Good morning, Burlington.

Maple Street Pool in Essex Junction hosted its annual Dog Day event on Saturday — dozens of dogs splashed and played fetch on the last day before the pool was drained.

Attendees paid $5 per dog to enjoy the local pool.

Police responded on Sunday afternoon to reports of explosives at an apartment on 90 Pearl Street in Burlington— devices linked to 40 year old Justin Perkins who is under investigation for a pipe bomb at a Colchester construction site, and residents returned to the building around 11 a.m. once the threat was neutralized.

Today in Essex Junction, the 103rd Champlain Valley Fair draws over 100,000 visitors and runs until Aug.

31—executive director Tim Shea said the event offers agricultural displays, carnival rides, food deals, and free live entertainment that blend local tradition with new attractions.

This week, Vermont schools start the year and teachers say many students feel both excited and nervous.

Educators at Heartworks Early Education advise that reassurance from parents and staff—such as offering a fidget toy or a calm corner—helps kids manage their feelings.

Vermont Adult Learning’s Energyworks program offers low-income Vermonters free two-week training to learn home weatherization and heat pump installation, helping them earn job skills and key certifications (like CPR and OSHA 10) to meet state climate targets.

The program also provides stipends and hands-on practice to aid participants in getting better jobs.

Vermont produce farms can use the Community Accreditation for Produce Safety program coordinated by UVM Extension to create a food safety plan with a free template from the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Grower Association & sign up in the spring for an annual $100 accreditation with scholarship options available, while farms may also opt into an enhanced audit program for some wholesale buyers.

On Friday, Vermont’s Green Mountain Care Board approved lower premium increases for health plans on Vermont Health Connect—cutting Blue Cross Blue Shield’s requested increases to 9.6% for individual plans and 4.4% for small group plans while reducing MVP’s increases to 1.3% and 2.5%. The board said the decision balances the need to keep costs low for Vermonters with keeping insurers solvent.

Lettuce Concert

8-10 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages — Experience a vibrant musical journey with the genre-busting collective Lettuce.

Fai Laci Live Performance

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Higher Ground — All ages — Experience the energetic debut of Fai Laci as they perform their original tracks and share their journey in the music scene.

Maya Manuela Concert

7-9 p.m. — Higher Ground — Tickets available — Experience soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics from Nashville's indie-pop artist Maya Manuela.

Big Pond Improv Festival

7:00-8:30 PM — Vermont Comedy Club — Check event details for tickets — Enjoy a fun night filled with laughs and improv performances.

Blood Drive

9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington — Free entry — Make a difference by donating blood today at a local venue.

Northeast Street Rod Nationals

12-6 p.m. — Champlain Valley Exposition — $20 adults, $6 children 6-12 — Celebrate the love for street rods with commercial exhibits, arts & crafts, and a fun-filled family atmosphere.

Big Pond Improv Festival

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Vermont Comedy Club — Check for ticket prices — Experience a night of laughs with top-notch improv performances.

Hardware Hacknight with PostHog

5-8 p.m. — VCET - Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies — Food and beverages provided — Dive into hands-on hardware building with DeskHog, an open-source developer toy.

Vermont Dental Conference 2025

Thu, Sep 18th — DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington Vermont — Visit Booth #30 — Explore, evolve, and excel in dental practices at this specialized conference.

It's A 2000's Party

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Higher Ground — $20 admission — Flash back to the 90's and 2000's while skating to your favorite tunes with DJ Junior Jay.