prize'
• "Shared streets, not scared streets" Costumed revelers will take to Burlington’s streets to celebrate the annual Halloween bicycle parade. Begins at 2 pm in front of City Hall
• Halloween carnival at Tuttle Middle School in S. Burlington from 12-2 pm
• Middlebury Spooktacular on the Green from 1-3pm
• Halloween will be celebrated at Ethan Allen Homestead from 1-3pm
• Wildlife wanderers nature group meets from 2-4pm at Red Rocks
• Join Kids & Fitness of Williston for their Annual Halloween Extravaganza 3-5 pm
• Enjoy a full day of Halloween Fun in Vergennes City Park, literally from 9 am - dark!

Monday the 28th - 

• Halloween stories w/ Abby at Dorothy Ailing Memorial Library in Williston 6:30pm
• UVM's Halloween Barn - costumed horses will be out for show from 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Tuesday the 29th - 

• Halloween celebration @ Champlain Valley Expo in Essex 5-6:30, best for Pre-K through 4th graders
• Enjoy trick or treating at St. Albans library from 4-7 pm

Wednesday the 30th - 

• 'Night Before Halloween" party at the University Mall 4-8 pm, Please consider bringing "Coats for Kids" for donation
• Moving & grooving costume party @ Fletcher Free library 11-11:30, best for ages 2-5

Thursday the 31st - 

• Halloween Forest of Magic and Mystery @ Lake Champlain Waldorf School, 4-5:30 pm
• Enjoy trick or treating at the Highgate library from 5-7pm
• "BOO to you" storytime at S. Burlington library. Ages 3-6 at 9:15 am, under 3 at 10:30
• Halloween party at Stowe elementary 4:30-6

Delishishness!

Boloco is once again sponsoring a community day in Burlington. Sorry for the horribly late notice I've been without my laptop; But hopefully a few of my trusty readers will be able to get down there! They're doing any free regular burrito until 8pm, they were also handing out fresh baked cookies & SpinDrift drinks when I walked by just now. Donations appreciated & are benefiting Spectrum Youth Servies.

September happenings

Home depot's kid's workshop this month is a great ring toss game, Sept. 7th, 2013 from 9-noon in their Williston store.

Kid Hop Saturday, Sept. 7th from 10 am – 4 pm. Featuring hands-on creativity, music & fun at 5 family-friendly around Pine Street in Burlington.. This event is designed for families with children ages 3–12. 

• SEABA tent behind the Maltex is out from 10am–2pm with Cool Crafts like Giant Robots, Puzzle People, Pastel Clothesline, live music, & more! 
• Davis Studio at 4 Howard Street is doing a Beading Pool from 10-3.
• Stop by Burton's Riglet Park between 11-3pm – a revolutionary teaching environment specially designed for kids aged 3-6 years old. Enjoy family friendly activities, treats, giveaways & more!  
• Creative Habitat will have art demos and make-it take-it sessions from 10-4pm.
• Aikido Champlain Valley will hold a special children's demo at 1.
• Burlington Taiko is hosting Intro workshops for ages 6-12 at their Flynn Ave site, 10am & 6pm.

CURIOUS GEORGE IS COMING! Saturday, September 14, 2013, 10:00am - 12 Noon @ umall

lowes build & grow clinic is makin g fire trucks sept 14th from 10-11a

The 9th annual Burlington Book Festival will take place September 20-22, 2013! Sat., Sept. 21, 12-5 p.m it's family time at Phoniex with children's authors reading aloud from thier boooks. 

• Marilyn Webb Neagley, 12pm. She’ll read from and sign her new book, Loosie B. Goosie, based on a true story that happened when the author was president of Shelburne Farms.
• Brian D. Cohen, 1pm. He’ll read and discuss The Bird Book, a children’s alphabet book featuring his acclaimed illustrations and rhyming couplets.
• Eileen Christelow, 2pm. Her latest book is Five Little Monkeys Trick-or-Treat, which she’ll read.
• Laban Carrick Hill, 3pm. Hill's picture book poem Dave the Potter: Artist, Slave, Poet won Caldecott Honor. Publishers Weekly writes of his newest book: “Here’s a twofer: an expert biography of a hip hop and rap pioneer, and a not-to-be-missed picture-book debut by Taylor.” He’ll read and talk about Dave the Potter and his latest release, When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Origins of Hip Hop
• Tracey Campbell Pearson, 4pm. With over 35 books for children and countless awards from Parenting Magazine, Parents’ Choice, and Time Magazine, as well as starred reviews from top literary magazines and more, picture book author-illustrator Tracey Campbell Pearson tells and illustrates her stories with a pace and rhythm that has kids eager to turn the page to see what’s next–and she throws in humor to keep them laughing along the way.She’ll read from and take questions about her latest creation, Elephant’s Story.

The Shelburne Farm's Havest festival is Sat., Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Curious George is visiting Barnes & Nobles Sat., Sept. 21, 11 a.m.

shake ur sillies out umall Mondays at 10:30am in Center Court (the carpeted area just outside of the Sears store)This series runs September 30 - November 18, 2013.

b&n Hands-On Learning Event: Crocodile Creek Circus Tower Puzzle 
thurs September 26, 2013 11:00 AM & Saturday September 28, 2013 12:30 PM 

Kid's Fishing Derby?

For years now I've brought my growing crew to the fishing derby, this year it's been a little harder to find info on it but I think we'll trust the 1 & only site coming up with Anything. September 21st meet at the waterfront shelter (has usually been the Boathouse?) for registration. Hopefully P&R will have something up on their site soon, but pencil it in!

Free Programs @ the Y

Yup - It's that time of year again! The Downtown Burlington & Winooski YMCAs are offering another free program week,; I typically see these happen early Autumn & late Spring as new programs sessions are starting. From September 2 - 8, you can go & get a taste of what's in store for you with a Y membership. Some of the most popular are limited by space so you should call to reserve your spot but all group classes are open!

Tomorrow's the day

if you wanna hit up the Shelburne Museum for Free! Yup they're opening their newest building with ribbon cutting at 11 am but gates open at 10 & they're open until 8:30. After 66 years this wonderful new center will allow access year round & if you've never been before you'll soon see why that's so important; Activities & exhibits for all ages. Literally, I go every summer with my boys & the older generation & we're always finding something 'new' and exciting!! Check out this schedule to plan your day & I mean your DAY, you'll really wanna spend the whole day - promise. As always I'm assuming you have children since it's in the blog title so I'll suggest a nice picnic, they serve Great food but as with most attractions, I feel it overpriced. There's Huge lawns so bring a ball or something; gardens are great for bug & butterfly watching, there's even usually a few ducks swimming in the pond. The museum has a wonderful cottage for the younger crowd to play & dress-up, stories & crafts are also a key part to the experience. I love the playground in Alyssa's Garden, definitely always been one of my favorite pit-stops. My guys have always enjoyed watching the blacksmith & even checking out parts of the Ticonderoga. Older kids might get a kick outta the old Schoolhouse or strolling through an old train. There are a few buildings where strollers aren't recommended & even a couple where they're not allowed. Roads are hilly & being a mother of 2 with a double decker I'll also say they can be down right evil; dirt with rocks that one can compare with quicksand. Have no fear though - they have a shuttle!
Can't make it? Try for a library pass at your local branch or hit one of the other events coming up.

Maritime Festival coming up

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce named the Lake Champlain Maritime Festival a Top Ten Vermont Summer Event. The Festival has grown tremendously & has become a destination for people in Vermont, the United States and Canada. Now heading towards its 6th year, the Festival is a four-day celebration of Lake Champlain, showcasing hundreds of exhibits throughout sites on the Burlington Waterfront & musical performances (on multiple stages). Daily admission is free to most events with select events requiring admission (mostly night performances or museums).

Kids Day is Friday, August 16

• Narrated Cruises for Kids! Board the Northern Lights 10-11am & 2-3pm! (Reg. Adult price is $16)
• ArborTech Climbing Wall!
• Treasure Hunt!
• Get a Pirate Name & Learn to Talk like a Pirate!
• SEABA art exhibits!
• Children’s Comedy Series with Dustin Bruley!
• Burlington Dive Center Educational Activities!
• Ethan Allen Homestead Old Fashioned Games!
• Crate Escape Supernova Disc Dogs & Vermont Police Canine Association Dogs!
• Local Motion Bike Olympics & Helmet Hand-outs!
• Nightmare Vermont Pirates!
• Commedia Del Arte!
• Price Chopper Hopper - the fun inflatable obstacle course!
• Lake Champlain Sailing Center Kids Activities
• Plus, kids activities from the following non-profits: Burton CHILL Program, Demolay, AARP, Hunger-free Vermont & International Film Festival!

Rockin' Ron the Friendly Pirate shows starting about 11 all days, on the hour until 4 pm.

Other Festival activities include: Eco-Zone; Vintage Boat Show; Waterfront Wine & Food Festival; Pirate 5k Run; Mission Possible Adventure Race; sailboat, kayak & paddleboard rides; ALS Silent Auction; craft and international food vendors; Non-profit Exhibit Area showcasing community organizations.

NEW Events list

Summervale, Thurs 5:30 - 8 pm at the Intervale Barn
8/8 - VT Joy Parade preforms while you are invited to make some Dried Apple Rings
8/15 - The Dupont Brothers opens for Chris Dorman & The Whistle Pigs, churn your own butter
8/22 - Colin McCaffrey & Barika, fire up some corn tortillas
8/29 - Quiet Lion &  Afinque, ride the smoothie bike
9/5 - Dewey Drive Band opens for Lila Mae & The Cartwheels while you test out some edible flower creations
10/13 - Special end of season event, details TBA

Lunchtime Concerts in City Hall, Weds & Fri 12-1 pm
8/9 Kick ‘em Jenny Stringband (old-time), 8/14 Miriam Bernardo, 8/16 The Zeichner Family Band (Fiddle, Irish, Old-time, Folk), 8/21 Brett Hughes and Kat Wright (Americana/Singer-Songwriter), 8/23 Nate Gusakov Family Band, 8/28 Cinder Conk (Gypsy/Jazz), 8/30 Evil City Trio (Old-time)

Ben & Jerry's outdoor movie fest has 2 more showings this season. Meet outside their scoop shop (BYO seating) about dusk for the show! 8/13 - Escape from Planet Earth, 8/20 - The Avengers.

Groovin' on the green @ Maple Tree Place in Williston, 8/8 Real Deal, soul/r&b; 8/15 Sturcrazie rock & roll; ends 8/22 with a MJ tribute cover band

Come to Maple Street Park in Essex on Fridays

• August 9: The Yo-Yo People As seen on David Letterman, they hold a Guinness World Record, a 2008 Yo-Yo World Champion title, and have performed in over 20 countries.
• August 16: Woods Tea Company Live Irish music coupled with dry New England humor. This is their only performance for summer '13!

Bread & puppet theter in Glover - 

Sunday afternoons until 8/25th: Total This and That  Circus, 2pm .

All age outdoor performance in the Circus Field. Guided tours of the museum Sundays at 1 pm

Friday nights until 8/23rd: Evening Performance, 7:30pm.

Indoor performance for adults, in the Paper Maché Cathedral (behind the museum)

ArtsRiot is hosting a run of outdoor movies this summer on Sunday evenings. Instead of a drive-in, these movies will be bike-in. 400 Pine Street @ about 8 pm. 8/11 - Beetlejuice, 8/18 - Fast Times at Ridgemont High, 8/25 - TBA

Movies @ Main St "culturally enriches the Burlington community with free classic films presented weekly on our big 25 foot movie screen" Tuesday evenings at 7 pm in their Film House. Current schedule is as follows: 8/20  - "Little Shop of Horrors", 8/27 - "Sweet Smell of Success", 9/3 - "Captain Blood", 9/10 - "My Fair Lady", 9/17 - "Full  Metal Jacket", 9/24  - "Rebecca"

Museum passes

I've mentioned in another post that I heard you could check out an Echo pass from the Fletcher Free Library. As I reserved my pass a few weeks ago (popularity backs it up a bit) they handed me a flyer with all the other great passes you can reserve there to get Free admission!

Birds of Vermont Museum in Huntington is open Daily May-Oct from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. & regularly costs $3-$6 a head.

Echo's open year round 10-5 pm & is the only one that charges with the pass, apparently it has gone up to $4 a person which stills beats the $11-$14.

LC Maritime Museum in Vergennes is open Daily May-Oct from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. & regularly costs $6-$10 per person.

Shelburne Farms is open year round (currently 9-5:30p) with a variety of happenings. I didn't check to see if the pass is strictly general admission but still would save $5-$8 a piece.

Shelburne Museum regularly cost anywhere from $5-$22 with a family day pass costing $55! Open 10-5 daily & until 7pm on Weds. 

Vermont Historic Sites include: Bennington Monument, President Calvin Coolidge, President Chester Arthur, Chimney Point, Hubbardton Battlefield, Justin Morrill Homestead, Mount Independence, Old Constitution House, Underwater Preserves, any of which could cost up to $8. Hours & location vary.

VT History Museum in Montpelier sells their family day passes for only $12 but  that's still $12 so if you're up for a drive I say check this one out anyways. Open Tues-Sat 10-4pm.

State parks average $3 each but with the pass you can have a carload into any of them for the day.

Farmer's Markets

"The market season in Vermont starts as early as May and sometimes as late as July, depending on location. October brings the end to most market seasons; however, more and more markets are adding winter seasons." 

Although I meant to visit the indoor market through the winter, I never did. Either way I think there's Nothing better than our weekly stop during the summers. Tasty treats, samples galore, meeting the farmers & really getting to know them. My boys know their favorite stops & they sure know us even though they see soo many people every day. Every week my 3 year old gets to pick anything he wants, as long as it's 'new'. But I've been stopping at The Nutty Vermonter's booth for over 8 years! 

Not sure about markets? Well do I have some interesting facts for you! Maybe you already know about WIC's farm to family voucher program, maybe you already know you can use your EBT card at markets, okay so no big news right? Well did you know using your card at some markets can get you double the tokens?! Yeah I typed that right, at some markets (like Winooski's) you can buy $5 in tokens & get $10 total Just for using your card!

Check out the NOFA directory to find more info on a market near you.

Playmobile

Burlington Parks & Recreation's playmobile is coming to a park near you! Meet the Burlington Parks & Recreations staff, play some games, puzzles, make a craft & lots more activities.



Roosevelt Park every Tuesday from July 9 - August 13 from 1 - 3pm. Park amenities include: Shade, Benches, Picnic Area, Playground, Restrooms, Basketball court & baseball field

Waterfront Park every Wednesday from 1 - 3pm July 10 - August 14. Park amenities include: Shade, Benches, Picnic Area, Restrooms

Battery Park every Thursday from 6 until 8 pm, Concert begins at 6:30. Ends 8/15

North Beach every Friday this summer (June 28 - August 16) from 1 - 3pm. Park amenities include: Shade, Playground, Restrooms, Food vendor, beach

Monday July 22nd from 10-noon it will stationed at Ethan Allen Park. Park amenities include: Climbing equipment, Slides, Shade, Picnic Area, Playground, walking trails.

Monday July 29th from 10-noon it will stationed at Starr Farm Park. Park amenities include: Shade, Picnic Area, Playground

Under $20

I'm trying to focus this blog on what's free in the area but here are some ideas to help narrow down all the expensive to-do's. Ya know the 'can't miss' things? Well there's some you can & some that you can be wise about. Here's my tops for even the most strapped families, I try & do one a month & believe me it makes all the difference. I will make sure I keep all ideas under $20 for a family of 4! How will I do that you ask, just wait & read -

Echo: 
"Bigger Than a T-Rex" is the current exhibit with 2 special DinoFest days on 7-13 & 8-24. Reg admission is $13.50 for adults & $10.50 for children over 3. But wait! Check out a day pass from the library & pay only $4/person!

Lake Monsters: 
'Hot Dog Heaven' night (Wed, Aug 21) is ideal if you wanna snack at the park, dogs are only $.25 cents. Admission is $7 for adults. Sun nights kids are invited to field after the game & Thursday nights they eat free. Check their site for all the great events!

Lake Champlain Ferries: 
May I suggest a day trip across the lake? Pack a lunch & head over to the Port Kent dock's beach. Tickets run up to $8, under 6 are free.

Shelburne Museum: regular admission includes a 2 day pass. VT residents also gain entry at half price, $11 for adults & $5 for children over 5. You can also sign up at your local library to check out a free pass.

• Shelburne Museum Goes to the Dogs, September 8, The day made for dogs is presented by locally-owned Pet Food Warehouse. Please check back later this season for further details.

• Haunted Happenings, October 27 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. with limited buildings open, $5 for everyone ages 3 and up. "Marvelous Masterpieces." Don your favorite costume inspired by a famous artist, art object, or masterpiece. See recreations of your favorite paintings and “meet” artists featured at museums around the world. 

CV Fair: 
So the day to go is "Carload Special Day: Wednesday, August 28th - New this year! Your entire carload (everyone must have a seat belt) receives parking, admission and a ride bracelet for only $60.00. Saving the average family over $120.00!" Carload day has always been a hit, this year they're screwed with bracelets which alone cost $30 - we can get 8 people in our wagon!
Busy on the 28th? Feed Your Neighbor Day is August 29th Bring a can of food before 2 pm will reward you with free admission & a second can will reward you with a $10.00 savings on a ride bracelet (reg price is $30/bracelet)!
Or weekdays after 6 pm admission is half price with their "$6 after 6"

Sunset:
Drive-Ins are summer essentials, try & catch a triple feature & really get your money's worth! $8/over 12, $2 for anyone 4-12.

Family Fun Day hosted by another local blog group is Saturday, August 17, 2013 from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM at Oakledge, tickets cost $7, includes lunch, dessert & a raffle ticket. Music, bounce house, crafts, balloon animals, a ton of activities & giveaways!

VT Ice Storm, football team -  Home Games @ South Burlington High School, Saturday nights @ 7:00 PM

admission is $7 for adults, students 13 & up $5, $3 for ages 6-12

8/10 - NEPA @  VTIS, 8/17 -  VTIS @ Plattsburgh North Stars, 9/7 -  VTIS @ Glens Falls, 9/14 - Montreal Voyageurs @  VTIS, 9/21 - Syracuse @ VTIS

Special event calendar

Here are just a few of the special events I've found coming up:
(Check for these colored codes Stories  Playgroups  Crafts/Activities  Movies  Music, with similar grouped colors on the map)

• Daily throughout July, Phoniex books hosts a "Where's Waldo" search at a variety of local shops in Burlington & Essex.

• Thursday, July 18th, 1 until 3 pm, meet @ the top of Church Street for a cardboard Box Parade
• Lowe's Build & Grow clinic is Saturday the 27th, 10am & the project is to recreate Toy Story's R/C
• Festival of Fools, downtown, August 2-4th, 2013. curated festival of street theater devoted to community engagement through the celebration of circus arts, music and comedy for family audiences.
• August 3rd, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, kids at home Depot's workshop Make a Home Depot Load 'n Go Truck!
• Dragonboat festival waterfront park, August 4th,  8-5 Free to spectators - come watch these community charity dragon boat races on Burlington's waterfront!

4th of July celebrations

Burlington - July 3rd - Local Motion Secure Bike Parking opens at 4 pm on Lake St. 4-9:30 pm: Star 92.9 & 101.3 ESPN will be broadcasting live from the waterfront. Price Chopper Hopper Bounce House will be avail 4-9 pm. Perkins Pier has: Radio Rangers 5-7 pm, WOKO, WKOL, WIZN, WJOY & The BUZZ broadcasting from 5:30 – 8 pm. St. Andrew’s Pipeband & Sambatucada! will be strolling the waterfront park grounds from 6-7 & 7-8 pm. Face Painting 6-9 pm & GameShowsVT 6-8:30 pm on the green, then Rick & the Ramblers play the Pier 7:30 – 9:30 pm. At home? Tune in from 9-10 pm for “ABC 22’s Fireworks Spectacular”!

Williston - Pre-fireworks festivities begin July 2nd at Community Park Field House with family bike races, registration begins at 6pm. July 3rd is the 'FIRECRACKER 5K FUN RUN' at Community Park Field House, registration begins at 4:45pm with the race at 6:00pm (Cost is $10.00 & includes commemorative T-Shirt)
Williston Historical Society’s annual ice cream social begins at 7pm. Parade starts at 10am on the 4th & follows Route 2. Awards are presented at 12:30 on The Village Green, followed by children's games. The frog jumping contest is located behind the Central school at 1pm. The entertainment program at Allen Brook School starts at 7pm, includes concessions, music & a bounce castle for kids. "British Mania" a Beatles tribute band will play at Maple Tree Place Green from 6-8:30. The fireworks display has an anticipated starting time of 9:30 p.m.


Essex - July 4th - Festivities start at 6:00 pm in Maple Street Park (rain site is at the high school's ice rink) Take a dip in the pool, music by by The Contois School of Music, mini fun town with bounce castle & obstacle course,face painting, balloon art, pedal car obstacle course, Linda Peck – Circus Extraordinaire, Super Nova Disc Dogs, concessions. Fireworks show at 9:30pm! 

Milton - July 4th -

11am: Parade, route begins at Milton School

1:30 – 9:30pm: Bombardier Park Entertainment provided by: Emcee CK Coin, Magician, Tom Vernor, Hypnotist, Steve Taubamn, Robert Resnick & Marty Morrissey, Milton Community Band, The Hooligans,Jimmy T Thurston, & the Sleepy Hollow Boys

6pm: “Milton’s Midway” featuring games, activities & fun for all ages! Also enjoy antique cars & Subway race car on display, Hot Air Balloon tethered rides & more! Food vendors available all day! 

6pm: Milton Fire Station Milton Firefighter’s Association annual Chicken BBQ! ($12/ticket)

9:30pm: Fireworks display

Colchester - July 4th -

• Fun Run: 8:15 a.m. UMS

• Parade: 11:00 a.m. (down Main St)

• 11:00am - 6:00pm: Swimming at Bayside Beach

• 5-dusk: concessions at Bayside Park

• Concert ("The Hitmen", Rock n' Roll): 6:30 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.

• Fireworks will take place at dusk from the Bayside Softball Field