Party in the Park!

Kids in Hubbard Park Credit: Courtesy of Montpelier Parks Department

What’s more fun than sleeping beneath the stars in July? Pitching your tent in the capital city’s hilltop park with friends and neighbors, of course. For the first time ever, Montpelier’s Parks Department opens 194-acre Hubbard Park for the HOWL Family Arts Festival from July 21-23, three days and two nights jam-packed with fun family activities. Kids VT talked to staff members of the Montpelier Parks Department to get the lowdown on what’s happening.

Kids VT: What does HOWL mean?

Montpelier Parks Department: Hubbard Outdoor Wilderness Living. When we began envisioning a summer family fun weekend, community camping immediately seemed a great opportunity. Tent sites are in three areas, including a primitive one for the more adventurous folks.

KVT: What activities will be taking place?
MPD: The sledding hill will transform into a giant Slip ‘N Slide. We’re going to do field games, outdoor yoga, evening bonfires, a kids’ talent show and a dance party. At Sunday’s Kids Craft Fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., youngsters can sell items for $5 or less they’ve made before or at HOWL’s maker space. We’ve also partnered with other organizations, so night hikes include destinations to the Mountaineers game and a midnight swim in the city pool. Live bands scheduled are the Stone Cold Roosters on Friday and the Afro-Caribbean fusion band Mal Maiz on Saturday. Modern Times Theater and Mayfly will perform. A full schedule will be available at the Capital City Farmers Market (on Saturday, July 15) and online by next week.

KVT: What about food?
MPD: Some of the farmers market and Fourth of July vendors will set up shop, but folks should definitely feel free to bring their own provisions, too.

KVT: How are you handling parking?
MPD: With limited space in the park, there’s a $15 charge per car. We’re encouraging families to leave their vehicles for free at Montpelier High School and ride a shuttle to the park. Shuttles will run every hour. Better yet, walk instead.

KVT: How much does this all cost?
MPD: We really want to make this weekend affordable for everyone. Tickets are available for the whole shindig ($20 per night for camping) or just for a day ($10 per family), and folks can purchase tickets at Montpelier’s City Hall or Hunger Mountain Co-op. Campers should definitely pick up tickets early, as spaces are limited. A sliding scale fee is available by request for those who buy tickets at City Hall. Or, sign-up for a four-hour volunteer shift by emailing coordinator Emily Markstein at emarkste@oswego.edu and get a free family weekend pass.

This article was originally published in Seven Days’ monthly parenting magazine, Kids VT.