Vermont Chamber of Commerce names 2011-2012 Top Ten Winter Events

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce announces the highly anticipated 2011-2012 Top Ten Winter Events. Each year, a panel of independent judges chooses Vermont’s best activities, selected for their diversity, wide appeal, and consistency with Vermont's brand.
Vicky Tebbetts, Vermont Chamber Senior VP, noted, ‘Vermont is known for being a destination in which to relax, reconnect with friends and family, get outdoors, and get back to basics. This year's Vermont Chamber Top Ten Winter Events feature time-honored traditions as well as contemporary experiences from all regions of the state.’
The Vermont Chamber Top Ten Winter Events take place from November 2011 through March 2012.
The winners in chronological order are:
Thanksgiving Weekend at Billings Farm & Museum
Woodstock, November 25 ‘ 27, 2011, 10 am ‘ 3:30 pm
Walk back in time during Thanksgiving at Frederick Billings' 1890 farmhouse. Visitors are greeted by costumed interpreters as they demonstrate cooking a traditional Thanksgiving meal in the historic kitchen. Relax in the Victorian parlor and learn how the American Thanksgiving evolved; ride in horse drawn wagons around the farm fields. Adults $12, seniors $11, students (5-15) $6, ages 3-4 $3, 2 and under free. www.billingsfarm.org, 802-457-2355.
Vermont International Festival
Essex Junction, December 2-4, 2011, Fri. 5 - 8 pm, Sat. 10 am ‘ 6 pm, Sun. 10 am ‘ 5 pm
The Vermont International Festival is a unique, unforgettable celebration of the cultures that comprise our community. Find crafts from all over the world, ethnic and gourmet foods, and traditional international music, dance and stories. Local cultural and ethnic organizations provide information about their programs with exhibits, demonstrations and workshops. This annual gala offers a fun environment in which to learn and experience new things and appreciate other cultures. Admission is good for the entire weekend: individuals $6, seniors 65+ $3, children 6-12 $3, family passes $15. www.vermontinternationalfestival.com, 802-863-6713.
Christmas in Weston
Weston, December 3, 2011, 11 am ‘ 4 pm
An old-fashioned Christmas festival! Tours, sleigh rides, Santa, caroling and more. Experience the Vermont Country Store, the Museum Mill, the Old Parish Church, and many other locations throughout Weston. Free. www.westonvt.com or www.yourplaceinvermont.com, 802-228-5830.
Coolidge Holiday Open House
Plymouth Notch, December 11, 2011, 10 am ‘ 4 pm
Enjoy the traditions of the season at Plymouth Notch ‘ one of Vermont's most picturesque villages. Visit the Coolidge Birthplace decorated as it would have been in 1872, the year the future president was born. Several other historic buildings are also open free of charge. www.historicvermont.org/coolidge, 802-672-3773.
First Night Burlington
Burlington, December 31, 2011, noon ‘ midnight
First Night Burlington is Vermont's largest one-day event, celebrating New Year's Eve in downtown Burlington. This substance-free performing arts festival is in 20 different venues downtown and is fun for all ages! Adults $18, kids $5, family pack $39. www.firstnightburlington.com, 802-863-6005.
2012 Stowe Winter Carnival
Stowe, January 16-29, 2012
The 38th Annual Stowe Winter Carnival, ‘The Greatest Stowe on Earth,’ is a fourteen-day festival that takes place in the heart of quintessential Stowe, Vermont. The town comes alive in late January with a celebration of winter sports and the arts. Events such as the Snowgolf and Snowvolleyball Tournaments, Stowe Schuss Ski Race, and the 12th Annual Ice Carving Festival entice everyone to the outdoors! Free for spectators, some entry fees for participants. www.stowewintercarnival.com, 802-777-5510.
Chester Winter Carnival
Chester, February 17-19, 2012
Fun for all ages! Events are guaranteed to get one outside for winter fun. Sled races, dog sled rides, skating outdoors and broom hockey warm one's heart and evoke laughter on the coldest February days! Free admission. www.chester.govoffice.com or www.yourplaceinvermont.com, 802-875-2693.
30th Annual U.s. Open Snowboarding
Stratton Mountain, March 4-11, 2012, 9 am ‘ 5 pm
The final stop of the Burton Global Open Series and the longest standing snowboarding event on the planet. Come watch as amateurs compete on the same platform as the world's best riders including Vermont superstars Louie Vito, Hannah Teter, and 2011 defending champion Kelly Clark. Free. www.stratton.com, 800-STRATTON.
Vermont Chili Festival
Middlebury, March 10, 2012, 2 ‘ 4 pm
Warm up with the Better Middlebury Partnership's 4th Annual Vermont Chili Festival! Taste the best of the best from restaurants and caterers around the state, when they flock to historic downtown Middlebury. Cast your vote for the award-winning chili! The event includes activities for all ages. Adults $3, children under 12 $2. www.bettermiddleburypartnership.org, 802-388-4126.
Green Mountain Film Festival
Montpelier, March 16-25, 2012
Expect the best at the Green Mountain Film Festival - one won't be disappointed. Powerful programming on a wide range of subjects, interesting and often unexpected guests, and a convivial atmosphere make this ten-day event an audience favorite. ‘I traveled the world without leaving Vermont,’ is frequent spectator sentiment. Admission fees vary. www.greenmountainfilmfestival.org, 802-262-3423.
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the largest statewide, private, not-for-profit business organization represents nearly every sector of the state’s corporate/hospitality community. Our mission is to create an economic climate conducive to business growth and the preservation of the Vermont quality of life.