Stuck in Vermont: Hundreds March in Montpelier to Celebrate the Illumination of Seven Bridges

The Capital City is shining light into the darkest days of winter. For the first time, downtown revitalization nonprofit Montpelier Alive has illuminated seven of the city’s historic bridges with thousands of bulbs — every night through mid-February, and on special occasions, they will stand bright above the Winooski River and its North Branch. After the heartbreaking floods Montpelier experienced in 2023, the lights are a sparkling sign of community spirit and strength.

At a kickoff ceremony in mid-November, hundreds of people carrying glowing lanterns met at the Langdon Street bridge for cookies and celebratory speeches. When the bridges were lit, the lantern parade followed the Brass Balagan street band toward the Main Street bridge. The procession ended near the Taylor Street bridge for a fiery performance by Cirque de Fuego.

Senior multimedia producer Eva Sollberger recorded the festivities for the latest episode of “Stuck in Vermont.”

Filming date: 11/16/24

Music: Brass Balagan

Drone footage courtesy: Storyworkz

Flood photos courtesy:
Vermont Construction Company
Bear Pond Books
Capitol Grounds Cafe

This episode of Stuck in Vermont was supported by EastRise Credit Union.

This article appears in 2024 Vermont Holiday Gift Guide.

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