Gina Tron
BARRE — The Barre Heritage Festival returns Friday and Saturday, July 24 and 25, with homecoming festivities kicking off Wednesday evening, July 22, and the inaugural Taste of Barre event on Thursday, July 23.
Organized by The Barre Partnership, this year’s festival blends longtime staples — such as the parade and fireworks — with newer events aimed at highlighting the city’s roots.
“I really want to focus on the pride that Barre has,” Tracie Lewis, executive director of The Barre Partnership, told The Bridge. “We have such a great, vibrant community and the heritage festival really shows how our community comes together and celebrates us.”
One of this year’s biggest new additions is “Taste of Barre,” a kickoff event scheduled for Thursday, July 23, at 6 p.m. at the Barre Social Club. The inaugural event will feature heritage-inspired food and drink that shaped Barre’s history, from local establishments such as Pearl Street Pizza, Morse Block Deli, Vermont Salumi, AR Market, and Fox Market and Café, along with themed beer, wine, and cocktails. Tickets are available at the Barre Social Club’s website.
Lewis said the idea grew out of a desire to bring back a more traditional food experience to the festival.
“Back in the day, it was people who were my grandmother’s age making food,” she said, adding that her grandmother just passed away at age 101. “Finding people who can come and do vending like they used to has been difficult, so when the Barre Social Club opened, I thought this would be an amazing concept.”
The weekend’s entertainment begins Friday with live music on the main stage and a community talent show hosted by Donna Thunder. Musical acts for the festival include Jacob Green Band, Train Wreck, Thunder Horse, Native Tongue, and The Messengers. Betty B., whose voice locals will recognize from Froggy Vermont’s Country SuperStation, is the event master of ceremonies for the festival and for Homecoming Days.
Attendees can watch street performances such as The Red Trouser Show and Kate the Great. The Cycling Murrays are going to be a part of the fest’s signature parade, which will kick off at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Other beloved annual events include the Saturday morning Rotary Club breakfast and fireworks, which will light up downtown Barre at 9:15 p.m.
For families, there will be Kids Zone activities and family entertainment such as The Big Blue Trunk Show. There will be balloon art by Linda Peck, face painting, and new interactive installations, including the 802 Drip Party and a splash tent.
One of the festival’s most anticipated returning features is Green Mountain Wrestling, hosting the Granite City Showdown IV on Saturday at 3 p.m. on North Main Street. Co-owner Adam Lash said the event carries personal meaning for the team.
“As Barre boys ourselves, being a part of the Barre Heritage Festival is an honor we don’t take lightly,” Lash told The Bridge. His family owned former downtown Barre fixture Lash Furniture, which closed in 2018. “For me personally, holding our matches in the shadow of my family’s old furniture store makes it extra special.”
He said old friends will be returning, and they have some exciting matches planned.
Lewis also highlighted this year’s America 250 connection, which will include a staged historical reenactment tied to local lore. Green Mountain Wrestling will kick off its performances with a brief reenactment of the local legend that a fist fight determined the town’s new name when it was renamed from “Wildersburgh” to “Barre” in 1793.
The festival has roots dating back to the late 1970s, but it has taken a few breaks over the years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic and after the 2023 flooding.
With new events joining longtime favorites, organizers hope this year’s festival offers something for every generation.
“I hope everyone can come and enjoy what Barre is all about,” Lewis said.
