The Vergennes Opera House will welcome intricately masked guests into a fantastical scene on Saturday for its fifth annual Carnevale Vergennes. Like last year, the event will ring with festive music as partygoers feast on local food and drink, play games for the chance to win prizes and enjoy a late night of partying with friends. No need to feel guilty for this night out on the town — all proceeds benefit the Vergennes Opera House, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Vergennes and the Vergennes Partnership.
This year’s theme is “Bungle in the Jungle” — think animal print costumes, masks and makeup. Food will be supplied by Provisionary Market and Vergennes Laundry CK. (Bring cash if you’re extra hungry). A cash bar will be hosted once again by Bar Antidote.
“Previous Carnevale Vergennes themes included ‘Venetian Carnevale,’ ‘Marco Polo Returns’ and ‘Circus of Life,’ so why not a ‘Bungle in the Jungle’ next,” asked Susan Schaefer, a member of the Carnevale planning committee representing the Opera House board of directors. “Each new theme challenges and inspires ever more creative decor, costumes and masks — they’re not required but lots of fun!”
Music this year will be by DJ Fattie B. Don’t know him? His real name is Martin Kyle Thompson. He’s a Bristol native living in Burlington and has been a DJ, emcee and visual artist for over 25 years. He’s the creative genius behind the decks at the famous “Retronome” ’70s and ’80s dance parties on Saturday nights at Club Metronome in Burlington. Whatever he spins on Saturday night, it’s sure to have a wild, danceable groove.
Other entertainment will include surprise acts by local entertainment, and specialty games and contests — with prizes, of course. Guests pay $1 for a ticket to play a game. When they win, they take their ticket to the prize table where they get to roll the dice and then pull the prize out of the corresponding box it is hidden in.
So what can you win?
“It could be maple syrup, a bottle of wine, a candle, a gift certificate or item from a Vergennes Main Street business, ya never know,” said Vergennes Opera House President Gerianne Smart.
If you’re feeling lucky, guests can put their ticket into one or all of three “Tree Top” prizes for a chance to win $500 in Vergennes Green, a sailing trip in Rhode Island with a B&B stay or a stay at a Venice 14th Century Palace Ca’ Sagredo Hotel — yes, Venice, Italy!
Not feeling very lucky? Plan your own fun with friends at one of the nine Carnevale Vergennes Experiences offered this year. These are local upcoming events that you can purchase. Events include: Vegas Night at the Back Barn on June 8, Champlain Mid-Summer Celebration on July 21, The Perfect Summer Picnic on Aug. 5, Sunset & Song on Aug. 11, Afternoon Tea with a Twist on Aug. 19, Sunset BBQ on Sept. 8, Girls’ Night in Panton on Oct. 12, Mystery at the Carriage House: Once Upon a Murder on Nov. 3 or Mystery at the Carriage House: Ho Ho Homicide on Dec. 1.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First it’s Carnevale Vergennes.
Last year this popular event raised $20,000, which was divided equally between the three non-profit beneficiaries.
“The word has spread and the event grows bigger and better each year with the support of our amazing and enthusiastic community,” Schaefer said. “The fifth edition of this unique community event will feature even more fun and games; and the theme, “Bungle in the Jungle,” will no doubt inspire some very creative decor and costuming. This night is not to be missed!”
Tickets for this year’s Carnevale Vergennes are $35 per person and are available at Classic Stitching (on Main Street in Vergennes) or online at vergennesoperahouse.org.