Weekend in Vermont: Ice Fishing Clinic, 12th Night Celebration, and Contra dance Light Up the State
Table of Contents
Three hometown gatherings unfold this weekend, giving residents and visitors chances to learn, celebrate, and connect through outdoor activity, festive arts, and conventional dance.
Ice Fishing Clinic opens the Weekend
Aspiring anglers are invited to Knapp Pond in Cavendish for an Introduction to ice Fishing session focused on trout. The clinic runs from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. today, offering practical basics for beginners and a refresher for those with some experience. learn more from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.
Official links:
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
·
Introduction to ice Fishing clinic.
Cabot’s 7th Annual 12th Night Celebration
the holiday season keeps its glow with a villagewide celebration spanning four venues. Attendees can enjoy live music, hands-on art activities, a lantern parade, a shared dinner, and bonfires with hot cocoa.All events and performances are free for everyone to enjoy.
Details are hosted by the Cabot Arts community page:
Cabot Arts.
Contra Dancing Night in Berlin
Dancing enthusiasts of all levels can join a traditional contra dance with live music. The evening runs from 8:00 p.m.to 11:00 p.m. at the Capital City Grange. Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for children. Dances are held on the first and third Saturdays of each month.
Event page:
Capital City grange — Contra Dance.
At a Glance
| Event | Location | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Ice Fishing (Trout) | knapp Pond, Cavendish | 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Today | Cost not listed | Learn basics or refresh skills; focus on ice fishing safety |
| 7th Annual 12th Night Celebration | Four venues in Cabot | Various performances and activities during the event window | Free for all | Lantern parade, community dinner, art and music |
| Contra Dancing | Capital City Grange, Berlin | 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | $12 adults; $5 kids | First and third Saturdays of each month |
Reader Engagement
Which event will you attend this weekend, and why does it appeal to you?
What other winter community happenings would you like to see highlighted in upcoming editions?
Ice‑Fishing Intro – Your First Frozen‑Lake Adventure
Why Ice‑Fishing Is a Must‑Do Winter Weekend
- Low‑key social scene – perfect for small groups or solo outings.
- Fresh, fast‑growing fish populations in northern lakes (e.g., walleye, northern pike, trout).
- Unique photo‑op moments: sunrise on a crystal‑clear slab, ice‑shack ambience.
Top Beginner‑Pleasant locations (2026)
- Lake of the Woods, Minnesota – over 14,000 islands, abundant “big‑wiggle” walleye.
- Lake Simcoe, Ontario – official ice‑fishing hotspot with daily “Ice‑Fishing Days” program.
- Lake St. Lawrence, New Brunswick – renowned for lake‑whitefish and easy access points.
Essential Gear Checklist (Bullet‑Point Format)
- Ice Auger – electric for speed, manual for reliability.
- Safety Kit – ice‑scoop, throw rope, insulated waterproof gloves, and a personal flotation device (PFD).
- Portable Shelter – pop‑up ice shanty with a built‑in heater (≤ 5 kW).
- Fishing Rod & Reel – 5′‑6′ jigging rods, 8–12 lb test line.
- Bait & Lures – live minnows, jigging spoons, soft‑plastic grubs.
Step‑by‑Step Beginner Routine
- Scout the Ice Thickness – minimum 4 in. for a single person, 5‑in. for groups. Check local DNR ice reports (MN DNR Ice Safety).
- Mark Your Spot – drill a 6‑in. pilot hole,then widen with the auger.
- Set Up the Shelter – anchor securely, connect the heater, and let the interior warm for 5 min.
- Drop Your Line – use a depth finder (sonar) if available; target 12–18 ft for walleye.
- Monitor Ice Conditions – listen for cracking; retreat if the ice darkens or cracks appear.
Practical Tips for a Prosperous first Trip
- Dress in Layers – moisture‑wicking base, insulating mid‑layer, wind‑proof outer shell.
- Stay Hydrated – even in sub‑zero temps, dehydration impairs judgment.
- Reserve a Guided Spot – local outfitters (e.g., North Star Ice Guides, Minnesota) offer 2‑hour “Intro too Ice‑Fishing” packages, including gear rental and safety briefing.
Cabot’s 12th Night celebration – A Mid‑Winter Cultural Feast
What Is 12th Night?
the Twelfth Night marks the end of the Twelve‑Days of Christmas (January 5‑6) and traditionally features candlelit processions, folk music, and seasonal cuisine. Cabot’s version blends Celtic heritage with contemporary Nova Scotian flair.
When & Where
- Date: Saturday, January 3 2026 (official opening at 4 pm).
- venue: Cabot Community Hall & Waterfront Promenade, Cabot, Nova Scotia.
Key Program Highlights
- Candle‑Lit Parade – local school bands and the “cabot Lantern Guild” lead a walkway from the Hall to the pier.
- Live Folk Sessions – fiddlers,bodhrán players,and the Cape Breton Reel troupe perform customary reels and modern arrangements.
- Food Market – seasonal specialties such as “Mince‑Pie Poutine,” locally smoked salmon on rye, and hot mulled apple cider.
- storytelling corner – Cape Breton storytellers recount legends of the “Silver‑Stag” tied to the winter solstice.
Ticketing & Logistics
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| General admission | CAD 12 (online) / CAD 15 (door) |
| Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children) | CAD 35 |
| Parking | Free municipal lot (Lot A) – 200‑spot capacity; early arrival recommended. |
| accessibility | Wheelchair‑friendly ramps, sign‑language interpreter (6 pm session). |
Practical Tips for attendees
- Dress Warmly – outdoor portions can drop to –8 °C; wind‑proof jackets are essential.
- Bring Cash for Vendor Stalls – not all vendors accept cards.
- Reserve a Seat for the 7 pm “Epiphany Blessing” – limited seating; book via the Cabot Events portal.
Real‑World Example (2025 Recap)
In 2025, over 3,200 visitors attended, with a 25 % increase in local artisan sales compared to the previous year [1]. The event’s success was attributed to a new “Live‑Streamed Candle Lighting” segment,which attracted international viewers from the UK and Australia.
Berlin Contra Dance – Swing Into the New Year Rhythmically
What Is Contra Dance?
Contra dance is a folk‑dance form rooted in New England traditions, featuring long lines of couples moving in a set pattern driven by live music (frequently enough fiddle, guitar, and double‑bass). Berlin’s contra scene has grown steadily since 2019,offering both seasoned callers and first‑timers an inclusive space.
Event Details (Weekend of Jan 3‑4 2026)
- Venue: Kulturfabrik Berlin – Hall B, 2 nd floor.
- Date & Time: Saturday, January 3 2026, 7 pm – 10 pm.
- Caller: Anna “Rhythm” Köhler (renowned European contra caller).
Why This Contra Night Stands Out
- Beginner‑Friendly “Intro Circle” (7:00 pm–7:30 pm) – quick step‑by‑step walkthrough before the main set.
- Live Band “Fiddlers’ Loft” – debut of new German‑English folk fusion arrangements.
- Special Alex Reed: The Dublin Ceili Crew performs a short ceilidh set after the contra program (9:45 pm).
Ticket Options
- Standard Ticket: € 12 (includes drink voucher).
- student Pass: € 9 (valid student ID).
- Group Discount: 5 tickets for € 45 (ideal for clubs).
How to Prepare for Your First Contra Dance
- wear Comfortable Shoes – leather or canvas shoes with a smooth sole for easy gliding.
- Arrive Early – pick a spot near the front to see the caller’s prompts clearly.
- Bring a Small notebook – many attendees jot down “call names” (e.g., “Allemande Left”) to practice at home.
- Hydrate & Snack – the venue’s on‑site café offers energy bars and herbal teas.
benefits of Joining a Contra Night
- Physical Activity: light cardio, improves balance and coordination.
- Social Integration: connects expatriates, locals, and tourists through shared movement.
- Cultural Exposure: learn traditional European folk tunes while dancing to contemporary arrangements.
first‑Hand Experience (2025 Review)
A post‑event survey by Berlin Folk Pulse reported a 92 % satisfaction rate among first‑time dancers, citing the “clear, patient calling” and “welcoming atmosphere” as key factors [2].
Quick Reference checklist
- ✅ Confirm event date (Jan 3, 2026) and book tickets online via ContraBase Berlin.
- ✅ pack a light jacket for the venue’s cool interior (18 °C).
- ✅ Review basic call names on the ContraDance.org beginner’s guide.
- ✅ Invite friends – group discounts make it budget‑friendly.
References
- Cabot Community Council, “2025 12th Night Celebration Report,” accessed Dec 2025.
- Berlin Folk Pulse, “Contra dance Attendance & Satisfaction survey 2025,” published Jan 2026.
