MONTPELIER, Vt. - Every year, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce makes its choice for the summer's top events. Below, in chronological order, are their picks:

• May 3 - 4 Stratton Mountain 3rd Annual Stratton Flower and Garden Festival. A Garden in the Woods is the 2003 theme. Highlights include live garden displays, floral arts and crafts exhibits, bookstore, seminars, children's and hands-on activities, door prizes, silent auction and a garden competition. Admission. Proceeds benefit the Mountain School at Winhall. 10 - 4 daily. 1-800-STRATTON, www.stratton.com
  
  
• May 24 - 25 Burlington, Vermont City Marathon. One of Runner's World's top 20 U.S. marathons, this 26.2 mile event, on an award-winning course, traverses scenic Burlington streets and bike paths, between Battery Park and Waterfront Park. Post-race festivities for runners and spectators follow. Pre-race activities include a two day Sports and Fitness Exposition showcasing 55 vendors and buffet dinner. Entry fee. 802-863-8412, www.vcm.org
  
  
• June 6 - 8, Brattleboro 2nd Annual Strolling of the Heifers. This weeklong festival follows Vermont Dairy Day, June 5th, and coincides with National Dairy Month. Activities recognize small farmers and contributions they make to the global economy, and include a Farm Summit, Dairy Festival and Parade, and the Heifer Ball. Admission for Heifer Ball. 1-877-VTSBEST, prime@sover.net
  
  
• June 21 - 22 Tunbridge Vermont History Expo 2003. Family entertainment for all generations in a lively celebration of Vermont stories. Activities include living history encampments, exhibits from collections of 140 local historical societies and museums, a heritage parade, box lunch auction, children's games, treasure hunt, heirloom and rare breed animals, and many performances. Admission. 802-479-8500, www.vermonthistory.org/expo
  
  
• June 27 - 29 Northfield 27th Annual Vermont Quilt Festival is an exemplary New England experience with more than 400 breathtaking quilts on display on the beautiful Norwich University campus, a merchants mall for treasures to suit quilters and non-quilters alike. A free Let Kids Sew program is offered daily. A full slate of special events guarantees fun for everyone! Admission. Fri. - Sat. 9 - 5:30, Sun. 9 - 3. 802-485-7092, www.vqf.org
  
  
• July 11 - 13 Stowe 17th Annual Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival is one of Vermont's most popular summer celebrations, featuring a children's corner, live band, great food, beer garden, balloon launches and tethers! Twenty-five of the country's most prominent balloon experts will launch on Fri. July 11th 6:30 pm., Sat. July 12th 6:30 pm, Sat. and Sun. at 6:30 am. Admission includes raffle ticket. 800-253-2232, www.stoweflake.com
  
  
• July 12 - 13 Shelburne 4th Native American Intertribal Pow-Wow, one of northeast's largest. Singing, dancing, drumming, flute music, storytelling by representatives of U.S. and Canadian tribes. Kids activities, native arts and crafts. Admission. 11 am - sunset. 802-985-3346, www.shelburnemuseum.org
  
  
• July 13 - Aug. 3 Various locations. Vermont Mozart Festival honors the creative genius of classical, chamber music and composers of same through a series of dozens of concerts, a dressage exhibition, lectures, classes and workshops. The scenic and architectural charm of the outdoor locations enhances the experience. Adm. 802-862-7352, www.vtmozart.com
  
  
• Aug. 1 - 17 Fayston, Waitsfield, Warren Vermont Festival of the Arts, more than 80 events at 42 beautiful Mad River Valley locations, is a feast for the senses. The gala features performance art, music, exhibits and shows, culinary tastings, workshops, tours of historic barns and gardens, literary readings, hands-on children's events. Admission to some events. 800-517-4247, www.vermontartfest.com
  
  
• Aug. 29 - Sept. 7 Rutland Vermont State Fair has showcased Vermont agriculture for 158 years. Begun in 1846 as a one day event, it has grown into a 10 day tradition known for events including horse and cattle shows, a farm museum, 4-H events, a maple house and dairy center. Adm. 8 am - 11 pm. 802-775-5200, www.vermontstatefair.net