Spring Festival (Springfest)
Every Memorial Day weekend since 1950
Huge Appreciation to Our Sponsors
Tulip: Calderwood Insurance, Gravel Construction, American Legion Post #7, Town of Hardwick
Robin: All Metals Recycling, Jasper Hill Farm, Suburban Propane
Honeybee: Kinney Drugs, Poulin Building Materials, O’Reilly Auto Parts
YOU can be a part of Springfest. Send all entries and inquiries to springfest@hardwickdowntown.org. See program below for more details.
Join the Parade - Make a float, decorate a car, truck, bicycle or any vehicle, march with a group, put on a moving performance, do something else fun and creative, all entries welcome. This year’s theme: TULIPS & TRADITIONS. Send us the name of your entry, a short description, and contact info with “Parade” in the subject line.
Host a Contest, Game, or Other Activity - Have an idea to add to the fun?—we’d like to hear it and help make it happen. It can be anything, really.
Be a Vendor for the Street Fair - Food and all kinds of vendors are welcome. Just complete and submit this form.
Perform - have a talent or skill you’d like to share?—we have a spot for you.
Groove, Dance - at the Beg, Steal or Borrow show on Friday.
Run, Walk, Roll - Our annual Fun Run and Hardwick Trails Bird Walk happen Saturday morning before the parade.
Volunteer - Want to help but not sure how? We need lots of volunteers to make it all work.
Sponsor or Donate - Our sponsors and supporters make Springfest possible. Sponsors are recognized and appreciated in print, digital, and broadcast advertising and other publicity. More info for sponsors here or show your support here.
2025 Program
FRIDAY, May 23 - Atkins Field
Farmers Market & Food Trucks, 3:00-6:00 pm
Springfest kicks off with a special edition of the Hardwick Farmers Market with food trucks, food vendors, local musicians, and miscellaneous fun.
Concert & Dance Party with Beg, Steal or Borrow - food trucks 6:00, 7 pm show
Shuffle and stomp into the night with Beg, Steal or Borrow, Vermont’s own high-octane, “triple-crown” bluegrass band known for their vocal harmonies and dynamic instrumental arrangements. BSB keeps it pumpin’ with originals and classic covers blending Appalachian, country, and folk influences. Hosted by The Civic Standard.
Grand Marshal Reception, 6:00-7:00 pm
A chance to meet and mingle with the Grand Marshal of the parade and other local celebrities. Families welcome, refreshments served. Hosted by the Hardwick Kiwanis Club.
SATURDAY, May 24 - Downtown Hardwick
Hardwick Trails Bird Walk, 7:00-9:00 am
Calling (pun intended) birders and birder-wannabes of all ages. The Hardwick Trails woods are alive with the music of an incredible variety of songbirds this time of year. Meet at the kiosk behind Hazen Union School for this free event hosted by Hardwick Trails.
Fun Run, Register 8:00-8:40 am, 8:45 Start
A fun-first, family-oriented 5K run on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail with prizes for age-group placers and other categories. All runners, walkers, and adaptive participants are automatically entered into our raffle. Meet at the Hardwick Area Health Center. Hosted by the Hardwick Recreation Committee.
The Parade, 10:00-11:30 am
A perennial favorite of Springfest, the parade celebrates anything and everything about the Hardwick area. Make a float, decorate a car, truck, bicycle or any vehicle, march with a group, put on a moving performance, or do something else fun and creative, all entries welcome. The parade commences with the ringing of the bell at Hazen Union School, continuing down North Main and South Main Street, and ending on Spring Street. Hosted by the Hardwick Kiwanis Club.
To register, send the name of your entry, a brief description, and contact info to springfest@hardwickdowntown.org with “Parade” in the subject line.
Downtown Street Fair, 11:30-3:00 pm
Something new this year--a street fair in downtown Hardwick with music, food, performances, vendors, contests, games, and other activities hosted by local businesses, organizations, and families. North Main Street will be closed between Church Street and the Hardwick Inn. Hosted by the Hardwick Downtown Partnership.
We’re fixing to bring back some past favorites–e.g. cubmobile races, square dancing, maypole dance–while adding some new twists. Have an idea to add to the mix? Tell us about it at springfest@hardwickdowntown.org.
Tristan Southworth Memorial Day Classic, 3:00 pm
The day will conclude with players and spectators gathering at the Hardwick Elementary Ballfield for the Tristan Southworth Memorial Day Classic baseball game. Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor men and women that made the ultimate sacrifice to protect and defend our right to be free. We keep all those heroes in our hearts and minds as we honor them as a community. One such hero is Sergeant Tristan Southworth. His love of baseball and his community is carried on through this annual tradition. Hosted by the Hardwick Area Little League.
Monday, May 26 - Memorial Park
Memorial Day Observances, 10:00 am
A time to honor those who have served and given all for their country and to support their families. There will be a memorial wreath-laying ceremony at Memorial Park and flags will be placed for veterans at four Hardwick cemeteries. All are invited to attend. Hosted by the American Legion.
About the Hardwick Spring Festival
Since 1950, the Spring Festival (affectionately known as Springfest) has been Hardwick’s biggest annual community celebration. Originally started as the renowned Tulip Festival (the Dutch ambassador once attended), Springfest has evolved over its long history. It’s been part old-time country fair with horse pulls and square dancing, part carnival with rides and fried dough, and part home-grown festival with homemade games and attractions. The constant centerpiece has been the parade—with spectators lining the streets of downtown Hardwick.
The Hardwick Kiwanis Club has spearheaded Springfest since its inception; however, it has always been a community effort involving local businesses, organizations, vendors, artists, schools, and residents. The Hardwick Downtown Partnership, The Civic Standard, Center for an Agricultural Economy, American Legion, Hardwick Trails, Hardwick Recreation Committee, Hardwick Area Little League, Jeudevine Memorial Library, and the Town of Hardwick now co-host the event with the Kiwanis Club.
