Traditional Spring May Pole
Will Start Fiddlehead Activity

After growing quietly for more than 40 years along Penny Brook in Randolph Center, a strong white cedar tree is about to become the center of attention at this year’s Fiddlehead Festival.

Since early times, the return of spring has been celebrated with song, dance and a sense of gratitude. The upcoming Fiddlehead Festival, to be held on the VTC campus on Saturday, May 5, will begin with a festive May Pole ceremony and blessing for the season.

The May Pole will be fitted with a locally-made metal head ring and decorated with festive ribbons. Special music and young dancers will welcome the new growing season. A blessing for the new growing season will be offered.

The performance site will be on the lawn area at the front of the Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center. For the ceremony, the ellipse roadway bordering this lawn area will be surrounded by tractors of all sizes and vintages. Earlier in the morning, these tractors will begin converging on the VTC campus from the four-corners of Orange County.

After the May Pole ceremony is completed, one of the first events will be the Fiddlehead Festival Tractor Obstacle Course.

The morning will also feature storytelling and educational presentations in the Judd Auditorium, Old Dorm Lounge, and Conant building. Local vendors will display and sell their wares at the festival.

Activities will continue all afternoon at VTC and into the evening at Chandler Music Hall with an evening concert performance by George Woodard and Friends.

The April 26 Herald will carry a copy of the 24-page Fiddlehead Festival Program Guide with the full schedule for this year’s event.