Although bad weather was predicted, the sun was shining as about 130 people enjoyed some cheery Irish entertainment at Maple Tree Place. Lawn chairs and blankets sprinkled the green as the audience lounged with their coolers and umbrellas in tow.

Young and old alike were captivated by the music of Trinity, a pair of fellows that played generally upbeat Irish tunes, encouraging the audience to heartily clap along while children danced in the open space.... Read more

By 9 o’clock on Sunday morning, hundreds of individuals clad in swimwear were waiting in the shallows of Malletts Bay. Further out, a line of canoes and kayaks did the same. The voice of an announcer suddenly blurted from a loudspeaker, his countdown echoing across Bayside Park. At “zero,” the swimmers and boaters launched into action. The water around them exploded — more like a shark frenzy than the peaceful start I had expected. And so began the 24th Annual Colchester Triathlon.... Read more

As a full-time babysitter this summer, I’m always looking for events to shake up the daily routine. This week’s treat came in the form of Island Road Theater’s “Sleeping Beauty” and “The Hat.”

The 3-year-old theater group is composed of 14 actors ranging from third- to eighth-graders. Island Road’s performance at the Colchester Meeting House, filled with parents in chairs and children scattered across a rug, was one of seven on a summer tour.... Read more

A thunderous pulse emanated from the foyer of the Unitarian Church as I arrived Friday night. The double doors were propped open and long beams of light sprayed into Main Street like machine-gun fire. As I inched up the stairs to the door, I remembered: It wasn’t the apocalypse I was attending that night, but rather a “Hot Jungle”-themed electro-dance party.... Read more

I have always made fun of the new-age scooters called Segways. But secretly embedded within my cynicism was a mounting curiosity — surely shared by many — and that’s why I went to ECHO’s “Body Language” exhibit last Sunday to give one a test drive.... Read more

As part of its “50 Years on the Hill” anniversary celebration last weekend, Champlain College threw open the doors of its historic buildings to all comers. I worried I’d be getting a watered-down admissions tour, but Champlain cut out the droning guides and simply gave the community an all-access pass to explore.... Read more

I spotted numerous “Obama for President” signs scattered across the lawn on the corner of Intervale and Riverside avenues, and knew I was in the right place. Music was blaring and excitement was in the air. The occasion was a bake sale to benefit Senator Barack Obama’s presidential campaign.

Across the nation there were more than 700 bake sales like Burlington’s. MoveOn.org, a political action organization working to get progressive candidates elected, coordinated these “Hungry for Change” events.... Read more

The dog days of summer were off to a fresh start Saturday in downtown Burlington. My new puppy was at the vet, but I still took the chance to visit some four-legged friends including Jack Russell terriers, golden retrievers and various mixed breeds at the “Scrub-A-Pup” YMCA fundraiser.

A volunteer named Julia told me that the idea for the dog wash came as a creative alternative to a car wash. Plus, as an organization all about family, it seemed right to include the beloved family pets.

“In case I didn’t want a dog already, now I really do!” added Julia.... Read more

Before exploring the Green Mountain Motorheads Car Show in Barre this weekend, I had to get myself in the right state of mind. So, I stopped at the Pit Stop Diner on Main St. for a dose of NASCAR memorabilia and a bacon cheeseburger.... Read more

When I think of Frank Zappa, the word “fundraiser” does not spring to mind. So when I heard about “Zappa Night,” a benefit for the Glover Public Library, it seemed too intriguing to miss.
I knew I was in the right place when I heard Zappa’s music emanating from the Town Hall, which is a small room with a hardwood floor and two basketball hoops on either end. I entered, sat on the stage, and watched as Zappa heads filled the room. They each walked in with different instruments and facial hair, but most brought along a six-pack.... Read more