Bennington Battle Day is a state holiday unique to Vermont which commemorates the American victory at the Battle of Bennington during the Revolutionary War in 1777. The holiday's date is fixed, and occurs on August 16 every year.

In Bennington, there is a battle re-enactment put on by the local history foundation. Also, the town fires the oldest cannon in America, which is called the Molly Stark cannon, named after the commander John Stark's wife. This event is also celebrated by an annual Parade sponsored by the Bennington Area Volunteer Fire Departments in downtown Bennington.

The Battle of Bennington is named as such, because the battle was over weapons and munitions stored where the Bennington Battle monument now stands. The actual battle site is in nearby New York State. The battle was a turning point in the Revolutionary War as it decreased the size of the British forces and deprived them of needed supplies which lead to British surrender at Saratoga.

For additional information please call the Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce 1-802-447-3311

Bennington Battle Day Events Tentative Schedule:

Wednesday-August 11th 2010

• 6:00PM Softball Game @ Willow Park Bennington Fire Department VS Bennington

Friday-August 13th 2010

• 11:00AM to 2:00PM Hot Sausage, Burgers, Hot Dog Lunch at River Street Fire Station
• 4:00PM Until Gone Chicken Barbecue Dinner $8.00 per person at River Street Fire
• 4:00PM to 9:00PM Public Voting of Coloring Contest River Street Fire Station
• 6:00PM to 10:00PM From Magic 590AM Radio Station DJ Ben Patten - Open to Public
• 6:00PM to 8:00PM Car Cruise, Parade at 8:15PM River Street Fire Station

Saturday-August 14th 2010

• 9:00AM Battle Day 5K Road Race Pre Registration at Monument- 6th annual Battle Day
• 5K road race - sponsored by the Friends of the Monument
• Registration at 8:00 AM - Race begins at 9:30 AM starts and finishes at the Monument
• The 1/2 mile Kids Fun Race follows the 5K - A fun easy race for children
• 10:00AM to 12:00PM Kids Day Program Bennington Rec Center Gage Street
• 10:00AM To completion Firematic Games at River Street Fire Station

Saturday August 14 - Sunday August 15:

• A Living History Encampment will take place on the grounds of the Monument. Drill presentations, musket and artillery demonstrations, educational exhibits, and activities for children will be ongoing hourly.
• Authentic cannons will be on display and fired periodically during the day Saturday

The event is free and open to the Public
Time: 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM

Sunday-August 15, 2010

• 10:00AM Parade starts to line up
• 12:30 Parade Starts from Main Street at Old Jr High School
• 4:00PM Raffle Drawing

Monday - August 16, 2010

• Free admission to all state historic sites in honor of Bennington Battle Day