Thanks to the efforts of the Montpelier Chamber of Commerce, the Bean Days Committee, several area volunteers, and dozens of merchants, this year’s Montpelier Bean Days festivities have grown to include far more events and activities than the town has seen in years.
With a theme of “Making Montpelier a Travel Destination”, residents of Montpelier and those from outside of the community are encouraged to take part in these festivities by visiting such areas as Shady Lane, Main Street Station, Brickyard Bistro, and the Chamber Pocket Park, just to name a few. A Passport to Prize contest has also been developed which will have participants visiting area merchants for their chances to win a prize.
Most notable of all of the events, however, is without doubt the Balloon Festival planned for this year’s festivities. A total of 10 balloonists will be on hand with their hot air balloons to participate in various activities. Scheduled to participate in the activities are Bob Scobee (Otto), Dick Mitchell ( DeColores), Dick Sigler (REMAX), Greg Lee (Fam-Lee Affair), Joe Richie (Touchstone), Meredith Bennett (Sunshine), Mike Ruede (Skydancer), Tim Hampton (Pleasant Surprise), and Trent Bishop (Calvin). The committee is currently working to confirm the tenth pilot but that pilot should be named soon.
At this time, glows, balloon rides, and tethered rides are all scheduled throughout Bean Days weekend, July 18 and 19. However, it should be noted that all activities related to the balloons are weather permitting and at the sole discretion of the balloon pilot(s).
Montpelier Chamber of Commerce President Jeanette Hull is also very pleased to announce that raffle tickets are also being sold for a change to win a balloon ride. Hull would also like to express her sincere appreciation for all of those whom have come together to bring all of the events together and make this year’s Bean Days festivities a major success. Without the work of the Chamber, Committee, and volunteers or the support of so many area merchants who have contributed both necessary funds and materials, a festival of this magnitude would not have been possible.
A full schedule of all events taking place around Bean Days and the Balloon Festival will be available in the July 16 edition of The Village Reporter.