PROCTORSVILLE, Vt. – If the buzz hasn’t reached you already, you read it here first: Honeyfest 2025 is a go. This year, the bee-themed celebration will be an informal gathering of various vendors on the Village Green in Proctorsville, on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The tradition of the honey festival in Proctorsville started more than 10 years ago, and 2024 marked the last year for the popular event held at the Golden Stage Inn. But, as September approached, a collective whisper of lingering interest began to circulate among town and village residents, and local businesses, who wanted to keep the cheerful little festival alive.
When Trevor Barlow, owner of SuperRoasted, a new coffee shop on Depot Street, caught wind of the chatter, he and his friend, chocolatier Maren Muter, decided to roll up their sleeves and volunteer to organize the newly branded Honeyfest 2025.
Everyone is welcome. “Butcher, baker, and candlestick maker,” Muter laughed.
As Honeyfest 2025 charges no vendor fees, sellers are responsible for their own booths. Muter is acting as the point of contact for other volunteers, and anyone interested in signing up to participate as a seller.
Muter and Barlow share a real commitment to their community, and are always thinking up ways to highlight local businesses, create more opportunities for neighbors to gather and connect, and give visitors more reason to come to the area.
Barlow opened SuperRoasted in the former Crow’s Bakery location barely two months ago, and started up Market on the Green this summer as part of his overall, community-forward approach to running his business. Each Friday night became an open invitation to area makers, offering a place to showcase their wares, introduce their products or services to new customers, and meet other local crafters and creators.
Barlow is especially passionate about taking advantage of the beautiful downtown greenspace in the Proctorsville square. He and Muter would like to host a variety of events there throughout the year, and the town has been generously permitting the public use of the space.
Some of the sellers expected at Honeyfest 2025 thus far are Wildflour Bakery, Russ Hurlburt Photography, Brave Little Bees LLC, Cuppity Kakes, and Riverside Woodsmiths.
Additionally, Honeyfest is putting the call out to all bakers to enter a cake in the first annual honey cake contest. All contestants must drop off their cakes at the judges’ booth by 11:30 a.m., with judging to begin at 12:30 p.m. Cakes will be judged on appearance, texture, aroma, and flavor, and the influence of honey on the finished product. Winners will be announced promptly following the competition.
To enter the contest, join as a vendor, or for more information, visit www.proctorsvillevt.com and click on Honeyfest 2025.