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September is Vermont's sixth Independent Country Store Month. Proclaimed by Governor Jim Douglas again this year, the month is dedicated to picnics, gatherings, parades, and celebrations of the diversity of Vermont products, all surrounding Vermont's historic country stores.

The Vermont Alliance of Independent Country Stores is Vermont's creative and independent-minded store organization, consisting of individual businesses that meet historical and business criteria and high standards of service.

The Alliance, which led the call for the proclamation by writing the document and gathering support from it far and wide, is also celebrating the start of its eighth successful year.

The Alliance's more than 50 member stores (listed at their website http://vaics.org/) are holding a month of product tasting, including cheese, honey, syrup, ice cream, and milk, and celebrating with balloons, banners, artwork contests, picnics and barbecues.

There is a lot to celebrate, according to Charlie Wilson, chair of the Alliance and owner of the Taftsville Store, which was featured on the cover of this month's Woodstock Magazine. "Country stores are back," he said, "and they're better than ever. Every one of our members is leading the way in providing Vermont products." Also featured this month in Vermont Magazine is Currier's Market in Glover.

Already a leader in offering home-grown goods, the Alliance has also launched a product label that includes quality items such as sodas, soaps, bread mixes and condiments, which are only available through members stores.

The group's popular website has gotten a facelift, and new projects are underway -- new online tour maps, an upcoming "passport program" and Country Stores of Vermont: A History and Guide, written by the Alliance's executive director Dennis Bathory-Kitsz.

The Alliance, under the umbrella of the Vermont Grocers' Association, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote and enhance country stores, while preserving their unique heritage and contributions to their communities. The Alliance is supported by member store dues, a host of associate members, underwriters and grants.

For more information on participating in Independent Country Store Month, for the latest newsletter, or for an application to be an Alliance member, contact Charlie Wilson at 802-457-1135 or [email protected], or visit the Alliance website at vaics.org.