Welcome to the Mad River Valley: Celebrating Independence Day Together

If Memorial Day marks the start of summer on the calendar, the Fourth of July marks the beginning of summer in the Mad River Valley.

This holiday weekend is the unofficial kickoff to the heart of our summer season. It’s when the Valley truly comes alive—our villages bustle with activity, trails fill with hikers, rivers and swimming holes become gathering places, outdoor patios buzz with conversation, and visitors from across the country arrive to experience everything that makes the Mad River Valley special.

At the center of it all is the Warren Fourth of July Parade.

For generations, the parade has been more than just a holiday tradition. It is a celebration of community, creativity, patriotism, and the independent spirit that defines the Mad River Valley. Neighbors reconnect, families create new memories, businesses showcase their pride, and visitors get a glimpse of the authentic character that makes this place unlike anywhere else.

The parade may be the centerpiece, but the Fourth of July weekend is really a celebration of the entire Valley.

It’s the beginning of farmers market mornings, live music evenings, mountain adventures, family reunions, backyard barbecues, village strolls, and the countless experiences that make summer here so memorable. Whether you’re hiking to a summit, paddling a river, enjoying a meal prepared with local ingredients, browsing our shops, or simply taking in the views, summer in the Mad River Valley has a way of reminding us what matters most.

To our visitors: welcome.

Whether this is your first visit or a tradition that spans generations, we’re grateful you’ve chosen to spend part of your summer with us. We hope you’ll explore beyond the parade route and discover the businesses, farms, restaurants, lodging properties, recreation opportunities, artists, and community organizations that make the Valley so vibrant.

To our local businesses: thank you. The hospitality, hard work, and passion you bring to your business help create the experiences visitors remember long after they return home. The Fourth of July weekend is one of the busiest and most important times of the year, and your efforts help showcase the very best of our community. A huge shout out to the MRV Rotary Club that makes the parade happen, Sugarbush Resort for their generous support of the our amazing 4th of July fireworks celebration. and the Town of Warren that hosts everyone so graciously and herds all the cats to make it happen. Thank you to everyone who contributes their time, energy, and resources to create an experience that leaves such a lasting impression on our guests and strengthens our sense of community.

To the volunteers, sponsors, parade organizers, municipal staff, public works crews, first responders, and nonprofit organizations who make this weekend possible: thank you. Events like these are powered by people who care deeply about this place and are willing to roll up their sleeves to make something special happen for everyone.

As you plan your holiday weekend, we encourage you to take advantage of everything the Valley has to offer. Check the MRV Chamber Community Calendar, discover a new favorite business, support local organizations, and consider using the Mad River Valley Itinerary Builder to create your own personalized Valley adventure.

This weekend, we celebrate our nation’s independence. But here in the Mad River Valley, we also celebrate community, tradition, and the beginning of another unforgettable summer season. From all of us at the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce, thank you for being part of what makes this place so extraordinary. Happy Independence Day—and welcome to summer in the Mad River Valley.