Opening day of the Champlain Valley Fair on Friday did not disappoint! With clear skies and 70 degree temperatures, fair-goers enjoyed $8 admission, $25 ride bracelets and Flo-Rida kicking of the entertainment in the grandstand. Country acts Cole Swindell and The Roots ‘n Boots tour with Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw and Colin Raye round out the week.

GET THE FULL FAIR SCHEDULE HERE

Just a short drive away, D.A.R. State Park spans 95 acres of serene landscapes, offering 71 campsites, a pavilion, and a peaceful rocky beach. Madeline Smith, the assistant park manager, describes it as “pure bliss during the summer.” The park is not only a recreational haven but also a preservation of the legacy of John Strong, a Revolutionary War patriot.

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If you’ve attended the local barrel racing in Vermont or New York, chances are, you’ve seen either Cassidy or Paige competing while their father quietly coaches from the sidelines and occasionally smooths the arena with the tractor. Both the Superneau sisters are competing at the NBHA Nationals in Virginia this weekend with purses that will help feed their hay burners, Hank, Jet, Millie and Jaycee.

READ THE FULL STORY COURTESY OF THE ST. ALBANS MESSENGER HERE 

Whether looking for something fun to do for a quick date or showing off the North Country to out-of-town guests, we’ve combed the area looking for the best places to picnic. Some of these locales are Seven Daysies Award-Winners while some are haunts we’ve check out on our own:

1. 1. Shelburne Farms – Located off Route 7, the majestic farm and seasonal mansion offer $40 picnic basket for two with a pre-made box, available exclusively to Shelburne Farms Inn guests and bar patrons for $40. This curated selection showcases the finest local flavors, including Shelburne Farms’ cheddar, salami from Agricola Farm, crisp apples, jam, and crackers. Enhance your picnic experience with additional treats from the Farm Cart or a freshly baked loaf from O Bread Bakery, both conveniently located on the property.
   2. Mt. Philo State Park – If you continue south on Route 7, hang a left and head up Mt. Philo. Whether taking the 2 mile hike up the paved road or driving up, the view does not disappoint! Pack your own picnic, sit in the Adirondack chairs and enjoy!
   3. Crown Point State Park – About an hour south, you can enjoy the ruins of the French and British colonial wars while munching on your picnic looking at the beauty of Lake Champlain.
   4. Fort Ticonderoga – Now this is a jaunt, (maybe 1 1/2 to 2 hour drive,) but certainly worth it for the history buff! Corn mazes, the Fort and adventure await

Looking for fun this weekend? Check out all the festivities happening Sunday at Cumberland Bay State Park during Sunday Field Day. Starting at 9am, bring the family for a day of fun.

READ ALL THE DETAILS COURTESY OF PRESS REPUBLICAN HERE

Remember back in December when we were sure it was Rod Stewart visiting second hand shops in Vergennes? Drew Smith has been mistaken for Rod Stewart for decades. And now? His wish to finally meet his doppelgänger came true.

READ THE FULL STORY COURTESY OF SEVEN DAYS VT HERE

The 17th Annual Festival of Fools begins Saturday, August 3rd from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All weekend long you can find performers from around the globe bringing their talents to the heart of the Queen City.

Zach Williamson, director of Burlington City Arts, said from dancers to musicians and even circus acts, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

“You get to watch amazing skills: acrobats, fire juggling, really insane stuff,” Williamson said.

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It was the beer can hurled ’round the world… her response to a heckler at her comedy show in New Jersey went viral and thrust Ariel Elias into the spotlight with guest appearances on Jimmy Kimmel, to name a few.  Elias is gearing up to tape her first standup special Saturday night, August 3rd and she’s chosen to record it at the Vermont Comedy Club in Burlington.

“Well, I’ve never headlined in Burlington, so I haven’t burned an audience yet,” the New York City-based comic joked when asked why she chose the Queen City to tape her special.

READ THE FULL STORY COURTESY OF SEVEN DAYS VT HERE

For decades, Vermont has been known for producing more winter Olympians per capita than any other state — think natives Suzy Chaffee, Billy Kidd, Hannah Teter and the Skiing Cochrans. This year, it’s no mere stroke of luck that the Green Mountain State is sending seven world-class rowers to the summer Olympic Games in Paris:

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The Paris Olympics kicks off with opening ceremonies on Friday night and both the St. Albans Messenger and 98.9 WOKO sent well-wishes to Vermont competitor, Elle St. Pierre. On Thursday, St. Pierre won the first round of the 1500 meter!

READ THE FULL STORY COURTESY OF THE ST. ALBANS MESSENGER HERE: