| THE NIGHT BEFORE CIDER DAYS 'Twas the night before Cider Days, when all through The house not a creature was stirring, not even a Mouse, (or a moose or a bear),
The photos were hung in the Community Room With care hoping that crowds of leaf peepers would Soon be there. Mount Holly's volunteers were nestled all snug in Their beds while visions of Cider Day crowds Danced in their heads. And mamas in their kerchiefs and papas in their Red Sox caps, had just settled their brains for long Autumn naps, When out on the Belmont green there Arose such a clatter, Everyone sprang from their beds to see what was The matter. Away to their windows they flew like a flash, tore Open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The sun on the breast of the newly mowed green
Gave the lustre of mid-day to all objects seen,
(And all breathed a sigh of relief because the Weather was fine). When, what to their wondering eyes should appear, But bus loads of leaf peepers anxious to Sample Cider Days cheer. With little old bus drivers, so lively and quick,
All knew in a moment getting out of bed would Have to be quick.
More rapid than eagles the leaf peepers they came,
And they whistled, and shouted, and went by every Odd name;
"Now, Rasher! now, Lancer! now, Crancer And Nixon! On, Flanet! on, Tepid! on, Bounder and Flixen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! The Crowds were there ready to adore Vermont's fall. But as the weekend sadly did close the visitors Sprang to their cars, their e-bikes and buses, all Agreeing that coming back next year was a Mustus*. *Mustus, defined as a word made up to end this Cider Days ditty. | 
