As we rolled out of the parking lot of Hunter Mountain this past weekend for what could have potentially been the last ski weekend of the season as a family, my youngest daughter turned to us and said, I want to go back to WinterWonderGrass. I can't say that I blame her. Her and her two older sisters loved it! Hell, we all did, and with good reason. In its first season at Stratton Mountain, WinterWonderGrass Music and Brew Festival was all that I expected it to be an more. There was the obvious appeal of the incredible bluegrass and roots acts that took the stage throughout the weekend. Then there was arguably the best kids' activity tent ever. It kept my kids safe and entertained while my wife and I enjoyed our favorite part, the craft beer tasting. Featuring some of Vermont's finest craft breweries and others from around the country, we got more than our fill of delicious samples. Hosted in mid-December, it was truly one of the best starts to any ski season that I have had and I cannot wait for their return to Stratton next winter. That's a long wait, for sure, however one that WWG plans to help make that wait just a bit more tolerable. Now you can close your season off in the same incredible way it started when WinterWonderGrass returns to Stratton for a free weekend of music April 13-14 called Sugar and Strings.
Following enthusiastic support from locals, artists, fans and the New England music community at large, the nationally acclaimed bluegrass and brew gathering will be back, but at a warmer date. In the spirit of WinterWonderGrass, the event will feature performances by Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, the Kitchen Dwellers, Twisted Pine, Beg Steal or Borrow, Will Seeders Mosheim & False Hearts and special guest, Pappy Biondo of Cabinet. A WWG Family Jam will take place at Grizzly's Saturday, April 13 as well.
“All of the WinterWonderGrass family including artists, staff and crew have deep gratitude for the warm and inviting welcome we received in our inaugural year at Stratton,” shared Scotty Stoughton, the festival founder. “And so, we are absolutely coming back! Following lengthy discussions with bands, our team, locals and fans, we have decided to move the event later in winter to take advantage of longer (and warmer) days, and sugaring season.” The event, Sugar & Strings, coincides with Vermont’s maple syrup season and is rooted deeply with sweet intention - designed to celebrate all things WinterWonderGrass, Vermont and Stratton’s end of season. All things includes keeping family at the core so there will once again be the aforementioned most incredible kids zone ever, activities for kids and adults and plenty of delicious beers and food.
Does all of this sound good to you? Of course it does and now you can win a sweet prize package to attend this closing weekend at Stratton along with tickets to tall three WinterWonderGrass shows during the 2020 winter. How? Simple, head on over to their contest page and enter to win the Big Contest before Friday, April 5th.
If you were there with us the first time around in December, you know exactly what you are in for. Sugar and Strings is sure to be an excellent end to the season as we gather once again to celebrate good times with good people. Mark your calendars so you don't miss out, and be sure to keep your eyes peeled as WWG is set to announce ticket packages for next winter in the coming weeks.
