AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 31, 2026
The Gilfeather Turnip Festival: A Vermont Tradition
Each autumn, Wardsboro, Vermont comes together for the Gilfeather Turnip Festival, honoring a local agricultural legacy and strengthening community bonds. At the heart of the event is a unique vegetable: the Gilfeather turnip, celebrated with competitions, food, and stories shared among residents and visitors alike.
Honoring John Gilfeather's Legacy
The story of the Gilfeather turnip dates back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, when local farmer John Gilfeather grew a distinctive, sweet variety on his Wardsboro farm. Gilfeather was known for carefully guarding his crop, cutting off the roots and tops before sale to prevent others from propagating the plant. Despite his precautions, the turnip's seeds eventually spread through the local community, helping to preserve its legacy beyond Gilfeather's lifetime.
From Heirloom to Official State Vegetable
For many years, news of the Gilfeather turnip traveled by word of mouth. That changed when William and Mary Lou Schmidt, a Wardsboro couple, collaborated with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the University of Vermont, and state officials to certify the turnip as an "heirloom variety" and sell it under its rightful name. In 2016, after a campaign led by local schoolchildren, the Gilfeather turnip was declared Vermont’s official state vegetable.
A Festival Rooted in Community Spirit
The Gilfeather Turnip Festival is one of Wardsboro’s largest annual events, occurring regardless of weather. At the 2026 festival, families roamed the streets bundled against an autumn chill, children sold raffle tickets, and vendors offered everything from gourmet salsa to handcrafted jewelry. Homemade turnip hats, complete with knitted green leaves, added a whimsical touch.
A highlight of the day is always the turnip-judging contest. Vegetables are weighed for size and dressed up for creativity, including one memorable turnip presented as a baby and another styled as Dolly Parton. Festivalgoers also enjoy a renowned soup stand, where Gilfeather turnip soup is ladled into cups for eager guests, and a cart brimming with freshly harvested turnips stands nearby.
Connecting and Supporting Local Causes
The Gilfeather Turnip Festival isn’t just about honoring history and harvesting vegetables—it’s a vital fundraiser for the town. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the event generated over $10,000 annually, supporting a significant share of the local library’s budget. Today, organizers continue to revive the festival’s momentum, sharing proceeds with groups like the Boy Scouts and the Wardsboro School Club.
Vermont's Festival Culture and Economic Benefits
The Gilfeather Turnip Festival is part of a wider tradition of fall festivals and community fundraisers across Vermont. Events such as Rutland's Art in the Park and Jay’s Oktoberfest attract visitors statewide and beyond. A University of Vermont study in 2024 highlighted that foliage season alone brings in far more tourism revenue than even major events like the April solar eclipse. Visitors to cultural festivals in Vermont spend on average $34.53 per person, while nonlocals spend $51.69, contributing to local businesses, attractions, and services.
As the sun sets on festival day, some creatively costumed turnips are donated to the food pantry, while others hold special meaning. Anita Rafael, a local resident and festival organizer, traditionally carries her entry—a turnip dressed as a baby—to John Gilfeather’s grave, leaving it as a tribute to the farmer whose legacy has united and enriched Wardsboro.
Source: vtdigger.org.
