by Timothy Page

Burlington is gearing up for its sixth annual New Year’s Eve celebration, Highlight, which has become a beloved tradition that brings together Vermont artists, food vendors, and musicians to highlight the best of the local community. This highly anticipated event is organized by the community, for the community, and offers a full day and night of programming for revelers of all ages.

The planning for Highlight starts with the Bright Ideas project, a crowd-sourced program and funding mechanism. During the summer, community members submit their ideas and proposals for events and activities they would like to see at Highlight. A group of community members carefully reviews these applications, selecting as many events as possible to bring to life during the celebration. This inclusive approach ensures that the community’s voice is heard and that a diverse range of activities are available for attendees.

Highlight takes place at various locations throughout downtown Burlington and the waterfront, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a multitude of entertainment options. With over a dozen performances and activities, including family-friendly offerings, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Notable events featured this year include the Big Gay New Year celebration, the Taylor Swift Eras Tour dance party, Circus Smirkus, and the Suitcase Junket.

One of the venues hosting Highlight performances is Foam Brewers, which has been actively involved in making the event bigger and better each year. Despite the year-long planning process, the organizers at Foam Brewers believe the effort is worthwhile because they genuinely believe in the event and its ability to showcase the creativity and talent present in the community.

Highlight not only provides a fantastic New Year’s Eve experience but also directly supports local innovators, artists, and Vermont’s homegrown creative energy. The event’s programming is made possible through the Bright Ideas Project, a community-driven crowdsourcing effort powered by VSECU. Over the past five years, the Bright Ideas Project has awarded over $334,200 in funding to Vermont creators, enabling them to bring their New Year’s Eve visions to life and offering attendees a unique and memorable experience.

As Burlington’s Highlight prepares to launch into 2024, the countdown begins for an extraordinary celebration that celebrates the experiences and ideas that make the community a hub of incredible creativity. Families, students, locals, and visitors alike eagerly anticipate this annual event, which has become a cherished tradition and a testament to the vibrancy and talent of Vermont’s artistic community.

For the full lineup, check here; https://highlight.community/events/