A group of Newport residents, tired of hearing complaints that there is nothing to do in town during winter weekends, has organized a series of events called “Winter Saturdays in Newport.” From December 3 through February 25, the downtown will host live music, special sales, and family-friendly activities every Saturday except Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Daytime offerings include hot chocolate, sales at local shops, and activities listed on the Discover Newport website and the “Newport, Vermont” Facebook page. Saturday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m., the Gateway Center on the waterfront will host live bands, a cash bar, and local food. Two family-focused afternoons, December 17 and February 11, will run from 3 to 6 p.m. with ornament making, cookie decorating, and gingerbread house building.
Sarah Chadburn, president of the nonprofit Newport City Downtown Development (NCDD), said the group began meeting last spring at The Warehouse to brainstorm ideas. “A group of us got tired of going somewhere else to find something to do,” she said. “The bands we have chosen are great to listen and dance to, but we’re trying to create an atmosphere that will make it possible to just be together and enjoy one another’s company.”
NCDD Director Rick Ufford-Chase noted that downtown businesses embraced the plan. “Little by little, step by step, we’re all working together to make Newport a great place for both locals and visitors to come hang out,” he said.
The musical lineup includes the Markus Daniels Band (December 3), Mike Goudreau Band (January 14), Sibling Reverie (January 7 and February 18), and others. Tickets are $10 per adult at the door (kids 12 and under free), or a season pass for all 11 events for $75.
Originally reported by Newport Dispatch.
Photo: Yan Krukau via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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