VERMONT CELEBRATES CHAMPLAIN - The Lake, The Land, The People
2009 marks the 400th anniversary of French explorer and cartographer Samuel de Champlain’s travels by sail, oar and paddle to the lake that now bears his name. All year long, special opportunities are planned for young and old alike to celebrate and commemorate the anniversary of this historic occasion, the spectacular natural resources of the region, and the many peoples who have worked, battled and made their homes in the Lake Champlain Valley.
Let the Celebration Begin!
Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall - Events for Every Size and Stripe
Guided hikes and trips by canoe, bike and kayak. Culinary events galore. Festivals, performances, symposia, classes and lectures. Living history events. Art, history, photography and natural history exhibits. Fiddles and concertinas, as well as the oboe and voice too. Circus arts and fine arts. From the northernmost regions to the south and east, Vermont will teem with events for every palate. Click here for a complete listing of special Celebrate Champlain Quadricentennial events.
And mark your calendar upcoming
Signature Events
Waterfront Park and Environs, Burlington, Vermont
Vermont's resplendent lake-side city will host an unforgettable eleven-day extravaganza featuring music, comedy, film, theater, writers, dancers, new technology, lake ecology, and special events. Look forward to world-class, multi-faceted Native American and Franco-American showcases, dynamic history forums, invigorating lake walks and waterfront activities, and headline music concerts. On Saturday, July 11th be sure to take in the mammoth parade and day-long celebration. Don't miss this essential and extraordinary thirteen-day spectacle! For questions about schedules, tickets, or being involved, call 802-264-0766, or go to our special webpages.
ECHO/Leahy Center, Burlington, VT
Stimulate your senses as you walk through an El-Nu Abenaki Tribe 1600-era encampment. El-nu tribe members, dressed in traditional clothing and using replicas of early 17th century artifacts, will share what they are learning about domestic and intertribal life 400 years ago.
City Park, Vergennes Opera House, and Otter Creek Basin Park, Vergennes, Vermont
Immerse yourself in French culture and history! Enjoy colorful re-enactors, Franco-American music, French-Canadian fiddling, response songs, step-dancing, fencing demonstrations, French food, and traditional craft demonstrations ranging from rug hooking to fiddle making. Exhibits include the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum's River Driving Bateau to antique vehicles and engines.Click here for more information.
Stroll through the farmers’ market or practice your French with any number of people including participating local French conversational groups. Take a horse and carriage ride or join in a French and English-narrated walking tour of the Otter Creek Basin and the City of Vergennes.
Chimney Point, Vermont, Crown Point, New York, and the Lake Champlain Bridge
Join an intercultural, international and many-nations celebration taking place on both sides of the lake in Vermont and New York. The Champlain Bridge itself, a literal and figurative connection between regions, will host activities including performances, living history demonstrations, a boat parade, and the Northeast Atlatl Competition. Click here for more information.
To learn about more than 100 other terrific Quad events, click here.
|
