InVermont

Fifth annual Tour de Farms

SHOREHAM -- Fantastic foods, amazing bicycling, and spectacular scenery are in store for riders in the fifth Annual Tour de Farms, Sunday, Sept. 16. The Tour de Farms offers three loop rides (approx. 10, 25 and 30 miles) and a family-friendly five-mile walking or biking option. At frequent designated stops, family farmers will treat bicyclists and walkers to tasty samples of local foods such as apple cider, quiche, bread, roasted vegetables, yogurt, wine, maple syrup, and cookies.

Because the event is a tour and not a race, the pace is low key, allowing ample time to chat with farmers and relax with friends in the beautiful Champlain Valley. The Tour attracts approximately 600 bicyclists from Vermont, northeastern states, and Canada.

All routes begin and end at the Shoreham Town Green. The 30-mile riders depart at 10:30 a.m., the 25-mile riders depart at 11 a.m., and the 10-mile riders depart at 11:30 a.m. At 12:30 p.m. an Apple Fest on the town green, complete with continuous live music, crafts, and a farmers’ market featuring a variety of delicious items for salecontinues until 5 p.m.

Advance registration fees for the Tour de Farms are: $28 for adults and $13 for kids 16 and under. Day-of registration fees are $50 for adults and $20 for kids 16 and under. Children in trailers and bike seats ride free and don’t need to be registered. To registrater

Year of the Dragon

BENNINGTON -- Dragon fans of all ages are invited to the Bennington Free Library’s celebration of the Year of the Dragon.

The celebration starts with a classic dragon movie Saturday, Sept. 15 at 2 p.m. On Saturday, Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. local author Shawn MacKenzie will discuss her book, "The Dragon Keeper’s Handbook: Including the Myth & Mystery, Care & Feeding, Life & Lore of These Fiercely Splendid Creatures" and provide a sneak peak of her forthcoming book, "Dragons for Beginners." Books will be available for purchase and signing. Finally, on Saturday, Sept. 29 the celebration concludes with a final dragon movie at 2 p.m. All of these programs are free and open to the public, include snacks, and will be held in the Rotary Room of the library, which is located at 101 Silver Street in Bennington. The library is wheelchair accessible.For more info: 802-442-9051, reference@bfli.org.

Art classes at Equiox

MANCHESTER -- Equinox Village Local Retirement Community and local artist and art teacher Tony Conner are set to offer art classes to residents and the public, teaching a broad range of skills and techniques.

The classes, which will continue through a four-month schedule, will begin Sept. 13, from 10 to 11:30 a. m. The class is $50 for the public. There is a $15 fee for the model and materials. All classes are held at Equinox Village, 49 Maple Street, Manchester Center. For more info: 802-362-4061, tonyconner.com/classes-workshops.

Bennington Arts Guild

opening reception

BENNINGTON -- The Bennington Arts Guild will host a joint show by members Judith Kniffin and Paula Kautz-LaPorte this month, and an opening reception Saturday, Sept. 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Guild’s gallery at 103 South St. North Bennington artist Judith Kniffin’s series of oil paintings are all organized on a single theme -- decay. She paints old buildings, rusted metal, discarded glass and paper, as well as organic matter, in all their altered colors and softened shapes. Paula Kautz-LaPorte wove six small rugs on her floor loom to create the six carpet bags in the show. Each purse-sized bag is made of Navajo carpet yarn on linen warp with hand-stitched seams and vintage buttons and beads used as fasteners and decorative accents. For more information, visit www.benningtonartsguild.org.

Museum ABCs

BENNINGTON -- "Rockwell Kent’s Shadows," a program that explores shadows in two of Kent’s paintings -- The Trapper and Mt. Equinox, Summer -- kicks off the Bennington Museum’s "Museum ABCs," on Thursday, Sept. 20, at 1:30 p.m., in the museum galleries.

The program, held in conjunction with the Bennington Library, is designed for children ages 3 to 5, and includes stories about the month’s topic, visits to galleries to observe and talk about actual pieces of art, and an art or craft activity.

After visiting the gallery exhibiting Kent’s "Egypt" Shadow and Light in Vermont, continue the exploration of shadows in the Shadow Studio located in the Ada Paresky Education Center. Experiment by making shadows from cutout shapes, hands and more. Discover how different lighting and the direction of the lighting makes the shadows take on a whole new size and shape.

All children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Registration is recommended. The Bennington Museum is located at 75 Main St. (Route 9). For more information, call 802-447-1571 or 802-442-9051, or visit www.benningtonmuseum.org.