BRANDON, Vt– Typically, trivia masters and their assistants are there to nab those that would attempt anything dishonest during a round of Friday night trivia. This time, however, the volunteers were scurrying around making sure participants who wanted to “cheat” could do so to improve their scores, provided, of course, that they paid a small donation fee benefiting Brandon’s Independence Day Celebration Committee (BIDCC). Thanks to an idea from community member, turned event organizer, Janet Mondlak, BIDCC, in conjunction with the Brandon Recreation Department and Brandon Free Public Library (BFPL) hosted the Brandon Brains & Bucks Brawl fundraiser on Friday, February 6th at the Town Hall which encouraged donors to contribute money toward the parade committee’s efforts in order to better their chances of winning the competition.
The popcorn machine churned from start to finish, and sponsors Mae’s Place and Red Clover Ale Company kept participants otherwise fed and beered, respectively. Deputy Town Manager Bill Moore manned the microphone as well as a t-shirt cannon, which he also used to comically distribute a few of the iconic rubber duckies for the Independence Day Duck Race on the Neshobe River to those lucky enough to catch them. Moore, along with BFPL Director Molly Kennedy, have been hosting trivia in various capacities since 2018, including their trivia series at Neshobe Golf Course, as a way of building community and driving stimulus to local bars and restaurants.
According to BIDCC Chair Jessica Mohan, 11 teams turned out to compete and cheat their way to victory. So far, between this event and other fundraisers such as Warren Kimble’s 90th Birthday Concert and Moore’s Garage Band Jam this past fall, $1850 has been raised so far for this summer’s festivities. Mohan says other fundraising events remain ongoing to meet the costs, such as the Silent Auction, Duck Race, and 50/50 Raffle to be combined with donations contributed by businesses and individuals.This year, the big day of celebration will take place on Friday, July 3rd, 2026.
“We hope to make this year’s celebration not only to honor the significance of our nation’s semi-quincentennial, but to celebrate what unites us,” Mohan said, adding, “We plan to have ‘honorary historical guests’ including George Washington, John Adams, Betsy Ross, and Abe Lincoln.” However, the committee is still looking for volunteers to fill the roles of other figures. Those interested in volunteering for this, or in another capacity such as helping to create floats, make banners, or provide music can reach out to the committee on Facebook.
As for the trivia, despite valiant efforts to flex knowledge and plenty of good-spirited cheating, two teams simply could not be caught - one team, a duo who are previous Vermont State Trivia Champions from 2023, and the other composed of the reigning state titleholders. In the end, first place went to the team of two, calling themselves “Toby Keith’s Boot,” - ironic given one of the questions during the audio round tasked participants to identify Keith’s hit song “Red Solo Cup.” Kristen Harrison and Joe Swahn claim bragging rights until next time.
For more information regarding future events and fundraisers in support of BIDCC, follow them on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/BIDCC/.
Picture courtesy of BIDCC.