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Identifier/Call Number
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BHC 187
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Description
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en
The collection includes materials relating to the Barre Ethnic Heritage Festivals of 1978 through 1982, and 1984. Most of the materials are programs and news clippings relating to each festival. Photographs and negatives from a few of the festivals are also included. The festivals focused on the history of many of the immigrant groups that settled in Barre, primarily as granite workers, including Scottish, Irish, Italian, French Canadian, German, and Polish immigration to Barre, Vermont. Dated items range from 1978 through 1984.
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Biography, Administrative History and Provenance
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en
Summary from the Barre Heritage Festival website: he Barre Ethnic Heritage Festival was held each July from 1978-1982 and again in 1984. The festival, with its authentic celebration of Barre's ethnic roots, attracted more and more people each year. By 1982, a crowd of 30,000 came to the festival, put on by 19 ethnic committees, with 21 window displays, 11 bands in the parade, and dozens of performances at the gazebo in City Hall Park and in Depot Square, plus an Italian tent, the Quartier Francais, the German bierstube with music by the Schnicklefritz Band, and the Polish “ Karchma” on West Street where the Victor Krzanowski Polish Orchestra entertained. The first Festival on July 21-22, 1978 attracted a crowd of 5,000 people to Barre. It included performances of Scottish, Irish, Italian, French Canadian, Spanish and Middle-Eastern music and dance. There was food from many cultures and a parade showcasing the heritage of Barre's ethnic groups. Publicity materials state that “ the Festival fostered a renewed interest in Barre's world-famous granite industry.
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Extent
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.5 linear feet
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