Local Lowdown - Summer Edition

Free tai chi
May 13, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

AmeriCorps members will host a class on the Vergennes city green. The tai chi lesson is especially directed at those who struggle with arthritis. The event will be moved indoors, weather permitting. Benefits of tai chi include relaxation, fall prevention, flexibility and pain relief, and the instructors hope to teach seniors ways to incorporate such movement into their lives. For more information, call (802) 642-5119.

Lincoln 5L/10K run/walk
May 14, 9 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.

Join others at the Lincoln Community School for the Lincoln Mountain Magic 5K run and walk, 10K run and walk and the 1-mile Fun Run. Registration runs from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., followed by the races at 9 a.m. Contact Mary Wood or Jennifer Nault at beachgirlatheart99@yahoo.com for additional details. The cost to run is $30 for adults, but children aged 12 and under, as well as seniors over 65 years of age, will be charged $25.

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum opening
May 26, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Located in Vergennes, Vt., the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is celebrating its grand opening. The museum examines Vermont’s waterways, land and people, as well as the historic role of the lake. There are replica vessels, in addition to unique exhibits and interactive lake activities. Email Chris McClain at chrism@lcmm.org for information and admission prices.

Vermont Adult Learning’s Big Truck Day,
June 4, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The Big Truck Day will features a variety of big and small trucks, as well as a raffle, bake sale and face painting station. Local celebrity and WVTK radio host Bruce Zeman will greet guests This family event takes place at the Middlebury American Legion on Boardman St. For more information, contact Linda Daybell or Robin Karov at (802) 388-4392.

Middlebury Arts Walk
June 10, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Take a trip into downtown Middlebury for an evening of art, music and food. The Middlebury Arts Walk takes place on the second Friday of every month from May through October. Stores will be transformed into galleries, and art will also be featured in restaurants and on the town green. For more information, visit http://middleburyartswalk.com.

Opera at the Town Hall Theater
June 10, 8 p.m.

Now in its eighth season, the Opera Company of Middlebury will offer an entertaining performance of La Rondine by Giacomo Puccini at the Town Hall Theater (THT). Executive Director of the THT Doug Anderson will direct the performances. To secure tickets ($40 and $45), contact the THT’s box office at (802) 382-9222.

Boat festival
July 9, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is offering a boat festival on Lake Champlain. In addition to guest speakers, individuals will also teach safety classes. Professional boat builders will be on hand for conversation.Children are invited to participate in a regatta on Saturday, followed by the Lake Champlain Challenge Race on Sunday.

French Heritage Day
July 15, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Music, dancing and food will clutter Main Street in Vergennes, Vt. Veillee, or French Heritage Day, will be celebrated with a French Canadian dinner and music from individuals, like Pete and Karen Sutherland and Jeremiah McLane. Quebec native Pierre Chartrand will lead groups in his step dancing routine. Contact Marguerite Senecal of the Addison County Chamber of Commerce at marguerite@addisoncounty.com to register.

Maplerama
July 28 - 30

The Addison County Fair and Field Day Grounds will be transformed into a world of maple from Thursday evening through Saturday until 4 p.m. Call Barbara Rainville at (802) 453-5797 for details. Registration for the three-day extravaganza is required. Visit the event’s website, http://vermontmaple.org/maplerama, to preview the full schedule of events. Bring your sweet tooth and be prepared to enter a world of maple.

Pie and ice cream social
August 14, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Who wouldn’t want to enjoy an August day with loads of homemade pie and ice cream? At the Rokeby Museum, located at 4334 on Rte. 7 in Ferrisburgh, Vt., a pie and ice cream social will be held. The Vergennes City Band will provide music as attendees taste-test the treats. All proceeds will support the Rokeby Museum; visit http://www.rokeby.org for more information on what is sure to be a sweet day!

Middlebury summer festival
August 12-13

Enjoy the ultimate summer festival at the Memorial and East Parks in downtown Middlebury. In addition to boasting the area’s largest small town parade, the festival also features live music, a variety of food, crafts and children’s activities. For more information, contact festival chairs Mike and Alberta Ridenour at (574) 825-5980 or email albertar@rocketemail.com.

Vergennes Day
August 27, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The fourth annual Vergennes day includes a pancake breakfast, a 5K walk and 10K race, horse-drawn wagon rides and face painting. There will also be a car show, rubber ducky race, live music, chicken barbeque and more! Taking place at the Vergennes City Park and five other venues, the celebration offers free transportation for all attendees. A kick-off dance will take place at 7 p.m. on Aug. 26 on Main St. in Vergennes.