January 24, 2000

Farmers’ Night Series at Statehouse to Feature Middlebury College Bicentennial Celebration

From 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at the Statehouse in Vermont’s capitol city of Montpelier, the annual Farmers’ Night series will feature a program by Middlebury College on the subject of its Bicentennial celebration. Middlebury College President John M. McCardell, Jr. will offer remarks. Will Melton, Middlebury College vice president of external affairs, will appear in a costume from circa 1800 as Gamaliel Painter—one of the College’s founders and one of Middlebury’s town fathers. “Painter’s” appearance before the legislature will echo the College’s request—made nearly 200 years ago—to make Middlebury the state university. Student a cappella groups from the College—the Dissipated Eight and the Mischords—will sing a medley of songs, including the alma mater. Admission is free. For more information, contact Barbara Agnew at 802-828-2245.

Farmers’ Night will be preceded by the introduction of a resolution recognizing the College’s Bicentennial. State Representative Anne Ginevan of Middlebury will introduce the resolution, and, at the start of the day’s legislative session on Feb. 9, the Vermont House will vote on it.