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Vermont is Turning 250 – Be a Part of the Celebration
On July 4 , 2026 , America celebrates its 250th birthday . In May of 2025 , those in the state of Vermont will also be celebrating the 250th anniversary of Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys ’ taking of Fort Ticonderoga , and in 2027 , both the Patriot victory at the Battle of
Bennington and the creation of the independent state of Vermont will be among the celebrations . So many reasons for celebrating our great state .
The Bennington 250th Committee is a group of local citizens including representation of all Historical Societies within the county who have come together to help plan and coordinate commemorations during the three anniversary years . Bennington County is the first to begin the planning that includes events , education , art , and monuments highlighting the Ideals and Principles that Created Our Nation . A fundraising campaign is now underway to support these Commemorative years . It is anticipated that throughout the county this celebration will include one or two regional events each year plus an enhanced Battle Day Weekend ; New / Restored Monuments ; Development of new Creative Works such as plays and murals ; and the Creation of Educational programs , curriculum , and field trips , as well as other special 250th related projects .
Join us for the Kickoff Gala at the Equinox Hotel and Resort in Manchester , on August 17 from 4:30pm to 8pm . It promises to mix our great state ’ s history with fun , wonderful entertainment , and delicious food . Enjoy d ’ oeuvres and a four-course dinner featuring 18th century cuisine with a modern twist , meticulously crafted by Executive Chef Matthew Balut of the Equinox . A cash bar will offer signature period cocktails . Attire suggestions include your finest business casual attire or an 18th century ensemble . The event will commence with welcoming remarks by “ Ethan Allen ,” followed by an after-dinner presentation of historic songs and anecdotes from the American Revolution by Cosby Gibson & Tom Staudl .
Tickets for this inaugural event are $ 150 . Purchase yours with a credit or debit card by visiting Bennington250 . org or by mailing or delivering a check to the Bennington Museum , 75 Main St . in Bennington , VT . Please make checks payable to Bennington Museum ( Bennington 250 fiduciary ) and note Bennington 250 on the memo line . Be a part of this wonderful event launching one of Vermont ’ s most historic and memorable celebrations .
The Committee thanks its lead sponsors for this event Bank of Bennington , Tri State Area Federal Credit Union , and Oliver Ford ; its media sponsors , the Bennington Banner and the Manchester Journal , Old Mill Road Media , GNAT TV , CAT TV , and WEQX ; and the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce . Thanks also to the Equinox Hotel and Resort for their support , and the businesses , sponsors , donors , volunteers , and individuals that have also supported this kickoff event . For more , visit : bennington250 . org .
‘ Inside the Mind of a Dog ’ Premieres on Netflix & Attempts Guinness World Record
On August 10 at 4pm in the Middlebury Memorial Sports Center , we will attempt to break the World Record for “ Most Dogs to Attend a Film Screening .” Local filmmaker Andy Knight Mitchell will premiere his latest film , Inside the Mind of a Dog – narrated by Rob Lowe and released on Netflix August 9 . Dogs are encouraged to attend this free screening . If 220 or more dogs attend with their owner , the town of Middlebury will be honored with an official Guinness Book World Record .
The screening is presented by Middlebury Underground , in cooperation with Homeward Bound Animal Shelter , the Better Middlebury Partnership , Lacewing Production , and Red Rock Films . More than a screening , it ’ s a dog party , with food , music , and giveaways . Owners and their pooches can help make history , put Middlebury in the record book , and have an awesome time doing it !
Inside the Mind of a Dog is a highly entertaining , deep dive with Rob Lowe , to uncover the mysteries of the world ’ s most popular pet . It is directed by 4-time Emmy Award winning filmmaker Andy Mitchell and produced by Red Rock Films , creators of the recent fan-favorites , Inside the Mind of a Cat , Penguin Town , and Secrets of the Whales .
We need 220 + dogs ! Dogs must go through a simple registration process to appease the bean counters at Guinness . Doors open at 3pm . Movie begins at 4pm sharp . Dogs who arrive late will not be counted in the attempt . Registration is quick and easy – just a photo and a few questions for owners . We recommend pre-registration online , but it can also be done at the door , and comes with benefits , including preferred seating , free popcorn , doggy treats , and other fun giveaways . Licensed vet and emergency pet care will be on site . To check on the rules and to register , visit : middunderground . org / guinnessbook .
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16 Vermont News Guide July 29 , 2024