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Saving a North Hero Landmark

North Hero, Vermont -- August 8, 2009

Residents of North Hero took their own initiative when it came to saving a beautiful old building.

Community Hall was built in 1930. It's a local landmark, but sat vacant for most of the last decade. The renovation does not come cheap -- at around a million dollars. But some people in town decided to raise the money, instead of considering the alternative.

Tracy Giroux of the North Hero Historical Society said, "People wanted to tear it down, and a group of us got together to try to save it. And we were successful in 2007. We've had grants, we've raised money in the community, we're on another fundraiser now trying to get $62,000, the match for the byways grant."

The latest event was a duct tape regatta, which drew an enthusiastic crowd. More events follow on Sunday.

Some of the materials for the renovation were donated. The project continues -- we'll let you know when they schedule a grand opening for North Hero's Community Hall.

Andy Potter - WCAX