“This year, through the generosity of our lodging partners, the Holiday Inn Tours raised a little over $5,000,” comments John Burnham, executive director of the Manchester Business Association and producer of the event. “It was a year of firsts and records being broken. It was the first time offering online ticket sales and sixteen lodging properties participating from Dorset to Bennington. Records were broken in the number of guests welcomed over two consecutive weekends and the most money raised exceeding $5,000 which will go to food cupboards and shelves across the region. We couldn’t have done any of this without the support of our local lodging partners.”

The Shires of Southwestern Vermont Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), in partnership with the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce, will launch a fun, scavenger-hunt-like social media challenge for travelers and residents alike this upcoming holiday season. #dashingthrutheshires

As we gather this holiday season in The Shires of Vermont, we want to provide additional information for those that are inclined to take part in Christmas services throughout the region.

The Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce and the Vermont Veteran’s Home invite locals and visitors to participate in “Bennington’s Home for the Holidays Celebration."