We miss you!
This wasn't a political event ...
We just miss our Canadian neighbors - a lot!
(Three months ago, I put up this banner in frustration and sadness.)
Over the course of 20 years, my business partner, Chef Phoebe Bright, and I have made hundreds of Canadian friends. They travel south to the Champlain Islands and, religiously, make The Paddle a dinner spot - once or twice during their visit.
This year, I have received dozens of emails, text messages and cards from our pals up North saying they love us but we won't be seeing them until something changes.
Back to being not political. I can't go there, ... we're a small business.
But we both felt like we had to address the issue in some way. Hence, our Sunday picnic with the Indivisible Champlain Islands.
To our Canadian friends, of which there are many: We love you, miss you and can't wait for your return.
Sending hugs from The Paddle,
Chef Phoebe and Mandy
P.S. Please scroll down to the Indivisible Champlain Islands link should you like to read more about their organization.
- mh
Press Release
"Paddles Without Borders"
A Celebration of Friendship with Canada
South Hero, Vermont, July 27, 2025, Sunday, from 1 pm to 3 pm
For more than 400 years— long before the founding of the USA— the Champlain Islands communities and Canada have enjoyed a deep history of social, economic and mutually beneficial relationships.
To celebrate this enduring and vital friendship across the border, the public is invited to a free picnic lunch and live music on Sunday July 27 from 1 pm to 3 pm at the Blue Paddle Bistro in South Hero. The event is hosted by the Blue Paddle Bistro and the Indivisible Champlain Islands organization.
“The communities across the Champlain Islands can be grateful and proud of the special friendships with our Canadian neighbors. We share common heritage, values and goals and this event is a great way to celebrate our unique history,” said Marilyn Lagrow, Indivisible Champlain Islands
The event will be held at the Blue Paddle Bistro, 316 US-2, South Hero, VT,
which has been serving the South Hero community for over 20 years. Free hamburgers and hot dogs will be offered to attendees and a cash bar for beer and wine will be available. Enjoy this opportunity for Canadian and Vermont neighbors to celebrate old friendships and make new ones.
“We are excited to co-host this outreach event in appreciation of our customers from northwestern Vermont and Canada as well as visitors from around the world,” said Mandy Hotchkiss, co-owner of Blue Paddle Bistro.
The event will feature welcome remarks by Andy Julow, Executive Director at Lake Champlain Islands Economic Development Corporation, President of the Regional Development Corporations of Vermont and former Vermont State Senator. In addition, Andy and his friend Joanna Grossman, have launched a new podcast— There’s No “A” in Creemee: Vermont Politics, Culture, & Beyond.
Hosted by Blue
PADDLE
Bistro
&
indivisible champlain islands