Top 20 Vermont Calendar for 2012

MAY 5-6: ESSEX JUNCTION, Spring Craft & Fine Art Show. Meet the artisans and enjoy the many demonstrations offered; then check out the gourmet marketplace of culinary delights, where sampling is encouraged. Held in conjunction with the Spring Vermont Antique Expo & Sale; all at the Champlain Valley Exposition. 802-878-4786; vtcrafts.com, cvexpo.org

MAY 5-6: WOODSTOCK, Wild Wooly Weekend. At Billings Farm & Museum, enjoy a weekend devoted to Southdown sheep and their Border collie friends. Plus sheep-shearing and herding demonstrations, a children’s art show, and a lunch to benefit the local volunteer fire department. 802-457-2355; billingsfarm.org

MAY 6: ROCKINGHAM, Herricks Cove Wildlife Festival. Want to learn about barred owls, bats, and other wildlife wonders while savoring a day outside along the beautiful Connecticut River? Enjoy nature presentations, activities, and programs featuring live animals, guided nature walks, and more. 802-722-3355; vtfishandwildlife.com

MAY 12: BURLINGTON, Burlington Kids’ Day. A day of fun and celebration for kids of all ages with art exhibits, train rides, a parade, home-run derby, music, storytellers, and more at Battery Park and other locations across the city. 802-864-0123; enjoyburlington.com

MAY 25-27: JEFFERSONVILLE, Vermont Artisan Festival. Smugglers’ Notch Resort hosts a selection of the region’s most creative and talented craftspeople, performers, and chefs. Shop for unique items, take part in the live and silent auctions, and enjoy music, shows, fine food, and more. 802-888-5515; vtartisanfestival.com

MAY 26: BENNINGTON, Mayfest Juried Arts & Crafts Festival. Four downtown streets become pedestrian-only thoroughfares to make way for artisans, all-day entertainment, and children’s activities. 802-442-5758; betterbennington.com

MAY 26-27: WOODSTOCK, Cheese & Dairy Celebration. Celebrate Vermont’s distinctive dairy heritage by sampling delicious cheeses, meeting local cheesemakers, and trying your hand at making cheese, ice cream, and butter, all at beautiful Billings Farm & Museum. 802-457-2355; billingsfarm.org

JUNE 1-3: BRATTLEBORO, Strolling of the Heifers. Watch as scores of lovable calves, all decked out in flowers, parade down Main Street. Attend the Expo on the common and at Brattleboro Retreat for food, music, dance, demonstrations, exhibits, and fun, all connected to the mission of sustaining family farms. 802-258-9177; strollingoftheheifers.com

JUNE 3-24: BURLINGTON/BARRE/MAD RIVER VALLEY, Green Mountain Opera Festival. It’s a bit of old Europe in Vermont, with performances of Don Pasquale and La Boheme headlining, plus additional concerts and events at varying locations. See the Web site for details. 802-496-7722; greenmountainoperafestival.com