Contacts:
Scott Beck , (802) 274-0201

Friday, April 10, 2009

St. Johnsbury, VT, - The St. Johnsbury Maple Festival will be held on Saturday, April 18th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown St. Johnsbury. Railroad Street between Maple Street and Eastern Avenue will be closed to host a street festival celebration of Vermont’s maple industry that will include a syrup tasting competition, sugar on snow party, sugarhouse, science and historical exhibits, competitions for sap bucket carrying and wood cutting. Artisan and craft vendors featuring Vermont products will line Railroad Street.

Entertainment will be provided and includes live music on two stages, a rock climbing wall provided by the Vermont National Guard, and a kids' activity area. The food court will be located at the Pomerleau Welcome Center, the historic Railroad Depot at the bottom of Eastern Avenue, and will include a pancake breakfast that begins at 9 a.m. This festival is a rain or shine event and admission is free to all.

“For years many of us have been hearing, ‘what happened to the Maple Festival, it was great,” commented Fred Little, Co-owner of Sunshine Boutique and a member of a merchant’s group who is organizing this year’s festival. “This seems like the perfect antidote for a long winter,” he added. The last Maple Festival in St. Johnsbury was held in 1987. “We have great businesses in our historic downtown and we want everyone to see what a remarkable place this is to visit,” said Scott Beck, who along with his wife Joelle, owns the Boxcar and Caboose Bookshop and Cafe. “We have had tremendous support from everyone in the community from day one.”

Space is still available for artisans, craftsman and food providers. Those who are interested can contact Fred Little at (802) 748-2933. For the updates about the Festival, please visit www.stjmaplefestival.org for current information and a detailed schedule of events.