Local sensation Taylor LaValley is bringing home two Josie Awards after her standout debut at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry! Hailing from Plattsburgh, NY, Taylor isn’t just making waves – she’s creating her own current. She’s rocked the stage opening for legends like The Kentucky Headhunters, captivated crowds at hometown venues, and added her own magic to countless weddings. This summer, she threw her name into the Josie Awards ring with six nominations and scored big with two wins on Sunday, Oct. 27th.

What are the Josies? Think of it as the Grammys for independent artists. They celebrate musicians from all genres, bringing together a diverse crowd each year in Nashville. This year’s awards – the biggest indie music awards in the world – dished out over 196 honors from an impressive 75,000 submissions.

Founded by the mother-daughter powerhouse Josie Passantino-Boone and Tinamarie Passantino in 2015, the Josie Awards were born out of a passion for giving indie artists a space to shine. This year’s star-studded show included live performances by icons like Tiffany, Neal McCoy, Buddy Jewell, JD Shelburne, and more.

So, next time you see Taylor LaValley’s name on the lineup at your local venue, just know she’s not only rocking our local scene – she’s representing us on one of the biggest stages in independent music!

READ MORE ABOUT THE JOSIE AWARDS IN NASHVILLE COURTESY OF THE TENNESEAN HERE:

Rick Hubbard, an 82-year-old retired attorney from South Burlington, Vermont, set out on his cross-country walk in October 2022, starting in Los Angeles to advocate for campaign finance reform and a more equitable democracy. His journey, inspired by Doris “Granny D” Haddock’s walk for similar causes, took a sudden pause when his life partner, Sally Howe, was diagnosed with cancer. Rick returned to Vermont in December 2022 to support her, and after Sally’s passing in April 2023, he resumed his walk with renewed dedication, carrying her memory as he continued his mission.

Rick, who holds degrees from the University of Vermont, Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, and Georgetown University Law Center, has long championed democracy reform. He co-founded Vermont’s chapter of Common Cause and served on its National Governing Board. His journey is set to conclude in January 2025 on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, symbolizing his commitment to reducing the influence of big money in politics.

For more on Rick’s journey, visit fixourdemocracy.us​

The Vermont International Film Festival is taking place at Main Street Landing in Burlington from October 18 to 27, 2024. This 10-day event showcases a wide variety of independent films from across the globe, offering opportunities to watch thought-provoking films and engage in discussions with filmmakers. Attendees can participate in post-film Q&A sessions and network with industry professionals. The festival is a must-attend for cinephiles and those interested in diverse, artistic storytelling. For more details, visit Vermont Tourism​

The U.S. Coast Guard Haunted House in Burlington promises a thrilling Halloween experience on October 26, 2024. Hosted at the U.S. Coast Guard Station, this spooky event is family-friendly, offering chills and fun for all ages. It’s a great way to celebrate Halloween in a unique setting along Burlington’s waterfront. More information can be found here​

Looking for the Top Dog in this year’s Dog Costume Contest on the Church Street Marketplace in Burlington October 26th. Get your pooch ready to strike the pose to take home the top dog honors in either “Silliest Costume”, “Most Original,” “Best Pup & Owner” and “Best in Show.”

READ THE FULL STORY COURTESY OF WPTZ HERE

From free movie nights to “trunk-or-treating,” Ticonderoga has a full slate of events to keep the entire family in the Halloween spirit. Zombie hikes, Fright Nights and even a Hocus Pocus magic show! See the entire lineup of festivities here:

TICONDEROGA HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES HERE:

As Hurricane Milton bore down on Florida, people in Vermont are heading down to help those affected by both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE COURTESY OF WPTZ

TechJam comes our way Oct 26th where “techies” can find careers, training and mingle at Hula. Not only are there on-the-spot interviews, but some multi-millionaire entrepreneurs who bootstrapped their enterprises will give talks including:

• Matty Benedetto of Burlington’s “Unnecessary Inventions” with a jaw-dropping social media following of 10 million
• Roland Groenveld and Lauren Lavallee of OnLogic’s bootstrapping story from humble beginnings in the Groenveld apartment to it’s present-day 150,000 square foot South Burlington headquarters behind the “Whales Tails.”

Tech Jam is a free event at Hula happening October 26th in Burlington.

READ THE FULL STORY COURTESY OF SEVEN DAYS VT HERE

Oktoberfest is upon us! While the official festivities in Munich may be winding down, the spirit of Oktoberfest lives on throughout October here in Vermont. It’s the perfect time to celebrate with friends, enjoy hearty food, and of course, indulge in some delicious Märzen-style lagers.

But where to go to get your fill of festive cheer? Look no further than these Vermont breweries, each offering their own unique take on Oktoberfest:

Chittenden County:

• Switchback Brewing Co. (Burlington): Known for their traditional ales, Switchback might surprise you with a special Oktoberfest brew. Check their website and social media for updates on seasonal releases and events. (http://switchbackvt.com/)

• Zero Gravity Brewery (Burlington): Zero Gravity often crafts an Oktoberfest Märzen Lager, brewed with German malts and hops for a truly authentic taste. Keep an eye on their website and social media for release dates and any Oktoberfest events. (https://www.zerogravitybeer.com/)

• Foam Brewers – Burlington: Foam Brewers are known for their experimental and innovative beers. While a traditional Märzen might not be their style, they might just surprise you with a unique, hoppy take on the Oktoberfest theme. (http://www.foambrewers.com/)

Addison County:

• Frost Beer Works (Middlebury): Frost Beer Works often features seasonal brews, so check their tap list for an Oktoberfest lager or a festive fall ale. (http://www.frostbeerworks.com/)

• Drop-In Brewing Company (Middlebury): This community-focused brewery might have an Oktoberfest celebration up their sleeve. Check their website and social media for event announcements and special releases. (http://www.dropinbrewing.com/)

• Foley Brothers Brewing (Brandon): Foley Brothers is known for their dedication to quality and traditional styles. They often brew an Oktoberfest Lager, a Bavarian-style Märzen with a classic copper color and malty flavor. (https://foleybrothersbrewing.com/)

Lamoille County:

• Lost Nation Brewing (Morrisville): Lost Nation often embraces seasonal brewing traditions. Check their tap list and social media for any Oktoberfest-inspired beers or events. (http://lostnationbrewing.com/)

• The Alchemist Brewery (Stowe): While famous for Heady Topper, The Alchemist might surprise you with a limited-release Oktoberfest beer. Keep an eye on their website and social media for any announcements. (https://alchemistbeer.com/)

• Idletyme Brewing (Stowe): This brewpub often features seasonal beers and events. Check their website or stop by to see what they have planned for Oktoberfest. (https://idletymebrewing.com/)

Beyond the Beer:

Many of these breweries also offer delicious food, live music, and a festive atmosphere, making them the perfect place to celebrate Oktoberfest with friends and family. Don’t forget to check their social media pages for the most up-to-date information on special events, beer releases, and hours of operation.

Prost!