Scroll down for daily listings.
Please call ahead to confirm events. Updated 1/23/12.

2012 ONGOING EVENTS

BARRE. Exhibits, classes, events and workshops. Free. Tues-Fri 10-5, Sat 12-4. Studio Place Arts, 201 N. Main St. (802) 479-7069. info@studioplacearts.com. www.studioplacearts.com.

BELLOWS FALLS. Third Friday Art Walk. Stores and galleries in town and in the surrounding area host special exhibits and events. 5-8 pm. Flyer available at Village Square Booksellers, 32 The Square. (802) 463-9404. villagesquarebooks.com. Monthly on the third Friday.

BELMONT. Mount Holly Community Historical Museum. Open year-round on second weekend of the month. Tarbellville Rd. (turn right immediately after the Belmont Store, museum is on your right). (802) 259-2460. www.mounthollyvtmuseum.org.

BENNINGTON. Art Exhibits, Permanent Collections, Theater Productions, Workshops. Admission: adults $9, seniors/students $8, families $20, under 12 are free. Bennington Center for the Arts, 44 Gypsy Lane. (802) 442-7158. www.benningtoncenterforthearts.org.

BENNINGTON. Bennington-Walloomsac Winter Farmers Markets at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 200 Pleasant Street. Every third Saturday: January 21, February 18, March 17 & April 21 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Katherine Keys, (802) 688-7210. info@walloomsac.org. www.walloomsac.org.

BENNINGTON. Bennington Museum—Exhibits and Public Programs, Founding Documents, Fine Art, Grandma Moses, and more. See Bennington Pottery, the 1924 Wasp Touring Car, Fine Art, Vermont Furniture, and the Bennington Flag – one of America's oldest flags. Lectures, workshops, concerts, films. Admission $10, children under 18 free. Open 10 am - 5 pm every day except Wednesdays, closed for January. 75 Main St. (802) 447-1571.
www.benningtonmuseum.org.

BERLIN. Afro-Caribbean Dance. With live percussion every Thursday from 10:30 am – 12 pm. All levels welcome. Also Capital City Grange Potluck—share delicious food with your friends and future friends, starting about 6:30 each first Saturday, all are welcome, no charge. Capital City Grange, 6612 VT Rt. 12, Northfield Rd. (802) 985-3665. capitalcitygrange.org.

BRANDON. Brandon Museum at the Stephen A. Douglas Birthplace. Also houses the Brandon Visitor Center with public restrooms, which is open daily 8 am – 6 pm, 365 days a year. The museum is at 4 Grove St., next to the Baptist Church at the corner of Routes 7 and 73 West. (802) 247-6401. info@brandon.org. brandon.org.

BRATTLEBORO. Brattleboro Museum & Art Center. Exhibits and programs. Open 11-5. Closed Tues & Wed. Admission $6/$4/$3. 10 Vernon St. (802) 257-0124. www.brattleboromuseum.org.

BRATTLEBORO. Fair Winds Farm Sleigh or Wagon Rides. Half-hour reserved horse-drawn rides through fields and woods, and along a babbling brook. Adults $10, kids 3-12 $6, minimum $50, after 5 pm $80. Rustic heated greenhouse available for your event, additional charge. Visit our farm store. Fair Winds Farm is a "Diversified, Horse Powered, Vermont Family Farm" on Upper Dummerston Rd. (802) 254-9067. fairwind@sover.net. www.fairwindsfarm.org.

BRATTLEBORO. Gallery Walk. Monthly celebration of the arts in downtown and nearby locations. 40-50 or more exhibit openings, many with meet-the-artist receptions and live music, plus occasional readings, dance, circus arts, theater, and more. Free. First Fridays from 5:30-8:30 pm. (802) 257-2616. www.gallerywalk.org.

BRATTLEBORO. Post Oil Solutions meets frequently and sponsors events with a mission to advance cooperative, sustainable communities. For info contact Tim Stevenson at info@postoilsolutions.org or www.postoilsolutions.org.

BRATTLEBORO. Winter Farmers Market. Indoor market featuring local farms products including produce, apples, eggs, grass-fed meats, cider, syrup, preserves, locally grown house plants, baked goods, local wines, pottery, jewelry, handmade soaps, hats, scarves and more. Delicious lunches featuring locally grown foods, and live music in the lunch cafe. A project of Post Oil Solutions. Open every Saturday November-March from 10 am – 2 pm. At the River Garden, 153 Main St. (802) 869-2141. farmersmarket@postoilsolutions.org.
www.postoilsolutions.org.

BURLINGTON. Exhibit: Seasons of Change, January 21st through mid March. Workshops, programs, café, gift shop, story hour. Admission: $9.50 adults, $7 ages 3 - 17, 
$8 seniors and students, under 3 free. Monday–Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, One College St. (877) 324-6385. info@echovermont.org. www.echovermont.org.

BURLINGTON. UVM Theatre Presents "The Beaux' Stratagem." Original play by George Farquhar with adaptation by Thornton Wilder and Ken Ludwig. Three centuries in the making, the play is a raucous romp through the minefields of love, money and marriage. Admission. Thurs-Sat 7:30 pm, 1st Sat & 2nd Sun 2pm. Royall Tyler Theatre, 116 University Place. (802) 656-2094. theatre@uvm.edu. www.uvmtheatre.org. February 16-26.

BURLINGTON. Burlington Winter Farmers' Market at Memorial Auditorium, corner of Main St. and S. Union. Saturdays 10 am – 2 pm, every other week: Jan 21, Feb 4 & 18, March 3, 17, & 31, and April 14 & 28. Accepts EBT and debit cards. Chris Wagner, (802) 310-5172. chriswag31@gmail.com. www.burlingtonfarmersmarket.org.

BURLINGTON. First Friday Art Walk. Galleries, studios, and interesting venues all around town. Free. 5-8 pm. Map available. (802) 264-4839. www.artmapburlington.com.

BURLINGTON. Burlington's First Friday Art Walk. Come inside and warm up at the over 30 galleries and art venues throughout Burlington staying open late to welcome walkers and share our incredible art scene. Visit the website to see a list of participating venues. Sponsored by Burlington City Arts, the Free. Fri., 5 pm - 8 pm. Throughout Burlington. (802) 264-4839. info@artmapburlington.com. www.artmapburlington.com.

CENTER RUTLAND. The Rutland Railroad Museum. Housed in the Rutland Depot, built in 1917. See railroad artifacts and historical exhibits including HO & N scale model railroad layouts and a children's layout. The museum is also available to educational groups and schools for tours by appointment. Open Saturdays from 11 am – 1 pm. Rutland Railway Association, 79 Depot Lane. rra@rutlandrailway.org. www.rutlandrailway.org.

CHESTER. Contempo-Take-O Art Exhibit. Features the dynamic polaroid transfer prints of Rik (Wave) Kapler and the mixed media sculptures of curator, Bryce LeVan Cushing. Wednesday thru Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm and by appointment. At BLCARTGRP Gallery, in the rear of the MoonDog Cafe Building, 297 Main St. For more information contact Bryce LeVan Cushing, (802) 843-1162 or visit www.brycelevancushing.com. Through March 15.

CHESTER. Monthly Public Astronomy Meetings for the Southern Vermont Astronomy Group. Second Tuesday of the month – free to the public at Whiting Library. 7 pm. Star parties and other events. For membership and information contact the Southern Vermont Astronomy Group, PO Box 424, Chester, VT 05143. www.sovera.org.

CHESTER. Peace of Paradise—Holistic Wellness Emporium.
Wellness services and products. Reiki, acupuncture, massage, meditation, yoga and drumming. Classes, workshops and seminars.
Events, groups and gatherings. Locally-made creations, yoga mats, drums, jewelry and art. Open Thurs–Sun 10 am – 5 pm. On the Village Green. (802) 875-8008. www.peaceofparadisevt.com.

CHESTER. High Tea at Inn Victoria. Afternoon savories, sweets, fruit, and a variety of teas. $19.99 per person. Open by reservation on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 3-4:30 pm. Inn Victoria, 321 Main St. (802) 875-4288. innkeeper@innvictoria.com. www.innvictoria.com.

CHESTER. Activities at Gassetts Grange Hall. Craft workshops, Thursdays 2-4 pm, everyone welcome, free refreshments and coffee, info: Bonnie, (802) 875-3500. Bingo Thursdays 6-9 pm. Dance and monthly community breakfast buffets first Saturdays. Monthly Country Jamboree. Gassetts Grange Hall, junction of Rts. 10 and 103N. For information call Dave (802) 875-2637.

CHESTER. Gallery 103. Dedicated to promoting fine American Craft and Design, with an exclusive showroom of Junker Studio Ironwork. Monthly "Featured Artists." Owned and operated by Elise & Payne Junker. Gallery is open every day 1-5 pm (often later) closed Tuesdays. On Rt. 103, just south of town. (802) 875-7400. Gallery103.com.

CRAFTSBURY. Craftsbury Winter Market at Sterling College, Simpson Hall on Craftsbury Common. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., November through March. Carole Drury, (802) 533-2359.

DANBY. Mountain View Ranch & Sun Bowl Ranch. Horse-drawn wagon rides, all-season trail rides, lessons, boarding, special events. 502 Easy St. off Brook Rd. Call to reserve. (802) 293-5837. riding@mountainviewranch.biz. www.mountainviewranch.biz.

DANBY FOUR CORNERS. Danby Dog Art Studio. Folk Art, Primitive Paintings & Reproductions by Susan Houghton Debus. Open most days—but please call ahead. Studio is located at 1764 Tinmouth Rd, 1.5 miles north of the Four Corners Store. (802) 293-2489.

DANBY FOUR CORNERS. Chipman Stables, 33 Danby-Pawlet Rd. Trail rides, kid's camps, lessons, boarding & horses for sale. New indoor arena. Open daily, reservations appreciated. (802) 293-5242. www.chipmanstables.com.

DORSET. Dorset Winter Farmers' Market at J.K. Adams Kitchen Store and Factory on Rt. 30. Sundays from 10 am – 2 pm through February 19. Nicole Henry (802) 867-7080.
marketmanager@dorsetfarmersmarket.com. www.dorsetfarmersmarket.com.

EAST CHARLESTON. NorthWoods Stewardship Center. Programs, workshops and special events in all seasons. Public is welcome. 154 Leadership Dr. (802) 723-6551.
www.northwoodscenter.org.

GRAFTON. Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center. A year-round recreation center offering Nordic skiing with snowmaking, snowshoeing, Biathlon, special events & snow tubing in winter. Dog Days: Grafton Ponds' trails are dog-friendly every Monday and Thursday (owners responsible for keeping the trails "clean.") Rental equipment available. Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center, 783 Townshend Rd. (802) 843-2400. Visit graftonponds.com.

GRAFTON. Grafton Valley Arts Guild invites you to visit the Cricketers Gallery in historic Grafton Village at 45 Townshend Road. Open Thursday thru Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm. (802) 843-4824. www.graftonvalleyartsguild.com.

GRAFTON. The Nature Museum at Grafton. Exhibits, gift shop, family activities, and special events. Admission: adults $5, seniors/student $4, children 3-12 $3, family $15. Saturdays 10-4 and Sundays 1-4. 186 Townshend Rd. (802) 843-2111. lillianwillis@nature-museum.org. www.nature-museum.org.

GRANVILLE, NY. The Slate Valley Museum. Exhibits, events, demonstrations, programs, and gift shop. Tues-Fri 1-5 pm, Sat 10 am – 4 pm. Admission $5, under 12 free. Downtown at 17 Water St. (518) 642-1417. www.slatevalleymuseum.org.

GROTON. Groton Growers' Winter Farmers Market at Groton Community Building Gym. Every third Saturday, 10 am – 2 pm through May. Mary Berlejung, (802) 584-3595.
grotongrowers@gmail.com.

HARTLAND. Upper Valley Seed Savers meet on the second Thursday of the month at 5 pm. Our mission is to further knowledge about seed saving and to work on projects that will help develop a body of locally-adapted open-pollinated vegetable seeds. For information, or if you can't come to meetings but would like to receive a monthly email with our minutes which contain information on our projects, please contact Sylvia Davatz at sdav@valley.net or call (802) 436-3262.

LEBANON, NH. Listen Community Dinner. Nutritious free meals served from 5–5:30 pm every Tuesday and Thursday. At Sacred Heart Church on Hough St. (603) 448-4553.

LEBANON, NH. ValleyNet Community Technology Center. 10-seat computer lab in the new Grafton County Senior Citizens Council building, Campbell St., downtown. Center is open for walk-ins 9 am - 4:30 pm, Mon-Fri. Free. (802) 649-2126.

LEICESTER. Addison County Farm Animal Homeopathy Study Group. Learn how other farmers are applying homeopathy to their herds or flocks. Discussion includes an in-depth look of at least one remedy, some theory and a case analysis. Meets the first Thursday of each month and is open to all levels. 1-3 pm at Taconic End Farm. For more info call Annie Claghorn, (802) 247-3979.
foxclag@gmavt.net.

LUDLOW. Ludlow Farmers' Market at Ludlow Teen Center at Goodman's American Pie, 106 Main St. Every Saturday 10 am – 1 pm. Jerry Milligan, (802) 734-3829. lfmkt@tds.net.
www.ludlowfarmersmarket.org. Through March 3.

LUDLOW. Fletcher Farms School for the Arts and Crafts. Vermont's oldest residential arts and crafts school. Register for our winter arts and crafts classes. Woodworking, Oil and Watercolor Painting, Kirigami and much more. Registration fee. Monday-Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm. Fletcher Farm School for the Arts & Crafts, 611 Rt. 103 South. (802) 228-8770. info@fletcherfarm.org. www.fletcherfarm.org. January 14–April 1.

LYNDONVILLE. Lyndonville Winter Farmers' Market at Tom Breslin Community Center on Main St. (Rt. 5). Second Saturdays from 10 am – 1 pm, through April. Brian Titus, (802) 533-7455. info@woodedgefarm.com. www.lyndonfarmersmarket.com.

LYNDONVILLE. 2012 Snowflake Festival. Two weeks of family wintertime fun from February 18 through March 4. Sleigh rides, ski races, torchlight parade, spaghetti suppers, pancake breakfasts, skating, snowmobile races, quilt show, chowder fest, and more! A variety of events happen at location in Burke and Lyndonville. Call for more information and schedule. (802) 626-9696. www.vermontsnowflakefestival.com.

MANCHESTER. Southern Vermont Arts Center Exhibitions. Gallery, special events, concerts, gift shop, and café. SVAC, Yester House Gallery, West Rd. (802) 362-1405. www.svac.org.

MANCHESTER. 20th Annual Winter Members' Exhibition. Paintings, sculpture, photographs, and mixed media pieces of the highest quality. Eagerly anticipated by collectors and browsers alike. Free. Yester House Galleries
 at Southern Vermont Arts Center. Open Tues-Sat 10 am – 5 pm. (802) 362-1405. www.svac.org. Through February 11.

MANCHESTER. Winter Wonderland Tours in "The Shires of Vermont." Ride in the warmth & comfort of an eight-passenger tour vehicle, escorted by a local tour guide. Includes great vistas on pristine, country backroads, oldest U.S marble quarry (now abandoned but still beautiful), historic Vermont hamlet, unique Vermont general store, optional short & easy hike around a wooded path & mountain pond. Sundays only—a visit to a local farmers market/crafts expo. (Tours may be cancelled due to severe/inclement weather.) Fee: $30 pp. Starts at Adams Park, 357 Center Hill Rd. For details or reservations call (802) 362-4997. bckrddisc@aol.com. www.backroaddiscovery.com.

MANCHESTER. Visit Historic Hildene, the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln. Special activities, lectures, bird walks, museum store, Nordic center, holiday programs. Tickets: $13 adults, $5 youth under 14, children under 6 free. Grounds pass: $5 adults, $3 youth, children under 6 free. Open daily 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Historic Hildene is off Rt. 7A, just south of the village. (802) 362-1788. info@hildene. www.hildene.org.

MARLBORO. Southern Vermont Natural History Museum. Perched on an overlook—on a clear day the horizon is 100 miles away! See mounted specimens of over 600 native New England birds and mammals, a Raptor Center with live hawks and owls, amphibian and reptile exhibit and fall wildflower exhibit. Hogback Mountain Gift Shop next door. Admission: adults $5, seniors $3, children 5-12 $2, under 5 free. Open weekends in the winter. Rt. 9, Hogback Mountain. (802) 464-0048. museum@sover.net. www.vermontmuseum.org.

MIDDLEBURY. Middlebury Arts Walk. Join us on the second Friday of every month. More than 40 venues will be displaying art. Stores remain open, becoming galleries displaying the work of dozens of area artists. 5-7 pm. Free. Downtown Middlebury. (802) 388-7951 x 2. info@middleburyartswalk.com. www.middleburyartswalk.com.

MIDDLEBURY. Middlebury Farmer's Market at American Flatbread Restaurant in the Marbleworks. Second and fourth Saturdays from 9:30 am – 1 pm, January through May. Pam Taylor, (802) 388-0178. middleburyfm@yahoo.com. www.middleburyfarmersmarket.org.

MIDDLEBURY. Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont. The oldest chartered community history museum in the United States, welcoming visitors since 1882. Exhibits, research center, and museum shop. Saturdays 10 am - 5 pm. Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History, 1 Park St. (803) 388-2117.
www.henrysheldonmuseum.org.

MIDDLEBURY. Vermont Folklife Center. Exhibits, gallery, archives & research center, programs, and Heritage Shop. Free admission. Open Mon–Sat, 10 am – 5 pm, Sun 11 am – 4 pm. At 88 Main St., downtown. (802) 388-4964. info@vermontfolklifecenter.org. www.vermontfolklifecenter.org.

MONTPELIER. Art Exhibit. Grace Brigham's agricultural murals are on display. Her holsteins are now grazing in the hallway at the Vermont History Museum. Museum admission: adults $5; families $12; students, children and seniors $3; members and children under 6 are free. The exhibit is open to the public Tues-Sat 10 am – 4 pm at 109 State St. (802) 828-2291. www.vermonthistory.org.

MONTPELIER. Lost Nation Theater's Winterfest. Four shows over four weeks to brighten your winter from February 2-26. A showcase of Vermont's most exciting and entertaining performing artists. City Hall Arts Center. For tickets and schedule call (802) 229-0492. kathleen@lostnationtheater.org. www.lostnationtheater.org.

MONTPELIER. Montpelier Capital City Winter Farmers' Market at Vermont College of Fine Arts gym, 10 am – 2 pm on first and third Saturdays through April. Carolyn Grodinsky, (802) 223-2958. manager@montpelierfarmersmarket.com. www.montpelierfarmersmarket.com.

MORRISVILLE. Lamoille Valley Farmers' Artisan Market at River Arts Center on Pleasant St., in Morrisville. Second Saturdays 10 am – 2 pm, Feb through April. Amy Walker, fammanager@gmail.com.

MORRISVILLE. Exhibit: "Topographies." Recent paintings by Frank Woods. Opening reception on January 19 from 5 –7 pm. Free. Mon-Fri, 10 am - 2 pm. The Gallery at River Arts Center, 74 Pleasant St. (802) 888-1261. January 19 - March 2.

NORWICH. Norwich Farmers Market. Local/organic produce, meats, cheeses, eggs, handicrafts, baked goods, prepared foods, and live music. Saturdays 10 am – 1 pm. Winter Markets on Second Saturday of each month, from Jan. 14 through April 14. Tracy Hall, Rt. 5, one mile south of Norwich village. (802) 384-7447. norwichfarmersmarket.org.

NORWICH. Montshire Museum of Science. Exhibits, trails, programs, and museum store open 10 am – 5 pm daily. Admission $12 adults, $10 children 2-17, under 2 free. One Montshire Rd. (802) 649-2200. www.montshire.org.

PLAINFIELD. Monthly Sacred Harp Sing. A free event, with beginners and loaner books available. The second Sunday of every month at 3 to 5 p.m. at the Community Center above the Co-op in Plainfield. For more information, contact Lynnette Combs at (802) 426-3850. lynnettecombs@gmail.com.

POULTNEY. Community Breakfast. Hosted by the Slate Valley Ministry the last Saturday of each month. $1/person, under 14 free. All welcome. Breakfast served 8-10:30 am, Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 84 Church St. (802) 287-2252.

POULTNEY. Free Historical Audio Walking & Driving Tours. View and learn about Main Street Poultney, East Poultney Village, and the Quarries, Farms & Forests. (802) 287-5252, (802) 287-2010. www.poultneyhistoricalsociety.org. www.poultneyvt.com.

PUTNEY. Green Mountain Orchards Farm Store open all year with local apples and cider. 130 West Hill Rd. (exit 4, I-91), look for signs in Putney Village. (802) 387-5851. www.greenmtorchards.com.

QUECHEE. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center. Exhibits, programs, nature trail, nature store. Admission: adults $10.50, seniors $9.50, youth (3-18) $8.50, children 3 and under free. 10 am – 5:30 pm, 7 days a week. VINS Nature Center, 6565 Woodstock Rd., Rt. 4, 1/4 mile west of Quechee Gorge. (802) 359-5000. info@vinsweb.org. www.vinsweb.org.

RANDOLPH CENTER. Turkey Hill Farm. Farmer's Kitchen cooking classes. Farm skills workshops. "Moo-tique" farm store, raw milk micro-dairy, pasture-raised meats, local farm products, and books. Spacious farm-stay apartment for short-term stays. Chapter meetings for the Weston A. Price Foundation. Stuart and Margaret Osha, 55 Turkey Hill Rd. For schedules and information call
(802) 728-7064. localfood@turkeyhillfarmvt.com.
www.turkeyhillfarmvt.com.

RUPERT. Merck Forest and Farmland. Camping, cabins, trails, farm, workshops and seasonal events. Visitor's Center and store with certified organic maple syrup, our own 100% wool blankets, and more. Open year round, dawn to dusk. 3270 Rt. 315, west of Manchester. (802) 394-7836. info@merckforest.org. www.merckforest.org..

RUTLAND. Fifth Annual Winter Farmers Market. The downtown Rutland Winter Farmers Market is indoors on Saturdays through April 28! Over 40 vendors, selling fresh salad greens, locally-grown apples, grass-fed meats, artisan cheeses, freshly baked organic breads, honey, jellies & jams, pickles, maple syrup & maple products, hot foods, wines, wools, glasswork and jewelry—a great place to shop, eat and visit. Live entertainment. Come have lunch and meet your friends. 10 am - 2 pm. Located in the Old Strand Theater (enter through the Rutland Natural Food Co-Op at 77 Wales St.). For more info call Greg Cox (802) 683-4606. coxveg@hotmail.com. www.vtfarmersmarket.org. Saturdays through April 28.

RUTLAND. Trinity Episcopal Church invites everyone to join us for a hot meal every second Saturday of the month. By donation, if able. 11:30 am – 1 pm. 85 West St., Nourse Hall. (802) 775-4368.

RUTLAND. Chaffee Art Center—Rutland Area Art Association. Exhibits, classes, workshops, open studio evenings. Gallery open Tues-Sat 10 am to 5 pm. 16 South Main St. (802) 775-0356. www.chaffeeartcenter.org.

RUTLAND. Himalayan Salt Cave. Come relax in the only public Himalayan Salt Cave in North America. Mon–Fri 10 am – 7 pm, Sat & Sun 10 am – 6 pm. $10. Pyramid Holistic Wellness Center, 120 Merchants Row. For reservations call (802) 775-8080. www.pyramidvt.com.

SALISBURY. Green Mountain Ice Fishing Tournament. All Vermont waters and all legal species of fish. Fish from any lake eligible for prizes. January 20 through March 15. Registration fee $20. Register at Kampersville Store, (802) 353-4501.

SAXTONS RIVER. Main Street Arts. Concerts, workshops, lectures, and classes for adults, teens, and children. Something for every interest. (802) 869-2960. www.mainstreetarts.org.

SHARON. Sharon Sprouts Farmers' Market at Sharon Elementary School. Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Feb. 11, Mar. 10, Mar. 31, May 12. Donna Foster, (802) 763-8280. vtfoster@myfairpoint.net.

SHELBURNE. Shelburne Farms. Welcome Center, Farm and Farm Store. Family programs, workshops, events. Open year round 10 am – 5 pm. Enjoy eight miles of walking trails in woodlands and meadows. Walkers, check in with the Welcome Center. Admission. Shelburne Farms, 1611 Harbor Rd. off Rt. 7. (802) 985-8686. www.shelburnefarms.org.

SOUTH HERO. South Hero Winter Farmers' Market at South Hero Congregational Church. Saturdays 10 am – 2 pm on Feb. 4, March 4, April 7. Denise Boutin, (802) 372-3291. cmdecker@myfairpoint.net. www.champlainislandsfarmersmarket.blogspot.com.

SOUTH WALLINGFORD. Line Dancing every Tuesday. Beginners and experienced. $5 per person, snack bar available. 6:30 pm at the Maple Valley Grange Hall, Rt. 7. (802) 446-2872. www.wallingfordvt.com.

SPRINGFIELD. Stellafane. A place and an organization devoted to amateur astronomy, founded by Russell W. Porter in 1923, and considered by many to be the "Birthplace of Amateur Telescope Making." Home to The Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc., an active amateur astronomy and telescope-making club that sponsors many events, classes, activities, and a convention. Springfield Telescope Makers, Inc., PO Box 601, Springfield, VT 05156. Webmaster@Stellafane.com. www.stellafane.com.

ST. ALBANS. St. Albans Northwest Farmers' Market at St. Albans City Hall. Saturdays 10 am – 1 pm on January 21 and February 11. Marnie Barry, (802) 373-5821. www.nwvtfarmersmarket.org.

ST. JOHNSBURY. Winter & Holiday Farmers Markets at St. Johnsbury Welcome Center, Railroad St. Every first Saturday from 10 am – 1 pm, through March. Elizabeth Everts, (802) 592-3088. elizabetheverts@yahoo.com. sites.google.com/site/caledoniafarmersmarket.

ST. JOHNSBURY. The Stephen Huneck Gallery at Dog Mountain and Dog Chapel. Free. Open Mon-Sat 10 am – 4 pm and Sun 11 am –4 pm. The Stephen Huneck Gallery at Dog Mountain, 143 Parks Rd. off Spaulding Rd. (802) 748-2700. info@dogmt.com. www.dogmt.com.

TINMOUTH. Contra Dance every fourth Friday. Admission $8, $6 for teens, $3 for children 5-12, under 5 free. Refreshments available. 8 pm at Tinmouth Community Center, Rt. 140, 5 miles west of Wallingford. For info or directions call (802) 235-2718. Tinmouthvt.org.

WALLINGFORD. Lunch at the First Congregational Church of Wallingford. Come alone or bring a friend or neighbor. Free. Thursdays 11:30 am - 1 pm. (802) 446-2817. www.wallingfordvt.com.

WESTFORD. Westford Holiday Market at Brick Meeting House, 1 Common Rd. February 3 from 3:30 to 6:30 pm. Heike Meyer (802) 370-4077. info@westfordfarmersmarketvt.org. www.westfordfarmersmarketvt.org

WEST NEWBURY. Eastern Square Dance. Traditional singing squares, waltzes, polkas, foxtrots, two-steps, Virginia Reel, Portland Fancy, Paul Jones, others. All dances taught. With Adam Boyce, fiddler/caller, Donna Weston on piano. Admission by donation, all ages welcome. 8 pm at the Community Hall at 219 Tyler Farm Rd. (802) 429-2316 or adamrboyce@juno.com. Fourth Saturdays.

WEST RUTLAND. Reiki Healings. Herbal remedies and teas, crystals and stones. Vermont Herbal General Store, 518 Main St. (802) 438-2766. www.vermontherbal.com.

WEST RUTLAND. Home Buyer Education Classes. Call for schedule. NeighborWorks office at 110 Marble St. (802) 438-2303 x 216. www.nwwvt.org.

WESTMINSTER. Homemade Soup and Bread. Every Wednesday noon to 2 pm at the First Congregational Church on Route 5. The simple meal is free, with donations accepted. (802) 722-4148.

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION. Public Sitting Meditation. Free meditation instruction is available at most of these times: Tues 5:30-6:30 pm, Thurs12-1 pm, Sun 9 am - 12 pm. Shambhala Meditation Center of White River, 158 S. Main St. (802) 785-4304. whiteriver.shambhala.org.

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION. Upper Valley Co-op's First Friday Celebration. Live music by local artists, samples of local foods, 5% off all purchases for every shopper. 4-6 pm at the Upper Valley Food Co-op. The First Friday of every month is celebrated by businesses in White River Junction. (802) 295-5804. Kye@uppervalleyfood.coop. www.uppervalleyfood.coop.

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION. Northern Stage Presents M. Butterfly. Mystery and international intrigue surround a 20-year romance in '60s China. Admission. Tues-Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 5 pm. Briggs Opera House, 12 North Main St. (802) 296-7000 x 15. boxoffice@northernstage.org. www.northernstage.org. February 15 - March 4.

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION. Northern Stage Presents Les Liaisons Dangereuses. A deliciously wicked story of love, based on the scandalous 1782 French novel, spins a sinister tale of jealousy, seduction and lust. Most days at 7:30 pm with many 2 pm matinees. Briggs Opera House, 12 North Main St. Tickets start at $30. Call (802) 296-7000 x 15. boxoffice@northernstage.org. www.northernstage.org. January 18 – February 5.

WHITE RIVER JUNCTION. Listen Community Dinner. Free nutritious meals served 5-6 pm every Monday and Wednesday. Take-home available. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 749 Hartford Ave. (603) 398-2780.

WILMINGTON. Sleigh Rides. Belgian draft horses will pull the sleighs through the 100-acre hillside farm across an open meadow to a log cabin in the woods to warm up by a wood fire. Participants will sip a steaming cup of hot chocolate and can sing to the tunes of an ol' player piano. Afternoon and evening rides offered weather permitting. Also, private Morgan horse-drawn sleigh rides for two. Reservations required. Adams Farm, 15 Higley Hill. (802) 464-3762. www.adamsfamilyfarm.com. Through March 10.

WINDSOR. Cider Hill Gardens & Gallery. Housing Gary Milek's award-winning paintings and prints, inspired by the surrounding gardens and scenery. Floral still-lifes and landscapes capture the magic of the Vermont countryside. Original paintings in watercolor, egg tempera and goldleaf, limited and open edition prints, limited edition giclée prints, and notecards. Winter hours are by appointment. At 1747 Hunt Rd., off State St. (800) 232-4337. ciderhillgardens.com. www.garymilek.com. flowers@ciderhillgardens.com.

WOODSTOCK. Third Friday Contra Dance and Dinner. Music by Old Sam Peabody, calling by Delia Clark. Vegetarian dinner 5:30-7:30 pm; family dance at 6 pm; potluck dessert at 7: 30 pm; contra dance 8-10:30 pm. $8 suggested donation includes dinner, under 18 free. Temporary dance venue: Masonic Lodge on Rt. 4, 1/4 mile east of the Green. (802) 785-4039. hoffmanathome@gmail.com. Third Fridays September through May.

WOODSTOCK. Sleigh Ride Week at Billings Farm. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through the frosty fields of the farm. Horse-drawn sleigh rides, sledding with jack jumpers. Dairy farm and farmhouse, programs and hands-on activities. Sample Presidential cookie favorites and spiced cider! 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Adm. 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Billings Farm & Museum. GPS: 5302 River Road. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org. February 18 - 26.

WOODSTOCK. Billings Farm & Museum. Premiere Jersey dairy farm, restored 1890 farmhouse, family programs, sleigh rides, festivities and museum. Admission (includes all activities) $12 adults, $11 seniors, $6 children 5-15, $3 children 3 & 4. Winter hours: open weekends and vacation weeks through February, 10 am to 3:30 pm. Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 & River Rd. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org.

WOODSTOCK. First Run Movies at the Woodstock Town Hall Theatre. Old-fashioned big-screen movie-going experience with state-of-the-art Dolby surround sound. Adults $8, seniors $7, students $6. Famous maple popcorn! (802) 457-3981. www.pentanglearts.org.

WOODSTOCK. Sleigh Rides at Sugarbush Farm. Bundle up and enjoy a 45-minute sleigh ride through the maple woods. Learn from the sugar maker how these trees are tapped in March and how sap is boiled. Belgian draft horse sled rides from 11 am – 3 pm by reservation. Farm is located outside Woodstock & snow tires are suggested. Warm up with cheese slices and hot drinks afterwards in the farm house. Farm store open 9 am – 5 pm. Sugarbush Farm, 591 Sugarbush Farm Rd (gravel). (802) 457-1757. www.sugarbushfarm.com. Through February 29.

WOODSTOCK. Hand-in-Hand Community Meal. All are welcome. Free, donations accepted. Every Thursday, 5-7 pm in the Social Hall of the Unitarian Church, 7 Church St. (802) 457-2557.

MONDAY, JANUARY 23
NEWPORT. Eighth Annual Northeast Kingdom Ice Fishing Derby. Weigh-ins at Wright's Sport Shop. Eligible fish: lake trout, salmon, rainbow and brown trout, northern pike, walleye and yellow perch. (802) 334-6115. Through February 26.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24
BURLINGTON. Program: Science and Stories—Tracks in the Snow. For children ages 2-6. Winter animals can be very secretive but they leave clues in the snow that let you know they have been there. Come and discover what can be learned from the tracks animals leave behind. Free with admission. 11-11:30 am at ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, One College St. (877) 324-6386. info@echovermont.org. echovermont.org.

RUPERT. Workshop: Asian Inspired Cooking. Join Chef Ray Chen of The Inn at West View Farm as he creates an Asian-inspired menu. This cuisine will be furnished and feasted on at a charming country home in Rupert. 5:45-9 pm. Address provided upon registration. For tickets call (802) 362-1199. Renee.greenmtnacademy@gmail.com. www.greenmtnacademy.org/events.php.

RUTLAND. Discussion: Vermont Rivers Following Irene. Rutland County Audubon Society sponsors Ethan Swift, Watershed Coordinator for the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, who will talk about flood myths and recovery guidelines for our rivers and streams following this year's catastrophic storm. Free. 7 pm at the Fox Room, Rutland Free Library, 10 Court St. (802) 775-3461. www.rutlandcountyaudubon.org.

SO. BURLINGTON. Lecture: Ecological Alternatives to Invasive Plants in Vermont with Rose Paul (VNC) & Brian Vaughan (VNLA). Sponsored by Friends of the Horticulture Farm. Fee: $20. E-mail info@friendsofthehortfarm.org for reservations. 6-7:30 pm. UVM Horticulture Research Center, 65 Green Mountain Dr. (802) 864-3073. friendsofthehortfarm.org.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25
MONTPELIER. Vermont Symphony Orchestra Annual Farmers' Night Concert. World-renowned conductor Andrew Massey, who lives in Montgomery, VT, leads the VSO in a program of music by Gluck, Fauré, Bach, and Wagner. VSO English horn Ann Greenawalt and principle trumpet Mark Emery are featured in Copland's popular Quiet City, and there is a part for the audience in Purcell's clever "Fantasia Upon One Note." Free and open to the public, first-come, first-seated. 7:30 pm in the State House Legislative Chambers. (802) 864-5741. www.vso.org.

WATERBURY. Waterbury Historical Society Winter Meeting. Followed by a program, "America's Oldest Ski Patrol" presented by Brian Lindner. The meeting is open to all. Refreshments will be available. 7 pm at the Wesley Methodist Church, in the Fire Place Room. (802) 244-8089.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26
MIDDLEBURY. Musical: Hairspray. The college's most talented music theatre students entertain the entire community in a collaboration between the music department and Town Hall Theater. 8 pm each evening. Town Hall Theater, 68 Pleasant St. For tickets call (802) 4433168. cfa@middlebury.edu. www.middlebury.edu/cfa. Through January 29.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27
BELLOWS FALLS. Windham Orchestra Concert. Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2 in e minor and Mary Westbrook-Geha, mezzo-soprano, performs Elgar Sea Pictures. 7:30 pm. Bellows Falls Opera House. For tickets call (802) 257-4523. info@bmcvt.org. www.bmcvt.org.

BENNINGTON. Claudia Schmidt in Concert. For almost four decades Claudia Schmidt has been exploring the nuances of acoustic music with her voice, 12 string guitar and mountain dulcimer with an exciting collection of original, traditional, and contemporary writing. 8 pm. Meetinghouse Cafe of Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 108 School St. For tickets call (802) 440-9816. info@uubennington.org. www.uubennington.org.

HYDE PARK. Jane Austen Weekend: A discussion of Emma. A leisurely literary-inspired weekend includes a discussion of Persuasion & how the movies stand up to the book. Afternoon tea in a beautiful old mansion, a talk, brunch & the Jane Austen quiz. Optional sleigh ride. Governor's House in Hyde Park, 100 Main St. (802) 888-6888. info@OneHundredMain.com. www.OneHundredMain.com.

JAY. Farmer's Appreciation Day at Jay Peak. Over 300 farmers from across Vermont gather at Jay Peak for a fun-filled ski and snowboard day. Three free tickets are issued per farm. Vermont foods are on tap along with a ski race and apres ski party. Jay Peak Resort. (802) 988-2611. www.jaypeakresort.com.

MIDDLEBURY. Middlebury College Orchestra. Beethovan's Seventh Symphony. Andrew Massey, conductor. Free. 8 pm. Mahaney Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, 72 Porter Field Rd. (802) 4433168. cfa@middlebury.edu. www.middlebury.edu/cfa.

SWANTON. Free Community Open Door Dinner. 5:30-6:30 pm. Memorial United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 23 Grand Ave. (802) 868-7185 x 10. holytrinityepi@myfairpoint.net.

TINMOUTH. Winter Evening Contra Dance. With Sarah Blair on fiddle and Brendan Taaffe on guitar. All dances taught and you do not need a partner. Beginners are always welcome. Admission is $9, $7 for teens and free for children 12 and under. Refreshments will be available. 8-11 pm. Tinmouth Community Center, Rt. 140, five miles west of Wallingford. For info or directions call (802) 235-2718 or visit www.Tinmouthvt.org. Also February 24.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28
BRATTLEBORO. Windham Orchestra Concert. Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2 in e minor and Mary Westbrook-Geha, mezzo-soprano, performs Elgar Sea Pictures. 3 pm. Latchis Theater, Main St. For tickets call (802) 257-4523. info@bmcvt.org. www.bmcvt.org.

BRATTLEBORO. 5th Annual Northern Roots Traditional Music Festival. Local and regional musicians representing the best of various northern musical traditions. All day and evening. New England Youth Theater, 100 Flat St. For tickets and schedule call (802) 257-4523. info@bmcvt.org. www.bmcvt.org.

CRAFTSBURY COMMON. TD Bank Craftsbury Cross-Country Ski Marathon. The largest nordic ski event in the east: a fifty kilometer point to point course, classic technique ski marathon and tour, traversing Vermont's spectacular Northeast Kingdom. Craftsbury Outdoor Center, 535 Lost Nation Rd. (802) 586-7767. www.craftsbury.com.

CHESTER. 18th Annual New Voices. A literary event sponsored by Misty Valley Books. Hear five newly published authors talk about their work. For 2012 this includes Naomi Benaron with her award-wining Running the Rift; Christopher Boucher, How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive; Katharine Britton, Her Sister's Shadow; Paul Grossman, The Sleepwalkers; and Betty Shotton, Liftoff Leadership. Free, public invited. 2 pm at the Vermont Institute of Contemporary Arts at the corner of Main and Depot Streets. Also XC ski with the authors in the morning at Grafton Ponds (trail fee), meet the authors at a reception after the readings (free) and have drinks and/or dinner with the authors in the evening at the Fullerton Inn ($28). For information call (802) 875-3400. Visit www.mvbooks.com.

EAST CHARLESTON. Outdoor Workshop: Winter Tree ID by Snowshoe. Northwoods staff will lead a moderate tour of the winter woods teaching tips, techniques, and how-to's of winter tree identification. Snowshoes available. Meet at the Center. Registration required. Fee: $10/person. NorthWoods Stewardship Center, 154 Leadership Dr. (802) 723-6551. www.northwoodscenter.org.

JEFFERSONVILLE. 17th Annual Smugglers' Notch Primitive Biathlon. Using of muzzleloading rifles and snowshoes. Period dress encouraged. Start times between 8 am and 2 pm. Food, snacks, and traders. Families welcome. Sterling Ridge Inn and Log Cabins, Junction Hill Rd. (802) 644-8232, (802) 933-4880. http://homepages.sover.net/~medukie/index.htm. Also January 29.

MONTPELIER. Ken Perlman Workshop on Prince Edward Island Tunes. With it's vibrant living fiddling tradition, Prince Edward Island has produced many exquisite tunes. In this workshop, Kent Perlman will teach (both by ear and standard music notation) a selection of "PEI" tunes to players of all instruments—fiddle, banjo, guitar, accordion, mandolin, flute. He will offer the kind of background information on PEI music that makes the tunes come alive. Fee: $25. Sponsored by Woodbury Strings and Summit School. 2-4 pm at Summit School of Traditional Music and Culture, 46 Barre St. To register call (802) 917-1186. www.summit-school.org.

MORRISVILLE. Tying Flies that Catch Fish. With Alan Erdossy. Learn the art of fly tying while creating a unique selection of flies. Beginning or experienced tyers welcome. Fee. 11 am – 7 pm. River Arts, 74 Pleasant St. (802) 888-1261. info@riverarts.org. www.riverartsvt.org.

NORTH BENNINGTON. Annual Bennington Winter Festival. Penguin plunge, ice carving contest, indoor carnival, children's story time, pet fashion show, games and fun for the entire family. Drink and food specials at local restaurants along with music. 8 am – 11 pm at locations throughout town. (802) 442-3311. chamber@bennington.com. www.bennington.com.

RANDOLPH. Ian Ethan in Concert. Double-necked guitarist Ian Ethan presents an evening of acoustic music. His strikingly unconventional, self-invented approach to the instrument is both baffling and mesmerizing. 7:30 pm. Chandler Upper Gallery, 71-73 Main St. For tickets call (802) 728-6464. director@chandler-arts.org. www.ianethan.com.

SHELBURNE. Waldorf Winter Family Open House. Teachers and high school students will give tours and presentations about Waldorf education while young children can make a special craft and participate in other preschool and kindergarten activities. Free. 10 am – 12 pm. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, 359 Turtle Lane. (802) 985-2827 x 12. www.lakechamplainwaldorfschool.org.

SMUGGLERS' NOTCH. Heritage WinterFest. Celebrate the wonder of Winter with a guided snowshoeing nature walk at Smugglers' Nordic Center, and sleigh rides, children's story hour, a lasagna dinner, family contra dance, bonfire and fireworks in Jeffersonville. The Primitive Biathlon takes place same day. Smugglers' Notch Resort Nordic Center and Sterling Ridge Inn. (802) 644-8851. smuggs@smuggs.com. www.smuggs.com. Also January 29.

SOUTH HERO. Celebration and Family Contra Dance. With Mark Sustic (caller) and Fiddleheads. Presented by the South Hero Community Library Potluck at 5 pm, dance 6-8 pm. South Hero Community Library, 75 South St. (802) 372-6209 or www.youngtraditionvermont.org.

ST. JOHNSBURY. Open House at the Art Gallery at St. Johnsbury Athenaeum. Come see the Skylights Project. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 1171 Main St. (802) 748-8291. www.stjathenaeum.org.

SUDBURY. Winter Outing to High Pond. Snowshoe and explore winter wildlife habitat at this pretty Nature Conservancy preserve. Moderate, 4-5 miles. Sponsored by the Killington Section of the Green Mountain Club. Free, non-members welcome. 10 am. Leave from Main Street Park, near the east end of the fire station off Center Street in Rutland City. Leaders: Barb & Barry Griffith, (802) 492-3573. greenmountainclub.org.

WOODSTOCK. Billings Farm Winter Weekend. Visit the Jersey herd, draft horses, oxen, and sheep in the farm barns. Tour the restored & furnished 1890 Farm House. A Place in the Land, our Academy Award- nominee film is shown in the theater. Warm up with a cup of hot-spiced cider in the Visitor Center. Admission $12 adults, $11 seniors, $6 children 5-15, $3 children 3 & 4, ages 2 & under are free. Open weekends and February vacation week, 10 am - 3:30 pm. Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 & River Rd. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org. Also January 29, February 4, 5, 11 & 12.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29
BURLINGTON. Vermont Youth Orchestra Winter Concert. Featuring works by Franck, Rossini, Grondahl. 3 pm. Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, 153 Main St. For tickets call (802) 863-5966. www.vyo.org.

FAIR HAVEN. Living History Presentation: "The Old Country Fiddler: Charles Ross Taggart, Vermont's Traveling Entertainer" portrayed by Adam Boyce. Sponsored by the Fair Haven Historical Society and Jay Brown/Fabian Trucking. Public is invited at no charge and refreshments will be served. 2 pm at the Fair Haven Grade School Learning Center. (802) 265-3843.

JEFFERSONVILLE. 17th Annual Smugglers' Notch Primitive Biathlon. Using of muzzleloading rifles and snowshoes. Period dress encouraged. Start times between 8 am and 2 pm. Food, snacks, and traders. Families welcome. Sterling Ridge Inn and Log Cabins, Junction Hill Rd. (802) 644-8232, (802) 933-4880. http://homepages.sover.net/~medukie/index.htm.

MONTPELIER. Winter Festival: Ice on Fire. The bigger-than-life winter festival returns to the open fields of the Nature Center. Spend the afternoon participating in wonderful village activities including parades, storytelling, winter games, songs, readings, and outdoor theater. Admission $3 adult, $1 child, $5 family. 2-5 pm. North Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm Street. (802) 229-6206. chip@northbranchnaturecenter.org. www.northbranchnaturecenter.org.

SMUGGLERS' NOTCH. Heritage WinterFest. Celebrate the wonder of Winter with a guided snowshoeing nature walk at Smugglers' Nordic Center, and sleigh rides, pancake breakfast, children's story hour, live entertainment, a lasagna dinner, family contra dance, bonfire and fireworks in Jeffersonville. The Primitive Biathlon takes place same day. Smugglers' Notch Resort Nordic Center and Sterling Ridge Inn. (802) 644-8851. smuggs@smuggs.com. www.smuggs.com.

WOODSTOCK. Billings Farm Winter Weekend. Visit the Jersey herd, draft horses, oxen, and sheep in the farm barns. Tour the restored & furnished 1890 Farm House. A Place in the Land, our Academy Award- nominee film is shown in the theater. Warm up with a cup of hot-spiced cider in the Visitor Center. Admission $12 adults, $11 seniors, $6 children 5-15, $3 children 3 & 4, ages 2 & under are free. Open weekends and February vacation week, 10 am - 3:30 pm. Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 & River Rd. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org. Also February 4, 5, 11 & 12.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31
BURLINGTON. Program: Science and Stories—Beavers. For children ages 2-6. What kind of animal is a beaver? What do they do in the winter time? How do they make their lodge? Free with admission. 11-11:30 am. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, One College St. (877) 324-6386. info@echovermont.org. echovermont.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1
MANCHESTER. The Voice of a Singer with Joanne Beck. Everyone can sing! Learn the ins and outs in this four-week course. Everyone can sing! February 8, 15, 22, 29. 5-6:30 pm. Fee. First Congregational Church, 3624 Main St. Call to register. (802) 362-1199. Renee.greenmtnacademy@gmail.com. www.greenmtnacademy.org.

MIDDLEBURY. Vermont Humanities Council Presents First Wednesdays Lecture: "The Intimate Privilege of Being with the Dying" with author Marjorie Ryerson. 7 pm. Middlebury's Ilsley Public Library. (802) 388-4095. info@vermonthumanities.org. www.vermonthumanities.org.

SHREWSBURY. Cheese-Making Class. Learn how to make cheddar,gouda and machego cheeses from raw cows' milk in a class presented by Rural Vermont and taught by Lea Calderon-Guthe. 1-4 pm at Red Wing Farm. Pre-registration required. Fee $20-$40 sliding scale. To register call Rural Vermont at (802) 223-7222 or email shelby@ruralvermont.org.

SWANTON. Community Breakfast. Come in from the cold and bring a friend.$2.50 per person. 7-9 am. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 38 Grand Ave. (802) 868-7195. holytrinityepi@myfairpoint.net. www.holytrinityswanton.org. Also February 15, March 7 & 21.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2
MIDDLEBURY. Concert: Motown Revue. Presented by the Middlebury College Department of Music. Tickets $6. 8 pm. Town Hall Theater. (802) 443-6433. www.townhalltheater.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3
BURLINGTON. Burlington's First Friday Art Walk. Come inside and warm up at the over 30 galleries and art venues throughout Burlington staying open late to welcome walkers and share our incredible art scene. Visit the website to see a list of participating venues. Sponsored by Burlington City Arts, the Free. Fri., 5 pm - 8 pm. Throughout Burlington. (802) 264-4839. info@artmapburlington.com. www.artmapburlington.com.

DANVILLE. Old Time Contra Dance. With Chip Hedler (caller) and music by Hull's Union String Band with David Carpenter. 8-11 pm.
Danville Town Hall. For information contact David Carpenter at (802) 563-3225 or samlyman@fairpoint.net.

MONTPELIER. Full Moon Snowshoe Hike. Under a full moon, with the trees free of leaves, and surrounded by sparkling snow, let's snowshoe by lunar light! Explore and enjoy Montpelier's hillsides at night with Nature Center staff. Snowshoes and hot chocolate provided. Fee: $5. 7-8:30 pm. North Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm Street. (802) 229-6206. chip@northbranchnaturecenter.org. www.northbranchnaturecenter.org.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4
BARNET. Collectors Fair 2012. Everyone one is invited whether they collect or not. Here is your chance to meet, swap, and share great information about what you collect or want to collect. We welcome displays of anything, but please no firearms, weapons, or jackknives (we're a school building). Refreshments will be available, and door prizes will be picked at the end of the afternoon. This is a no cost event, free to exhibitors and free to the public. 9 am – 2 pm. At the Barnet School. For questions or to reserve a space, e-mail davewarden37@hotmail.com.

BENSON. Lake Champlain Down Home Ice Fishing Derby. Also Kid's Derby. Sponsored by Benson Fish and Game Club. Access area at Benson Landing for all waters south of Lake Champlain Bridge. (802) 537-2468. Also February 5.

BERLIN. Art & Crafts Fair. Free admission, free coffee, free Wi-Fi, door prizes. 9 am – 5 pm. Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce, off exit 7 from I-89. (802) 431-3540. Resourcewizard@yahoo.com.

BRATTLEBORO. Concert: Ninth Annual Collegiate A Cappella Benefit Concert. 7:30 pm. Call for tickets. Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, 10 Vernon St. (802) 257-0124. www.brattleboromuseum.org.

BURLINGTON. 34th Annual Vermont Symphony Orchestra's Waltz Night. The annual gala benefit includes cocktails (cash bar) and silent auction beginning at 6 pm, with an elegant dinner and complimentary wine, and dancing from 7 pm until 12:30 am. Tickets are $175 per person. Grand Maple Ballroom on the top floor of the Dudley Davis Center at the University of Vermont. (800) VSO-9293, ext. 25, or visit www.vso.org.

MORRISVILLE. The Vibrancy of Pastel from the Ground Up. Learn how to create archival, primed and sanded pastel boards, saving you time and money. Most of the time will be spent creating art—from imagination/memory and from your own favorite photos (please bring). Entry Fee. 10 am – 12 pm. River Arts, 74 Pleasant St. (802) 888-1261. info@riverarts.org. www.riverartsvt.org.

NORWICH. Upper Valley Chocolate Festival. This chocolate lovers' event consists of local chocolatiers and chocolate artisans including restaurants, bakeries, patisseries, and catering companies. Vendors will vie for a People's Choice Award for the Best Chocolate Dessert in the Upper Valley-2011. Admission. 10 am – 3 pm. Tracy Hall, 300 Main St. (603) 448-4893.

RANDOLPH. Concert: Bow Thayer and the Holy Plow. Acoustic roots rock from songwriter Bow Thayer with Kristina Stykos and Patrick Ross. 7:30 pm. Chandler Upper Gallery, 71-73 Main St. For tickets call (802) 728-6464. director@chandler-arts.org. www.chandler-arts.org.

SALISBURY. Lake Dunmore Ice Fishing Derby. Eligible fish: catfish, bass, northern pike, salmon, trout and walleye. All entry fees go for prizes. Registration fee $20. Register at Kampersville Store, (802) 353-4501. Also February 5.

SMUGGLERS' NOTCH. Casino Night—Viva Notch Vegas. A fun night for all! Game tables, door prizes, silent auction, music, munchies. Benefits the Smugglers' Notch Ski and Snowboard Club's youth racing programs. Admission. 7-11 pm. Meeting House, 4323 Rt. 108 South. (802) 644-8851. smuggs@smuggs.com. www.smuggs.com/pages/winter/skiride/winter-events.php.

SO. BURLINGTON. Concert with The Sky Blue Boys (Banjo Dan and Willie Lindner). Tickets $20. 7:30-10 pm. Studio Three, San Remo Dr. (866) 639-6577. www.studiothreevt.com.

STOWE. Concert: Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience. Grammy award-winning artist will take you on a multicultural musical tour of the world with his eclectic fusion of Zydeco. 7 pm. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, 108N. For tickets call (802) 760-4634. www.sprucepeakarts.org.

WATERBURY CENTER. Green Mountain Club's Annual Snowshoe Festival. Enjoy an invigorating day with free snowshoe rentals, guided tours to local peaks and trails, kids' activities, educational workshops, nature walks, and hot chocolate. Followed by a winter party with live music food, and raffle prizes. Admission. Activities 8:30 am – 3 pm, and party from 3-5 pm. Green Mountain Visitor Center, 4711 Waterbury-Stowe Rd. (802) 244-7037. gmc@greenmountainclub.org. www.greenmountainclub.org.

WEST PAWLET. Ninth Annual Woodchuck Festival and Fireman' Games. Events include children's games, face painting, home style foods by Ladies' Auxiliary, and many vendors. The all volunteer event raises funds for West Pawlet Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary. From 9 am – 3 pm at Mettawee Community School, Rt. 153. For more information contact Eli Norman at (802)645-9224.

WEST RUPERT. Trail/Road Hike from Rupert to West Rupert. Begin by doing a short section of rail trail and paved road in Rupert, to a back road (dirt) between Rupert and West Rupert. Have option of finishing on rail trail from West Rupert back to cars, or may get a ride for drivers at Viv's Mom's house to pick up cars in Rupert. Easy 4-5 miles. Sponsored by the Killington Section of the Green Mountain Club. Free, non-members welcome. 9:30 am. Leave from Main Street Park, near the east end of the fire station off Center Street in Rutland City. Leaders: Larry Walter & Viv Bebee, (802) 775-3855. greenmountainclub.org.

WOODSTOCK. Billings Farm Winter Weekend. Visit the Jersey herd, draft horses, oxen, and sheep in the farm barns. Tour the restored & furnished 1890 Farm House. A Place in the Land, our Academy Award- nominee film is shown in the theater. Warm up with a cup of hot-spiced cider in the Visitor Center. Admission $12 adults, $11 seniors, $6 children 5-15, $3 children 3 & 4, ages 2 & under are free. Open weekends and February vacation week, 10 am - 3:30 pm. Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 & River Rd. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org. Also February 5, 11 & 12.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5
BENSON. Lake Champlain Down Home Ice Fishing Derby. Sponsored by Benson Fish and Game Club. Access area at Benson Landing for all waters south of Lake Champlain Bridge. (802) 537-2468.

BRATTLEBORO. Concert: A Cappella, OJ, and Muffins with the Dartmouth Aires. 8:30 am We'll serve breakfast. Seating is limited. Call for tickets. Brattleboro Museum & Art Center, 10 Vernon St. (802) 257-0124. www.brattleboromuseum.org.

CASTLETON. Science Pub—Topic: "Climate Change and Vermont." Dr. Alan Betts, Atmospheric Research (alanbetts.com). Join friends and neighbors for an informal afternoon of learning and drinks (free, except for the drinks), and consider staying for dinner. Hosted by The Friends of Castleton Library at area restaurants with Castleton State College. 4-5:30 pm. Lakehouse Pub & Grille, Rt 30, 3 miles north of Rt 4. (802) 468-5574. www.castletonfreelibrary.org/friends.

SALISBURY. Lake Dunmore Ice Fishing Derby. Eligible fish: catfish, bass, northern pike, salmon, trout and walleye. All entry fees go for prizes. Registration fee $20. Register at Kampersville Store, (802) 353-4501.

SMUGGLERS' NOTCH. 11th Annual Northern Vermont Snowshoe Race. A family snowshoe festival. Smugglers' and TSL Snowshoes present this exciting day of treks, walks and races on snowshoes. Smugglers' Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Adventure Center, 4323 Rt. 108 South. (802) 644-1173. smuggs@smuggs.com. www.smuggs.com.

WOODSTOCK. Billings Farm Winter Weekend. Visit the Jersey herd, draft horses, oxen, and sheep in the farm barns. Tour the restored & furnished 1890 Farm House. A Place in the Land, our Academy Award- nominee film is shown in the theater. Warm up with a cup of hot-spiced cider in the Visitor Center. Admission $12 adults, $11 seniors, $6 children 5-15, $3 children 3 & 4, ages 2 & under are free. Open weekends and February vacation week, 10 am - 3:30 pm. Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 & River Rd. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org. Also February 11 & 12.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8
EAST CHARLESTON. Kingdom Coffeehouse. The Sky Blue Boys (Banjo Dan & Willy Lindner) have been playing authentic traditional music for years. NorthWoods Stewardship Center, 154 Leadership Dr. (802) 723-6551. www.northwoodscenter.org.

MONTPELIER. Farmer's Night. Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Morrill Land-Grant Act. Spending the evening with Senator Morrill in an historical reenactment presented by the Vermont Historical Society and the Justin Morrill Homestead. 7:30 pm. Vermont State House. (802) 479-8505. tess.taylor@state.vt.us. www.vermonthistory.org.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9
HARTLAND. Upper Valley Seed Savers meet on the second Thursday of the month at 5 pm. Our mission is to further knowledge about seed saving and to work on projects that will help develop a body of locally-adapted open-pollinated vegetable seeds. For information, or if you can't come to meetings but would like to receive a monthly email with our minutes which contain information on our projects, please contact Sylvia Davatz at sdav@valley.net or call (802) 436-3262.

JOHNSON. Play: August—Osage County. This play by Tracy Letts, is the 2008 winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony award winner of that year. It is a tough, contemporary tragicomedy that examines the lives of members of an Oklahoma family. 7 pm. Johnson State College, Dibden Center for the Arts, 337 College Hill. Call for tickets, (802) 635-1476. www.jsc.edu/events. Through February 11.

MANCHESTER. 20th Annual Chili Challenge and Silent Auction. Individuals and restaurants to showcase their own chili or macaroni and cheese dishes. Cook-off and silent auction benefits Manchester Parks and Recreation Scholarship fund. Admission fee of $8 for adults and $4 for children allows a chance to taste and vote on each dish. 5-8 pm at The Equinox Hotel. For more information call (802) 362-1349.

SO. BURLINGTON. Lecture: Permaculture Today (EMG-E) with Keith Morris. Fee: $20. E-mail info@friendsofthehortfarm.org for reservations. 6-8 pm. UVM Horticulture Research Center, 65 Green Mountain Dr., So Burlington. (802) 864-3073. friendsofthehortfarm.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10
BURLINGTON. 30th Annual Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont Winter Conference. Workshops, keynotes, a gathering for Vermont's farmers and those interested in gardening. At the University of Vermont. Fee, call to register: (802) 434-4122. www.nofavt.org.

BURLINGTON. 30th Annual Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont Winter Conference. Workshops, keynotes, a gathering for Vermont's farmers and those interested in gardening. Friday seminars and opening reception in the evening. At the University of Vermont. Fee, call to register: (802) 434-4122. www.nofavt.org. Through February 12.

NORTH HERO. Great Ice in Grand Isle—5th Annual Celebration. 5 pm Christmas Tree Bonfire on the ice, piped in by bagpipes. Cookout on the ice with cash bar on the pier at North Hero House. Chili cook-off contest by Islands Chamber. Official launch of Great Ice Out Device, sponsored by DC Energy Innovations—guess when the ice melts and win big! Schedule is weather dependent. Free parking in North Hero Village. For updates call the Lake Champlain Islands Chamber of Commerce at (802) 372-8400 or Hero's Welcome General Store at (802) 372-4161. www.champlainislands.com. www.heroswelcome.com. Also February 11, 12, 18, 19.

PROCTORSVILLE. Concert with Yankee Chank. 6:30-9 pm. Crow's Corner Bakery. For more information contact Mark Sustic at mrksustc@together.net.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11
BOMOSEEN. Lily Pond. Snowshoe past beaver meadows, old quarries and other habitat to a remote pond. Moderate, 3.5 miles. Sponsored by the Killington Section of the Green Mountain Club. Free, non-members welcome. 10 am. Leave from Main Street Park, near the east end of the fire station off Center Street in Rutland City. Leader: Sue Thomas, (802) 773-2185. greenmountainclub.org.

BURLINGTON. 30th Annual Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont Winter Conference. Workshops, keynotes, a gathering for Vermont's farmers and those interested in gardening. Over 70 workshops. Children's conference. At the University of Vermont. Fee, call to register: (802) 434-4122. www.nofavt.org. Also February 12.

CHESTER. Green Mountain Festival Series: Fusionworks Dance Company. Known for their gutsy, striking, and provocative interpretation of work from contemporary choreographers. Adult $20, senior $15, student, $5. 6:30 pm. Green Mountain Union High School, Rt. 103. (802) 875-4473. green_mountain_festival_series@yahoo.com. www.greenmountainfestivalseries.com. www.fusionworksdance.org.

HINESBURG. Stone Wall Workshop. Introduction to stone wall building for homeowners and tradespeople. Basic techniques for creating dry-laid walls with a special emphasis on stone native to this area. Fee. 8:30 am – 3:30 pm. Red Wagon Plants, 2408 Shelburne Falls Rd. (802) 318-2411. macmartin@igc.org. www.queencitysoilandstone.com.

HUBBARDTON. Lake Hortonia Ice Fishing Derby. From 6 am – 3 pm. Check-in location at mouth of channel outlet. Register at Lake Hortonia Country Store, 303 Rt. 144. (802) 345-8009. Also February 12.

MANCHESTER. Workshop: Creative Cupcakes for Kids. With Sarah Porter. We'll start by mixing and baking an easy vegan recipe and then frost and embellish the cupcakes with Valentine's Day in mind. Perfect for grade school ages. Fee. 1-4 pm. Call to register and for location. (802) 362-1199. Renee.greenmtnacademy@gmail.com. www.greenmtnacademy.org.

MONTPELIER. Introduction to Animal Tracking. For folks big enough to walk on snowshoes, we will have a short intro to patterns created by wildlife in our area. Then we'll go out and see what evidence of animals we can find. Showshoes are available at no extra cost. Fee: $10 adults, $5 children 8 and up. 10 am – 12 pm. North Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm Street. (802) 229-6206. chip@northbranchnaturecenter.org. www.northbranchnaturecenter.org.

NORTH HERO. Lake Champlain Ice Fishing Derby. $25 to register. Free parking in North Hero Village. Schedule is weather dependent. For info call (802) 372-5600. www.champlainislands.com. Also February 12.

NORTH HERO. Great Ice in Grand Isle—5th Annual Celebration. Events all day. Free skating and snowshoeing. Dog sled demo, rides for a fee. Kids' pick-up hockey, byo equipment, skate rental $5. Adult pick-up hockey, skate rental $5. Sweetheart Boogie at North Hero Community Hall at 7 pm. For updates call the Lake Champlain Islands Chamber of Commerce at (802) 372-8400 or Hero's Welcome General Store at (802) 372-4161. www.champlainislands.com. www.heroswelcome.com.

RUTLAND. Concert with Yankee Chank. Presented by the Saturday Night Coffee House Concert Series. Admission. 7:30-10 pm. UU Church of Rutland at 117 West St. (802) 779-3637.

WOODSTOCK. Billings Farm Winter Weekend. Visit the Jersey herd, draft horses, oxen, and sheep in the farm barns. Tour the restored & furnished 1890 Farm House. A Place in the Land, our Academy Award- nominee film is shown in the theater. Warm up with a cup of hot-spiced cider in the Visitor Center. Admission $12 adults, $11 seniors, $6 children 5-15, $3 children 3 & 4, ages 2 & under are free. Open weekends and February vacation week, 10 am - 3:30 pm. Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 & River Rd. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org. Also February 12.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12
GRAFTON. Concert: Hot Mustard. A bluegrass quartet featuring April Hobart, a guitarist and lifelong bluegrass singer teamed up with singer/fiddler/banjo picker Bill Jubett. Admission. 3 pm. Phelps Barn at the Grafton Inn, 92 Main St. (802) 843-1801. info@graftoninnvermont.com. www.oldtavern.com.

HUBBARDTON. Lake Hortonia Ice Fishing Derby. From 6 am – 3 pm. Check-in location at mouth of channel outlet. Register at Lake Hortonia Country Store, 303 Rt. 144. (802) 345-8009.

MANCHESTER. Abraham Lincoln's Birthday Celebration. 1:30-4 pm for children ages 8-11. At the party, to be hosted at Lincoln's son Robert's Hildene estate, children will learn how a little known story about the president was brought to light by an author with Manchester connections. Children's author, Whitney Stewart's book, Mr. Lincoln's Gift will be at the heart of the celebration that includes a dramatic reading, clues and gifts, artifacts scavenger hunt, games and pizza. Admission is $3 per child. At Hildene, off Rt. 7A, south of the village. Pre-registration is required. Call (802) 367-7960. hildene.org.

NORTH HERO. Great Ice in Grand Isle—5th Annual Celebration. Events all day. Free Nordic Skating with Jamie Hess, www.nordicskating.com, (free demo and use of skates). Wild skating, conditions permitting, 2-4 pm. Ice Golf Tournament, 9 am – 1 pm. For updates call the Lake Champlain Islands Chamber of Commerce at (802) 372-8400 or Hero's Welcome General Store at (802) 372-4161. www.champlainislands.com. www.heroswelcome.com. Also February 18, 19.

WOODSTOCK. Billings Farm Winter Weekend. Visit the Jersey herd, draft horses, oxen, and sheep in the farm barns. Tour the restored & furnished 1890 Farm House. A Place in the Land, our Academy Award- nominee film is shown in the theater. Warm up with a cup of hot-spiced cider in the Visitor Center. Admission $12 adults, $11 seniors, $6 children 5-15, $3 children 3 & 4, ages 2 & under are free. Open weekends and February vacation week, 10 am - 3:30 pm. Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 & River Rd. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13
MANCHESTER CENTER. Discussion: Today's Headlines. Moderated by Steven Sinding. This is an opportunity to voice your opinion on national and international issues. Admission. A six-part series taking place Mondays, February 13, 20, March 5, 12, 19, 26. 2-3:30 pm. Spiral Press Cafe Conference Room, 4869 Main St. (802) 362-1199. Renee.greenmtnacademy@gmail.com. www.greenmtnacademy.org/courses.php.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14
WILMINGTON. Valentine's Day Private Sleigh Ride. Snuggle up with your sweetheart under an authentic bearskin lap robe in our vintage single horse sleigh pulled by a Morgan horse. Journey through the woods, across the ridge of our mountain back down to the farm. Fee, reservations required. Adams Farm, 15 Higley Hill. (802) 464-3762. farmfun@sover.net. www.adamsfamilyfarm.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15
SWANTON. Community Breakfast. Come in from the cold and bring a friend.$2.50 per person. 7-9 am. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 38 Grand Ave. (802) 868-7195. holytrinityepi@myfairpoint.net. www.holytrinityswanton.org. Also March 7 & 21.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16
DORSET. Free Winter Community Supper. We will be serving (and eating!) a delicious meal. Everyone is welcome. 5:30-7 pm. Dorset Church (United Church of Christ), 143 Church St., off Rt. 30. (802) 867-2260. Also on March 14.

MORRISVILLE. Concert: Dirk Powell and Riley Baugus—Roots of America. In partnership with Young Tradition Vermont. Admission. 7 pm. River Arts, 74 Pleasant St. (802) 888-1261. www.riverartsvt.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17
BENNINGTON. Concert: Dafé Brudäjo. A mix of originals, contemporary folk and jazz performed by Brudäjo, with Ferrilyn Sourdiffe on vocals and hand percussion, David Fowle on bass, mandolin and vocals, Josh Kleederman on electric guitar, Bruce Wheat on guitar, vocals and sax, and David Norman. 8 pm. Meetinghouse Cafe of Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 108 School St. For tickets call (802) 440-9816. info@uubennington.org. www.uubennington.org.

CHESTER. Annual Chester Winter Carnival. Winter events, fun for all ages! Friday night dinner-dance at the American Legion, 6 pm. Events through Sunday, various times and locations around town. (802) 875-2693. cheshdwre@vermontel.net. www.yourplaceinvermont.com. Through February 19.

ISLAND POND. Annual Island Pond Winter Carnival. Fun events for all ages all weekend including: ice skating, sleigh rides, snowmobile tours, kids fishing derby, snow sculpture competition, cardboard sled races. Bluff Mountain Snowshoe, Intro to Ice Fishing, and more. At locations throughout town. (802) 723-9889. www.islandpondchamber.org. Through February 19.

MIDDLEBURY. Performance: Balla Kouyate and World Vision. One of the greatest players of the balafon from the griot tradition in Mali. Balla Kouyate plays two instruments to get a chromatic scale, which allows him to play any genre and any key. He moves effortlessly and dexterously between the balafons (predecessor to the xylophone), delivering his signature roulements and complex improvisations. 8 pm. Mahaney Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, Middlebury College, 72 Porter Field Rd. For tickets call (802) 443-3168. cfa@middlebury.edu. boxoffice.middlebury.edu.

RUTLAND. Great Backyard Bird Count. Join birdwatchers across North America to count the birds at feeders and favorite outdoor areas. Go to www.birdsource.org/gbbc/howto.html for details. (802) 775-3461. www.rutlandcountyaudubon.org. Through February 20.

WOODSTOCK. Third Friday Contra Dance and Dinner. Music by Old Sam Peabody, calling by Delia Clark. Vegetarian dinner 5:30-7:30 pm; family dance at 6 pm; potluck dessert at 7: 30 pm; contra dance 8-10:30 pm. $8 suggested donation includes dinner, under 18 free. Temporary dance venue: Masonic Lodge on Rt. 4, 1/4 mile east of the Green. (802) 785-4039. hoffmanathome@gmail.com. Third Fridays September through May.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18
BRANDON. Annual Art in the Snow. Brandon's Art & Wine Festival. Open studios, classes, and demonstrations in a variety of visual arts media. Artist talks, colorful galleries, wine tasting all day. 11 am – 4 pm. At locations throughout town. info@brandon.org. www.brandon.org. Also February 19.

BRATTLEBORO. Winter Carnival Sleigh or Wagon Rides. 20 minute horse-drawn rides through fields and woods, and along a babbling brook. Adults $6, 3-12 yrs $4. 1-4 pm. Rain or shine. Fair Winds Farm, Upper Dummerston Rd. (802) 254-9067. fairwind@sover.net. www.fairwindsfarm.org. Also Feb 19, 20, 23, 25.

CASTLETON. Lake Bomoseen Ice Fishing Derby. Sign-ins at Crystal Beach landing on Lake Bomoseen, Rt. 30 N. Eligible species: bass, northern pike, perch and trout. Sponsored by Castleton Lions Club. For more information call Stanley Patch at (802) 468-5001. Also February 19.

CHESTER. Annual Chester Winter Carnival. Winter events, fun for all ages! Snow sculptures, dog sled rides, broom hockey, sled races, ice skating and more. Breakfast at the American Legion 8-10 am, free rides by Braeburn Huskies, Biathlon sled/shooting match, bonfire at 6 pm, fire sculpture by Barre Pinske at 6:30 pm. Free admission. Events through Sunday, various times and locations around town. (802) 875-2693. cheshdwre@vermontel.net. www.yourplaceinvermont.com. Also February 19.

ISLAND POND. Annual Island Pond Winter Carnival. Fun events for all ages all weekend including: ice skating, sleigh rides, snowmobile tours, kids fishing derby, snow sculpture competition, cardboard sled races. Bluff Mountain Snowshoe, Intro to Ice Fishing, and more. At locations throughout town. (802) 723-9889. www.islandpondchamber.org. Also February 19.

LYNDONVILLE. 2012 Snowflake Festival. Two weeks of family wintertime fun! Sleigh rides, ski races, torchlight parade, spaghetti suppers, pancake breakfasts, skating, snowmobile races, quilt show, chowder fest, and more! A variety of events happen at location in Burke and Lyndonville. Call for more information and schedule. (802) 626-9696. Through March 4.

NORTH HERO. Great Ice in Grand Isle—5th Annual Celebration. Events all day. Kids' ice fishing derby 10 am – 1 pm. F-f-rozen Chozen Regatta, 1-3 pm. Schedule is weather dependent. For updates call the Lake Champlain Islands Chamber of Commerce at (802) 372-8400 or Hero's Welcome General Store at (802) 372-4161. www.champlainislands.com. www.heroswelcome.com. Also February 19.

POULTNEY. Winter Snowshoe Outing. Snowshoe on woodland trails, options for short or longer routes. Sponsored by the Killington Section of the Green Mountain Club. Free, non-members welcome. 10 am. Leave from Main Street Park, near the east end of the fire station off Center Street in Rutland City. Or meet at 10:45 am at Lake St. Catherine Country Club. Leaders: Barb & Barry Griffith, (802) 492-3573. greenmountainclub.org.

MIDDLEBBURY. Vermont Gun & Knife Show. Antiques & collectibles, free appraisals, buying, selling trading. Admission. Open to the public. Free parking. Sat 9 am – 5 pm, Sun 9 am – 3 pm. American Legion #26, 1 Boardman St. (802) 875-4540, (802) 380-8351. www.greenmtgunshowtrail.com. Also February 19.

WEST RUTLAND. West Rutland Marsh Monitoring Walk. Now in our 11th year, this is a monthly bird monitoring exercise sponsored by the Rutland County Audubon Society. To date over 1,400 participants have tallied 144 species from Least Bittern to Rusty Blackbird. Meet at the West Rutland Price Chopper parking lot at 8 am. Leader: Roy Pilcher, (802) 775-3461. www.rutlandcountyaudubon.org.

WESTON. 12th Annual "Vermont & Beyond" fine art exhibit with music and refreshments. Free admission. 11 am – 5 pm at the Weston Rod & Gun Club, Rt. 100, 1.2 miles north of village. www.westonvt.com. Also February 19.

WOODSTOCK. Sleigh Ride Week. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through frosty farm fields and jack jumper sledding. Visit the Jersey dairy farm and restored 1890 farmhouse. Activities and programs for all ages. Sample Presidential cookie favorites and spiced cider! Admission $12 adults, $11 seniors, $6 children 5-15, $3 children 3 & 4, ages 2 & under are free. 10 am - 3:30 pm. Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 & River Rd. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org. Through February 26.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19
BRANDON. Annual Art in the Snow. Brandon's Art & Wine Festival. Open studios, classes, and demonstrations in a variety of visual arts media. Artist talks, colorful galleries, wine tasting all day. 11 am – 4 pm. At locations throughout town. info@brandon.org. www.brandon.org.

CASTLETON. Lake Bomoseen Ice Fishing Derby. Sign-ins at Crystal Beach landing on Lake Bomoseen, Rt. 30 N. Eligible species: bass, northern pike, perch and trout. Sponsored by Castleton Lions Club. For more information call Stanley Patch at (802) 468-5001.

CHESTER. Annual Chester Winter Carnival. Winter events, fun for all ages! Chester Snowmobile Club Poker Run, 9 am. Broom hockey tournament, 10 am. Food available. Free admission. (802) 875-2693. cheshdwre@vermontel.net. www.yourplaceinvermont.com.

ISLAND POND. Annual Island Pond Winter Carnival. Fun events for all ages all weekend including: ice skating, sleigh rides, snowmobile tours, kids fishing derby, snow sculpture competition, cardboard sled races. At locations throughout town. (802) 723-9889. www.islandpondchamber.org.

LYNDONVILLE. 2012 Snowflake Festival. Two weeks of family wintertime fun! Sleigh rides, ski races, torchlight parade, spaghetti suppers, pancake breakfasts, skating, snowmobile races, quilt show, chowder fest, and more! A variety of events happen at location in Burke and Lyndonville. Call for more information and schedule. (802) 626-9696. Through March 4.

MIDDLEBBURY. Vermont Gun & Knife Show. Antiques & collectibles, free appraisals, buying, selling trading. Admission. Open to the public. Free parking. 9 am – 3 pm. American Legion #26, 1 Boardman St. (802) 875-4540, (802) 380-8351. www.greenmtgunshowtrail.com.

MONTPELIER. Great Backyard Bird Count. This nation-wide citizen science project is a way for us to get out and bird and gather valuable data for scientists. North Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm Street. Call to see how you can participate. (802) 229-6206. chip@northbranchnaturecenter.org. www.northbranchnaturecenter.org.

NORTH HERO. Great Ice in Grand Isle—5th Annual Celebration. Events all day. Flapjack breakfast 8:30-10 am at North Hero House, $7 per person. Over and Back Trek to Knight Island, 11 am – 4 pm, by donation. Family night skating party, 5 pm, food and beverages for sale. For updates call the Lake Champlain Islands Chamber of Commerce at (802) 372-8400 or Hero's Welcome General Store at (802) 372-4161. www.champlainislands.com. www.heroswelcome.com.

WESTON. 12th Annual "Vermont & Beyond" fine art exhibit with music and refreshments. Free admission. 11 am – 5 pm at the Weston Rod & Gun Club, Rt. 100, 1.2 miles north of village. www.westonvt.com.

WOODSTOCK. Sleigh Ride Week. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through frosty farm fields and jack jumper sledding. Visit the Jersey dairy farm and restored 1890 farmhouse. Activities and programs for all ages. Sample Presidential cookie favorites and spiced cider! Admission $12 adults, $11 seniors, $6 children 5-15, $3 children 3 & 4, ages 2 & under are free. 10 am - 3:30 pm. Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 & River Rd. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org. Through February 26.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20
WOODSTOCK. Vermont Humanities Council Program—Abigail Adams, Madame President (1788-1803). Linda Myer will portray Abigail Adams. Program is free and open to the public; reservations requested. 3 pm in the Farm & Museum's theater. Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 & River Rd. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org.

WOODSTOCK. Sleigh Ride Week. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through frosty farm fields and jack jumper sledding. Visit the Jersey dairy farm and restored 1890 farmhouse. Activities and programs for all ages. Sample Presidential cookie favorites and spiced cider! Admission $12 adults, $11 seniors, $6 children 5-15, $3 children 3 & 4, ages 2 & under are free. 10 am - 3:30 pm. Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 & River Rd. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org. Through February 26.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21
MIDDLEBURY. Guitar Concert with Xuefei Yang. A program of Bach, Regondi, Brouwer, Chopin, and Albeniz's Asturias. Sponsored by the Middlebury College Performing Arts Series. Reserved admission. 7:30 pm. Mahaney Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, Middlebury College, 72 Porter Field Rd. Call for tickets. (802) 443-3168. cfa@middlebury.edu. boxoffice.middlebury.edu.

MONTPELIER. Presidents' Day Program: Hail to the Chief and President Calvin Coolidge. Free. 7 pm. Vermont History Museum. (802) 479-8505. vermonthistory.org

WOODSTOCK. Billings Farm February Vacation Fun—A Day at the Farm. For children 8-12. Help feed the Jersey herd, visit the calf nursery and sheep barn, bake cookies in the farmhouse wood stove, churn butter, sled with jack jumpers, and climb aboard the horse-drawn sleigh for a ride around the farm fields. Fee: $40. 9:30 am – 4 pm. Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 & River Rd. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org. Through February 23.

WOODSTOCK. Sleigh Ride Week. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through frosty farm fields and jack jumper sledding. Visit the Jersey dairy farm and restored 1890 farmhouse. Activities and programs for all ages. Sample Presidential cookie favorites and spiced cider! Admission $12 adults, $11 seniors, $6 children 5-15, $3 children 3 & 4, ages 2 & under are free. 10 am - 3:30 pm. Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 & River Rd. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org. Through February 26.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22
STOWE. Mountain Fireworks & Torchlight Parade. Enjoy the beauty of Spruce Camp under the stars and experience the magic as Stowe Mountain Resort comes alive with a spectacle of light. 4-6 pm. Visit Stowe.com.

WOODSTOCK. Billings Farm February Vacation Fun—Farm Vet for a Day. For children ages 10 to 15. Wear your mud boots and come prepared to get dirty while working along side a large animal veterinarian. Learn the anatomy and physiology of cows, sheep and horses. Participate in grooming and feeding, and a physical exam of one of the farm animals. Fee: $75. 9:30 am – 1:30 pm. Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 & River Rd. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org. Also February 23.

WOODSTOCK. Sleigh Ride Week. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through frosty farm fields and jack jumper sledding. Visit the Jersey dairy farm and restored 1890 farmhouse. Activities and programs for all ages. Sample Presidential cookie favorites and spiced cider! Admission $12 adults, $11 seniors, $6 children 5-15, $3 children 3 & 4, ages 2 & under are free. 10 am - 3:30 pm. Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 & River Rd. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org. Through February 26.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23
SMUGGLERS' NOTCH. Disney Family Fun Magazine Winter Carnival. Music and live entertainment, face painting, games, a bonfire, giveaways and outdoor barbecue. Free admission. 2 pm-5 pm. Smugglers' Notch Resort Village Green, 4323 Rt. 108 South. (802) 644-8851. smuggs@smuggs.com. www.smuggs.com.

SO. BURLINGTON. Film screening: "Vermont: A Garden Tour." Relax and take a 52-minute tour of 15 of Vermont's public and private flower gardens. Dorothy Lovering, producer and director from Odyssey Productions (Vermont), will lead a discussion about how and why this film was made. Fee: $20. E-mail info@friendsofthehortfarm.org for reservations. 6-8 pm. UVM Horticulture Research Center, 65 Green Mountain Dr. (802) 864-3073. friendsofthehortfarm.org.

WOODSTOCK. Billings Farm February Vacation Fun—Winter Warmth on the Farm. For children 6-8. Children can visit the livestock barns to learn how farm animals adapt to winter conditions, bake cookies in the farmhouse wood stove, dip candles to take home, listen to stories by the fire, and enjoy a sleigh ride. Fee: $30. 9:30 am – 1:30 pm. Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 & River Rd. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org.

WOODSTOCK. Sleigh Ride Week. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through frosty farm fields and jack jumper sledding. Visit the Jersey dairy farm and restored 1890 farmhouse. Activities and programs for all ages. Sample Presidential cookie favorites and spiced cider! Admission $12 adults, $11 seniors, $6 children 5-15, $3 children 3 & 4, ages 2 & under are free. 10 am - 3:30 pm. Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 & River Rd. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org. Through February 26.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24
MORRISVILLE. Folk Music Concert. Lissa Schneckenburger and Kellen Zakula in partnership with Young Tradition Vermont. Admission. 7 pm. River Arts, 74 Pleasant St. (802) 888-1261. www.riverartsvt.org.

SWANTON. Free Open Door Community Dinner. Free. 5:30-6:30 pm. Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 38 Grand Ave. (802) 868-7185 x 10. holytrinityepi@myfairpoint.net. www.holytrinityswanton.org.

TINMOUTH. Winter Evening Contra Dance. With Sarah Blair on fiddle and Brendan Taaffe on guitar. All dances taught and you do not need a partner. Beginners are always welcome. Admission is $9, $7 for teens and free for children 12 and under. Refreshments will be available. 8-11 pm. Tinmouth Community Center, Rt. 140, five miles west of Wallingford. For info or directions call (802) 235-2718 or visit www.Tinmouthvt.org. Also March 24.

WOODSTOCK. Sleigh Ride Week. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through frosty farm fields and jack jumper sledding. Visit the Jersey dairy farm and restored 1890 farmhouse. Activities and programs for all ages. Sample Presidential cookie favorites and spiced cider! Admission $12 adults, $11 seniors, $6 children 5-15, $3 children 3 & 4, ages 2 & under are free. 10 am - 3:30 pm. Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 & River Rd. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org. Through February 26.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25
CASTLETON. Great Benson Ice Fishing Derby. All Vermont waters and all legal species of fish. Check-in at Crystal Beach landing, Rt. 30 N. For more information contact Bob Day at (802) 468-5004 or Dan Wood at (802) 468-2726. Also February 26.

LYNDONVILLE. 2012 Snowflake Festival. Two weeks of family wintertime fun! Sleigh rides, ski races, torchlight parade, spaghetti suppers, pancake breakfasts, skating, snowmobile races, quilt show, chowder fest, and more! A variety of events happen at location in Burke and Lyndonville. Call for more information and schedule. (802) 626-9696. Through March 4.

RANDOLPH. Concert with Leon Redbone. An evening of masterful acoustic guitar music. Over the course of his 30+ year, 15+ albums career, Leon Redbone has continued his love affair with tunes from the turn-of-the-last-century, flapper era radio ditties, Depression-era ragtime and World War II folk-jazz. 7:30 pm. Chandler Music Hall, 71-73 Main St. For tickets call (802) 728-6464. director@chandler-arts.org. www.leonredbone.com.

WOODSTOCK. Sleigh Ride Week. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through frosty farm fields and jack jumper sledding. Visit the Jersey dairy farm and restored 1890 farmhouse. Activities and programs for all ages. Sample Presidential cookie favorites and spiced cider! Admission $12 adults, $11 seniors, $6 children 5-15, $3 children 3 & 4, ages 2 & under are free. 10 am - 3:30 pm. Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 & River Rd. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org. Also February 26.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26
CASTLETON. Great Benson Ice Fishing Derby. All Vermont waters and all legal species of fish. Check-in at Crystal Beach landing, Rt. 30 N. For more information contact Bob Day at (802) 468-5004 or Dan Wood at (802) 468-2726.

LYNDONVILLE. 2012 Snowflake Festival. Two weeks of family wintertime fun! Sleigh rides, ski races, torchlight parade, spaghetti suppers, pancake breakfasts, skating, snowmobile races, quilt show, chowder fest, and more! A variety of events happen at location in Burke and Lyndonville. Call for more information and schedule. (802) 626-9696. Through March 4.

RANDOLPH. Classical Music Concert. The Pacifica Quartet returns with Beethoven Quartets in B-Flat Major, Op. 18, F minor, Op. 95, and B-Flat Major, Op. 130. Named Musical America's 2009 Ensemble of the Year, the Grammy-winning Pacifica Quartet has received international acclaim as one of the finest chamber ensembles performing today. 7:30 pm. Chandler Music Hall, 71-73 Main St. For tickets call (802) 728-6464. director@chandler-arts.org. www.pacificaquartet.com.

SHREWSBURY. Showshoe Outing to Jockey Hill. Snowshoes required for this four-mile trip, which will include some bushwhacking and some climbing. Difficult, 4 miles. Sponsored by the Killington Section of the Green Mountain Club. Free, non-members welcome. 10 am. Leave from Main Street Park, near the east end of the fire station off Center Street in Rutland City. Or meet at 10:45 am at Lake St. Catherine Country Club. Leader: Diane Bargiel, (413) 687-1109. greenmountainclub.org.

WOODSTOCK. Sleigh Ride Week. Horse-drawn sleigh rides through frosty farm fields and jack jumper sledding. Visit the Jersey dairy farm and restored 1890 farmhouse. Activities and programs for all ages. Sample Presidential cookie favorites and spiced cider! Admission $12 adults, $11 seniors, $6 children 5-15, $3 children 3 & 4, ages 2 & under are free. 10 am - 3:30 pm. Billings Farm & Museum, Rt. 12 & River Rd. (802) 457-2355. info@billingsfarm.org. www.billingsfarm.org.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27
JAY. Mardi Gras Week at Jay Peak. Music, New Orleans-style food, snowshoe obstacle course, ski races, mask making, and a parade! Jay Peak Resort, Rt. 242 (802) 988-2611. www.jaypeakresort.com. Through March 2.

MONTPELIER. Winter Wonders—Vacation Nature Camp. For children grades 2-4. Fee: $38/day. 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. North Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm Street. (802) 229-6206. www.northbranchnaturecenter.org. Through February 29.

(Please check back soon for updated events.)