The 6th Annual DemocracyFest will be held July 17 -19, 2009 in Burlington, VT. The location and date was announced today by DemocracyFest Incorporated; the event's producer.

DemocracyFest is a political festival for liberal/progressive activists which features trainings, speakers and entertainment; teaching people how to make a difference and have fun doing it! The event's motto is "Education by Day, Celebration by Night".

Past annual DemocracyFests have been held in Massachusetts, Texas, California, New Hampshire, and Virginia. Over 4,000 activists have been trained to help on campaigns and make a difference in their communities. Past trainings have been organized by Democracy For America, Latinos For America and Root Camp. Speakers have included Gov. Howard Dean, Molly Ivans, Jim Hightower, Al Franken and Sen. John Edwards. This year's event promises to be another exciting, informative and fun filled weekend!

The Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center will be the location for the event, where politically minded, progressive activists will be meeting this year for networking, education and enjoyment. Training classes will be held during the daytime while speakers and entertainment will be in the evening hours and throughout the days.

For tickets and more information go to www.DemocracyFest.net.

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If you would like to volunteer at next year's DemocracyFest, please contact us at info@democracyfest.net

Press Contact Update - Please use 978-317-5305. If you left a message at 802-353-6467, please call at the new number.

An extensive list of progressive speakers, trainings and entertainment will be at the 4th Annual DemocracyFest, which is coming to the Wayfarer Inn in Bedford, NH on June 9-10. The event is almost sold out for weekend tickets so attendees are encouraged to get their tickets today!

DemocracyFest Incorporated, the producers of the event, have confirmed that Sen. John Edwards and Sen. Mike Gravel will be speaking, as will DNC Chair Gov. Howard Dean. Gov. Dean’s speech Sunday evening will be free and open to the public. Other speakers and trainers include Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, Bev Harris, William McNary, Mark Crispin Miller, Jim Dean, Jeff Feldman, Sec. of State William Gardner, Asst. Sec. of State Anthony Stevens, Charlie Grapski, Jean Sara Rohe, Carlos and Melida Arredondo, Paul Tworney, Manchester Asst. Clerk Carol Johnson, Doris “Granny D” Haddock, Danville Moderator Wally Fires, Arshad Hasan DFA Training Academy, Aldon Hynes, Mary Stanley, Diane M. Serley and Matt Dunne. There will be several panels including Jeffry Taylor, David Lindorff, Quintus Jett, Deborah Langhoff, Rev. Jerald Abbott, Frederick Clarkson, NH State Rep. Jeff Fontas, NH State Rep. Andrew Edwards and ePluribus Media researchers GreyHawk and Luapt.

Entertainment will be provided by Cecilia St. King, Rebecca Padula, Subway Serenade, Rick and Bill of the band Coldspring, Zo Tobi, Marshall Stern and Nancy Howland Walker.

Films will include “We’re Counting the Votes and You Can Too,” “Hacking Democracy,” “My War, My Story,” “Big Easy to Big Empty,” and “Bought & Sold.” This year will also include the play “Six Nights in the Black Belt.”

“DemocracyFest is an opportunity to network with people who share political values and learn how to make a difference while having fun,” says one annual attendee. The festival has previously been held in Massachusetts, Texas and California.

The presenting sponsor of this year’s event is Democracy For New Hampshire. Other sponsors include Democracy For America, Latinos For America, Camp Wellstone, Brain Arcade Design Studio, Democrats.com, Human Rights Campaign, NH for Health Care, IG Publishing, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, ForeAmerica.com, David A. Stevenson Realtor, Free Press, Democracy for Vermont, Vermont Impeachment Movement, National Women’s Political Caucus, Turn Maine Blue, Grassroots Retreats and Disabled Americans for Democracy.

For more information about the event and to buy tickets go to www.DemocracyFest.net

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During the 2006 Connecticut Senatorial campaign, I had the pleasure of shaking Ned Lamont's hand on 9 occasions - from his first visit to my Norwalk DFA chapter, to his rally in New Haven three days before the election.