Montpelier Alive’s Taste of Montpelier, presented by Hunger Mountain Co-op is so much more than a food festival. Unlike any other food festival of its kind, featured entertainment includes fantastical shows of juggling, acrobatics, yo-yo tricks and vaudeville skits. Foodies and arts enthusiasts alike will find something to savor at the festival’s main event, The Great Taste on Saturday, September 10th from 1-4pm on State Street
Called back for an encore performance after a roaring success at Montpelier’s July 3rd Celebration, Big Nazo and the alien themed puppets will be joining us for the big day. Expect the life-sized puppet characters to be wandering through the crowd and dancing in their own wild way to the Hokum Brothers band at the Lot stage. Bringing joy and wonder to any festival, Big Nazo is by far one of the most exciting things you’ll see all year.
Also back by popular demand is Brass Balagan’s uplifting street show! The large ensemble of various types of horns and percussive instruments will start with a show at the Capital City Farmer’s Market at 12:45pm, just before the market closes. Following their short set, they will proceed to lead a walking parade from the market to the festival grounds on State Street. Watch them weave in and out of the crowds on State Street during the festival. They are easy to catch in their bright red suits, and difficult not to dance to!
There are two ‘pitches’ at the festival, one at the top of State Street near Main Street, and one in the parking lot at 60 State Street. There is a full schedule of performances at each pitch. At the State Street Pitch, sponsored by VSECU, the crowd pleasing Yo-Yo show with John Higby kicks off the action. Higby, The Yo-Yo Guy, has performed his unique high energy comedy show in 26 countries, and he currently holds four Guinness World Records. Also at the State Street Pitch is Peter Panic, known especially for his juggling act.
At the Lot Pitch, sponsored by Barr Hill, El Gleno Grande performs his Circus Equestrian Act using his unreal horse and sense of humor. He specializes in visual comedy using hilarious optical illusions, a dry delivery, and a warm conversational style. Between acts, the Hokum Brothers will offer up an ‘eclectic mix of original tunes (with a pinch of nostalgia) that ensure audiences will be tapping their feet and wearing their happy faces long after the show is over’.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see such eclectic performances, paired with delightful food and good company.