Vermont Business MagazineVermont’s famous Maple Season will continue to be a top tourism draw throughout the month of April, culminating with the immensely popularVermont Maple Festivalin downtown St. Albans during the weekend ofApril 28 to 30.Coming on the heels ofMaple Open House Weekend(March 25-26), which provides visitors a firsthand opportunity to experience Maple Season at the state’s legendary sugarhouses, the Vermont Maple Festival is a three-day celebration that showcases maple producers, vendors, exhibits, and attractions and events for kids. Growing in popularity, the Vermont Maple Festival drew a record estimated crowd of 40,000 people in 2016.
Below are some of Vermont’s top events for April, 2017:
Made in Vermont Marketplace
April 1, Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction
The Made in Vermont Marketplace is the only trade show in Vermont that showcases a wide variety of quality products made by dozens of companies located right here in the Green Mountain State. From wood producers to specialty food products to Vermont’s finest spirits and so much more, this is an opportunity to browse, taste and purchase products all under one roof.
Anais Mitchell and Sam Amidon
April 1, Chandler Center for the Arts, Randolph
Vermont music icons Anais Mitchell and Sam Amidon come together for an evening of music. Amidon grew up immersed in folk music and gained acclaim on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts and Mountain Stage. Mitchell comes from the world of narrative folksong, poetry, and balladry and has recorded six albums.
Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day
April 4, Ben & Jerry’s Factory, Waterbury
Ben & Jerry’s will be dishing out free ice cream to its guests throughout the day. Visitors will also be able to experience free factory tours. Donations will benefit Capstone Community Action.
Solo Jazz Piano Festival
April 7-8, Vermont Jazz Center, Brattleboro
This two-day festival will be devoted exclusively to the art of solo jazz piano performance. Pianists presenting concerts and master-classes include world renowned players Stanley Cowell, Luis Perdomo, Amina Figarova, Miro Sprague and Yoko Miwa, as well as local performers.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort Pond Skimming
April 8, Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Jeffersonville
Attendees will see all sorts of costumes at the Zone Terrain Park during this annual pond skimming event. Free registration starts at10:00 a.m.in the Madonna/Sterling Base Lodge and the first skimmer launches toward the pond atnoon. Prizes will be awarded for best costume.
Sugarbush Resort Pond Skimming
April 8, Sugarbush Resort, Warren
Take the plunge across a 120-foot pond at the base of Lincoln Peak. Whether you get wet or spectate from the crowd, be sure to participate in this annual rite of spring.Awards will be handed out for best costume, style and splash.
Baby Farm Animal Celebration
April 14-15, Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock
The Farm's most popular event has been expanded to two days and will feature the opportunity to meet baby animals and attend family-centered programs. Horse-drawn wagon rides, heirloom seed and children’s craft activities also will be featured.
Fire and Ice: Hot New Music from Norwegian Fjords and the Colorado Rockies
April 21, McCarthy Recital Hall, Saint Michael's College, Colchester
On this first stop on a multi-state tour, the Fire and Ice concert will feature world premieres of new works by internationally known Norwegian composers Bjorn Bolstad Skjelbred and Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen.
Vermont Maple Festival
April 28-30, Downtown St. Albans
Now in its 51styear, this premier Maple Season event will attract tens of thousands of visitors to Northern Vermont who want to experience many of the finest maple products that Vermont offers. Shows, exhibits, carnival rides and events for kids make this an event for the entire family to enjoy.
Middlebury Bach Festival
April 28-30, Mahaney Center for the Arts, Middlebury
The 2017 festival opens with the Brentano String Quartet playing Bach’s Art of Fugue, and continues with the festival chorus and orchestra performing large-scale chamber works and Handel’s oratorio Esther, featuring Middlebury alumni soloists and the Middlebury College Choir.
St. Johnsbury World Maple Festival
April 29, Downtown St. Johnsbury
The St. Johnsbury World Maple Festival celebrates the history and heritage of the maple syrup industry. A pancake breakfast, 5K run, street festival with dozens of craft and food vendors, and live entertainment highlight this fun springtime event.