East Dorset, Vermont — The 2013 Vermont Summer Festival has begun its six-week run at Harold Beebe Farm in East Dorset, VT.  Held July 2 through August 11, the Vermont Summer Festival offers more than $750,000 in prize money, making it the richest sporting event based on purse in the state of Vermont. A young athlete contemplates the competition at the 2013 Vermont Summer Festival. Photo by David Mullinix Photography Attracting some of the sport’s top equestrian athletes, the Vermont Summer Festival is known for its quality competition, outstanding location and friendly atmosphere.  Add to that an impressive line-up of sponsors and generous prize money, and it’s easy to see why competitors return to the Vermont Summer Festival year after year.  Twenty years in fact, as the Vermont Summer Festival marks its 20th anniversary in its current Manchester location.