For seven years in early June, in Brattleboro, Vermont, the Strolling of the Heifers, a non-profit organization that champions the small family farm’s identity and viability, has distributed more than $125,000 to fund school programs and other organizations that promote agriculturally related education projects. The three-day 2008—the Seventh Annual-- event will begin on Friday, June 6th and conclude on Sunday, June 8th. Average attendance for the last several years has been approximately 40,000, making it one of the most popular Vermont attractions.
To raise awareness of global warming and the environment, this year’s festival’s theme is “Live Green.” This year’s Strolling of the Heifers will offer practical suggestions about how people can help to protect the environment and to turn talk into action.
The highlight of the weekend will take place on Saturday. First the "Dairy Fairy" sprinkles fairy dust on everyone; then a hundred “nubile” young heifers—milk cows such as the black-and-white Holsteins-- decorated with colorful flowers will parade along Brattleboro’s Main Street followed by floats that represent the theme of preserving the planet.
Other events include—and this is new for 2008—will be the crowning of a Miss VermOOOOnt, open exclusively to heifers. Complete with red carpet and judged by a celebrity panel.,Joan Rivers will act as emcee this year. The winner will receive the honor of “Most Beautiful Heifer.” Look for fans and paparazzi wielding cameras and jockeying for the best views. The bovine contestant deemed “Most Congenial Heifer” (among her peers?) will also receive an award. One more category-- a surprise-- will be disclosed during the awards ceremony.
The Celebrity Milking Contest will follow the pageant. (Will Joan Rivers participate in that?) There’s one thing you can depend on; U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) will participate as he has done every year since the festival’s inception.
Other popular attractions include treasure hunts and many activities that geared toward children: book readings by well-known children’s authors and illustrators, drawing lessons, and special kid-directed drawing lessons, free food samples, and much more!
Featuring approximately thirty exhibits, there should be something for everyone. Music of many genres—both vocal and instrumental-- including jazz, Caribbean, and classical will fill the air throughout the weekend. On Sunday, the Royal Farmer’s Feast at a local diner will feed patrons a hearty breakfast, and a tour of local small farms will take place in the afternoon as the festivities comes to a close.
The Strolling of the Heifers pays well-deserved homage to the wonderful cows that, in the small New England state of Vermont, produce more than 2.6 billion pounds of milk per capita.
Viva, les vaches!
Jill Arnel - I am a published freelance writer who's written extensively on the subject of dogs, including a book entitled The West Highland White ...
