This fall was a busy one for the Northeast Kingdom (NEK) chapter of the Vermont Welcome Wagon. In September, families got lost (on purpose!) in a corn maze. In October, we took to the water for our very first dinner cruise. Here is a look back at both events, what our guests had to say, and how you can join us next time.
September: Corn Maze Day in Sutton
For the third year in a row, we spent a fall day at the Kingdom Corn Maze in Sutton. This event is made for families. Welcome Wagon covers admission for every family that signs up ahead of time.
Four families joined us this year. That was a little smaller than last year's group of six, but nobody seemed to mind. It turned out to be a cozy, fun day.
We started with some free time to explore with the kids. Wyatt and Cass loved the corn kernel play area. After that, we all took a break for snacks and water. Then it was time to say hello to the farm animals. The goats and the calves were the group favorites. We also met some turkeys, which was the first time we had seen them at the farm.
Next, everyone took a turn at the corn cannon. Then came the big challenge: we tackled the hard corn maze together as a group. It took teamwork, but we found our way out. Cassidy even won the corn maze bingo game. Way to go, Cassidy!
October: Our First Dinner Cruise on Lake Memphremagog
On Thursday, October 8th, we tried something brand new. We hosted a private dinner cruise aboard the Northern Star in Newport. This adults-only (18+) event was cohosted by the NEK Welcome Wagon and the NEK Young Professionals Network (YPN). Both groups are programs of the Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce.
The best news? We sold out! Each ticket included the boat ride, a catered dinner from a Newport restaurant, karaoke, and a costume contest.
We had a great mix of people on board. Some came to network and meet new faces. Others came ready to grab the mic and sing. Everyone was a great sport, and the boat was full of laughter all night.
Since it was October, we asked guests to dress up and kick off the Halloween season. Everyone went all in, and the costumes were amazing. Two prizes were up for grabs:
- Best Costume, sponsored by Jay Peak: Ian and Zoe took home the win and a four-pack of waterpark passes at Jay Peak.
- Best Performer, hosted by the Memphremagog Community Theatre (MCT): Barry won a pack of tickets to MCT's upcoming Shrek the Musical, coming in March 2027.
A big thank you to Jay Peak and MCT for supporting our community!
What Our Guests Told Us
The feedback from both events was warm and clear: people had fun, and they want more. Families at the corn maze enjoyed having time to explore at their own pace, then coming together as a group for the maze. Guests on the cruise loved the costumes, the karaoke, and the chance to meet new people in a relaxed setting.
A sold-out boat told us something too. People in the Kingdom are looking for ways to connect, and they are willing to try something new to do it. We are always listening for new ideas for events to bring our community together, so share your ideas here!
Why We Do This
We host these events for one simple reason: to bring our community together. Moving to a new place can feel lonely, especially in a rural area where neighbors may live miles apart. Even people who have lived here for years can find it hard to meet someone new.
That is where Welcome Wagon comes in. Our events give new Vermonters and longtime community members an easy, low-pressure way to meet. There are no speeches and no pressure to be outgoing. You just show up, have some fun, and leave with a few new friends.
A corn maze, a shared dinner, or a karaoke song can be the start of a real connection. We see it happen again and again.
About the NEK Chapter
The Northeast Kingdom chapter is a very active Welcome Wagon chapter. We host events all year long, and we are always dreaming up new ones.
Our chapter is open to everyone. It does not matter where you came from, how long you have lived here, or what your family looks like. Every event is a safe, welcoming space where you can simply be yourself.
The NEK is a big, rural region made up of three counties: Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans. We work hard to bring events to all three, so no one has to drive too far to join the fun. This fall, we visited Sutton in Caledonia County and Newport in Orleans County. Keep an eye out for Essex County events soon!
Join Us Next Time
Want to be part of the fun? The best way is to join the Welcome Wagon chapter near you. Members are the first to hear about new events. Many events also come with perks, like covered admission for registered families or lower ticket prices.
Here is how to get started:
- Visit vtwelcomewagon.org and find the chapter closest to where you live.
- Sign up to join, and get on the list for event news.
- Watch for our next event, then register early. Spots can fill up fast!
Whether you moved here last week or have called Vermont home for decades, there is a place for you at our table. We can't wait to meet you.
