JUNE 28, 2009 - BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF BRANDON Grand Opening from 4-6pm.  Food, games and a beautiful center for kids.  Come one!  Come all! 25 Rossiter St. Brandon
JULY 3, 2009 - THE GREAT BRANDON 3RD OF JULY STREET DANCE UNDER THE STARS! Bring the whole family for an evening of great family fun.  Street dance begins @ 6 pm hosted by Jam Man Entertainment and Z97.1 Spinning all the family friendly greatest hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and today! The parade committee will be holding a 50/50 raffle all night long.  The park will open at 5 pm and be home to various activities hosted by the local fire departments, and S.A.D.D. (Students Against Drunk Driving) as well as wide variety of of food vendors to help you enjoy all your summer favorites!  Best of all the Street Dance if Free to all! So grab the whole family and get ready for a night of great fun and entertainment Friday night July 3rd!!!
JULY 4, 2009 - INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION - "Largest Independence Day Parade in Vermont." 2009 Theme is: Brandon's Stars and Stripes - Past Present and Future. The Brandon Independence Day Celebration includes Music, Activities, Parade, and Fireworks at Dusk. For more information call 247-6401.
JULY 10, 11, 12 & 13, 2009 - 15th Annual BASIN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL - Thursday night spaghetti supper at 5 pm & Old time Country Concert at 6:30. Advance Weekend ticket, includes Thursday concert and come and go all weekend $38 if purchased by June 29th. Weekend ticket at gate $45.  Day tickets also available. Celebrate all things Bluegrass in the Basin! For more info, call 802-247-3275 or email: basinbluegrass@yahoo.com
JULY 16 - 19, 2009 - THE SOUND OF MUSIC - presented by BRANDON TOWN PLAYERS at the Paramount Theater in Rutland. You won't want to miss this family musical inspired by the The Story of the Trapp Family Singers. Performances on July 16, 17 and 18 at 7:30 pm and on July 19 at 2 pm. For more information, contact Dennis Marden at 802-247-5420. Purchase tickets on line at www.paramountlive.org
JULY 18, 2009 - ANNUAL GOSHEN GALLOP - 10K Trail Race and 5K Trail Run at Blueberry Hill Inn & Ski Center - Mass Start at 4 pm. Come celebrate the 31st Annual running of the Goshen Gallop!  Rated as "one of the toughest 10K's in New England".  Race course will follow the Blueberry Hill cross-country ski trails and the rural roads of Goshen in the heart of the Green Mountain National Forest and the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area.  The course will be well marked and supported with water and aid stations throughout.  Spectators are welcome, cheer on your racer and enjoy the music and meal.  Awards & BBQ following the race. Register On-line at http://www.blueberryhillinn.com or call for registration form at 800-448-0707. First 100 to register get a FREE T-Shirt! Weekend lodging specials!
JULY 21, 2009 - GREAT BRANDON AUCTION - If you can only attend one auction this summer, make it this one! 21st annual auction in 2009! Benefit auction offering quality goods and services. Attic treasures and barn bargains. New art, merchandise, gift certificates, antiques, furniture and lots of surprises. 4 pm in Central Park (2 pm preview); Terms: Cash or Good Check. Auctioneer: Barb Watters. Rain or shine. For more info call 247-6401. This is the Brandon Chamber's one and only annual fundraiser. Donate well and Bid Often! Jimmy J's 1979 Shamrock Green Chevy pick-up truck has been donated to the 2009 Great Brandon Auction. This truck, a fixture in Brandon since 1986, has under 96,000 miles and will be sold to the high bidder on July 21, 2009.
JULY 24, 2009- FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES - 6:30 pm in Central Park - An Ol' Time Square Dance / Street Dance featuring RUN MOUNTAIN - From rollicking fiddle breakdowns to moutain ballads to hillbilly blues, the energetic old-time string band Run Mountain breathes new life into American roots music. Equally at home performing at festivals, coffeehouses, country fairs, or square dances, and adding "zing" to special events, Run Mountain combines the musicians' talents into an exciting and engaging ensemble featuring powerful vocals accompanied by banjo, fiddle, guitar, harmonica, ukelele with flatfoot dancing to boot. Run Mountain is kicking off Brandon's Soar Summerfest weekend with an ol' time square dance and you won't want to miss them. Sponsored by the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce with New England Woodcraft.  You can start the evening off with a pig roast dinner at 5:00 p.m. for $7, hosted by the SOAR Afterschool Program with roasting provided by Jason Martin and the pigs donated by Foxcroft Farms/Harvest Program.  The dinner includes bar-b-que pork on a bun, corn on the cob, baked beans and cole slaw.  Drinks and other food items will also be sold.  Funds raised from the event will help support the SOAR program. Call 802-247-6401 for more information
JULY 24 - 25 - SOAR SUMMERFEST - SOAR Summerfest is the culmination of the SOAR Summer Program and a celebration of the arts. Spend a summer weekend with us in Brandon immersed in music, theatre, dance, visual arts, food and much more! The SOAR Summerfest is a unique hands-on festival where you will not only see student and juried artists' works but try it yourself. Some of the area's most renowned practitioners will share their knowledge and talents.
AUGUST 1, 2009 - YARD SALE DAY - Day-long event - Sidewalk Sales (which actually begin on July 31) and Town-Wide Yard Sales; Sales start at 9 am and last as long as there are still bargains available! Rain or Shine. Official yard sales make it on The Map, which will be available the morning of August 1 at the Brandon Museum and Visitor Center Center (next to the church at the corner of Routes 7 and 73 west). For more info call 802-247-6401
AUGUST 20, 2009 - THE AMAIZING BRANDON STREET FEST AND DANCE - We're going CORNY and we'll be celebrating all things corn. Vendors will be selling corn-related food samples. Want a roasted ear? Some chowda'? How 'bout some corn salsa? Food demos and food contests are also in the workings.We're working on corn dolls, hayrides and of course, a "guess how many corn kernels are in the jar" contest. Activities begin at 5 pm and street dance to follow featuring The Starline Rhythm Boys at 6:30 pm. Read more about them on our Concerts page. Rain location to be provided if needed. For more info call 802-247-6401
SEPTEMBER 4, 2009 - FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES - Kick off Labor Day Weekened with a show at 6:30 pm in Brandon Green Park. Featuring FOX AND COMPANY, a musical trio featuring Steve Fox - Drums & Vocals, Marge Butterfield - Bass & Vocals, and John Butterfield - Guitar & Vocals. Playing a mixture of classic rock, blues, calypso and popular favorites. Their wide range of music entertains audiences of all ages. Fox and Company closes the Summer Concert Series with this Labor Day weekend show. Read more about them on our Concerts page. Rain location to be provided if needed. For more info call 802-247-6401
SEPTEMBER 10 - 13, 2009 - TANGO AND WINE AT THE BRANDON INN - 5th Annual 'Moonlight in Vermont’ Tango Weekend at the Brandon Inn. Free beginner classes on Friday evening. Instructors from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and special guests from all across New England, New York and Montreal, Canada. Named one of the best little tango festivals in the US. Call Gerd at 802 775 5034. For more info visit www.tangovermont.com.
SEPTEMBER 2009 - SUDBURY ROAD RACE AND FUN DAY - Participants register for either a 5 mile walk or 1.2 mile fun run and walk. Free lunch is provided for all runners and there are prizes for winners in all age classes. Entry fee. For more info call 623-7771 or log onto www.sudbury.k12.vt.us
SEPTEMBER 26 - 27 - MAPLE VIEW FARM ALPACAS FALL OPEN HOUSE -  Enjoy the farm in the Fall while visiting the alpacas at Maple View Farm's annual fall open house.  Learn about these intelligent and curious creatures, raised for breeding as well as their luxurious fiber which is stronger, softer and warmer than wool.  Watch carding and spinning demonstrations.
OCTOBER 3, 2009 - BRANDON HARVESTFEST - Come make Harvest People (aka stick figures, scarecrows, Leaf People...) with the experts. You can even take one home! Hay Rides, Apple Pies, Pumpkins, BBQ, Brandon Town Band. Starting at 10:00 am in Central Park; for more info call 247-6401
OCTOBER 4, 2009 - 27th ANNUAL GREAT OTTER VALLEY RAFT RACE - Sunday Oct 5 at 1 pm on Route 73 along the Otter Creek. This is one of the best spectator events around! Watch students from grades 5 - 12 compete to the end on homemade rafts. Not many are dry at the end
OCTOBER 10, 2009 - HARVEST FAIR - 10 am - 4 pm - in Central Park. The Brandon Farmer's Market ends their season with a craft fair, demonstrations and much more. Seasonal items, crafts, baked goods, maple syrup, honey, handknit wool, mohair and alpaca items and more.
NOVEMBER 28 - 29 - MAPLE VIEW FARM ALPACAS - Enjoy the farm in the holiday season while visiting the alpacas at Maple View Farm's annual holiday open house.  Learn about these intelligent and curious creatures, raised for breeding as well as their luxurious fiber which is stronger, softer and warmer than wool.  Watch carding and spinning demonstrations. 11 am - 4 pm
DECEMBER 2009 - MOONLIGHT MADNESS - Two special nights. Shop Brandon for fun, discounts, specials, prizes, and more as local merchants and shopkeepers stay open until 8 pm. Specials begin at 4 pm.
DECEMBER 2009 - JINGLE BELL JAUNT - Jingle Bell Jaunt is a fun run for kids 3-12 and their families. Register at the Brandon Inn. Prizes for all who enter. Top three finishers in five age groups earn special recognition. Registration begins at 10 a.m. First 75 to register will receive a free T-shirt. Race begins at noon, with awards ceremony, hot cocoa, goodies and holiday carols immediately following in the Inn. Sponsored by area businesses, with all proceeds to benefit Brandon Area Food Shelf and toy drive. Registration is $3 plus one canned food item per individual, $8 for a family (with canned food item per each individual). Info: 247-0228 or 247-5661.
DECEMBER 2009 - BRANDON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY ~ HOLIDAY BENEFIT AUCTION - Join the Friends of the Brandon Free Public Library for their annual holiday auction. Over 50 local patrons and artists donate holiday wreaths, decor, artwork and treasures for the event. Entertainment, refreshments, and door prizes. Music and preview at 3 pm. Auction begins at 3:30 pm. $1.00 door donation requested.
DECEMBER 2009 - BRANDON FARMER'S MARKET HOLIDAY FAIR - At the Brandon Inn from 10 -4. Come do your holiday shopping at the Farmer's Market. You'll find many of your favorite vendors from the Summer Market and more. Homemade jams, jellies, breads, canned veggies, soups, mustards and relishes. Handknit mittens, hats and scarves in mohair, wool, and alpaca. Hand made towels, potholders and quilts. Maple syrup, soap, and crafts galore!
DECEMBER 2009 - BRANDON FESTIVAL SINGERS - This annual tradition features the music of Gene Childers. Brandon Congregational Church at 3 pm. The season would not feel the same without this performance! Free will offering.
DECEMBER 2009 - DECORATE A GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOP - Join the tradition at The Inside Scoop. Decorate A Gingerbread House workshops. Participants use selections from The Inside Scoop's extensive candy choices to create their own masterpieces to bring home! You won't want to miss the fun! Call 802-247-6600 to register!
DECEMBER 2009 - VSO BRASS AND COUNTERPOINT CONCERT - at the Brandon Congregational Church. Tickets benefit a local non-profit.

ONGOING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
and LINKS TO OTHER AREA EVENTS

Brandon Artists Guild - Brandon, Vermont has been called “the art and soul of Vermont” because of the work of a dynamic, vibrant, and varied collection of 50-plus artists belonging to the Guild whose exhibit space is open to the public 7 days a week throughout the entire year. The theme for this year's public art project is “Starring Brandon” which was chosen to honor and highlight this wonderful community. Artists have let their imaginations run wild and have created pieces both large and small.  Some are outdoors and some are in intimate indoor settings and they all incorporate a star in some way or other. Approximately twenty pieces will be put on the auction block on October 10th in Brandon’s Town Hall.  All the other artwork is available for immediate sale at the Brandon Artists Guild at 802-247-4956

Brandon Town Band - Mondays beginning June 15 at 6:30 pm in Central Park. Brandon’s multigenerational band will be playing a variety of marches, show tunes and crowd pleasers. Weather permitting, they’ll play summer Mondays. Call Band Director Kim Nelson at 247-6569 for more info

Briggs Carriage Bookstore presents a number of events at the Ball & Chain Cafe. Contact the store for details. 802-247-0050 or info@briggscarriage.com. 16 Park Street (next to the Brandon Inn).

Farmer's Market - May 22 - Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Stop by the Market in Brandon's Central Park. Vendors sell the freshest produce, breads, jams, honey, maple products, and crafts. For more info call 273-2655 or e: cijka4@localnet.com

Gallery-in-the-Field has a mission to present the art of provocative, innovative, living artists. Along with visual art, they sponsor a number of performance events - music, poetry, and prose readings, installations and improvisations. 802-247-0125

The Inside Scoop ice cream parlor hosts a Spanish conversation every Saturday morning from 11 am - noon. All levels. 802-247-6600.

New England Maple Museum features the story of maple sugaring in the world's largest maple museum. Different special events are ongoing throughout the season from March through October. Gift shop, mail order and a simulated boiling process "sap to syrup" presented all year. Route 7 in Pittsford. 802-483-9414

Maple View Farm Alpacas joins other New England alpaca breeders in  Open Houses.  Visit the alpacas up close while learning about these gentle, intelligent creatures raised for breeding as well as their luxurious fiber. Browse the farm store where you’ll find wonderful gifts made from alpaca.  The farm is located at 185 Adams Road (1.5 north of the center of Brandon, west on Arnold District Rd , left onto Adams , drive to the end). Information 247-5412.

Plan-It Sheri Catering - 25 Rossiter Street, Brandon - Call 353-8237 or 247-8837 - Creative Cooking Workshops

Training to Excel offers a full range of Food Safety Educational courses for the Home Enthusiast, Restaurants, Hospitality and Food Service Industry professionals. Three hour household Food Safety class for home enthusiasts chefs and bakers. Four hour diversified Food Safety Training for service and culinary food handlers. Eight hour ServSafe Certification class for industry managers and supervisors. e: info@trainingtoexcel.com or call 802.247.0098

Wood's Market Gardens is offering a series of free and open to the public Gardening Workshops. Check their website for details or call 802-247-6630

Rutland County Chamber of Commerce

Dimensions of Marble - Dimesions of Marble has launched The Vermont Marble Trail, a driving tour highlighting notable uses of marble throughout the state, while telling the story of marble’s significant historical, political, economic and cultural impact on Vermont. People who follow The Vermont Marble Trail will find a wealth of historical, artistic and cultural experiences as they visit towns and villages where marble was quarried, manufactured and utilized. The Trail begins in southern Vermont and ends in Brandon! Check their website for details.