BRATTLEBORO — Strolling of the Heifers seeks heifers, strollers, marchers, and floats for its upcoming parade, as well as entertainers, volunteers and vendors for various Stroll weekend events.
Strolling of the Heifers Weekend is June 6-8, with the agriculture-themed parade set for Saturday, June 7, at 10 a.m. in downtown Brattleboro.
For registration, applications, and guidelines for all events and functions, visit www.strollingoftheheifers.com/register.
Parade unit applications are due by May 1. Units of all kinds are sought, including musical, marching, animal, clown, acrobat, and dance.
According to Parade Director Richard Chapin, the theme of this year's parade - “The Heifers are Coming to Town” - reflects the recent move of the Stroll's headquarters to the River Garden, and is the name of the event's theme song, written by Alan Greenleaf.
Parade participants are encouraged to wear costumes, to dance, to use puppets, or to do anything else that amplifies the theme and adds to the fun.
Chapin adds that, in general, no motorized vehicles except farm vehicles are allowed in the parade, and that animals other than draft animals need to be appropriately contained. Floats should be pulled by horses, tractors, or people.
To preserve the safety of other animals and people, dogs are not allowed in the parade, along the route, or at the Expo.
Questions? Contact Chapin at 802-257-5131, 802-257-9300, or [email protected].
As always, a contingent of heifer calves from area farms and 4-H groups will lead the parade. To participate, heifers must have been born before Feb. 1, 2014 and be accompanied by a health chart, available from the animal's veterinarian. Heifers may be registered online as well.
Questions? Contact heifer coordinator Peter Stickney at [email protected] or 802-387-4730.
The Stroll's entertainment chair, Beth Kiendl, is recruiting entertainers for the Friday evening, June 7, downtown street festival, Saturday pre-parade entertainment, and Saturday Slow Living Expo at the Brattleboro Common and Retreat grounds.
For the Expo, Kiendl particularly seeks entertainers for children and families. Teen bands and traditional music genres such as bluegrass, folk, fiddles, banjos, ukeleles, and country are great additions, she says.
The deadline for entertainer applications is May 5, and early applications are strongly encouraged. Questions? Contact Kiendl at [email protected] or 802-254-4270.
Vending locations are still available for the Friday evening street festival and the Slow Living Expo. Prospective vendors will find event details, registration rates, and registration materials at the Stroll website. The deadline is May 16, but earlier registration is encouraged.
Questions? Contact Stroll General Manager Julie Potter at [email protected] or 802-490-6366.
Finally, the Stroll is always looking for volunteers to help in many ways at all events. For volunteer registration forms visit www.strollingoftheheifers.com/get-involved; for more information, contact volunteer coordinator Vicki Friedman at [email protected] or 802-490-2265.