Labor Day weekend is one of those times when the Mad River Valley really shows the world who we are.

There will be plenty happening: the 55th annual Mad River Valley Craft Fair, the Waitsfield Farmers Market, local makers, live music, theater, art, a kids’ science show and, because this is the Mad River Valley, hundreds of rubber ducks racing down the river.

It is an eclectic mix—and that is exactly the point. What makes this place special has never been our ability to look or act like every other destination. It is our independence, our creativity and our willingness to do things our own way. We are farmers, artists, shopkeepers, innkeepers, restaurateurs, musicians, makers and more than a few true Valley characters. Together, we create an experience that simply can’t be manufactured or replicated somewhere else.

That spirit of independence does not mean we do everything alone. The Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce exists to help connect the people, businesses and organizations that make this community work. By sharing information, promoting local events, supporting business owners and advocating for a strong local economy, the Chamber helps turn a collection of individual businesses into a connected destination.

That connection matters, especially on a busy holiday weekend. When visitors come for the Craft Fair, they may also discover a farm stand, grab lunch at a local restaurant, browse a gallery, stay for live music or return for another season. When businesses share information and send visitors down the road to one another, more of those dollars stay here, supporting local jobs, community organizations and the people who give the Valley its character.

A busy holiday weekend is an important opportunity for all of us. Our businesses will be humming, our roads and trails will be busy, and visitors will be out discovering the Valley. Let’s welcome them warmly, send them down the road to another local business and proudly share what makes this community different. That kind of collaboration is at the heart of what the Chamber supports every day.

This weekend, let’s lean into our quirkiness, celebrate our independence and put our best Mad River Valley foot forward. That is who we are—and it is exactly why people love coming here.

See Everything Happening This Weekend →