Can't Miss Events for a Vermont Fourth of July
Statewide, VT 05401
United States of America
There is no more quintessentially American celebration than the Fourth of July, and no place that epitomizes small-town America better than Vermont. Combine the two, and you have something fun for the entire family.
With well over 100 events statewide throughout the long holiday weekend, there are plenty of choices. The following suggestions are some can't-miss options that are sure to make any visit memorable. Keep in mind, with a long holiday weekend, many "Fourth of July" events may take place on July 2nd or 3rd, as well as Monday, the 4th.
Fireworks
More than two dozen venues statewide will offer fireworks displays, but if you can only pick one, check out the fireworks on the Lake Champlain Waterfront in Burlington, Vermont's largest city. Starting at 9:30 p.m. on July 3rd, you can watch an outstanding display over beautiful Lake Champlain. This event is very popular so take advantage of the $1 shuttle service, or the Fireworks Train ($10/person, under 2, free) which takes you from Charlotte, VT directly to the Burlington Waterfront. If you want to mix classical music with fireworks over Lake Champlain consider the Vermont Symphony Orchestra's performance at historic Shelburne Farms. Gates open at 5:00 p.m., performance starts at 7:30 p.m. culminating at dusk with a fireworks display to the music of the 1812 overture.
Parades/Festivals
Most towns have day-long family focused Fourth of July celebrations with parades as a focal point. Parades generally start between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., though some do take place later in the day. From fire trucks to local bands, these parades are a celebration of community. Again, there are many options to choose from but top recommendations for first time visitors who want the authentic small-town Vermont experience include the celebrations in Brandon, Montpelier, Stowe, Randolph, and Warren.
History
To include some real Vermont history with your visit, you can celebrate the town of Plymouth's 250th anniversary and visit the Calvin Coolidge homestead to see the boyhood home of the only U.S. president born on the Fourth of July.
If You Go
Whether new to Vermont, or a Vermont veteran wanting to explore a new part of the Green Mountain state, start with the state's official tourism Web site VermontVacation.com for an extensive events calendar that can be sorted by date and location with listings of nearby attractions and recreation options.
Sources: VermontVacation.com Vermont's official tourism Web site, City of Burlington Vermont Web site Vermont Historic Sites, Calvin Coolidge Homestead Web site
The Contributor has no connection to nor was paid by the brand or product described in this content.
Published by Jason Aldous
Jason is a writer living in Randolph Center, Vermont. View profile
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