by Ken Signorello
October 8, 2020
Mark your calendar: Following fast on the heels of the Village-based Open and Outside event, comes a sequel. The freshly named “Out & About in Essex” will be held Saturday, October 17th & Sunday, October 18th with expanded coverage out into the TOV.
Like the August Open and Outside event, vouchers will be available. This time, all Essex Residents will be eligible for vouchers, $15 max per household.
To get your vouchers, stop by the Essex Recreation office at 75 Maple Street, between 10am-2pm, Monday thru Friday, Oct. 13-16, with proof of residency (such as a driver's license, tax bill or utility bill). Supply is limited.
The first iteration had some great live music centered around the Firebird Cafe. Performances have been expanded to 14 acts in 8 locations, from the Five Corners to the Essex Experience, with more businesses accepting vouchers. Entertainment schedule and list of participating businesses may be found here.
Townwide “Out & About” Event, Oct. 17 - 18
Out & About in Essex is designed to boost local businesses that have been affected by COVID-19. While the prior event was underwritten by Village economic development funds, October's funding comes from a grant by Restart Vermont Regional Marketing & Stimulus Grant Program.
The prior event was a modest success. Several Village businesses benefited from taxpayer dollars, as follows, as of 10/2/2020.
The Brevity Thing performs at "Open and Outside" in August at Firebird Cafe