PROCTORSVILLE, Vt. – Vermonters have a proclivity to cheer for each other’s successes, and lend a supportive hand during the tough times. That spirit has been proven time and again over the past few years, especially amidst the flood events the state has sustained, where stories of neighbors helping neighbors were widespread.
Peggy Campney has experienced both aspects of that local warmth and connection as a lifelong Vermont resident and owner of Green Mountain Fireside Specialties (GMFS), formerly Green Mountain Fireplace Specialties. The GMFS storefront at the Okemo Marketplace in Ludlow was one of the many businesses that were flooded in July 2023, and the recovery was a community effort. This summer, nearly two full years later, Campney and her family have something brand-new to celebrate.
GMFS has expanded its operations to Proctorsville with the opening of their new Stoves, Patio & Vermont Living Store, at 2568 Route 103 South. Joining other Black River Park tenants Grafton Village Cheese and Bambino University, GMFS welcomed customers to the new shop and expanded showroom over Memorial Day weekend.
A two-day grand opening celebration is planned for Friday, June 20, and Saturday, June 21, featuring food, music, giveaways, a raffle, and sales up to 50% off select items. Goodman’s American Pie will be on site on Friday, from 1-4 p.m. A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Friday, at 2 p.m., after which local music legend Sammy B will perform until 3:45 p.m. Saturday’s event includes a charcuterie board from Grafton Village Cheese and a “celebration cake” at 1 p.m.
The new, approximately 11,000-square-foot space carries stoves and outdoor items like grills and grill accessories, patio furniture, and firepits. Campney has stocked an area near the front of the store with made-in-Vermont, fireside-themed products. There are cozy offerings like hearth rugs, pillows, candles, and the S’mores Night Pack from City Bonfire that packages all the necessary ingredients to make s’mores — including a miniature, portable firepit — into one, small box. Other homey accessories include flannels from The Vermont Flannel Company, and stuffed bears made by Vermont Teddy Bear.
The GMFS location at Okemo Marketplace will stay open by appointment only, and will serve as a fireplace design center. Hours at the Proctorsville location are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Campney, her husband Arnie, and their three children run the business together, along with a small staff. Their daughter Grace Campney recently joined the GMFS sales team. Sons Mason Campney and Zach Mangan work for GMFS as sales manager and lead installer, respectively.
The family shares a commitment to the business and to serving the Okemo Valley community, and hope residents and visitors will stop in during the grand opening celebration to say hello and meet the team. The complete schedule of activities can be found on the GMFS Facebook page.