Visitors Invited to Watch 50 College Teams Compete in NASA Lunabotics Mining Competition at Kennedy Space Center, May 20-24

Watch as 50 college teams from across the globe gather at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, May 20-24, to compete in NASA’s fourth annual Lunabotics Mining Competition, a university-level competition designed to engage and retain students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Lunabotics Mining competition is a NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate program that challenges teams to design and build remote controlled or autonomous robots that can excavate simulated lunar dirt. Eighty-one judges and hundreds of spectators will be present to watch the teams’ designs, known as lunabots, go head-to-head to determine whose machine can collect and deposit the most simulated lunar dust within a specific amount of time. The competition provides an opportunity for student engineers to develop innovative ideas and solutions that could potentially be applied to future NASA missions.

Viewing opportunities of the competition and practice sessions will be available daily from designated viewing areas, which include the official viewing tent, LunArenas, and LunaPits in the Rocket Garden and the Show Pit in NASA Central. Competition viewing opportunities are included in regular Visitor Complex admission.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guests can also participate in NASA’s STEM College Recruitment Fair on Friday, May 24 from 1– 4 p.m. The fair is for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors interested in STEM education opportunities available at top colleges and universities across the nation.

For more information on the 2013 Lunabotics Mining Competition or to purchase tickets, call 877-313-2610 and visit www.KennedySpacCenter.com or www.NASA.gov/Lunabotics.

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St Maarten Hosts Carnival Celebration, April 18-May 2

The idyllic, Dutch-influenced nation of St. Maarten (http://www.VacationStMaarten.com) is gearing up for its 44^th Annual Carnival, which is taking place April 18 – May 2, 2013.

Themed “Come, experience life!” the 2013 carnival is the island’s largest celebration featuring colorful parades, pageants, musical performances and other activities culminating with the traditional “Burning of King Momo.”  St. Maarten’s Carnival stands out among other regional celebrations due to the length of the carnival celebration and the way locals embrace participating vacationers who get swept away in the revelry.

The April Carnival Season is one of the most exciting times to be in the Caribbean as residents and visitors to St. Maarten can invoke their Carnival spirit long before the two-week festival officially begins with events and competitions held as early as April 17 including the Jr. Queen Show, Junior Road March & Calypso, Fete to Fitness Around Town Jump-Up, Teen & Senior Queen Cultural & Speech Competition, Rio Productions “Lightin’ Up De Road” Parade and the Survivors Elementary School “Balloon Parade.”

The official celebration begins on April 18 with the Opening of Carnival Village with festivities in high-gear until the Grand Carnival Parade on April 30 – one of the most exciting events of the season.  But things will not slow down on May 1 as revelry carries over into the Second Day Parade, where participants will don vibrant costumes that depict local heritage as they move their feet to the rhythms of  cultural songs.  The Carnival Season culminates with the Closing Jump-Up and Burning of King Momo on May 2.  It is said that the Burning of King Momo rids the island of its sins leaving it fresh and revived until next year’s Carnival celebrations.

Musical performances for Carnival in St. Maarten include: Night of The Hit Makers – Friday, April 19 with Burning Flames & Onyan (performing in St. Maarten for the first time), Le Groove (2013 Aruba Soca Monarch), Oswald (St. Maarten’s Prince of Zouk), Gio Fuertisimo (Curacao Ritmo Kombina & 2013 Tumba King), and Control Band (renowned as St. Maarten’s #1 Party Band); Latin Night – Friday, April 26 with Daddy Yankee; RiddimBox Presents – Saturday, April 27 with performances by Busta Rhymes, Terri Lyons, Nadia Batsom, Tallpree, Lady Saw, and RDX;and Reggae Explosion 3 – Monday, April 29 featuring Miguel, Damian Marley and Busy Signal.

The St. Maarten Tourist Bureau is encouraging travelers planning a visit to St. Maarten coinciding with Carnival 2013 to book flights and accommodations early as rooms are expected to sell out, especially in the Philipsburg capital where the Carnival Village will be located.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors not just to the beautiful shores of St. Maarten but to participate in St. Maarten’s Carnival, our largest cultural event and what is essentially the North Eastern Caribbean’s longest food and musical festival,” said Edward Dest, interim director of tourism for the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.

St. Maarten is the only place in the world that has two Carnivals – the first in February on the French side of the island (St. Martin) which could be seen as a dress rehearsal of sorts for the bigger celebration that takes place in April on the Dutch side of the island.

Get updates on St. Maarten’s Carnival via Facebook.  For more information on activities, restaurants and accommodations, visit www.VacationStMaarten.com.

St. Maarten is the smallest island in the world to be shared by two nations, Kingdom of the Netherlands and France, creating a European-influenced vibe with a Caribbean flair.  As “the culinary capital of the Caribbean,” St. Maarten offers an eclectic array of cuisine fusion for food lovers with more than 365 restaurants, one for each day of the year to satisfy the tastes of every palate and pocketbook.

Located at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles, the island’s 37 square miles has 37 breathtaking beaches and is home to many historical and family-oriented attractions.  During the day, watersport enthusiasts can take full advantage of the island’s scuba diving and snorkeling facilities.  The capital of Philipsburg offers duty-free shopping with a bustling city atmosphere, while 14 casinos and numerous nightclubs provide endless entertainment.

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3rd Annual Long Trail Century Ride to Benefit Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports Set for June 22

The third annual Long Trail Century Ride to benefit Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports returns to Vermont again this spring, where cyclists of all abilities can ride a century, 50- or 20-mile course to raise funds and awareness for disabled sports programming. Adaptive athletes are sponsored and ride for free.

After what came together in less than six weeks in 2011 for its inaugural ride, thanks to the inspiration of Lookout Tavern owner Phil Black, the third annual Long Trail Century Ride to benefit Vermont Adaptive will be held on Saturday, June 22. Nearly three hundred riders from around New England and up and down the East Coast participated in 2012. Up to 500 riders are expected to participate in this year’s fundraising event. An après-ride party, featuring live music and entertainment plus kid and family activities, will be held after the ride at the brewery for all to enjoy – riders, spectators and visitors alike.

The century ride, plus 50- and 20-mile routes, will start and end at the Long Trail Brewery in Bridgewater Corners. The routes will travel through Killington and surrounding communities including Irene-survived Pittsfield, Stockbridge, Bethel, Woodstock, and Ludlow.

“We believe sports and recreation provide a physical, mental and social experience that is immeasurable in promoting self-confidence and independence in an individual,” said Erin Fernandez, executive director of Vermont Adaptive. “We extend an enormous thanks to Phil for starting this ride for us and to Long Trail and also to Killington Resort, who help us to provide an event of this caliber. Everyone in the community has been very supportive of our efforts, and the ride will help us to underwrite some of the costs of our adaptive programs and allow more people with disabilities to participate.”

The recreational rides loop through the towns of Killington, Pittsfield, Bethel, Barnard, Woodstock, Ludlow, Bridgewater, and Plymouth, Vermont. Quaint villages, the scenery of Route 100 and U.S. Route 4, the Crossroad of Vermont Byway, the seventh of its kind recently designated by the Vermont Transportation Board, are incorporated into the routes.

All riders and volunteers receive entry to the “Après-Ride” party, and additional party tickets are available for $15/adults and $10/kids.

Cyclists will check-in Friday night at a pre-ride party at the Umbrella Bar at Killington Resort, and rides begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday from the brewery on Route 4. All registrants will receive a lift ticket voucher to ski or ride Killington Resort during the 2013-2014 season, and those who raise an additional $300 or more will receive a special Long Trail Brewing cycling jersey.

Rider registration includes a Century Ride wicking t-shirt, food and support at aid stations during the ride, entry to the après-ride party complete with food and entertainment, plus a commemorative pint glass. There is no day of registration for the ride, and registration is limited to a total of 500 riders. Everyone is welcome to attend the “Après-Ride Party” and advance tickets are available for the party. Registration, pricing, information, and advance-ticket purchase to the party can be found at www.longtrailcenturyride.com.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont offering the most diverse program opportunities and unique, specialized equipment. The organization promotes independence and further equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational opportunities including alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports; kayaking, canoeing, sailing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more. More than 400 volunteers serve clients from all over the world in three locations in Vermont – Pico Mountain at Killington; Sugarbush Resort in Warren; and Bolton Valley Resort in Bolton. For more information, visit www.vermontadaptive.org.

The Long Trail Brewing Company, a key sponsor of the event, is located in Bridgewater Corners, Vt. and has been producing an exceptional family of fine ales since 1989. Today, as the leading handcrafted beer in Vermont, Long Trail has demonstrated it fills a niche in the market for quality craft beer. Located in the heart of the Green Mountains, Long Trail takes the words “environmentally conscious” seriously and lives that eco-minded philosophy every day at the brewery. Long Trail’s facility is truly unique, as it was designed to minimize the impact on our environment and was recognized in 2009 by receiving the Vermont Governor’s Award in Environmental Excellence for resource conservation. Also, Vermont’s Green Mountain Environment Association has named the water produced by the brewery’s artisan wells as “Vermont’s best drinking water.” For more information, visit www.longtrail.com.

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Vicksburg Commemorates 150th Anniversary of Civil War Campaign With Events April-July 4

See why a camel is part of the Civil War Sesquicentennial commemoration at Vicksburg National Military Park. Vicksburg, named by AAA Southern Traveler and AAA Midwest Traveler as one of the top 13 places to visit in 2013, kicks off Civil War Sesquicentennial (150th Anniversary) events in April and continues through July 4, the anniversary of the Siege of Vicksburg’s surrender © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Vicksburg, named by AAA Southern Traveler and AAA Midwest Traveler as one of the top 13 places to visit in 2013, kicks off Civil War Sesquicentennial (150^th Anniversary) events in April and continues through July 4, the anniversary of the Siege of Vicksburg’s surrender.

President Abraham Lincoln said “Vicksburg is the key”.   Confederate President Jefferson Davis said “Vicksburg is the nail head that holds the South’s two halves together”.   Both presidents were aware of the strategic importance of Vicksburg on the Mississippi River in 1863.  Vicksburg National Military Park, named by the National Park Service as a venue for a Civil War sesquicentennial signature events, commemorates this campaign and its significance as a critical turning point of the Civil War 150 years ago.

The Civil war transformed a nation.  Not only was slavery abolished, but citizenship was redefined and the federal union was strengthened.  “Vicksburg National Military Park provides visitors with the opportunity to understand, reflect upon and deepen their appreciation of our shared history and the relevance of this period to society today,” said Superintendent Michael Madell.  Quoting Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Madell continued, “The sesquicentennial of the Civil War is a time to commemorate those who fought and died during this pivotal era in American history. At the same time, it is an opportunity for us to renew our commitment to the ongoing march for freedom and equality for all people.”

Events begin in April with Tapestry: The Pilgrimage to Vicksburg and the Vicksburg Heritage Fair.  The Heritage Fair, Friday, April 5, through Sunday, April 7, will spotlight downtown attractions such as Confederate General John C. Pemberton’s Headquarters on Crawford Street, the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation, and the Old Court House Museum.  Crafts people, musicians, and dancers will participate in the heritage fair telling the story of civilian life during the Civil War.  Part of the fair will involve a debate and discussion of Civil War topics by actors portraying significant persons involved in the war.

Memorial Day Weekend marks the signature event including: free, open air concerts by the U.S. Navy Band, Mississippi Symphony Orchestra with special guest and country music superstar Trace Adkins and Jackson Mass Community Choir; commemorations of the first assault on the city and the second assault of Vicksburg’s defenses; living history presentations that include cannon demonstrations, the Texas Camel Corps and interpretation of soldier everyday life during the Civil War; Shadows of the Past Living History Tours; a display of Special Boat Unit 22, part of the Navy’s modern river forces; a rededication of the Iowa Memorial; special programs on Civil War engineering and siege tactics and on African Americans and the Civil War exploring the roles of freeman, U.S. Colored Troops and enslaved peoples; and Soldiers through the Ages where a timeline of the military will be presented through static displays and programs.

On July 3, to commemorate the date the decision was made to surrender Vicksburg, the Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign is working with the Vicksburg National Military Park to create a Grand Illumination.  Approximately 20,000 luminaria will be spread throughout the park to memorialize the 20,000 American lives, both Union and Confederate, which were casualties of the Battle for Vicksburg.  Over 500 volunteers will work to set up the lights at each state memorial to honor that state’s loss, a spectacular memorial never before endeavored.

For more information, visit www.nps.gov/vick or www.visitvicksburg.com.

See also:

Staying in Vicksburg bnb is best way to experience Tapestry for Civil War 150th and slideshow

Civil War Sesquicentennial of Vicksburg Campaign marked with special events and slideshow

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Online Lottery for Tickets to 2013 White House Easter Egg Roll Opens Feb 21

The President and First Lady announced today that this year’s White House Easter Egg Roll will be held on Monday, April 1^st.  The event will feature live music, sports courts, cooking stations, storytelling and, of course, Easter egg rolling.  In support of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative to ensure that all our children grow up healthy and reach their full potential, the activities will encourage children to lead healthy, active lives.  The White House will open its South Lawn for children ages 13 years and younger and their families.

White House Easter Egg Roll tickets will be distributed through an online lottery system, allowing guests from across the United States to participate in a tradition that dates back to 1878.  The lottery will open for entries on February 21 at 10 AM EST and close on February 25 at 10 AM EST.  Tickets are free of charge and are non-transferable.  Full ticketing details can be found at www.whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll.

To place your commemorative egg order, visit http://www.recreation.gov, and follow the link to the online Easter egg store.

For the most up-to-date information on the Easter Egg Roll and other public events at the White House, visit www.whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll or call the Visitors Office 24-hour information line at 202-456-7041.

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Fuel Your Need For Speed With Kensington’s Custom VIP Tours To The 2012 F1 Austin Grand Prix

Get into the most anticipated racing event of the season, the 2012 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix on November 15^th with Kensington Tours’ exclusive adrenaline-fueled itineraries to the new Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Ideal for racing aficionados, automobile enthusiasts and corporate entertaining, these high performance packages come at a variety of prices and are easily customized with VIP upgrades, themed extras and Texas sized indulgences.

“With the Circuit of the Americas being the first purpose built Formula 1 track in the history of the USA, the Austin Grand Prix is destined to be the racing event of the decade,” says Marsha Pautler, Director of Kensington’s Championship Series which offers tours to the most coveted sporting tournaments in the world. “We are proud to offer Grand Prix fans the opportunity to be a part of history in the making at this epic event.”

With hotels, hospitality and seats booking fast, it’s time to rev up the planning if you plan on making the race.

Austin Grand Prix High Performance Packages Include:

Starting Line Premium Grandstands
5 Days from $4,995 per person
An adrenaline fueled adventure to the F1 Austin Grand Prix. Speed past long lines with a VIP pass, see the drivers in person and toast the winner at the champagne presentation. Featuring premium seats to practice laps, qualifying rounds, the official race day, stylish hotel, transfers to the track and more!
http://www.kensingtontours.com/Tours/North-America/United-States/Texas/5-Day-Austin-Grand-Prix—Starting-Line-Premium-Grandstands

Finish Line Grandstands
5 Days from $6,095 per person
If you have a need for speed this action packed tour to the F1 Austin Grand Prix is the ticket! Spend 3 days on the Finish Line Grandstands at the USA’s most prestigious racetrack, the new Circuit of the Americas. Meet F1 royalty, avoid lines with VIP access, lunch with other racing aficionados and behold the magic of Formula 1 firsthand. Includes stylish hotel, transfers and more.
http://www.kensingtontours.com/Tours/North-America/United-States/Texas/5-Day-Austin-Grand-Prix—Finish-Line-Grandstands

Finish Line Club Level Seating
5 Days from $8,500 per person
Everything’s bigger in Texas and that includes Formula 1! Go big or go home with this high performance adventure featuring 3 days at the new Circuit of the Americas. Watch the Practice Laps, Qualify Rounds and Race Day. From club level seats by the finish line, open bar, gourmet meals and VIP line pass, to mingling with F1 drivers, gifts, champagne, transfers, 4-star hotels and more, this tour is a guaranteed win. http://www.kensingtontours.com/Tours/North-America/United-States/Texas/5-Day-Austin-Grand-Prix—Finish-Line-Club-Level-Seating

 

VIP Paddocks & Privileges
5 Days from $11,995 per person
With more luxuries than can be listed, if you’re looking for the ultimate Texas F1 experience this is it. Go full gear with this exclusive VIP package. Watch each day’s races from Pit Row otherwise known as the elite Paddock Club, meander through F1 Village, enjoy behind the scenes access, shake hands with your favorite drivers and celebrate with champagne alongside the winner in the VIP area. Includes elegant hotel, private chauffeured transfers and more!

http://www.kensingtontours.com/Tours/North-America/United-States/Texas/5-Day-Austin-Grand-Prix—VIP-Paddocks

 

Kensington Tours offers custom and private guided tours to over 90 countries worldwide. The flexibility of Kensington’s offerings results in tailor-made journeys that are carefully handcrafted to deliver personalized adventures like no other company. Kensington Tours was named to “World’s Best Awards 2011” by Travel + Leisure Magazine and named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth,” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure Magazine.

For more information, visit www.KensingtonTours.com.

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Cincinnati USA offers Travel Packages to 2012 World Choir Games, July 4-14

Cincinnati USA is offering travel packages for the 2012 World Choir Games, taking place in Cincinnati July 4-14.

Called the “Olympics of choral music,” more than 360 choirs from nearly 70 countries will be competing in 23 categories of music at the Games. Grammy award-winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin and Tony award-winning star Idina Menzel are headlining events.

Customized World Choir Games travel packages, which include accommodations and tickets for the Games’ Opening and Closing Ceremonies, are now available at www.2012WorldChoirGames.com/TravelPackages, or by calling 1-800-518-1181.

Packages available include:

World Choir Games Opening Ceremony Package
- A choice of 62 hotel properties throughout Cincinnati USA
- Tickets to the World Choir Games Opening Ceremonies: The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, May Festival Chorus and nine-time Grammy award-winning gospel artist, Kirk Franklin will headline this event which also includes the ringing of the Peace Bell and a performance of the Official Song of the 2012 World Choir Games; 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 4, U.S. Bank Arena
- Tickets to the Global Harmony Celebration Concert: Top choirs from South Africa, Hong Kong and Columbus, Ohio perform from a variety of musical genres, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 5, Cincinnati Masonic Center

World Choir Games Closing Ceremony Package
- A choice of 62 hotel properties throughout Cincinnati USA
- Tickets to the Champions Concert: Recently crowned Champions of the 2012 World Choir Games perform, 2 p.m., Saturday, July 14, Music Hall
- Tickets to the 2012 World Choir Games Closing Ceremonies: Broadway star Idina Menzel will join the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and May Festival Chorus at the Closing Ceremonies, which includes a presentation from the 2014 World Choir Games host city, the ringing of the Peace Bell, a mass choir of thousands singing together; 7 p.m., Saturday, July 14, U.S. Bank Arena

“This is the first time the United States has ever held this prestigious event. It’s the largest arts and cultural event in the history of Cincinnati USA,” said Julie Calvert, director of communications of the 2012 World Choir Games and vice president of communications and strategic development at the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau. “With these affordable packages, a traveler can experience hundreds of cultures and dozens of genres of music at an easy-to-access Midwest destination.”

The World Choir Games, taking place every two years, is the signature event of INTERKULTUR, a Germany-based global organization that produces elite international choral events all over the world. The 2012 Games is expected be Cincinnati USA’s largest international arts event ever with an economic impact of $73.5 million. Cincinnati USA was selected as the first U.S. city to host the World Choir Games. In more than 20 years since INTERKULTUR was established, the organization has built ties to more than 5.600 choirs and 250.000 singers from 100 nations who have taken part in the World Choir Games and INTERKULTUR’s regional choir competitions.

Other Cincinnati USA travel packages include:
The Cincinnati Reds: By booking a hotel through CincinnatiUSA.com, visitors can purchase half-price Reds tickets.

A Day in Pompeii: The Exhibition invites visitors to revisit the ancient Roman City in the hours before, during and after the massive explosion of Mt. Vesuvius that buried the city in 79 A.D.

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden: The Zoo introduced the all new Cat Canyon this summer – an up-close-and-personal experience with some of nature’s most beautiful and fearsome creatures. The Cincinnati Zoo is the country’s second oldest and has been called “The World’s Sexiest Zoo” due to the high degree of success with its breeding programs.

Newport Aquarium: The blue waters of the Newport Aquarium, replete with hundreds of species of marine life, is fun and educational. For another not-to-miss experience, pay a call on Mighty Mike, the country’s biggest gator outside Florida.

BB Riverboats: Leisurely drift along and enjoy the beautiful seven hills of Cincinnati USA with this Ohio River tradition. It also harkens back to a simpler time when the Queen City was the Mecca of sternwheelers. Take in a sunset dinner cruise for some of the best food on either side of the Ohio River.

Macy’s Music Festival 50th Anniversary: For fifty years, the Macy’s Music Festival has been one of the most dynamic and enduring music festivals in the country. This year celebrate with a CincinnatiUSA.com Buy One Get One Free package.

Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Experience the incomparable Michael Feinstein as he performs “Sinatra Under the Stars” at Riverbend Music Center.

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2nd Annual Route 66 Festival Set for August 11 in Springfield, Mo.

The 2nd Annual Birthplace of Route 66 Festival & Car Show is set for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11 on Park Central square in downtown Springfield.

The festival is free and open to the public.

The event will feature a car show, food vendors, a kids’ area and more. Live entertainment will be Queen City Cats and Blue Plate Special at 10 a.m., The Detectives at 1 p.m. and The Road Crew at 3 p.m. The Road Crew is winner of the first ever “Bobby Troup Artistic Recognition Award” from the International Route 66 Association in 2011. They wrote a song especially for this festival.

Car show registration is $15 in advance or $20 the day of the event. Prizes will be awarded for the car show in a variety of categories. Spectators will vote on their favorites. Car show registration is 7-9:30 a.m. and awards are presented at 3 p.m., along with The John T. Woodruff Award. The Woodruff award is named for the prominent Springfieldian who served as a Chamber of Commerce president and was the first president of the National Route 66 Association. It recognizes an outstanding individual who has helped promote the historic highway.

Officially recognized as the birthplace of Route 66, it was in Springfield on April 30, 1926, that officials first proposed the name of the new Chicago-to-Los Angeles highway. In 1938, Route 66 became the first completely paved transcontinental highway in America—the “Mother Road”—stretching from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Coast.

Traces of the Mother Road are still visible in Springfield along the Route 66 By-Pass, Kearney Street, Glenstone Avenue, College and St. Louis streets and on Missouri 266 to Halltown.

For festival information, visit www.facebook.com/BirthplaceofRoute66Festival, Springfield Mo. For more information about Springfield, visit www.SpringfieldAdventures.com or call the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-678-8767 to receive a free visitor guide, coupons and information packet.

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Stratton Mountain, Vermont is Buzzing with Activity this Summer

Wanderlust, the world’s largest multi-day yoga festival, takes place at Stratton Mountain, Vermont, June 21-24.

Stratton Mountain will be buzzing with activity this summer. Live music, the world’s largest multi-day yoga festival, outdoor challenges, fireworks and good old summertime fun fill the calendar from spring to fall. The calendar will continue to be updated, so please check www.stratton.com/events for the most recent information! Below are the 2012 summer highlights.

June 21 to 24 – Wanderlust

Wanderlust, the world’s largest multi-day yoga festival, is everything a yogi, nature lover, music fan and localvore could wish for. The festival features yoga classes, guided meditations, hikes, concerts, local and organic eats and lectures for young or old and everyone in between. Come for one day or four, wander the Market without a ticket or try your hand at something new for any ability level.

June 30 to July 1 – Mountain Friends and Freedom Celebration

An all-American weekend to ring in the fourth of July at Stratton. A full day of music on Saturday, capped off by evening Independence Day fireworks. Pie eating, whiffle ball, outdoor games, hay rides, horseshoes, a giant slip and slide and much more fill the weekend.

Weekly, starting July 7 – Stratton Saturday Under the Stars Concert Series

Warm summer nights and live music go hand in hand making Stratton’s Saturday Under the Stars the place to be starting on July 7 and continuing weekly through Labor Day. Held in the base area, this summer concert series is a fun, free event for the entire family with food and beverage for purchase on site. So pull up a chair, bring a blanket and get your groove on under the great weather.

July 7 – Tour de Bondville Bicycle Rally

The Sixth Annual Tour de Bondville is a bike ride, golf outing and after party benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Whether you choose the 50, 25 or 18 mile bike ride or want to spend the day on the links, join us for a day celebrating the best Vermont has to offer and to raise money for a good cause.

August 3 to 5 – The FIRM Racing Triathlon

A sprint distance triathlon that lets you swim, bike, and run in one of the prettiest parts of the USA. The half mile swim takes place at the Snowmaking Pond, followed by an 18-mile road bike course of classic New England cycling and a 3-mile run.

August 12 – Heels to Paws 5k Fun Run/Walk

Four legs are just as welcome at Stratton as two! Bring your furry friend along for a vigorous 5k Fun Run/Walk. Money raised benefits Second Chance Animal Shelter.

August 15 to 19 – The Vermont Challenge Bicycle Tour

The Vermont Challenge is a 3- or 4-day bicycle tour through southern and central Vermont which draws upon the creative energy of local businesses and people of Vermont, ski resorts, restaurants and farms in each local community that we visit. See the beauty of our part of Vermont from behind your handlebars during this unique event and take the Challenge!

September 1 to 3 – Labor Day Festivities and Annual Tent Sale

Come up to the lush Green Mountains of southern Vermont for a Labor Day Weekend full of live music, local food and healthy competition!

October 6 to 7 – Columbus Day Weekend

Columbus Day Weekend will be jam packed with family fun, fall foliage and a run to the Summit. Events include the annual Chilifest Cookoff, Brewfest, the North Face Race to the Summit and all-American summer activities like hay rides, apple picking and much more!

For more information on Stratton and events, visit www.stratton.com.

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