St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Blog

🥇 From the NEK to the Top of the World: Mikaela Shiffrin’s 2026 Olympic Gold

When the world tuned in to watch the 2026 Winter Games, the Northeast Kingdom tuned in with something extra — pride.

Mikaela Shiffrin captured another Olympic gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, further cementing her legacy as one of the greatest alpine ski racers in history. But here in Vermont — especially in the Northeast Kingdom — her victory feels personal.

A Champion with NEK Roots

While Mikaela was born in Colorado, her development as a world-class athlete is deeply tied to Burke Mountain Academy in East Burke, Vermont.

Burke Mountain Academy isn’t just a school — it’s a training ground for elite ski racers. Nestled in the heart of the NEK, it has built a reputation for producing Olympic and World Cup talent. Mikaela trained here during her formative years and graduated from the academy, sharpening the technical precision and mental toughness that would later define her career.

Those early mornings on Burke Mountain.
Those frigid Vermont training days.
The discipline, repetition, and relentless pursuit of improvement.

That’s where champions are built.

2026 Winter Olympic Gold

At the 2026 Winter Games, Mikaela delivered yet again — standing atop the podium with a gold medal around her neck. Her performance was vintage Shiffrin: technically flawless, composed under pressure, and fueled by years of preparation.

For the students currently training at Burke Mountain Academy, her win is more than just a highlight on TV — it’s proof that greatness can come from right here in the Northeast Kingdom.

Why This Matters to Our Community

Here in St. Johnsbury and across the NEK, we understand hard work. We understand grit. And we know what Vermont winters demand.

Mikaela Shiffrin’s journey is a reminder that:

  • World-class success can start in small towns.
  • Dedication and discipline matter.
  • The Northeast Kingdom produces excellence.

Her gold medal isn’t just a personal achievement — it’s a point of pride for East Burke, St. Johnsbury, and all of Northern Vermont.

From the slopes of Burke Mountain to the Olympic podium, her story represents the very best of what our region stands for. WCAX Mikaela Shiffrin

Congratulations, Mikaela — the NEK is cheering for you. 🥇

Recommended Posts

Make a Weekend of It: Art, Music and Summer Fun in the Northeast Kingdom

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Two free community events offer great reasons to get out, enjoy a scenic drive and experience some of what makes Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom so special. Saturday: Greensboro Art Fest On Saturday, August 15, the Greensboro community will host its annual Art Fest from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on the Green at 81 Lauredon Avenue. More than 20 local artists will display their work alongside live music, arts and crafts, food, drinks and ice cream. Children can participate in hands-on art projects, and free ice cream will be available for kids ages 10 and younger. Admission is free, making this an easy and affordable outing for the entire family. Greensboro and the surrounding Caspian Lake area also offer some beautiful summer scenery, so take your time and enjoy the ride. Visit the Vermont Arts Council event page for additional information. Sunday: Free Live Music at Dog Mountain The weekend continues Sunday, August 16, when Chambers DesLauriers takes the stage at Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury. The free concert begins at 5:00 p.m. and is part of the Levitt AMP St. Johnsbury Music Series presented by Catamount Arts. Featuring Annika Chambers and Paul DesLauriers, the group combines blues, blues-rock and soul with powerful vocals, guitar work and plenty of live energy. Best of all, the concert is open to everyone—including your dog! Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket, sunscreen, water and a picnic. Local food vendors will be available on-site, along with a beer garden operated by St. Johnsbury Distillery. Outside alcohol is not permitted, and bringing some cash is recommended because not every vendor accepts credit cards. Parking will be available at the Fairbanks Scales parking lot, with a free Rural Community Transportation shuttle taking concertgoers to the top of Dog Mountain. The shuttle will also make a 4:00 p.m. stop at the St. Johnsbury Welcome Center before returning downtown at approximately 7:30 p.m. Dog Mountain is located at 143 Parks Road in St. Johnsbury. Complete concert information is available through Catamount Arts. Enjoy the Road—and Our Community You do not have to travel far to find great art, music, food and scenery. Whether you spend Saturday exploring Greensboro, Sunday evening listening to live blues at Dog Mountain or make time for both, this weekend is a perfect reminder of how much the Northeast Kingdom has to offer. All of us at St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram are proud to be part of this community. Have a wonderful weekend, drive safely and enjoy everything our corner of Vermont has waiting just down the road!

Vermont Open Farm Week Returns: Explore Local Farms Across the Northeast Kingdom

Today marks the beginning of Vermont Open Farm Week! From Monday, August 3, through Sunday, August 9, farms and farmers markets across the state are opening their doors for tours, demonstrations, tastings and family-friendly activities. Returning after a one-year pause in 2025, Open Farm Week gives Vermonters a behind-the-scenes look at the people, animals and working lands responsible for the food and products we enjoy every day. Open Farm Week Events Near the Northeast Kingdom Several special events are happening within an easy drive of St. Johnsbury: Quick Mozzarella-Making Workshop Wednesday, August 5, from noon to 1:00 p.m. Between the Trees Farm in Lowell Learn how fresh mozzarella is made during this hands-on workshop. Advance registration is required. Community Farm Friday With Baby Goats Friday, August 7, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Ezili’s Respite Farm in Groton Spend some time on the farm, meet the baby goats and learn more about this unique local operation. Farmers Market Celebration Friday, August 7, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Hardwick Farmers Market Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, local food and a celebration of Vermont agriculture. Farm Tours and Food Tastings Saturday, August 8, from 10:00 a.m. to noon Firefly Farm at Burke Hollow in West Burke Tour the farm and sample food produced right here in the Northeast Kingdom. Highland Cattle Picnic Sunday, August 9, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Shat Acres Highland Cattle in Plainfield Pack a picnic and spend time near the pasture, where visitors can comb and cuddle the farm’s Highland cattle. Donations are appreciated. Celebrate the People Who Keep Vermont Growing Agriculture has always been an important part of life in Vermont. Open Farm Week is a great opportunity to meet local farmers, introduce children to farm animals, discover where our food comes from and support the hardworking people who keep Vermont’s agricultural traditions alive. Whether you attend a workshop, tour a working farm, visit a farmers market or simply stop at a roadside farmstand, every local purchase makes a difference. Before heading out, check the official Vermont Open Farm Week schedule for registration requirements, admission costs and possible schedule changes. From all of us at St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, have a safe and enjoyable trip—and thank you for supporting the farms and families that make the Northeast Kingdom such a special place to call home!

Celebrate the Granite City: Barre Heritage Festival Returns This Weekend

If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend, downtown Barre is the place to be. The 2026 Barre Heritage Festival and Homecoming Days is underway, bringing together live music, local history, food, family activities and plenty of Granite City pride. The celebration continues today, Friday, July 24, with events throughout downtown Barre. The Friends of the Aldrich Public Library are holding their annual book and jewelry sale from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., while the Vermont History Center and Vermont Granite Museum offer visitors an opportunity to explore the people, industries and traditions that helped shape Barre. The entertainment picks up this afternoon in City Hall Park. There will be Jazzercise, a community painting experience and the festival’s first-ever local talent show. Live music continues into the evening with the Jacob Green Band and Train Wreck taking the main stage. Saturday, July 25, is packed from morning until night. The day begins with the 41st Annual Barre Rotary Breakfast, followed by yoga in the park, a 5K trail race through Websterville’s historic granite quarries, sidewalk sales, vendors, children’s activities and live entertainment. One of Saturday’s biggest attractions will be the annual Barre Heritage Parade, beginning at 1:00 p.m. and traveling from the Barre Auditorium toward North Main Street. After the parade, visitors can check out classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars, trucks and custom vehicles during the Barre Heritage Festival Car Show from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Families will also find inflatable attractions, street performers, magic shows, water activities, live wrestling, games and plenty of local food. Music continues throughout the afternoon and evening before what organizers are calling the largest fireworks display in the festival’s history lights up downtown Barre at 9:15 p.m. Native Tongue will then close out the celebration on the City Hall Park stage. Barre’s granite industry attracted skilled workers and families from around the world, creating a community with a rich mix of cultures and traditions. The Heritage Festival is more than a summer celebration—it is a tribute to the generations of Vermonters who helped build the Granite City and continue to call it home. At St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we are proud to celebrate the people, traditions and communities that make Vermont such a special place to live. If your weekend travels take you to Barre, enjoy the festival, support the local businesses and have a safe trip! For complete event times, locations and updates, visit the official Barre Heritage Festival schedule.