Barn Dance & Silent Auction May 16, 2026

On Saturday, May 16, 6 to 10 pm Dave Rowell is hosting a benefit Barn Dance and Silent Auction at his Brassknocker Farm Barn in East Craftsbury. Funds raised at the event will go to support three local non-profit organizations: the Craftsbury Chamber Players, the Craftsbury Public Library, and the John Woodruff Simpson Memorial Library.

This year’s dance features The WDEV Radio Rangers for great dance music, and a large silent auction. There will be delicious food for sale, and Blackbird Bistro is returning to provide the cash bar. Due to licensing and insurance restrictions BYOB is not allowed.

Tickets to the Barn Dance are a suggested donation of $10- $20, children 10 years old and under free. Tickets can be bought in advance or at the door. You can purchase tickets in advance here.

Band

The WDEV Radio Rangers will once again be providing the musical entertainment, and keeping the crowd bouncing the barn floor!

Food Vendors

The Farmer and the Spud and the Craftsbury PTO will be offering food for purchase at the event.

Cash Bar

Blackbird Bistro will be hosting a cash bar featuring special drinks from supportive businesses. Hill Farmstead Brewery is donating beer, Vermont Wine Merchants is donating red and white wine, and a full bar menu will be available. Thanks to our drinks sponsors Jasper Hill and Pete’s Greens. Their support means more of your drinks purchases go to support the nonprofits.

Silent Auction

The following items have been donated by generous businesses and individuals:

Montshire Museum pass for 2 people
$100 gift certificate to King Arthur Flour
$50 gift certificate to Wilson Herb Farm
Green Village Soap Co. gift basket
$350 gift certificate with Ecotone Landscapes & Tree Care
Brand new Row Erg from Concept 2, shipped anywhere in the U.S.
Gift Basket from Ursa Major Skin Care
Bucket o' Peonies (50 stems) - available in mid-late June from Brassknocker Farm
3 yards of unsifted compost from 802 Logging
Signed books by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock
3 week CSA veggie share from Pete’s Greens
Pair of cutting boards from Tony Jones
Handmade spruce paddle by Adrian Owens
Wildbranch Cider gift box
3 skeins of wool yarn, from the wool of Bunny, Fox, and Heron
Maple syrup from Calderwood Farm
Bayley-Hazen Ski & Soak experience from Roger, Margie, & Susan
Pair of mugs from Muddy Creek Pottery
Enjoy a two night stay at the Highland Lodge
Gift certificate at Stillmeadow Gardens
Gift Certificate at the Genny
Original Water color Barn at Lake Carmi
Asa Cheffetz Original Wood etching
Painting by Nancy Schade
Infrared horse photo on metal
Maple Syrup from Thompson Family Farm
Gift Certificate from Thompson Family Farm
3 yrds “dark forest blend” bark mulch from CT Stoneworks
Board game table made by Fran Rowell
Honey from Craig and Leslie Taylor
Metal sculpture by Tim Nisbet
Photo by Elinor Osborn
Gift Certificate for 2 for Cookee's Pop-Up Dinner
GIft certificate for fall wreath by Anners Johnson
Plant Walk and Learn with Laura Spence
Clay Canisters by Dawn Morgan
Bread & Puppet Cloth Banner
Jute & vegan leather wine tote with 2 bottles of wine
Handmade cribbage board
Eno DoubleNest Hammock with straps