OK, first the basics:

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! Prior 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.

The 6th Annual DemocracyFest will be held this summer, July 17-19, 2009 at the Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in Burlington, VT!

For more information and tickets, go to http://www.DemocracyFest.net

Updates below the fold…

Speaker Updates

Gov. Howard Dean, Sen. Mike Gravel, Gov. Madeleine Kunin, Sen. Doug Racine and Mayor Bob Kiss will take the stage and answer your questions during our welcome and commencement ceremonies, as well as during meal times (Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast included in the $55 full event ticket). Sen. Pat Leahy and Sen. Bernie Sanders have both penciled speaking into their schedules. Stay tuned for confirmation!

Entertainment Updates

Musical performances by Rebecca Padula, Bobby Kendes, Subway Serenade and Axiomatic. “Dean and Me” Movie Screening with Heath Eiden. Plus stand-up comedy by Rep. Jason Lorber. Yes, he’s a professional comedian and VT State Representative, as well as TV show host! Be part of the live studio audience during the taping of his show “Correcting Corrections” on Saturday too!

Trainings Update

– Universal Health Care w/ Dr. Deb Richter – Election Integrity w/ Alan Dechert – Netroots Campaigning w/ John Odum – Instant Runoff Voting w/ Rep. Michael Fisher – Safe and Renewable Energy w/ Dan DeWalt and Mathew Lash – Marriage Equality w/ Sheryl Rapee-Adams – Grassroots Legislative Advocacy w/ Kate Kanelstein and Bekah Mandell – National Nurse Campaign w/ Teri Mills and Alisa Schneider – Citizen Rights w/ Charlie Grapski – Women in Politics w/ Sen. Hinda Miller and Rep. Sandy Haas – Significance of Unions w/ Mathew Lash – Law Enforcement Against Prohibition w/ Richard Van Wickler – Buying Local w/ Rep. David Zuckerman

And more! Keep an eye on our schedule page for additional trainings. http://democracyfest.net/schedule

Lodging Update

The 2nd block of rooms we reserved at the Sheraton is almost full and we are NOT planning on reserving a 3rd block. Get your room at the reduced rate of $99/night before they’re gone! Reserve your lodging by calling 1-802-865-6600. You must say you are with the DemocracyFest group to get the reduced rate.

Sponsor Updates

We are so grateful to all of our wonderful sponsors who are supporting the event this year. Please visit them at the event in the sponsor tabling area, or click through to their websites from our homepage: http://www.DemocracyFest.net

Democracy for Vermont, VT Democratic Party, Truth and Hope, DMedia, Latinos For America, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, VT Progressive Party, Vermont League of Conservation Voters, VPIRG, Green Mountain Mailer, Liane Allen Web Development, VT Freedom To Marry, Sheraton Hotel, Montgomery County Democracy For America, Vermont Gay Guide, East Bay For Democracy, Green Mountain Daily, Chelsea Green Publishing, VT Workers Center, Doug Racine for Governor, VT Alliance for Intelligent Drug Laws, Peace and Justice Center

If your business or organization would like to sponsor DemocracyFest (very affordable with lots of great benefits including tabling space and tickets), please check out our Sponsor Levels and benefits here: http://www.democracyfest.net/s…

Other Fun Stuff Updates

– Book signings by Gov. Howard Dean, Gov. Madeline Kunin and Sen. Mike Gravel – Video lounge; Hang out and watch some progressive movies with fellow activists, as well as video clips from nationally known activists who couldn’t make it to speak in person, but were nice enough to record a special video clip for us. – Childrens Area; Children under 14 get free admission (including meals) with adult ticket purchase, and we will have a special area for them with civic-minded books, games and activities. – Semi-Guided tour of Burlington on Friday. Stay tuned for details! – Late-night parties both Friday and Saturday nights – Early morning yoga with Sen. Hinda Miller on Saturday and Sunday mornings (“Heck Of A Job, Brownie” awards to anyone who attends the late night parties and the early morning yoga!)

And who knows what else we’ll come up with in the next month! Get your tickets today at http://www.DemocracyFest.net