Freeing Vermont and becoming independent REQUIRE good public parties. The weekly Wednesday ROUND UP BY THE RIVER became a summer highlight for locals and visitors alike in Mad River Valley, home to 2VR HQ. 2VR caught up with ROUND UP co-founder Sarina Gulisano of the Sweet Spot in downtown Waitsfield for an interview.

Q. Explain the origins of the ROUND UP idea?

A. Spring of 2014, Michael Flannigan from Michael’s Good To Go came down to the Sweet Spot and pitched the idea to do a local food truck event at this location.  Between Michael, Joey from The Mad Taco, Johnny and myself we came up with a plan and things began to take shape.

Q. Paint us a picture – how do you visualize the ROUND UP as an event?

A. It’s a party that everyone is invited to. The scene is along the Mad River in the back parking area of Bridge Street we close off part of the lot and set up around 4 food truck/vendors and band or sometimes a DJ. We rope off an area that outdoor consumption is allowed. Family, friends, and neighbors gather, swim in the river, eat, drink, dance, chat, or just hang and take it all in.

Q. What are your goals for the ROUND UP?

A. We would like to continue the community’s interest in the event, also we want to keep it a safe place to gather and provide exposure for vendors and musicians.

Q. How does this past summer’s ROUND UP differ from the summer before?

A. This summer we held the event every Wednesday in comparison to every other Wednesday last summer.  This summer we did not cancel a single round up.  Last year we lost a few to rain.  This year we expanded the variety of food vendors and musicians.  Overall, I think it was better attended this year.

Q. What’s the most challenging part of the ROUND UP?

A. Taking out the trash at the end of the night. But honestly, I love the natural flow from absolute mayhem a couple hours before the ROUND UP to it taking on a life of it’s own once people show up.

 Q. What do you see for the ROUND UP for summers ahead?

A. More variety with food and music. Perhaps it could be something that we look forward to from year to year and can remain a simple local event that celebrates why we live here.

Q. Any last words of advice?

A. We would love it if everyone that attends would be respectful to all the property owners by cleaning up after themselves and pay attention to the alcohol boundaries. This will ensure us the use of this lovely location.