Settled beyond the shadows of Mount Snow, just north of Dover, the Town of Wardsboro has one claim to fame - the Wardsboro (pronounced Waads-bá-rah) Street Fair held on the Fourth of July.
The day's festivities start off with the parade at 10 a.m. on Route 100. The Wardsboro Parade has the honor of being Vermont's oldest continuous parade and also has a perfect record of having never been rained out!
The tradition was started over 58 years ago by Pastor Douglas Pierce as a fundraising effort for the churches in Wardsboro. Now sponsored by the Wardsboro Methodist Church and the Wardsboro Yoked Parish, its success is attributed to their coordinated efforts with the Friends of the Wardsboro Library along with 50-75 volunteers ranging from year-round residents to out-of-towners.They contribute their time and effort to make the Street Fair come together with an enthusiasm not unlike a family reunion.
Although the physical size of the parade is not the big draw, as many as 5,000 spectators gather from all around the state for the warmth and excitement felt on the small main street that is reminiscent of the old-time parades as they watch it wind from one end to the other, then loop back to its beginning point. Vintage cars and fire trucks, floats created by local businesses and the Grafton Coronet band are a staple at the parade, and the local elementary and high school bands are often found marching too.
But the festivities don't end there as the
To add to this year's fun will be what some are saying is the best raffle ever. Included in the raffle is the chance to win a handmade quilt by Betty Harris of Newfane or an original folk art painting by Wardsboro folk artist Darlene Rutnik or one of 20 other items. Winners are announced at Wardsboro Town Hall beginning at 1 p.m. Raffle tickets are on sale at the Wardsboro Library, the Wardsboro Country Store and at the West Wardsboro Store. The money raised at this day-long event not only supports the Wardsboro churches, but funds next year's festivities.
Not a whole lot has changed over the years, according to Alan Bills, a long time resident of Wardsboro. Alan's wife Janet, who sadly passed on this year, had been an active volunteer for several decades and served as coordinator for three years. This year's coordinator is Nancy Perkins. She has also been involved with the Street Fair for more than 25 years, and is also a member of the Friends of Wardsboro Library. This is the second year that Nancy has been coordinator, and began the planning for 59th Street Fair in early March.
As a memento of the day, one can purchase books about Wardsboro's history, collector post cards, 4th of July tee-shirts and the Gilfeather Turnip Cookbook & Other Recipes Rooted in Wardsboro, Vol. 2.
The Fourth of July revelers start arriving around 9 a.m. and even though the parade begins at 10 a.m., it is recommended to arrive early to be sure to get a good spot!
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