MRVBC Fall Trail Work Day
2024-10-13 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Catamount Trail Section 19S Trail Head (Battleground Condos), 4606 Battleground Road, Waitsfield, Vermont, 05673, United States
The new tools are here, the new tools are here!
Just in time for Trail Work Day – Sunday Oct 13
The Mad River Valley is extremely fortunate to have access to one of the most incredible backcountry recreation opportunities in Vermont – the Phen Basin. As a chapter of the Catamount Trail Association, MRVBC has committed to the care and management of access to this resource by adopting section 19S from the Battleground condominiums north to the Long Trail in Huntington Gap. This commitment includes organizing an annual Fall Trail Work day where volunteers have an opportunity to help ensure continued access by working to maintain the trail and its features. And just in time, your membership dollars at work, we have a suite of new tools to make light work (dare we say, fun??!!) of clearing those ankle grabbers and pow line interrupters.
With several bridges, a consistent slope, unique natural features, and beautiful views, this section provides excellent access for non-motorized wintertime use. Come explore the trail while helping to keep it in good shape. This year work will focus on simple sight line clearing, blazing, and lopper work higher up the trail. If this is of interest – please bring your best yard-sale, animal encounter, or dawn patrol story and join us! You will hear great stories and intel from Trail Chief Alan Hammersmith and Board Secretary Kevin Russell (one of THE most knowledgeable folks in the Valley when it comes to our natural and trail spaces). There will no doubt be some post work trail side merriment as well!
Please visit the MRVBC.org event page for contact information. We ask that you register to let us know you are coming!
Also, please consider other Catamount Trail Association trail work days!

2024 Trail Work Schedule

If you enjoy working in the woods and have some time to spare, please join the Valley’s Catamount Trail Assn Trail Chiefs in the their annual effort to clear the Catamount Trail of blow-downs, branches, and brush.
Things You’ll Need
You’ll need lunch, water, long pants, layers, work gloves, hiking boots, an orange hunting vest or similar during hunting season, and a pair of loppers or handsaw. Bring a friend, give back to the trails you enjoy, and help CTA provide trail users with great experiences this winter.

Pub Night with Live Music by Al’s Pals 5pm – 9pm
2024-10-17 17:00 - 21:00 UTC | Mad River Barn
Join us in the pub for Live Music with Al’s Pals and all your MRB pub fare favorites!

Recreation Hub Grand Opening & MRV Recreation District 30th Anniversary
2024-10-20 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | MRV Chamber Welcome Center, 9 Route 17, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
Join us for the grand opening of the new Mad River Valley Recreation Hub This exciting new center is designed to inspire adventure and connect locals and visitors to the Valley’s incredible outdoor opportunities and our business district. The celebration will also honor the 30th anniversary of the Mad River Valley Recreation District, featuring family-friendly activities and outdoor exploration. With maps, guides, and info on all things hiking, biking, skiing, and paddling, the Rec Hub is the go-to resource for year-round fun.
Event Timeline

Noon – Riparian Buffer planting begins (bring your own tools, volunteers meet by the Mill Brook)
1:00 Ribbon Cutting on Mill Brook Bridge, thank you VOREC!
1:10 Volunteer Thank You & Recruitment
1:15 – 2:15 Tours & Events
Friends of the Mad River: Riparian Buffer Planting Continues
Mad River Path: Off-Grid Bathroom Explained
Chamber of Commerce: Tours of the Welcome Center & Itinerary Builder
Mad River Riders Kids’ Bike Event
2:15 Celebrate 30 years of MRVRD
(Refreshments inside at the Welcome Center with MRVRD timeline on display)
MRVRD Volunteer Awards Announced
3:00 Wrap Up

Attendees will enjoy refreshments, giveaways, and live demos of the Hub’s interactive displays. This is a great opportunity to meet the local recreation leaders and discover all the ways to get outside and play in the Valley.
Come explore the future of outdoor recreation in the Mad River Valley!
About the MRV Recreation Hub
The Mad River Valley Recreation Hub offers a one-stop resource center for residents and visitors alike to access trail maps, travel information, and guidance on outdoor activities throughout the Valley. It came about via a partnership with the MRV Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Mad River, Mad River Path, Mad River Riders, MRV Recreation District and the Town of Waitsfield.

Keep Up Good Courage (an original play)
2024-11-08 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-11-10 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Valley Players Theater, 4254 Main Street, Route 100, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
This play tells the story of MRV Union soldiers, through their correspondence with loved ones , of what happened during their nine month stay in Virginia from 1862-63. As they were looking forward to returning home in June, they were instead ordered to march North and found themselves engaged in an extraordinary battle. This story is a testament to the13th regiment who helped turn the tide of the war. The Songbird Project will provide musical accompaniment, with original and favorite Civil War era tunes.

Irasville Village Master Plan Community Open House #1
2024-11-18 17:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Waitsfield Village Meeting House, 4355 Main Street, Waitsfield, Vermont, 05673, United States
Thanks to sustained efforts by local and regional partners, the time is ripe to reestablish an actionable, pragmatic, and forward-looking vision and roadmap for the future of Irasville. The Irasville Village Master Plan aims to do just that.
We hope to set the table for the rest of the project at this meeting. Hear from local and regional leaders and project consultants about initial findings and progress, then provide your thoughts, ideas, and perspectives at engagement stations set up around the Village Meeting House.

Pre-Thanksgiving Bake Sale
2024-11-23 11:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Moretown United Methodist Church, 962 Route 100B, Moretown, 05660
Moretown United Methodist Church United Women in Faith hosts a pre-Thanksgiving Bake Sale. Shop for baked goods, lightening the load of your holiday preparations and supporting local missions.

Join the 2nd Annual Waitsfield Holiday Walkabout!!
2024-12-07 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Mad River Green Shops, 107 M, waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
Come celebrate the holidays in the Mad River Valley at the 2nd Annual Waitsfield Holiday Walkabout!!
Step back into the charm of an old-fashioned holiday and join local shops on Saturday December 7th, from 12pm – 4pm, for Live Music, Cookie Decorating, S’more Making, Crafting, Delicious Food, and Hot Chocolate- and a visit from Santa!!!
Join the Holiday Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win big prizes!!
Follow participating shops for more information.
PLANNED ACTIVITIES:
Bridge Street:
Holiday Card Making and Stories at Early Literacy Labs, 12PM – 4PM
Cookie Decorating at Joslin Memorial Library, 1PM – 3PM
Santa’s Helpers Collect Letters to Santa at Library Steps, 1PM – 2PM
Santa Claus on Bridge Street, 1PM – 2PM
Lighting of luminaries at 4:15PM
Mad River Green Shops:
Beignets, Hot Cocoa, and Holiday Treats from Three Mountain Cafe, 12PM – 4PM
Free S’more making, 12PM – 4PM
Write Letters to Santa and Crafts at Inklings Children’s Books, 12PM – 4PM
Live Holiday Music w/Madigan Linnane, 12:30 – 1:30PM
Santa’s Helper Collects Letters to Santa at The Collection, 2:15PM – 3:15PM
Candy canes at Whippletree Designs
Photos with Santa at Inklings Children’s Books, 2:15PM – 3:15PM
PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES:
Artisans’ Gallery
Barrie Fisher Photo + Gallery
Blockhouse Studio
The Collection
Deadrise Revival
Drip Culture
Early Literacy Labs
5th Quarter Butcher Shop
Gracie’s Tamales
Inklings Children’s Books
Joslin Memorial Library
Mad River Massage
Mad River Taste Place
The Mad Rover
Quayl’s Chocolates
Product Think Tank
Salt & Sand Studios
Serenity Now Studio
Someday Boutique
Stephanie Grace Ceramics
Three Buds Apothecary
Three Mountain Cafe
Whippletree Designs

Climate and Ecology Book Discussion
2024-12-11 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Warren Public Library, 413 Main Street, Warren, 05674
Join the Warren Public Library and the Friends of the Mad River for a discussion of Porter Fox’s “The Last Winter: The Scientists, Adventurers, Journeymen, and Mavericks Trying to Save the World.” This nonfiction adventure recounts the author’s travels along the Northern Hemisphere’s snow line along while profiling the climate change experts and activists working to protect it.
Copies of the book are available at the Warren Public Library.
Register to join the discussion here: https://forms.gle/yCVb2ZMu1DoHt4ka9

Winter Bazaar at Camp Meade
2024-12-13 16:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Camp Meade, 961 ROUTE 2, middlesex, 05602
The Planetary Art Institute and ONE Arts invite you to a Winter Bazaar at Camp Meade! Three days to explore…
ART: Artisan holiday market, local Youth Art Show, cabin studio displays + creative projects for ALL AGES!
FOOD: Warm drinks, Red Hen chili + bread, Friday wine + beer from The Local + food trucks like Pizza Bodega + Aladdin Middle-Eastern cuisine!
LIGHT: Bonfire + lantern display from Waterbury’s River of Light parade!
GINGERBREAD: Help us decorate our village, vote your favorite + take home a sweet treat!
MUSIC: Holiday sounds + Sunday creative workshop for ALL AGES with D Davis!
There is so much creativity in our community, so come on out to support, connect, and find something special with—or for—your neighbors, friends, and family!

Community Line Dancing: December Pop-Up!
2024-12-13 18:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | After Thoughts, 8 VT 17, Waitsfield, Vermont, 05673, United States
Larissa Ursprung (Farmsprung Gatherings LLC) is offering more LINE DANCING lessons by popular demand! Pop-ups at different venues throughout the Mad River Valley–times and locations TBD on a monthly basis throughout the winter.
Come for some low-stakes social dancing you can do solo. All are welcome!
Admission: Pay what you wish at the door via Venmo (preferred), credit card, or cash
Dancing:
+ 6:30 to 8PM: reviewing/teaching several line dances at multiple entry levels–see event page for more details & video tutorials that review dances from previous pop-ups
+ 8 to 9 PM: open dancing! Larissa will quickly review, then call dances from the lesson and previous pop-ups; folks can join in as they wish, or hang out at the bar and cheer their neighbors on
Venue:
+ Afterthoughts has a full bar that will be OPEN! Beverage breaks will be built in during the lesson
+ Food options available for purchase from Peace Burger
Parking available:
1. along guard rail in main parking lot shared with Valley Meade
2. across Route 17 behind the Chamber of Commerce (next to Cousins Brewery—be careful crossing the road!)
3. a few spots up top along Route 100 in front of the Valley Meade sign

Winter Bazaar at Camp Meade Day 2
2024-12-14 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Camp Meade, 961 ROUTE 2, middlesex, 05602

Sugarbush Wall Of Fame Celebration Honoring Win Smith
2024-12-14 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Gate House
Join us this Saturday, December 14th, as we honor Win Smith at the Sugarbush Wall of Fame Celebration.
Established during the resort’s 60th anniversary, the Wall of Fame annually recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to fostering a spirit of lifelong adventure and camaraderie among Sugarbush staff, guests, and the community.

Winter Bazaar at Camp Meade Day 3
2024-12-15 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Camp Meade, 961 ROUTE 2, middlesex, 05602

LIVE MUSIC & PUB NIGHT Featuring Al’s Pals!
2024-12-18 17:30 - 20:30 UTC | Mad River Barn
Join us in the pub for all your favorite Mad River Barn menu items with live music from Al’s Pals. Open 5pm – 9pm.

SKATIUM Open Air Ice Skating Rink
2024-12-21 12:00 - 22:00, 2024-12-22 12:00 - 22:00, 2024-12-28 12:00 - 22:00, 2024-12-29 12:00 - 22:00, 2025-01-04 12:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Skatium Ice Rink, 40 Slow Road, Waitsfield, 05673
Come and enjoy open air ice skating and stick n’ puck hockey in the heart of downtown Waitsfield!
We will be open weekends and holidays from 12pm – 10pm, weather permitting. If we cannot open or our hours will change, we will post an update on facebook.com/skatium.
For more information and to purchase a Season Pass, see our website at skatiumvt.org.

Solstice Celebration at the Big Picture
2024-12-21 15:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Big Picture Theater, 44 Carroll Road, Waitsfield, 05673
A free community event featuring
3p – the classic Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”
5p – Carol singing with pianist Carey Bennet
6p – Community potluck: bring a dish to share!
7p – a Moth-Inspired Storytelling event hosted by Phantom Theater with the theme: Stories of the Solstice & Transformation.
A great family friendly gathering!
Owner Claudia Becker will be on hand to share thoughts about the future of this important community hub.

Solstice Stargazing
2024-12-21 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Moretown Recreation Fields, 79 School Street, Moretown, Vermont, 05660, United States
Drop in anytime and explore the sky on the longest night of the year with Joel Greene from the Vermont Astronomical Society. Telescopes, binoculars and hot chocolate will be provided, please make sure to dress to be comfortable outside. Sponsored by Moretown Library.

Mrs. Claus Elf Party at Inklings Children’s Books!
2024-12-22 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Inklings Children’s Books, 106 Mad River Greeen, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
Join Mrs. Claus at Inklings Children’s Books for an Elf Party! Cookies, crafts, and drinks for all.
People dressed as an elf will get an official elf certificate from Mrs. Claus herself, direct from the North Pole!!
FREE and open to all.

Winter Solstice Tea Party at Joslin Memorial Library
2024-12-22 16:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Joslin Memorial Library, 4391 Main Street, Waitsfield, 05673
Join Joslin Library and music-maker Lynn Noble on one of the shortest days of the year for our 5th annual celebration of light and community.
We’ll have tea, goodies, a cozy fire, a shadow puppet show, and plenty of songs and chants to get us in the spirit.
All are welcome. Please be sure to dress for the weather.

The Night Before the Night Before Christmas
2024-12-23 16:45 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Rochester School Auditorium, 222 South Main St, Rochester, Vermont, 05767, United States
An annual family holiday show featuring live music, dramatic readings, caroling and general merriment presented by the White River Valley Players.
Not to be missed! Free!
Donations for Charlie’s Loft, a shelter for the temporarily unhoused in Randolph welcome.

Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration
2024-12-29 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Rusty Parker Memorial Park, Park Row, Waterbury, 05676
Join us Sunday afternoon, December 29th, at Rusty Parker Memorial Park, at 4:00 pm for our third annual Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration! Delicious Chanukah treats, music, hot cocoa, and and so much more! Also on the menu: good vibes and festive fun.
Our noses may be a little frosty, but with community togetherness and a public display of BEAMING Jewish pride like no other, our souls will be warm and bright.
We are so looking forward to you joining us for our biggest and best year yet. This event is open to all.
We hope to see you there!

Chanukah Party with Community Song Circle with Ida Mae Specker and Avi Salloway
2024-12-29 16:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Living Tree Alliance, 96 Living Tree Ln, Moretown, VT, 05660, United States
A celebration of light in darkness filled with games, songs, story!
Vermont musicians Avi Salloway and Ida Mae Specker lead a song circle of hope and fiddle!
Community Potluck, discussion, menorah lighting and music by the fire ( or inside in case of rain).

LIVE MUSIC & PUB NIGHT Featuring Andrew LaFrenz!
2025-01-01 17:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Mad River Barn
Join us in the pub for all your favorite Mad River Barn menu items with live music from Andrew LaFrenz. Open 5pm – 9pm.

Abstract^2
2025-01-03 13:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Mad River Valley Arts, 5031 Main Street #2 Village Square, Waitsfield, 05673
Mad River Valley Arts (Mad Arts) presents Lisa Dimondstein, Julie Parker and Sandra Shenk in Abstract^2.
These three women photographers are dedicated to radicalizing the photo as image.
They abstract from a pre-existing abstract sculpture with the aim to capture the essential properties and relationships of the original abstract concept, and in doing so they remove themselves from any context or specific content or representation. The process involves eliminating any reference to real-world objects or situations and to focus only on the inherent structures and relationships.
The Cold Hollow Sculpture Park, in Enosburg Falls, has over 70 large abstract sculptures by renowned artist David Stromeyer. The photographs of Lisa, Julie and Sandra
are inventive abstractions from David’s sculpture. They utilize an in-camera multiple exposure technique to explore the intricate relationship between color, texture, movement, line and form.
