Expanding Wassail Weekend
Applicant Name
Elizabeth Finlayson
Applicant Organization
Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce
Email Address
Phone Number
802-457-3555
Mailing Address
PO Box 486
Woodstock
Vermont
05091
Organization Website
Grant Request Summary
Wassail Weekend is in it’s 38th year. It continues to grow and attract visitors from all over the country. Guests make reservation now for the following year. It is a wonderful, collaborative celebration for the Woodstock Area. The Chamber coordinates with the Library, Artistree, Pentangles, high School groups, High Horses Therapeutic Riding and more. In 2021 the Chamber offered wagon rides throughout the Village on Saturday and Sunday from 9:30-1pm. These were well received. I would like to expand the day to Friday from 11-2PM. Phil Warren is well know in the area. His team is aware of the traffic and his wagon holds at least 10 people. His wife is in period costume and he wears a top hat, scarf and period coat.
The Chamber also contracted with Butler’s Bus to run two small buses as a shuttle service from the Village to the High School parking lot. This has worked well and help alleviate traffic problems on River Street and throughout the village. The buses run from 9:30AM until 5PM.
Project Budget
$2,500 - $4,999
Desired Grant Amount
$2,500 - $4,999
Other Funding Sources
The Chamber will raise the remaining $400 from donations.
Project Timeframe
The project will be Wassail Weekend. December 9-10-11, 2022
How will this project benefit the economic and community development of Woodstock?
Wassail weekend is probably most important economic driver of December. We often have 5,000 visitors on Saturday. The free parking out of the Village enhances the beauty of the village and makes it easy to get around town. The Horse and wagon add to the ambiance of the Weekend.
Which EDC Working Grouop Objectives does your project best support?
Marketing (Marketing Woodstock to attract more visitors and permanent residents), Events (Supporting the growth of events for visitors and the community)
Other Objectives
Project Collaborations
The Chamber collaborates with all of our Wassail partners including The Inn and all lodging establishments, Merchants, and our many Woodstock Area not-for-profits.
Additional Comments