Feb. 9 - Manchester "The 20th Annual Manchester Chili Challenge" The Manchester Chili Challenge and Silent Auction also featuring Mac 'n Cheese. $8/adults, $4/kids (younger than 12). Contact 802-362-1349
Web: www.visitmanchestervt.com

Feb. 11 & 12 - Manchester "Southern Vermont Primitive Biathlon" A primitive biathlon is a fun and challenging wilderness competition of target shooting and snowshoeing. The event is open to all muzzleloading firearm enthusiast, regardless of their skill level or athletic ability. Spectators are welcomed and encouraged to view portions of the course. Other black powder shooting events are held throughout the weekend. All the wonderful prizes shown below have been generously donated by many local sponsors. To date, this event has contributed $3400 to Green Mountain Conservation Camps and $7200 to the Manchester Rod and Gun Club's Green Mountain Conservation Camps Scholarship Fund.
Web: www.svtpb.org

Feb. 11 - Manchester "4th Annual Teddy Bear Tea Party" The tea party is attended by party goers - bears included - adorned in their best Valentine's Day finery. Guests enjoy teas, juice and sweet treats, as well as arts-related activities.
Web: www.uubennington.org

Feb. 12 - Bennington "Winter Chamber Concert" Classical chamber concert featuring "Concerto for Bassoon and String Orchestra" by H Villa-Lobos, Jerry Lanoue soloist, Beethoven's "Symphony No 2 Opus 36 in D Major" and the full "Opus 3 no. 2 Concerto Grosso" by Handel. Venue is handicapped accessible.
Web: www.sagecitysymphony.org

Feb. 17 - Bennington "Dafé Brudäjo" Dafé Brudäjo plays a mix of originals, contemporary folk and jazz with Ferrilyn Sourdiffe on vocals and hand percussion, David Fowle on bass, mandolin and vocals, Josh Kleederman on electric guitar, Bruce Wheat on guitar, vocals and sax, and David Norman on percussion. Admission is $15. Doors open at 7 p.m. Coffee, tea and desserts are available for purchase.
Web: www.uubennington.org

Feb. 18-26 - Manchester "February Fire and Ice Festival - President's Week" President's Week is right around the corner and Stratton is bringing back its famed February Fire and Ice Festival, February 18-26. In celebration of Stratton's 50th Anniversary, every day will highlight a different decade. Kicking off with the 60s, the resort will be dancing to 60s music at every lift. Games will include Decade Trivia in the Gondi Cabin (a daily activity) and name that Beatles tune. The 70s will feature a tie dye party in the Main Base Lodge and the 80s will be a chance for everyone to showcase their best neon ski one piece. A full week of events including daily hot cocoa with the Stratton Bear and Sugar on Snow displays in the Main Base Area, check our website for full schedule.
Web: www.stratton.com

Feb. 18 - Manchester "February Festival & 75th Anniversary Fireworks Display" Hey everybody, it's February Festival time! It all starts at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday the 18th, the torchlight parade goes off at 7:15 p.m. followed at 7:30ish by the fireworks. Then it's dancing in the Wild Boar, the silent auction, vacation raffle, dessert tasting and all of the other frivolity from 8-11:00 p.m. in the base lodge.
Web: www.bromley.com

Feb. 26 - Manchester "The HotChocolate™ Society's 4th Oscar Party" The best Oscar party ouside the Oscars is in Manchester, Vermont and dipped in, sprinkled with, or created from chocolate. Time: 5:30 PM through Best Picture. Place: The Wilburton Inn, 257 Wilburton Dr., Manchester, VT 05254. Ticket Prices: $55 at the door, or $45 online. Your ticket includes fine food prepared by regional chefs participating in the Savory and Sweet Culinary Awards, chocolate confections, a complimentary specialty cocktail, and a chance to win prizes in our Fashion Awards and Oscar Pool as well as the broadcast of the 84th Academy Awards on multiple screens! Proceeds from tickets sales will be donated to Meals on Wheels of Bennington County to help feed some hungry people. There are only a limited number of tickets available so purchase your tickets early!
Web: hotchocolatesociety.ticketbud.com

Mar. 9-10, 16-17 - Dorset "Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest"" At The Dorset Playhouse. Visit their website for more information.
Web: www.dorsetplayers.org

Mar. 20-26 - Manchester "US Freestyle Championships" The contest will bring the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team as well as the best of divisional skiers from across the country to Stratton Mountain Resort to compete for the top title in moguls, aerials, halfpipe and dual moguls. Watch Vermont native and Olympic Gold Medalist Hannah Kearney defend her title.
Web: www.stratton.com

Mar. 23 - Bennington "Abby Newton and Celtic Crossing" Abby Newton and Celtic Crossing returns for an evening of Celtic music led by Abby's extraordinary cello. Abby is well-known for her recordings with the Scottish singer Jean Redpath and other leading folk musicians. Admission is $15. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Web: www.uubennington.org

Mar. 24-25 - Bennington "Bennington County Choral Society presents "Carmina Burana"" BCCS presents Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana." This 1937 work--with its driving rhythmic excitement--is a favorite with audiences and singers alike, and is the centerpiece of BCCS's 2011-12 season. Bennington Center for the Arts, 44 Gypsy Lane, Bennington, Saturday March 24th at 8 PM and Sunday, March 25th at 3 PM.
Web: bccsmusic.wordpress.com

Mar. 24 - Bennington "One Hundred for $100.00 Art Exhibit and Sale" Local artists present over 100 pieces of art in mediums that include glass, oil, watercolor, fabric, photography, sculpture and more. After the preview every piece will be on sale for exactly $100.00. During the first hour you will be treated to champagne, hors d'oeurves, and entertainment while you meet the artists and preview the exhibit. At 6pm we open the doors to the public and every piece goes on sale. This year will be even bigger and more exciting than last year where we featured over 25 artists.
Web: www.betterbennington.com