Every True Vermonter Will Appreciate This Bizarre Festival
By Kristin Grimes
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Published May 01, 2018
The village of Adamant in the town of Calais is a quirky, fun and lovable community, and they have found a way to embrace one of Vermont’s necessary evils: Black Flies. That’s right, this community hosts an annual Black Fly Festival and the proceeds goes toward maintaining the Adamant Cooperative. This general store and post office has been the community hub since 1935 and each year they rally to keep it thriving. As the saying goes, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em! Let’s take a look at the lineup for this year’s festivities at this Black Fly Festival in VT which takes place on Saturday, June 2, 2018 .
Why celebrate blackflies?
Well, according to their (hilarious)
website : "After a long, cold winter here in Adamant, we need something to celebrate, and God only knows we have plenty of black flies."
9:00am - Start the day with a nature walk.
Take a walk along the shores of Sodom Pond with local naturalist Richard Czaplinski. Here you can take a closer look at the local flora and fauna.
9:00am to 10:00am - Head to the brook.
Kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt while music is enjoyed by all.
11:00 - The festivities begin!
The grill opens up with hot dogs, sausages, salmon burgers as well as salads and yummy baked goods. The silent auction opens, too! You'll definitely want to check out the great offerings.
Listen or participate in the Blackfly Writers’ Slam.
Whether you bring in your own original story or listen to others, these 3 minute stories will be judged by people chosen from the audience. The winner walks away with a free lunch and bragging rights!
12:00pm - The Adamant Community Club opens.
Try your hand indoors at indoor ping pong, outdoor horseshoes and get ready for some live music by Sole, The Crones, John Smyth, Susannah and Ellie Blachly, Tom Mackenzie and Patti Casey, and Rick Winston and Friends.
1:00 - Blackfly Pie Contest
The theme for these baked delights is "black and blood." The hungry judges will give awards based on taste, blackfly homage, and artistry.
2:00 - Blackfly Parade & Fashion Show
You can make your own creation or wear one of theirs. It's all great fun!
The parade has floats, a marching band and even tractors.
All are welcome to participate!
3:00pm the live auction ends, but the music continues.
And as they say on their website: "4:00 - Grill closes. Festival ends.
Blackflies all die."
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