The 84th annual East Poultney Day on Saturday, August 10th from 9am to 3pm on the historic East Poultney Green is the premier event of the Poultney Historical Society. The theme of the day is “Poultney’s Pastimes,” and will explore the various hobbies, sports, and activities that Poultneyites have enjoyed for centuries!
There will be all new exhibits on display this year, including In the Shadow of Herrick Mountain: Exploring two early hunting camps and Spruce Knob Racetrack, an exhibit created by our very own Andrea Mott, Chair of Genealogy and Research. Her exhibit will be on display in the 1896 East Poultney Schoolhouse.
Don’t miss presenters Dale and Joan Prouty who will provide 19th Century School Slate Display and School Lessons in the 1791 Union Academy. Throughout the day, the Proutys will discuss the school slate industry and offer an opportunity for visitors to use slates while participating in school lessons of Arithmetic, Spelling, Reading and Science. Last Lesson will begin at 2:30pm. Dale and Joan Prouty longtime area educators, museum programmers and Country School Association of America members will display their School Slate collection including some made from local Slate Valley quarries and a variety of specialty slates in the Union Academy Schoolhouse.
Kids can join in the democratic process in the Stewarts Ice Cream Vote (requiring some tasting of course). Be sure to stick around to find out the winning flavor announced during the 2pm raffle drawing in the Main Events Tent.
The day will also feature music performed by The Kowalski Brothers. The Kowalskis consist of two brothers: Dan on vocals and guitar, and Matt on guitar.Both reside in Poultney. The have been performing in and around Rutland County for the past eight years. The Kowalskis play an eclectic array of songs ranging from their own original lyrical and instrumental creations, to covers ranging from rock, classic country, and folk.
As usual on East Poultney Day, there will be a diversity of local vendors selling unique crafts, folk art, collectibles, plants and local produce. The Snowmobile Club will provide their hot dogs, burgers, fries and sodas, and the East Poultney General Store will offer sandwiches, snacks, and drinks.
The Historical Society’s annual raffle drawing will be at 2:00 PM, featuring two Grand Prizes; a beautiful hand-made wooden bench made by Dan Foley and a $100 cash prize, as well as many prizes from local businesses and vendors.
At the end of the event, there will also be a service at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 4pm, bringing their Vermont-made 1860 Nutting organ to life!
If you would like to be an exhibitor or vendor at this popular event, please contact [email protected]. There are still a few vendor spaces available!
Please visit the Poultney Historical Society tent, become a member, buy raffle tickets, and help support the preservation of Poultney’s history. You can also purchase raffle tickets before the event at the East Poultney General Store.
For more information, call 802-287-5252 or email us at [email protected]