Strolling of Heifers Named Top Ten Vermont Summer Event for Five Years Straight; Green Mountain State’s Version of Spain’s Running of Bulls Expected To Attract 50,000
Brattleboro, Vermont –The 6th Annual Strolling of the Heifers Parade & Festival (Fri. June 1 – Sun., June 3), sponsored by Turkey Hill Dairy, expects to attract 50,000 viewers to this picturesque town (population 13,000) located on the Connecticut River. Every year, the parade, which is the centerpiece of this Mardi-Gras like agricultural celebration, attracts more people from across the country — and in some instances the globe — in the moood for an udderly great time. They come– to “Cattleboro,” recognized as one of the “best small towns in America” to attend this three-ring circus, featuring cows, farmers, musicians and farm fresh cuisine.
This year, 100 flower-bedecked bovine beauties will strut down Main Street in the town where Holstein-Friesian Association, USA’s headquarters is located. (Notably, every Holstein in the world has its genealogy on file at Holstein.) Six years ago, when Orly Munzing, Executive Director of the Strolling of the Heifers (SOTH), and other civic boosters were struggling to find a way to protect Vermont’s agricultural heritage and landscape, the answer suddenly came to them in black and white. That first year, 50 Heifers led by young people from New England-based 4-H Clubs and Putney School students attracted 10,000 viewers. Parade organizers expect an additional 40,000 people to park their baby strollers and lawn chairs along Main Street so they can enjoy the cavalcade this year. The event’s four-footed starlets will be followed by all kinds of animals and family-oriented entertainment. Several years ago, Vermont Life named Munzing a “Vermont hero” for all she has done to increase public awareness of the importance of agriculture. Notably, during the past six years, SOTH has awarded over $100,000 in funding to schools and other organizations for agriculturally oriented educational programs.
Other highlights of the weekend follow. The Dairy Fest & Market Place, Sat., June 2, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm on Retreat Healthcare’s grounds will include the Best Chefs of Vermont Tasting Pavilion, a Celebrity Milking Contest, and a Fiddle Festival. A brand new event that promises to be a hit with families is the Children’s Farm Fun Tent provided by the Cheshire Fair Association. Educationally oriented activities inside the tent will include a Wonder Cow that can be milked; a hands-on Butter Making activity, a Hay Maze; a Fishing Pond; and a Pie Eating Contest. The tent also will have a farmyard section with live animals.
Additional events at other locations on Sat., include the Brattleboro Area Farmers’ Market, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, on Route 9 in West Brattleboro; Community Contra Dance, 6:30 – 9:30 pm, Shriner’s Hall, Green Street Extension; and Louise Taylor in Concert, 7:00 pm, the Loft in the Cotton Hill building. Sun., June 3, there will be a Royal Farmers’ Feast, 7:00 am – 12 noon, Chelsea Royal Diner, West Brattleboro; Farm Tours, 12 noon – 4:00 pm. (Maps available at Chelsea Royal). All events open to the public. Most events are free. For more information log on to: www. strollingoftheheifers.com or call the Brattleboro Area Chamber of Commerce at: 877-254-4565.
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The mission of the Strolling of the Heifers is to promote awareness of the importance of agriculture in our daily lives and to raise money to fund educationally oriented agricultural programs for youth. Log on to www.strollingoftheheifers.com for details.
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Top Ten Summer Event — 6th Annual Strolling of the Heifers Parade & Festival, sponsored by Turkey Hill Dairy, June 1 – 3, 2007, Brattleboro, Vermont. Internationally renowned parade during National Dairy Month that annually attracts 50,000 spectators. Light-hearted version of Spain’s Running of the Bulls features 100 flower-bedecked bovine beauties and fun-filled entertainment. Heifer Parade, 10 am, Sat., June 2. Dairy Fest & Market Place, same day, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. This Mardi-Gras like celebration’s other events include a Best Chefs of Vermont Tasting Pavilion, Fiddle Festival, Family Entertainment Tent, Children’s Farm Fun Tent, Contra Dance, Royal Farmers’ Feast and Farm Tour. Open to the public. Most events are free. For more information call 802-257-1646 or log on to: www.strollingoftheheifers.com.
The mission of the Strolling of the Heifers is to promote awareness of the importance of agriculture in our daily lives and to raise money to fund educationally oriented agricultural programs for youth. Log on to www.strollingoftheheifers.com for details.
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