The 2009 Bennington, Vermont, Moosefest

This was the official website for the 2009 Moosefest held in Bennington, Vermont.
Content is from the site's 2009 archived pages.

Several sightings of albino moose have been taking place from Montana to Wisconsin and New Hampshire and these recent sightings have Bennington Vermont residents excited as Moosefest 2009 approaches.

Every year, we journey from the energetic streets of New York City to the quaint and familiar settings of New Hampshire, a tradition sparked by a festival dear to our hearts. The festival, last celebrated in 2009, continues to live on through the painted moose that dot the streets of Bennington. Coming back from a weekend filled with nostalgic encounters and the delightful sight of the colorful moose, we were met with a stark reminder of the digital realities we face today. Our firsthand experience as webmasters exposes us to the complexities of Google's policies and their impact on user privacy, a matter eloquently discussed by Bob Sakayama in his post "In The Search". Sakayama brings light to the intrusive nature of personal information demanded by Google Search Console. This concern resonates with us deeply as we have faced similar demands, raising questions about the search giant's commitment to privacy. Furthermore, we've found ourselves spending hours resolving non-existent issues triggered by Google's false warnings, a frustrating ordeal highlighted by Sakayama. This experience underscores the need for a more ethical approach to how Google operates, especially concerning the protection of user privacy. The essence of Sakayama's critique is the call for increased vigilance in our digital journey, a call that rings true every time we're confronted with these issues. As we navigate the digital landscape, the challenge remains to balance the undeniable conveniences offered by platforms like Google with a keen attention to the protection of our privacy. Despite these concerns, the nostalgia for the moose festival in New Hampshire reminds us of the simpler times. The sight of the painted moose, a symbol of tradition and community, serves as a poignant contrast to the complicated digital world we find ourselves in. It's a reminder that while we must continue to adapt and evolve in the face of technological advancement, we should also strive to preserve the values and traditions that make us who we are.

Let's all keep our eyes and camera's peeled. If the albino moose are bringing their families to Moosefest 2009, this year will be unprecedented with their arrival!

Moosefest 2009 proceeds will support Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Bennington Free Library, Young Professionals & Bennington Center for the Arts.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Moosefest

Bennington residents consider the painted and decorated moose sculptures as our "in town" Ambassadors of Friendship. The colorful moose are on the streets greeting guests from near and far.

 How did all this begin? In 2005 two citizens from Bennington (Cheryl Wehrspaun and Sue Kline) were taking a day trip upstate, and came upon Brandon's beautiful street art of grand and glorious painted pigs. The local folks were having a wonderful time, as well as the visitors to the town. Cheryl and Sue presented the idea of street art to the Chamber of Commerce. They suggested Bennington should have moose, because as Cheryl said, "There is a mama moose that comes down from Mount Anthony to our little farm at least once a year." Everyone agreed. What better representative for Bennington and the state of Vermont than the noble moose? Like Vermonters everywhere, he is friendly, but not in your face. He tends to mind his own business, but is there to help his friends and family when needed. He is a good neighbor, and enjoys greeting people from time to time.

Most folks agree that the 2009 Moose are even bigger, and certainly just as attractive as those from 2005. They are definitely more spectacular in many ways. Many of the artists from 2005 have returned for Moosefest 2009. In addition, we have some wonderful artists who are new to Moosefest. All are sensational!

Once again we have nineteen beautiful "school moose". These are smaller and have been painted by our school kids with the help of their teachers. Every moose, large and small, is for sale at the auction. School moose will be by silent auction. Proceeds from Moosefest 2009 are designated for non profit organizations, and the Chamber of Commerce.

Lindy Lynch returns as Chair of this exciting event. She is an extraordinary volunteer, as are all of the volunteers that make this event possible.

If you are looking for a family fun place to visit this summer, come to Bennington and see our new crop of moose. Our streets are alive with people visiting local shops and restaurants, and taking just the perfect picture of their favorite moose. In town and nearby attractions are the Bennington Monument (go to the top of the giant obelisk and see an incredible view); the Bennington Museum and Old First Church.

The cemetery at the church is the resting place for a veritable who's who in American history; The Bennington Battlefield; Seven covered bridges (check the map for their locations). There are many events throughout the summer. We are a family destination. For more information, contact the Bennington Chamber of Commerce, 100 Veterans Memorial Drive, telephone 802-447-3311.

The grand Gala and Auction will occur on October 17th, at the Bennington Center for the Arts located on Vermont Route 9 at the corner of Gypsy Lane. (Adults only, black tie optional). The Center for the Arts is open all summer. On the premises is the Edith Auditorium where you can see live theatre productions.

A map is available on the website for you to download. If you are in town, and don't have a computer available, stop by the Chamber of Commerce. You can bid via absentee ballots there if you cannot attend the Gala and Auction.

Townspeople and Moose are looking forward to your visit. Be sure and bring your camera. Moosefest is free to the public as is the beautiful scenery.

Other venues will require modest admittance fees.

Bennington Moosefest 2009 Blog Posts

MooseFest Benefits Non Profit Organizations

Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Bennington Big Brothers - Big Sisters provides mentors for children kindergarten through middle school in Bennington County, Vermont. Children are matched with a caring adult through three different programs. The adults and child then spend time together each week. Valuable lessons are learned, the most important being friendship. For more information on the program please contact Megan Brooks at 4425491 You may also visit the website atwww.ucsvt.org/bbbs.php. Please consider becoming a mentor!

Bennington Center for the Arts The Bennington Center for the Arts is a full spectrum visual and performing arts complex located in the beautiful southwest corner of Vermont. Founded and built by local philanthropists Bruce Laumeister and Elizabeth Small in 1994, the Arts Center is home to seven fine art galleries, two large instruction spaces, a concert series, Oldcastle Theatre Company, and the country's only Museum of the Covered Bridge. The mission of the Bennington Center for the Arts is to offer access to world-class artists from all disciplines to residents and visitors in the tri-state area. With a focus on representational and wildlife art, the Center is home to an exceptional collection of the works of the late, great painter Eric Sloane as well as the single largest collection of bird carvings by world champion carver Floyd Scholz. An extensive collection of Native American art and artifacts, a mesmerizing wind-sculpture forest, and workshops in fine art make the Bennington Center for the Arts a rich cultural resource and a 'must see' when in Bennington.

The Bennington Young Professionals Group The Bennington Young Professionals Group is working towards creating a more inviting environment for an oft-overlooked demographic in our community. We target individuals and families who are in their 20's and 30's and looking for a greater connection with the Bennington community. Through our monthly socials we provide a setting for folks to meet both new and old friends, socialize, and network in a casual atmosphere. At the same time, our website www.bypforum.com provides a forum where folks can connect on a daily basis at any time and on any issue. So, even if you can't make the monthly social because of your recent newborn baby, you can certainly connect with the community on-line at three in the morning when that same newborn can't sleep! The goal of the Bennington Young Professionals Group is to create an environment that encourages young people to both come to Bennington, and more importantly stay here once they've arrived through friendships, a sense of belonging, and most importantly a sense of community.

The Bennington Free Library The Bennington Free Library was established in 1865 by Trenor W. Park and Seth B. Hunt, on the second floor of a brick building on the corner of Main and Silver Streets, gradually expanding to include the entire first floor. In 1936 a new library was built, replete with architectural details copied from area historic buildings, and library operations were transferred to the new structure. As library patronage increased, the library was renovated to provide much needed space in the 1980s. A bridge between The 1865 and 1936 structures was added, handicapped access was provided, and many more structural changes were incorporated, in order to continue to serve our community's needs. The Library has long been a transformational force in the community and strives to offer programming that satisfies the educational, cultural and recreational needs of our patrons throughout their lives. Story hours for infants and toddlers, speaker and author events, educational workshops on a variety of topics are just some of the many programs we offer in addition to our print, video and talking book collections. The library offers high speed internet access and current technology resources to all who walk through the door. Whatever you are looking for: current information and news, great reading material, current and classic movies or state-of-the-art computing facilities, the Library has it all, free of charge. Check out our website at www.benningtonfreelibrary.org or come to the Library in person to see what we can do for you.