Local Lowdown - 12/03/09

Moonlit Alpacas holiday open house

Dec. 3 – Dec. 6, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Don’t miss the Moonlit Alpacas Holiday Farm Weekend. Meet the alpacas, take a farm tour and enjoy an introduction to the fiber arts at 2170 Rte. 125 just a few miles west of the College Organic Garden. Bring the whole family for an educational and fun-filled weekend. The Holiday Farm Tour is free to the public and refreshments will be served, snow or shine! Visit http://www.MoonlitAlpacas.com or call (802) 462-3510 for more information.

Gingerbread house display opening

Dec. 4, 4 – 6 p.m.

Enjoy some holiday whimsy at the Vermont Folklife Center’s opening of its annual gingerbread house contest exhibit. Visit the gingerbread houses any time before Dec. 21. Visit http://www.vermontfolklifecenter.org for hours and more information.

Sheldon Museum open house

Dec. 6, 12 – 4 p.m.

Make traditional decorations, enjoy historical holiday activities, see the electric train, eat cookies or participate in the holiday raffle at the annual Henry Sheldon Museum open house. Donations are welcome, but the event is free to residents of Addison County.

Farming in Vermont exhibit opening

Dec. 7, 4 – 6 p.m.

Get to know local farmers from 11 farms throughout the region through this new exhibit at the Vermont Folklife Center. The exhibit is the work of the 45 students in Professor John Elder’s Farm Stories class. Join the class and the farmers for the snacks and a Q&A at the opening reception on Dec. 7, but visit the exhibit any time until Dec. 31.

Local Food Summit

Dec. 8, 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Take a break from your exams to make a difference in the local food community. The Farm to Plate Initiative will join with ACORN and the Addison County Economic Development Corp. at the Middlebury American Legion to gather input from the public on the role of local farms and food production in building a more robust local food system by 2020.

Chocolate Walk

Dec. 11, 5 – 8 p.m.

If you’re still around on Friday of exam week, Bristol merchants are offering complimentary chocolate treats to customers for the Second Annual Chocolate Walk in downtown Bristol. Businesses will be open until 8 p.m. Follow the map so you don’t miss any chocolate opportunities. This event is part of Bristol’s Cool Yule festivities. See the full calendar online at

http:// www.addisoncounty.com/

Touch of Vermont Holiday Gift Market

Dec. 12, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Head over to the State Capital for your holiday shopping before you head home. With nearly 50 Vermont artisans, the Touch of Vermont Holiday Gift Market will be at the Montpelier City Hall. Buy your holiday gifts from Vermont-owned small businesses!