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A herd of brightly decorated Moose have arrived in Bennington to kick off Moosefest 2005 to fund arts education in the area. The 57 life-sized, six-foot-by-seven-foot fiberglass moose dot the landscape kicking off five months of events culminating in a Moosefest Gala at which the giant art works will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. "This is the most important thing Bennington has done in years," said Moosefest Chair Jerry Kline, of the normally quiet town nestled in the Green Mountains of southwestern Vermont. "It illustrates the emphasis we place on arts education, which often is under funded, and partners area business owners and artists to make a real difference to the community." In the planning since January 2004, Moosefest 2005 capitalizes on the popularity of similar events including horses in Saratoga, Pigs in Brandon, VT and sheep in Pittsfield, MA. Organizers believe this is the first time Moose has been honored. It was a natural selection for the town which has been graced with many moose visitations over the years. In addition to the life-size moose, 17 table-topped Moose were decorated by area schools and will be displayed in downtown store windows during the Moosefest. These small Moose will be auctioned off throughout the season by silent auction which will culminate on October 29th. Proceeds from these table-top Moose will go directly back to each participating school. Highlights of the May-to-October Moosefest included Mayfest, Bennington's own street fair, including a Moosefest benefit featuring a "Lobsterfest." Moose will march during Bennington's famous Battle Day Parade in August when the Apple Barn's giant Moose Maze, crafted out of 225,000 stalks of corn, will open and usher in a season of free children's programming all fall. Moosefest 2005 will also compliment one of the Northeast's best antique car shows when the Bennington-Hemmings Car Show begins in mid-September. There will also be a quilt show of some of the top quilters from the region. Other events include meet-the-artists nights, scavenger hunts and coloring contests. 
But you don't need an event to enjoy Moosefest. "The moose are everywhere... how many can YOU find?" laughs moose sponsor Jonah Spivak. "People are having a blast seeing all the moose, and get to explore Bennington's shops, restaurants, museums and attractions at the same time. It's a great event for the whole family. It is already a huge success and will be getting better and better all year." You can find up to date information and details about all 57 moose on the website www.benningtonmoosefest.com or by calling the Bennington Chamber of Commerce at 802-447-3311.
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