Vermont National Guard Logo

2023 Open House

The Vermont National Guard is proud to host an Open House on Sept. 9, 2023 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m at Camp Johnson in Colchester. 

This event is free, open to the public, and there is no registration required to attend.
 
Soldiers and Airmen will be displaying the equipment they use for their careers, demonstrations will occur throughout the day, and numerous other activities like simulators and Army Band performances. There will be food trucks and kids activities as well for an exciting day for the whole family to come #MeetYourGuard.
  • Date, Time, Location

    Saturday, Sep. 9
    10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
    Camp Johnson
    789 Vermont National Guard Rd, Colchester, VT 05446

  • Parking & Shuttles

    This year's open house will feature expanded parking options including on the Camp Johnson grounds and in surrounding locations. Click the links below for parking options!

    Parking Map- Front Entrance (RT 15 & Barnes Ave)

    Parking Map- Back Entrance (RT 2 & Hercules Dr)

    Parking Map- Essex High School (2 Educational Dr, Essex Junction, VT 05452) (Shuttle Service Provided from School to Open House)

    FREE shuttles will be operating from Fanny Allen Medical Center and Essex High School to the Open House throughout the day.

  • Event Schedule

    9:45 a.m.    Gates open to the public
    10:30 a.m.  Army Band Concert
    11:00 a.m.  Food vendors open
    11:30 a.m.  Norwich Silent Drill Team
    12:00 p.m.  Army Band Concert
    1:00 p.m.    Norwich Silent Drill Team
    2:00 p.m.   “Jaws of Life” Extraction Demo

     

    Continuous Events

    • Military Helicopter Static Displays
    • Military Vehicle Static Displays
    • Interactive Military Equipment and Weapons Displays
    • Kid Zone – Bounce Houses and Face Painting
    • Food Trucks
    • Commemorative Merchandise Sales
    • Military Simulators
    • Rides in a SUSV

  • Media

    Media inquiries can be directed to Capt. Mikel Arcovitch at mikel.r.arcovitch.mil@army.mil or 802-338-3434.

  • Prohibited Items

    PROHIBITED ITEMS

    - Any weapons including, but not limited to firearms, hunting bows/arrows, ammunition, knives, multi-tools, replica or toy weapons (applies to off-duty law enforcement and regardless of permit)
    - Mace, pepper spray, tasers/stun guns
    - Coolers (exception: baby food/medication)
    - Fireworks or any form of explosive
    - Pets (except service animals)
    - Personal wheeled vehicles (bicycles, etc)
    - Alcohol
    - Digital Police Scanners
    - Glass Containers (except medicine)
    - Federally illegal drugs (including marijuana)
    - Drones and other small unmanned aircraft
    - Larger storage items such as briefcases or duffel bags and backpacks (exceptions: diaper bags, small purses, small camera cases and fanny packs
    - Smoking is prohibited outside the designated areas.

    PERMITTED ITEMS

    - Sunscreen
    - Sealed water bottles
    - Sealed ice packs
    - Fanny packs and purses (subject to search)
    - Camera and camcorders
    - Pre-packaged and/or sealed snack food
    - Diaper bags (subject to search)
    - Handheld umbrellas
    - Baby food
    - Medications in possession of prescribed user
    - Strollers (no wagons)
    - Wheelchairs
    - Service animals

    Prohibited/Permitted Items Poster

Looking for things that go boom? Come to Jericho the day after the Open House for the Soldier Showcase! Click here to learn more.