Recently my eight-year-old son asked me why the Fourth of July is such a special day. My response was, "That's the day when America won its independence from England 226 years ago and became a free and independent country." Then he asked if the Battle of Bennington was part of that time. I said it was÷ and tried to see how his young mind was working to fit the pieces together.
For our readers, the Battle of Bennington took place between Hoosick Falls, New York and Bennington, Vermont and was a turning point in the American Revolution. It is said that without that victory, our country may have become a British commonwealth like Canada or Australia. To witness what the battle was actually like, a re-enactment of the Battle of Bennington complete with educational, historical, and interactive family activities is scheduled for August 17th-18th in Bennington. It will take place near Camelot Village on Route 9.
Since our country is still in recovery from September 11th, we approach July 4th with new awareness of what it means to be free. Our hearts and minds will have a deeper perspective regarding the Fourth of July and a new awakening will, no doubt, be part of the overall day's sentiment. Yet as Americans, we're a forward-thinking society and will continue to celebrate Independence Day with picnics, fireworks and perhaps some prayers this year.
In this issue we're commemorating Independence Day with fun, patriotic folk art. Charlie Gold, owner of Now & Forever, is on our cover displaying some of his shop's whimsical and wonderful folk art. Filled with pieces for all occasions, you'll enjoy a visit to this unique shop in Manchester.
We extend a warm welcome to the Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show which begins on July 10th and runs through August 11thÛalmost five weeks! The showgrounds are located nearby at the Harold Beebe Farm on Route 7A in East Dorset, just minutes from Manchester. Fun for the whole family, you're sure to see some highly-trained horses and riders. See our back cover for further information.
RETAIL NEWS -
Several new specialty stores have opened recently and we welcome them to Manchester. We hope you'll visit these individually owned specialty shops to see all that's new in town!
New to Manchester:
• Flying Cow Hand-Carved Signs - on Main Street; two doors south of Candelero's (see pg 9)
• Garden Gallery -decorative garden accessories; across from the Jelly Mill (see pg 16)
• Katara Kids - children's apparel; behind Harrington's on Route 7A (see pg 10)
• The Sanctuary Collection -Turkish and Tibetan Rugs and Furnishings; Manchester Square on Depot Street
Two businesses have moved to new locations:
• N. Keen & Co. - now located directly across from the new Orvis flagship store (see pg 9)
• The Mountain Goat - now located on Main Street two doors south of Harris Goldsmiths
We welcome three existing businesses to Retail Beat's VERMONT STYLE
• Mary's Kitchen - cookware, etc.; on Depot Street across from r.k. Miles (see pg 7)
• West Wind Fine Art - An art gallery; 3 miles north of Manchester on Route 7A (see pg 10)
• Workwear - sturdy clothing for workers; on Depot Street across from r.k. Miles (see pg 7)
NEIGHBORING TOWNS NEWS -
The Village Peddler and The Bearatorium in East Arlington are offering a free chocolate bear when you stop in. Just show this copy of Retail Beat's VERMONT STYLE
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