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Welcome to our blog!

Below you will find information on real estate, our local area, and the community. Please feel free to comment on any posts, we would love to hear what you think! 

The *NEW* Ludlow Farmers Market

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We contacted Emma Wright, who serves as the Board President and Market Manager of the *NEW* Ludlow Farmers Market. Let's come together as a community and show our support for Emma's hard work, as well as the entire board!

Why were you interested in tackling this endeavor of rebranding / resurrecting the Ludlow Farmers Market? I moved here about a year ago from Boise, Idaho, and I've fallen in love with Vermont but was missing the community I found in my farmers markets back home. I helped vend for a few different local businesses over the years and it was always the best part of my summers. I heard the Ludlow Farmers Market would discontinue if someone didn't step in, so I said to myself, "Let's see what I can do!" Since beginning my journey with LFM I have found nothing but positive support and real, tangible efforts from the community to keep the market alive. I am truly so grateful, and could not be doing this without my team, the rest of the Board. Our members include myself (Emma Wright, President), Leslie Cassano (VP), Abby Childs (Secretary), Pam Trainer (Treasurer), Mariah Ford, Greg Cox, and Heather Tucker. 

Can you outline the vision and mission for the rebranded LFM? The vision for LFM moving forward is friendly, inclusive, approachable, and community-focused. Think of a neighbor who always has fresh coffee or tea when you stop by, who drops baked goods on your porch unannounced, and hosts community backyard BBQ's - that's who we want to be in town. We strive to be a connection hub in the community by weaving in local businesses, supporting our neighbors, inviting a wide variety of vendors, and doing our best to include consumers of all different backgrounds.

Is there still availability for vendors to sign up? What is the cut-off date? There is still availability! Vendors may contact us via email at info@ludlowmarket.org to begin the application process. All application fees must be in by April 15th to ensure a spot at the market this year. 

I know it’s early in the year, but can you share any vendors who are already signed up to table? Yes! Our two primary produce vendors, both of whom sit on our Board of Directors, include Mariah Ford of Haven Hill Farmstead and Greg Cox of Boardman Hill Farm. That's all I can speak to at the moment, but I can also promise that consumers will see fresh flowers, baked goods, a variety of homemade canned goods, hand-crafted skincare, and more!

How do you plan to incorporate feedback from past experiences to improve the market in its new iteration? A lot of the feedback we got when talking to the community involved the timing of the market, which we are taking on in full force by moving the market to Sunday mornings. We also heard the cry for live music loud and clear, and we already have a handful of musicians from across the state who want to participate! For vendors, we can promise we will be advertising like crazy this season.

What measures are being taken to ensure that the rebranded LFM remains a vibrant and integral part of the community for years to come? We want the Ludlow Farmers Market to thrive not only this season, but to continue to grow in years to come. A rebrand was part of that mission - to let people know that we are still here and that we are open to change/growth. We are going to heavily step up our advertising and social media game, which will not only benefit us but our vendors and business neighbors. I'm talking about weekly vendor spotlights, business highlights in our newsletter (yes, we are launching a newsletter!) and more. The move to Depot St. also plays into this picture, of evolving to remain a community staple - locating ourselves in the heart of Ludlow will direct the flow of foot traffic through our business district and encourage more consumer dollars to be spent in town. 

What are ways the community can support you? Tell us about the March Block Party! Come to our block party! We are closing down Depot St. in the evening on March 20th to host a block party with small bites offered from local restaurants (Stemwinder, The Eatery, Homestyle, Goodmans), including a farmers market-themed cocktail provided from Main + Mountain! We also have a handful of amazing raffle prizes, including gear/merch from Helly Hansen and Nordica, lift tickets to Okemo, CSA shares and gift cards to our local produce vendors, and more! Tickets are available for $20 in advance (on our website www.ludlowmarket.org) and get you entry to the event + all of the food offerings. Drink tokens and raffle tickets will be available for additional purchase. Proceeds from this fundraiser will directly support vendors this year by allowing us to offer a heavily discounted seasonal rate; this rate reflects our acknowledgement of the devastating July floods as well as incentive for vendors to be as successful as possible in the new era of the Ludlow Farmers Market.

Solar Eclipse

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The solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024, is set to be a breathtaking celestial display where the moon will perfectly align with the sun, casting a shadow on the Earth. During a total solar eclipse, the sky darkens, stars become visible, and the sun's outer atmosphere, the corona, emerges in a stunning display of light and color. It's a moment that has mesmerized people for centuries and continues to captivate audiences around the globe.

Looking for housing?

For those interested in viewing this awe-inspiring event, Open Door Vacation Rentals has rental availability for those looking to stay overnight or to make a weekend out of it. Whether you choose to watch the eclipse from the comfort of your vacation rental or venture out to a nearby location, you'll have the perfect vantage point to witness this natural phenomenon.

Viewing from Ludlow

Ludlow is just beyond the path of totality, but will still have a 98% coverage at its peak: 3:28 pm. View the eclipse map to see more location timing.

Path of Totality Viewing

If you're looking to experience the solar eclipse in the path of totality, where the moon completely covers the sun, a drive of just over an hour to Middlebury will bring you to the optimal viewing spot. This is an easy out-and-back trip. 

Viewing Safety

It's essential to prioritize safety when choosing a spot to view the eclipse. While the temptation to venture into the backcountry or explore muddy trails may be strong, opt for easily accessible and stable locations. Vermont Public says, "[a] potential danger for hikers unfamiliar with Vermont is the possibility of winter conditions at mountain summits. Visitors may assume the spring conditions they experience in town will continue up a mountain without the necessary equipment to traverse and survive in snow and ice. Busy roadways and bad traffic could complicate rescue efforts."

Remember to protect your eyes with certified eclipse glasses and avoid looking directly at the sun to prevent any damage to your vision. Look for the ISO certification label on the glasses to confirm that the glasses are safe for solar viewing.

How rare are solar eclipses?

Vermont saw its last total solar eclipse in 1932, and won't see another until 2106. From Vermont, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

February Events in the Okemo Valley

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William Raveis Vermont Properties is turning 25 and William Raveis is turning 50! Our team is hosting a FREE family event on Saturday, February 10 at 6:30 pm. Swing by the Ludlow Town Hall to see a special performance by Al Getler (comedian & ventriloquist). 

Our team and OMARA are excited to invite you to the 20th Annual Comedy Night at Okemo at the Base 68 Cafe. Get ready for a night of laughter and entertainment on Saturday, February 24th. The event will feature the hilarious Raanan Hershberg, known for his appearances on The Tonight Show, The Late Late Show, and Comedy Central.

This event is open to individuals aged 18 and above, and it will offer open seating and a cash bar. Tickets are available for $40 in advance and $45 at the door (subject to availability). All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting OMARA's mission, which focuses on aiding the athletes, families, and coaches of Okemo Competition programs. Additionally, the proceeds will help provide access to the mountain for the communities surrounding Okemo.

Don't miss out on this fantastic evening of comedy and fun, all while contributing to a great cause! Purchase tickets at Go2OMARA.com

We are proud to be OLYMPIC GOLD SPONSORS of Okemo Mountain School's 2024 WinterFest! This will be a fun event at Outer Limits Brewing on Saturday, February 3 from 7 - 10 pm. Their online auction is live now! Purchase tickets in advance here. All proceeds benefit Okemo Mountain School and their operating costs.

Fire & Ice Fundraiser Wrap-Up

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We are proud to be on the fundraising committee that raised $14,570 for the Ludlow Fire Department!

The funds were collected from the highly anticipated Fire & Ice Event, an online Silent Auction, and the Fire & Ice merchandise sale. The fundraising committee, comprised of Kathy Burns, Kevin Barnes, Terry Fortuna, Abby Childs, Lisa Schmidt, [...]

2023 Coat Drive Wrap-up

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2023 Coat Drive Wrap-up

The Okemo Valley Coat Drive is an annual initiative aimed at collecting warm jackets and winter coats to distribute among individuals and families in need within the Okemo Valley community and is organized by William Raveis Vermont Properties. This year, the Vermont Properties Team successfully collected an abundant supply of jackets and winter coats to support the local community in need. All the donated jackets will be distributed to the Black River Good Neighbor Services, a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to providing essential resources and support to individuals and families in the area.

 

The Black River Good Neighbor Services has been a pillar of support for the Okemo Valley community for many years. Through their various programs and services, this esteemed organization strives to address issues related to food security, clothing, household items, and more. They remain committed to their mission of helping those in need, and the donated jackets from the 2023 Coat Drive will significantly aid them in fulfilling their objectives.

 

Thank you to the community members who generously donated jackets. We hope this contribution will provide much-needed warmth and comfort to individuals and families facing challenging circumstances during the colder months. Visit VTProp.com to learn about future events and initiatives aimed at bettering the Okemo Valley.

Gear Up for an Epic Ski Season

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Before hitting the slopes, it's important to ensure you're well-prepared for a safe and enjoyable skiing experience. From equipment to physical fitness, there are a few key areas to consider before embarking on your snowy adventures. In this pre-ski season checklist, we will guide you through the essential steps to get ready for the slopes, [...]

Save the Date! Fire & Ice Fundraiser

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Our team is excited to announce Fire & Ice, a Ludlow Fire Department fundraiser! Save the date for this new event on Saturday, December 9th, 2023 at the Roundhouse at Okemo's Jackson Gore.

 

It's our pleasure to share that William Raveis Vermont Properties is the presenting sponsor of this fundraiser. Our team is proud to help fund our local firefighters. Join us for a night of entertainment with Comic Hypnotist, Frank Santos. This comedy show will be a night to remember!

 

Be amazed when you, your friends or strangers across the room become stars of the show, as Frank makes them believe that they are singers, dancers and much, much more. This is a performance where the audience becomes the show.  Frank's performance has limitless variations and can please every appetite. This is a hilarious, energetic and unique show that you will never forget! Frank has over 20 years of experience and we are excited to welcome him to Okemo. 

 

There will also be a silent auction with fabulous prizes including items and experiences from your local favorites. Door's open at 7 p.m. and the auction will open until the performance begins! Get here early, grab a seat, and start your bidding. Lastly, we will have custom t-shirts and pints for a cute keepsake, so bring some extra cash for merch and the cash bar!

 

The Ludlow Fire Department is volunteer operated, offering our community peace of mind knowing there's help when we need it. These members of our community are hoping you'll give back to the department at Fire & Ice and support their fundraising efforts. You are welcome to make a further donation prior to, during, or after the event. Anything helps our devoted team of volunteer firefighters!

 

Purchase your tickets now by clicking here! Thank you for supporting the Ludlow Fire Department. 

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