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Festivals


Check out our special web portal for the upcoming Burlington International Waterfront Festival.

Sponsors


In recognition of Basin Harbor Club’s generous sponsorship of the Vermont Lake Champlain Quadricentennial, Basin Harbor has been named the Official Quadricentennial Resort.  Basin Harbor, one of Vermont’s full service resorts on Lake Champlain, will feature Lake Champlain boat tours, gardens, history talks, Franco-American dinners during the 2009 season, as well as a special 1609 lodging package. 
Book our 1609 package on-line @
basinharbor.com. (Open May – October)

Merchant's Bank Logo

Merchants Bank is honored to be associated with the Vermont Lake Champlain Quadricentennial. Lake Champlain is a unique treasure in North America and all the world. We are the fortunate ones who prosper from its defining presence among us. May the 400th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain's exploration ignite a sustained commitment by all of us to preserve this jewel. www.mbvt.com

license plate

Photo: Quadricentennial Lcense Plate

Mark the 400th with a License Plate.

ORDER TODAY!

Clean Lake Tip

Photo: dirty dishes in a sink

To keep the lake beautiful, consider switching your dish detergent. Many automatic dishwasher detergent brands still contain phosphorus— the nutrient that feeds algae blooms. Switch to brands that say phosphate or phosphorus free.

Learn more about the lake!

Did You Know?

Photo: Beluga Whale


Beluga whale skeletons found in the Champlain basin and the Lake's Atlantic Salmon are present day reminders that Lake Champlain was once apart of the Atlantic Ocean.

Find out more!

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.

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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


July 2-14, 2009 - Celebrate Champlain Burlington International Waterfront Festival

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.


July 2-14, 2009 - Vermont Indigeous Celebration

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.


July 17 - 18, 2009 – Vergennes French Heritage Days

 

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.



September 18-20, 2009 – Festival of Nations / Fete des Nations

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.
 

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