Columbus Day Weekend in Vermont
October 08, 2010

I always have high hopes for Columbus Day Weekend. Fall foliage is in full swing and there are always a variety of fun events going on around the state. There are too many festivals to name, but I wanted to highlight a few of my Columbus Day Weekend favorites.

Newfane Heritage Festival
Newfane – October 9-10, 2010
This year’s 40th annual festival features more than 85 juried arts, crafts and specialty products, children’s activities, live music, food, homemade apple pies and apple crisp, a raffle and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Newfane Common, Route 30. For more information, visit http://newfaneheritagefestival.blogspot.com.

Annual Tractor Parade
Charlotte – October 10, 2010
Enjoy antique and modern tractors make their way down Spear Street in East Charlotte. The event includes children’s games, hayrides, farmers’ market, food and more. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., parade starts at 1 p.m. Spear Street. For more information, visit http://tractorparade.com.

Dummerston Apple Pie Festival
Dummerston – October 10, 2010
For more than 40 years, the Dummerston Apple Pie Festival has been held on the Sunday of Columbus Day Weekend. About 1,500 apple pies are made by many church members and friends, and people from all over the United States travel to Dummerston to take part in the festivities. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.dummerston.com.

Giant Pumpkin Regatta and Festival
Burlington – October 10, 2010
The annual Giant Pumpkin Regatta and Festival features local business leaders, students and others racing in giant hollowed-out gourds on Lake Champlain in a competition of size and speed. The event includes food vendors, activities and entertainment on the Burlington Waterfront. For details, visit www.vermont.org/pumpkin.