From the Times Argus
The heifers, which ranged in age from a couple of months to almost two years old, wore flower wreaths and, in some cases, Vermont license plate nametags.
The Vernon Cow-Licks 4-H Club, which led off the bovine portion of the parade, had the large name tags with the participants’ names like “Sugar,” “Raisin” and “Daisy,” which charmed the crowd.
“Sugar,” a 10-month-old Holstein heifer, was the joint project of Meghan Devine and Brenda Atwater, both 12, of Vernon. The girls said they didn’t live on a farm, but liked working with the animals and joined the club.
Atwater said that they work with Sugar at least twice a week, to get her ready for the Stroll and summer fairs…
Two area veterinarians, Ronald Svec and Stephen Major, watched over the animals before and during the parade. Svec said that the relatively short walk up Flat Street and Main Street to the Brattleboro Common would not be stressful for the animals.The heifers in the parade, he said, were used to humans and most were taken to agricultural fairs and so were used to all the noise and attention…
“ “It has turned into a signature event for the state, really,” Munzing said. “It brings the whole state together to realize the importance of small farms and agriculture
“Munzing said she was proud of the parade and the festival because the events have raised awareness of the area’s agricultural heritage, and its farmers. She estimated more than 250 people volunteered to help this year…”
