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- Spiced mead
Meadmaker Ricky Klein taps kegs of sparkling honey wine to celebrate the season of snow-blown days and long, frosty nights. Outside, bonfires and steaming mugs of spiced mead from Groennfell Meadery and sister biz Havoc Mead warm souls willing to brave the weather, while bottomless plates of Scandinavian-style pulled pork and other sustaining snacks keep energy levels high as evening darkness closes in.
Midwinter Fest: Saturday, December 8, noon-8:30 p.m., Colchester's Mead Hall. $10. Info, 497-2345, colchestersmeadhall.com.
More food events
Farm Talks: Creative Conservation & Community Farming: Farmers discuss collaborative approaches to working-lands stewardship, conservation and sustainable agribusiness development. Thursday, December 6, 6-7:30 p.m., Bread & Butter Farm, Shelburne. Free. Info, breadandbutterfarm.com.
Northfield Common Spirit Celebration: Locals bundle up for a holiday farm-and-crafters market and tree-lighting ceremony on the town common. Carolers, wagon rides and visits with Santa make it a family affair. Saturday, December 7, 4-7 p.m., Depot Square, Northfield. Free. Info, 485-8546, northfieldfarmersmarketvt.org.
Gingerbread House Competition: Ready, set, gingerbread! Bakers enter homemade masterpieces in an architectural competition with three spirited prize packages. Entry fees benefit the Committee on Temporary Shelter. Wednesday, December 12, 5:30-9 p.m., Stonecutter Spirits Highball Social, Burlington. $10. Info, 540-3000, stonecutterspirits.com.