The following is a promotional blurb Yankee Magazine sent to us with permission to use it for our advertising.  The March/April issue of Yankee Magazine includes a very nice story about the Joe's Pond Ice-Out Contest written by Craftsbury author, Julia Shipley.  Many thanks to Julia and to YM. Our 27th annual Ice-Out Contest is well under way, and the article is a very nice boost for us. 

DUBLIN, NH (March 5, 2014)—As Danville, Vermont, locals already know, spring’s true arrival comes when a special raft sinks into Joe’s Pond. Thanks to a three-plus page article starting on page 18 in Yankee Magazine’s March/April issue, written by Julia Shipley, now nearly 1.9 million readers will know about this spring ritual. The annual contest sells 15,000 tickets, available for purchase at Hastings Store or online by Paypal and a major credit card.

“We are already getting feedback on the article, all of it good,” says Jane Brown who co-chairs Joe’s Pond Association with Diane Rossi. “We are very pleased with Julia's piece.  She captured the spirit of the contest perfectly; it's lighthearted fun after a long, cold, often miserable winter.  The Joe's Pond tradition of betting against Mother Nature continues as we gear up for another exciting contest, our 27th.  Julia’s article reflects the enthusiasm of the contest and it was especially nice that she touched on how everyone loves the big fireworks party on the Fourth of July.”

In addition to the article about Joe’s Pond, this issue continues its celebration of season with a special Spring Home & Garden Guide. This section includes the first-ever Home & Garden Awards, which name the best public gardens, nurseries, ornaments, and more. Other articles cover topics such as how to grow a four-season garden and the hardiest roses that can survive New England’s climate. Travel is a cure for spring fever, and visiting Nantucket’s Daffodil Festival, and ten additional flower shows, is the perfect remedy to quell winter blues. Plus, tempt your taste buds with articles about soup for a crowd, cheeseburger heaven, and sweet New England cornbread.