Predicting fall foliage

WAITSFIELD, Vt. -- When will the autumn leaves be most beautiful in Vermont's Mad River Valley?

The locals claim to know. They're predicting the reds and golds will be at their most spectacular on Oct. 10 at 10:10 a.m.

The scheduling of "Peak Day" is part guessing-game, part joke and part tourism hype, with a little bit of scientific observation and prediction thrown in, based on when foliage has peaked in past years.

Residents and tourists alike will mark the moment with a countdown and a banging of the "foliage gong." Children's activities and a "Plaid O' the Mad Contest" -- in which a "Flannel Panel" judges the best entries of plaid -- will also take place.

This year Peak Day festivities will include an even bolder prediction regarding snowfall for the coming winter.

For more details, go to www.madrivervalley.com or call 800-82-VISIT.