One of the Mad River Valley's most popular summer traditions returns this summer as local businesses and community organizations revive Round Up on the River, a weekly gathering that for many years served as a summertime centerpiece for residents and visitors alike.
Now rebranded as the Round Up Revival, the event launches July 2 and continues every Thursday evening for 10 weeks on the Mad River Green in Waitsfield.
The revival is being organized by 5th Quarter Butcher + Provisions in partnership with Sugarbush and with support from the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Beginning at 5 p.m. each Thursday, the event will feature live music, food trucks, beer and wine vendors, sweet treats and family-friendly activities. Organizers say the goal is to recreate the community atmosphere that made the original Round Up on the River a fixture of Valley summers.
LEADERSHIP AND VISION
"For many years, Round-Up on the River was one of the defining summer traditions in the Mad River Valley, a simple but incredibly meaningful gathering that brought together locals, visitors, musicians, food vendors, families and businesses in a uniquely Mad River Valley way," said Eric Friedman, executive director of the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce.
The event disappeared a couple of years ago, leaving a void in The Valley's summer events calendar. Friedman credited the leadership and vision of the team at 5th Quarter Butcher + Provisions, along with community collaboration, for bringing the tradition back.
"The Mad River Valley Chamber is proud to support this revival and help organize business participation," Friedman said.
LIVE MUSIC
“Music has always been an important facet of the weekly event. We are currently looking for businesses willing to sponsor a week to cover (entertainment, restroom facilities and trash and recycling) at $1,500 a week, which will directly support live music, sound production, portable restrooms, cleaning and trash and recycling services,” Friedman said.
Friedman said community support has been strong, with only a handful of weekly sponsorship opportunities still available.
"This is a great opportunity not only for businesses that typically sponsor community events, but also for businesses that may simply want to give back and help create something positive and vibrant for the Valley," Friedman said. "Efforts like this help strengthen the sense of community that makes The Valley such a special place to live, work and visit."
