NORTH BENNINGTON -Vermont Arts Exchange celebrates another anniversary of festive Halloween parades and parties with the 17th annual North Bennington Halloween Parade on Friday, October 30, beginning at 3:30 pm. Join the festivities as children, artists, musicians, belly dancers, drummers, friends, and neighbors dress up and promenade through town, accompanied by music, dancing, and large sculptural costumes.

Participants gather at VAE, located at the Sage Street Mill, at 3 pm, before meandering down Sage Street, through the village of North Bennington, and back to the mill for cider, doughnuts, and a blazing bonfire.

Revelers of all ages are invited to compete in a Halloween Costume Contest, with prizes awarded to adults and youngsters for imaginative ensembles! All activities are free and open to the public.

Last year’s Halloween Parade and festivities drew more than 500 people, a record-breaking crowd. Join VAE again, or for the first time, to celebrate Halloween. Drummers, jugglers, and dancers are encouraged to share their skills and join in on the fun! Stop inside VAE’s Mill Gallery to catch a peek at the exhibit currently on view, “Philip Wofford: Recent Paintings 2005-2009.”

Vermont Arts Exchange is located at the Sage Street Mill in North Bennington. Call VAE at (802) 442-5549 or visit www.vtartxchange.org.