But what you might not see at first glance is everything happening behind the scenes to make it all come to life.
In a town like Middlebury, summer doesn’t just happen. It’s the result of months of coordination, dozens of conversations, countless emails, and a whole lot of heart. At the center of it all is a tightly woven network of partnerships—people and organizations working in sync to create something bigger than any one event.
It’s Middlebury Underground brainstorming and building out Foodaroo for its tenth year, dreaming up street performances and food lineups that feel just right for this community. It’s the Festival on the Green committee coordinating performances and sharing space with St Stephen’s during the Peasant Market.
it’s the dedicated team of Angelo Lynn and his team at the Addison Independent, tirelessly keeping us informed of all things local.
It’s the Town Hall Theater crew making the new Plaza come alive with a free summer concert series, transforming a public space into a shared gathering spot.
It’s Caitlin Boyce at the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival carefully curating a lineup and welcoming emerging voices—all while ensuring local students get free access to the magic of cinema.
It’s the creative, compassionate team at Ilsley Library planning storytime for dogs and dreaming up new ways to bring families into the fold.
It’s the quiet leadership of Mark Pruhenski and the dedicated work of the town offices, coordinating logistics that most of us never have to think about.
It’s Phil, Maria and Lisa at the Addison Chamber of Commerce supporting business owners; Parks & Rec bringing energy to public spaces ( hope you managed to catch the magnificent Circus Smirkus recently!) and Public Works making sure the details—like clean streets, water hookups, and electrical access—are in place.
It’s Coco at the Sheldon Museum offering the summer tent and its grounds to host families, artists, and even a certain striped explorer named Waldo!
It’s every restaurant and store that stays open late, puts a poster in the window, donates a prize, or simply smiles a little wider when a new visitor walks in.
In Middlebury, community isn’t just a value—it’s a practice. And arguably, summer is when that practice is most visible, most joyful, and most alive ( although Fall and Winter put on a pretty spectacular performance!)
So next time you attend an event, shop downtown, or stroll past a band playing in the evening light, take a moment to appreciate not just the moment itself—but the many hands that made it possible.
Because in this small town, every joyful moment is the product of joined-up thinking, true collaboration, and a shared belief in what’s possible when we work together.
Middlebury, we see you—and we’re so glad to be part of it.