Tag Archives: events

Connecticut River paddle June 15

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Pictured is Percy Peaks, as viewed from the northern Connecticut River in Essex County. Photo courtesy of the ECNRCD

Pictured is Percy Peaks, as viewed from the northern Connecticut River in Essex County. Photo courtesy of the ECNRCD

The Essex County Natural Resources Conservation District (ECNRCD) will host its annual canoe and kayak paddle on the Connecticut River on Saturday, June 15.
Participants will meet at the Johnson Farm Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife access in Canaan, just off of Route 102 on the right, .6 miles north of Todd Hill Road at 9:30 a.m.  From there, participants will shuttle cars downstream and plan on being back on the river and underway by 10:30 a.m.  The paddle will conclude approximately four miles downstream at the Colebrook Bridge.  This stretch of the river provides mostly flat water with good current, allowing for a leisurely paddle with some quicker water mixed in to keep things really interesting.  The ECNRCD and NorthWoods Stewardship Center staff will be on hand to assist with paddling techniques if necessary.
This is an annual event of the conservation district, hosted in part to build awareness of the importance of the Connecticut River as a resource to the region.  The Connecticut River is one of 14 American Heritage Rivers in the nation because of its historical impact on the region.  This year, the event features the Johnson farm conservation partnerships.  In 2012, the Vermont Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, and the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife partnered to conserve 849 acres along the banks of the Connecticut River on the Johnson farm in Canaan.  Paddle participants will discuss ecological features, public access, and floodplain forests restoration projects, and paddle slow, meandering waters along the property and past some of the most beautiful land in Vermont.  This paddle will allow time to take in the scenery and abundant wildlife, talk about invasive species and natural resources of the region a little bit, stop for lunch, toss in a line for a fish or two, etc.
Space is limited and pre-registration is requested.  Past years’ paddles have filled up quickly, so it is suggested that those interested call early.  Participants should bring a lunch, water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and extra clothes.  Call Sarah at the ECNRCD at (802) 748-3885, extension 114, or e-mail sarah.damsell@vt.nacdnet.net to register, or for any questions regarding the event.
Limited canoe rentals and equipment may be available; call the district office in advance for more information.  — from the ECNRCD.

For more things to do, check out our events section.

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Circus Smirkus season opens July 1

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Circus Smirkus opens its season at the headquarters in Greensboro on July 1, with two shows, at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

This year’s theme is “Topsy Turvy Time Travel:  A Blast from the Past & Fun from the Future.”  The troop is taking a trip though the ages, as performers — ages 11 to 18 — work intensely with coaches to bring the theme to life on trapeze, wire, fabric, trampoline and cradle, and with clowning, acrobatics, juggling, unicycling and more. Circus Smirkus has two directors (creative and artistic), a costume designer, a choreographer, a composer, counselors, tent crew, cooks, sound and lighting technicians, equipment riggers, concessionaires and more.

Circus Smirkus is celebrating its silver anniversary with a new book, “Circus Smirkus:  25 Years of Running Home to the Circus,” by founder Rob Mermin and journalist Rob Gurwitt.  Solar panels have been added at the Greensboro headquarters, along with improvements to lighting, concessions and recycling. The circus is launching a Capital CAMPaign to match a $1-million donation for us to build its ownb Smirkus Camp facility (details soon).

After the first shows in Greensboro, the circus packs it all up and takes it on the road.  It takes eight hours to set up the 750-seat big top, backstage and concession tents, and organize 200 costume pieces, 100 props, 70 spotlights and a mile of electrical cable.  Then the troop is ready to welcome its summer audience of 50,000 fans!

Over on the campus of Lyndon Institute in Lyndon Center, Circus Smirkus Camp already welcomed its first campers last week, with a new, one-day Intro to Smirkus session.  Smirkling Camp is starting as six-to-nine year-olds arrive for their first overnight circus adventure.

For more information or to order tickets, see: http://www.smirkus.org/

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