WILMINGTON- Summer is coming and so are Wilmington’s famous Village Strolls. The first stroll, themed Make It in the Village, is scheduled for Saturday, June 30, from 5 until 8 pm. This new theme showcases the way that artisans, artists, chefs, and shopkeepers are creating art, food, products, and more in the village every day. Jim McGrath will be painting in (or maybe outside) his gallery on West Main Street. Veronica at Beadz Needs on North Main Street will be demonstrating how to make jewelry. Next door, check out the community doodle art project at Gallery Wright.

The June 30 stroll will be a treat for foodies, featuring the town’s very own Jr. Iron Chef teams with their delicious recipes. Sample food while strolling, then have a leisurely dinner at one of the area’s restaurants. Apres Vous, Anchor Seafood, Jerry’s Deck at the Old Red Mill Inn, The Wilmington Inn, Jezebel’s, Maple Leaf Brewery, and Wilmington Village Pub will all be open for dinner. Starting at 7 pm acoustic-rock song stylist Joel Cage will be performing at Apres Vous on South Main Street.

There’s something for everyone at this stroll. Head over to the Pettee Memorial Library on South Main Street for local magician Jay McMahon’s show at 5 pm, followed by the enchanted fairy garden tour. Around the village, there will also be a circus lawn, village geocaching, a Where’s Waldo scavenger hunt, musicians, and more throughout the stroll. Pick up Where’s Waldo maps at Bartleby’s Books and village geocaching maps at the Mount Snow Valley Chamber of Commerce or at many spots around the village. Chamber incentive cards are still available for purchase at the chamber office.

Shops will be open late with some offering specials The 1836 Country Store is offering a free sparkler or two free postcards and 5% off after 5 pm. Make your own Where’s Waldo T-shirt at Bartleby’s Books. Check out the puzzles at Norton House. View Ann Coleman’s art at Bartleby’s. Housewares, clothing, and accessories are available at Pickwell’s Barn and Incurable Romantic, locally made candles at Wilmington Candle Company, great finds at consignment store The Fashion Plate, and art and pottery at Quaigh Designs. Stop in and see local realtors Vermont Country Properties/Sotheby’s and Meg Streeter Real Estate. Meet members of the Wilmington Fund board at the Parmelee and Howe building.

Village business owners, town committees, and volunteers are hard at work restoring the vibrant village. Come on out on Village Stroll night to show support for Wilmington’s recovery. The beautification committee and the historic village recovery committee have a few things to showcase including the new sidewalk in front of the Maple Leaf, which will be officially unveiled at the stroll, as well as benches throughout the village. Check out the West Main Street parking lot improvements.

Two more strolls are scheduled for this season the Blueberry Block Party on Saturday, July 28, and the Wine and Harvest Stroll on Friday, September 21. Don’t forget to “like” us on facebook for more updates search Village Strolls in Wilmington. For more information visit www.visitvermont.com or call (802) 464-8092.