New World Festival

Chandler’s New World Festival is an 11-hour annual all-weather event on Labor Day Sunday in Randolph, Vermont that celebrates the Celtic and French American musical heritage so prevalent in this part of the New World brought to northern New England by English, Scottish, Irish and French-Canadian immigrants. The Festival has earned a reputation as one of the finest traditional music events in Vermont. With Main Street closed to traffic, the festival site is an intimate pedestrian village. Nearly 75 of the best regional and international musicians present concerts, play in dance bands, and share tunes and traditions.

Performances are in Chandler, in all-weather tents on Main Street, and in Bethany Church. Puppet shows, performances by young musicians, dance instruction and crafts are featured in the Family tent. The Dance tent offers participatory dancing in a variety of styles: contra, French quadrilles, Cape Breton, and free-style. The Sessions tent brings musicians from the same traditions together to share tunes in impromptu performances. Adding to the festive atmosphere is work by area artisans. The Food tent offers specialties from several area caterers; local non-profit organizations sell homemade treats and raise funds for community activities. All performance sites are wheelchair accessible.

Volunteer with Us

Volunteer and earn a festival pass! The festival is held at the Chandler end of Main Street and benefits Children’s programming at Chandler. Over one hundred volunteers are necessary to make this event successful and YOU can join us. Three to four hours of work qualifies volunteers for an all day pass to the Festival. Email [email protected] to volunteer.

Organizers

The New World Festival is a marvel of volunteer effort. More than 100 volunteers from the Randolph area come out every year to make the event a reality. We thank you all! The Festival is organized by the following volunteer committee:

Kevin Dunwoody … Music Director
Becky McMeekin … Overall Coordinator
Kristin Chandler and Ben Jickling … Site Managers
Kristin Husher … Artisans
Marina Aronson … Food Tent
Ramsey Papp … Food Tent
Marie Dunwoody and Janet Poeton … Family Tent
Yasi Zeichner … Volunteer Coordinator
Daryll Breau … Admissions
Louise Ferris-Burt … Treasurer
Betsy Cantlin … Flowers
Emily Crosby and Seth Stoddard … Technical Directors
Dick Drysdale … Sponsorships
Tim Calabro … Webmaster
Charlie McMeekin … Festival Store
Janet Watton … Recycling Coordinator

Photography provided by Bob Eddy and Tim Calabro with First Light Studios

Get in Touch

Let us know how we’re doing with an email or by leaving a comment below. Email Emily to tell her how awesome the Festival is or Tim to comment on the website.