We Are MRV

A Celebration of Neighbors, Connection, and Community

September 19–21, 2025

Here in the Mad River Valley, we’re pretty good at showing up for each other. Whether it’s pitching in for a community event, cheering on the runners at the Mad Marathon, keeping our trails clear, or making sure a neighbor has what they need—this Valley has heart.

That’s exactly why the folks at Bee, a new Vermont app built to help people plug into local volunteer opportunities, chose us as one of their first pilot communities. We already know what it means to roll up our sleeves and get involved—now Bee will help make that even easier.

This September, we’ll come together for We Are MRV, a weekend celebration of what makes this place so special. Two big events will anchor the fun:

Friday Night at the Movies

September 19 – Big Picture Theater & Café, Waitsfield
5:30 PM – Drinks and appetizers
6:00 PM – Movie begins, followed by a lively discussion
To introduce the weekend’s theme of civic engagement, we’re  hosting a special screening of the feature documentary Join or Die, a film about why you should join a club—and why the fate of America depends on it. Follow the story of America’s civic unraveling through the journey of Robert Putnam, whose legendary “Bowling Alone” research into American community decline may hold the answers to our democracy’s present crisis.

Let’s come together to strengthen our Valley and reimagine what civic life can look like. The event is free, but seating is limited and tickets are required. Click here to grab your ticket.

Sunday: Community Connection Fair

September 21 – Inn at Round Barn Farm, 12–3 PM
On Sunday, we’ll gather for a good old-fashioned community fair—part block party, part volunteer fair, all Mad River Valley.

Civic involvement is the cornerstone of a thriving community—and here in the Mad River Valley, there are so many ways to make a difference. Join us for the Mad River Valley Community Connection Fair, where local organizations will come together to share meaningful opportunities to get involved and give back.

You’ll find:

  • Hands-on activities for kids (and kids-at-heart)
  • Local music to keep things lively
  • A BBQ lunch to bring it all together

It’s a chance to meet the folks who keep our Valley vibrant, learn how you can pitch in, and celebrate everything we’ve built together.

You’ll have a chance to meet with representatives from groups doing important work in our Valley, including:
• Mad River Mentoring
• Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce
• stewardMRV
• MRV Rotary Club
• MRV Ambulance Service
• Mad River Path
• Local Town Conservation Commissions
…and more!

Introducing Bee

The developers of a new app called Bee have chosen the Mad River Valley as one of their pilot communities. Bee helps neighbors find local ways to get involved—without scrolling through endless social feeds or chasing email chains. From trail cleanups to food drives, you’ll be able to see what’s happening right here in the Valley and jump in with a tap. Think of it as one more way we can keep this special place humming. Organizations at the Community Fair will be posting their upcoming volunteer opportunities on Bee.

👉 Be part of the Bee pilot in the Mad River Valley—download the app today: joinbee.app

Come Join Us

Come Join Us

So mark your calendar, bring your neighbors, and join us for We Are MRV. Together we’ll celebrate what we’ve built, discover new ways we might engage, and take the next step toward making it even easier to show up for one another.

👉 Be part of the Bee pilot in the Mad River Valley—download the app today: joinbee.app

Thank You!