Free Bike Film Fest Comes to Montpelier!

Free Bicycle Film Series

The Savoy Theater

26 Main Street

Saturdays & Sundays in August at 4pm

Saturday, August 2: Breaking Away (1979)

Dave (Dennis Christopher) dreams of becoming a champion bicycle racer, and since he knows that the best racers in the world are Italian, he sets out to re-invent himself as an Italian, driving his working-class father crazy in the process. However, the more pressing problem for Dave and his family is that neither Dave nor his other close friends (Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern, Jackie Earle Haley) really know what they're going to do with their lives, now that they've finished high school. 95 minutes.

Sunday, August 3: Beijing Bicycle (2002)

Two boys living in Beijing, one a migrant from the country, the other an urban schoolkid, are brought together by joint ownership of a bicycle. The iconic Chinese bicycle is the literal vehicle from which it tells the tale of two youngsters disputing ownership while using their bike as transport, instrument of courtship, status symbol and more. 115 minutes.

Saturday, August 9: Bicycle Thief (1948)

Vittorio deSica’s “neo-realist” classic is justly hailed as one of the greatest films ever. A struggling father tries to make ends meet for his wife and young son with the bicycle he uses to post flyers around Rome. But, when his bicycle is stolen he loses the only means for supporting his family. Forced into desperation, he tries to redeem himself in the eyes of his young son. 90 minutes

Sunday, August 10: Jour de Fete (1949)

French comic master Jacques Tati directed and stars as a clumsy postman of a sleepy French village who tries to apply more efficient, modernized methods to his mail delivery after watching an American educational film. Features some of the funniest bicycle routines seen on film. 70 minutes.

Saturday, August 16: The Flying Scotsman (2007)

The true story of celebrated Scottish cyclist Graeme Obree, a former world champion who broke the world one-hour record on a bike of his own design, made partly out of sections of a washing machine. It follows his life's victories as well as his debilitating battles with mental health problems. 96 minutes.

Sunday, August 17: Still We Ride

This film captures the joyous atmosphere of the August 2004 “Critical Mass” ride in New York City. It recounts how this ride first started in San Francisco over 10 years ago and chronicles the police crackdown in which 264 riders were arrested, and resulting court battles in New York. The movie takes on issues of civil liberties, surveillance, the power of mainstream media, and the benefits of alternative means of transportation. 37 minutes.

Saturday, August 23: Triplets of Belleville (2003)

An animated delight. Adopted by his grandmother, Madame Souza, Champion is a lonely little boy. Noticing that the lad is never happier than on a bicycle, Madame Souza puts him through a rigorous training process. Years go by and Champion becomes worthy of his name. Now he is ready to enter the world-famous cycling race the Tour de France. However during this cycling contest, two mysterious men in black kidnap Champion. 83 minutes.

Sunday, August 24: Filmed By Bike

Filmed by Bike is the West Coast's premier bike-themed film festival. The festival embraces the art and innovation of bikes through the eyes of imaginative storytellers who use moving images to celebrate the world's most efficient and creative form of transportation. Since 2003, Filmed by Bike has showcased a love of two wheels in eight minutes or less. For more information on this Portland festival, go to www.filmedbybike.org. We will showcase some of the best of Filmed By Bike short films on the last day of the SculptCycle Film Series

Rain Plans

It looks like we may get a few SHORT showers between 2-3pm and again around 5:30pm. Everything is still on. Here are the potential location changes:

• Noon-1pm: Brown Bag Concert with The Starline Rhythm Boys will be moved to the Unitarian Church on Main St. ONLY if it rains.
• 1pm: MDCA Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony will be moved to the Unitarian Church on Main St. ONLY if it rains.
• 1:30-4pm: Montpelier Pool will remain open in the rain, but will close if there is lightening
• 3:30-4:30: No Strings Marionettes performance of The Hobbit HAS BEEN MOVED to Christ Church Community Room on State Street REGARDLESS OF THE RAIN.
  

For a full schedule of events scroll down this page.

Street Closures & Parking Restrictions on 7/3

To accommodate the July 3rd Independence Day festivities, there will be some street closures and parking restrictions in Montpelier.

State Street--between Governor Davis and Bailey Avenue: Closed from 2:30 PM until 10 PM for vendors and parade. Note: Access to Department of Motor Vehicles will be re-routed through state parking lots.

Main Street between the Roundabout and State Street: Closed from 6 PM until approximately 7:45 for the Montpelier Mile Road Race followed by the parade. Note: No parking on State Street between 5 -8 PM. Vehicles remaining on street will be towed.

Langdon Street: Closed from 3 PM to 1 AM for McGillicuddy’s and Langdon Street Café street parties.

60 State Street Parking Lot: Closed from 3 PM to 1 AM for Julio’s Cantina street party.

The Meadow Area: Closed from 4:30 to 6 PM for parade staging area. All resident vehicles must be removed from the street.

Schools Street—between St. Paul and Main Streets: Closed from 4:30 to 7:45 PM for parade staging area. All resident vehicles must be removed from the street.

Central Vermont's Independence Day Celebration

Montpelier Downtown Community Association & the City of Montpelier present:

Central Vermont's
Independence Day Celebration!
Thursday, July 3rd
underwritten by VSECU

GIGANTIC PARADE at 6:30PM
FANTASTIC FIREWORKS at 9:30PM

AROUND TOWN:

8-10AM Pancake Breakfast at Christ Church
(sponsored by Christ Episcopal church)

Noon Brown Bag Concert featuring Starline Rhythm Boys, Christ Church Park
(sponsored by Coldwell Banker Classic Properties for MDCA)

1-2PM MDCA's Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony with free ice cream, Christ Church Park
(sponsored by Casella Waste Management)

1-3PM Annual Library Lawn Party with Jeh Kulu Dance & Drum
(sponsored by Kellogg Hubbard Library)

1:30-4 Family Fun Day at the Montpelier Pool--Free admission!
(sponsored by Montpelier Recreation Department)

2PM Lost Nation Theater performs "The Importance of Being Earnest" at City Hall Arts

3-5PM Mad Bavarians, strolling band
(sponsored by Aubuchon Hardware)

6-6:30 Montpelier Mile Road Race, State St.
(sponsored by Onion River Sports & the Montpelier Rotary Club)

8-Midnight Langdon St. Dance Party featuring Blue Fox & the Rockin' Daddies

8-Midnight Julio's World Beat Dance Party with Mango Jam
(sponsored by Julio's Cantina)


STATE HOUSE LAWN STAGE:
(sponsored by National Life Group & Montpelier Pharmacy)

3:30-4:30 PM No String Marionettes
(sponsored by Northfield Savings Bank)

4:30-6 PM Rick & the Ramblers
(Sponsored by Vermont Mutual Insurance Company)

7:30-8 PM Catamount Pipe Band
(Sponsored by Times Argus)

8-9 PM Green Mountain Youth Symphony
(Sponsored by Chittenden Bank)

9-9:20 PM PanAshe Steeldrum Band

3-10 PM Food & craft vendors, demonstrations & children's activities

We would like to thank our sponsors:
PARADE SPONSORS: Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Vermont; Capitol Plaza; Casella Waste Management; Cody Chevrolet; Community National Bank; Denis, Ricker & Brown; First in Fitness; Hunger Mountain Coop; Maple Capital Management; Noyle W. Johnson Insurance; Heney Realtors; The Shoe Horn; Union Mutual Fire Insurance; Lansky Family Dentistry

ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Betsy's Bed & Breakfast; Beavin & Sons; Calmont Beverage; Connor contracting; DuBois Construction; Fecteau Homes; Inn at Montpelier; Julio's Cantina; Morse Farm Maple Sugar Works; Phyllis Rubenstein; Salaam Boutique; Capital Deli; The Knitting Studio; William Shouldice & Associates; World Publications; Diamond & Robinson, PC; Downs, Rachlin, Martin; North Country Federal Credit Union; McKee, Giulliani & Cleveland

First Night Montpelier--get your buttons now!

First Night Montpelier is coming up soon with dozens of great acts and activities from 1pm till midnight on December 31st. You won't want to miss the fireworks, parade, early ice skating, hat making workshop, and more! But get your buttons soon. Prices go up on December 31st.

Button Prices:

• Before New Year’s Eve: $10 for single button OR $40 for family pack (5 buttons)

NOTE—PRICES GO UP ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT!

• Day of festival: $12 for single button OR $50 for family pack (5 buttons)

Note: Children 5 and under free

Advance sale button locations:

• Montpelier: Capitol Stationers, Coffee Corner, City Hall, Hunger Mountain Coop, Minuteman Press, Montpelier Visitors Center, Shaw’s, The Times Argus
  
• Calais: Maple Corners Store
  
• East Montpelier: CP Dudley Store
  
• Barre: Barre Books, Hannaford’s, Price Chopper, The Times Argus, The World
  
• Waterbury: Merchant’s Bank
  
• Northfield: Northfield Pharmacy

Day of Event button sales locations:

NOTE—NOT ALL VENUES WILL HAVE BUTTONS FOR SALE!

Buttons will be on sale only at the following venues on December 31:

• Montpelier City Hall
  
• City Center
  
• Union Elementary School
  
• Christ Church
  
• Central Vermont Civic Center – only from 1-3 PM (during free skating with FN button)

Schedule of Events:

Online at www.mdca.org and http://www.montpelier-vt.org/attractions/1st_night_08/

In the December 26 issue of The World and at all button sales locations

Highlights: Parade at 8 PM
Fireworks at 8:30 PM
Free skating at Civic Center with a First Night button from 1-3 PM

Food and Refreshments:

• City Center – 3:00-7:30 PM: Food Court features variety of foods from local vendors.
  
• Bethany Church – 4:30–7:00 PM: Chili Supper served in the Fellowship Hall.
  
• Trinity Church -- 4:00-7:00 PM: Lasagna Dinner served in the Community Room.
  
• City Hall Auditorium – 3:00-Midnight: Snacks and beverages

Weather

First Night performances take place regardless of weather. Remember to dress warmly!

Volunteers Needed:

Get free admission to First Night plus a complimentary meal in exchange for volunteering for two hours. Positions available for individuals, couples and families. Call Jen Pelletier at 828-3293 or e-mail jpelletier@vermontartscouncil.org for information

First Night Central

First Night Information is available on the MDCA’s website at www.mdca.org or by calling 223-9604. The First Night/MDCA office is located on the first floor of Montpelier City Hall.

Count down to New Years!

I know most of us are as busy as elves getting ready for the holidays and enjoying the many festivities this month. Here is an added incentive to enjoy those festivities in Montpelier: Coffee Corner is offering a discount to anyone who brings in a receipt from a Montpelier merchant with the same day's date. The discount starts at 25% on the 1st and drops 1% each day till the 24th.

Celebrate the Holiday Season in Downtown Montpelier

Horse-drawn wagon rides
Saturdays, (12/1, 12/8, 12/15 and 12/22); noon-3pm
There are only 37 Overlander horses in the country and two of them will be pulling Buck’s Horse Drawn Wagon through the streets of Montpelier this holiday season. The rides start at City Center and follow a route that brings passengers past the State House. First night buttons will be available here! The wagon rides are made free thanks to the sponsorship of WCVT (102.5 in Montpelier) and the Montpelier Downtown Community Association.

Make an Ornament for the Tree Lighting
Saturday 12/1 from 2-4pm at Langdon St Café
Come to Langdon Street Café to make an ornament, then bring your ornament with you when you meet Santa. Everyone’s ornaments will decorate the tree at City Center. Organized by Langdon Street Café.

Santa Comes to Town for Montpelier Tree Lighting
Saturday 12/1 at 4pm
Come to City Center to hear carolers, watch the lighting of the holiday tree, add your ornament and meet Santa. Toys for Tots will also be collecting donations of new toys. Tree donated by Morse Farm. Event sponsored by the Montpelier Downtown Community Association and the Montpelier Business Association.

Art and Artisan Confection Walk
Friday 12/7 from 4-8pm
Check out new art at participating venues around town and sample chocolate treats from some of Vermont’s finest chocolatiers. Over 20 venues will be displaying art. Many will also feature artist talks or receptions. Maps and information available at The Lazy Pear and other participating venues or online at www.lazypear.com. Organized by the Montpelier Downtown Community Association

Griswold Holiday Cement Mixer tours Montpelier
Friday, 12/7 from 5-6pm
Thousands of little lights create a magical display on this ST Griswold cement mixer. Catch this holiday favorite as it tours downtown Montpelier during the Art and Artisan Confection Walk.

Window Display competition comes to an end
Friday 12/7
A jury will decide who has the best holiday window downtown. Stay tuned to see if you agree with their decision.

Free Parking
12/8-25
Two hours of free parking in downtown Montpelier! (Only in metered spaces. Does not include long term parking lots, two-hour limits enforced on weekdays).

Holiday Gift Market
12/8
Buy your holiday gifts from Vermont owned small businesses while helping to raise money with an amazing raffle benefiting OUR House of Central VT. There are raffle prizes from every single vendor as well as grand prizes. Second floor of City Hall.

Free showing of “The Court Jester” at the Savoy Theater
Saturday, 12/15 at 11am
Danny Kaye spoofs Robin Hood and Scaramouche in this inventive slapstick swashbuckler. Portraying the clownish but good-hearted entertainer Hawkins, he infiltrates the court of the corrupt Basil Rathbone (up to his usual brand of cruel villainy) disguised as the legendary king of jesters, Giacomo. After a court sorceress hypnotizes Hawkins into believing he is also a legendary assassin, Hawkins has more identities than he can keep straight, and Kaye zips back and forth between them at, literally, a snap of the fingers. Sponsored by the Savoy Theater and the Montpelier Downtown Community Association.

First Night Montpelier
Monday, 12/31 from 3pm-midnight
Ring in the New Year at First Night with over 60 performances and activities including music, children’s programs, a food court, 5 K road race, parade and fireworks! Early birds can start the festivities by ice skating from 1-3. Buttons on sale at locations throughout Central Vermont. In advance: $10 individual, $40 family pack of 5 buttons. New Year’s Eve prices go up to $12 individual, $50 family pack of 5. Brought to you by the Montpelier Downtown Community Association and the City of Montpelier. For more information, go to www.mdca.org.

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Don’t forget about Capital City Cash! Accepted at more than 60 downtown merchants, restaurants and service providers, these gift-certificate-like vouchers make the perfect holiday gift! Pick them up at Artisan’s Hand, Chittenden Bank, Onion River Sports, Capitol Stationers, Bear Pond Books, The Peach Tree & Woodbury Mountain Toys.