The celebration of the 60th birthday of the Northeast Kingdom planned for 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 14 at the Goodrich Memorial Library in Newport is really shaping up to be a hit. One of my favorite comedians, a man I admire greatly, Norm Lewis of Danville, has announced he plans to attend. He is bringing with him his alter-ego, Danny Gore, the good-will ambassador to the Northeast Kingdom.

To those not familiar with the Danville man, Lewis/Gore began a good-natured, satirical run for governor in 1962. He humorously fought to keep the rural Vermont character and culture in Vermont politics after political reapportionment shifted the balance of power from rural Vermont to the state’s urban centers. While some “comedians” resort to profanity and poking fun at people and their way of life in an attempt to get a laugh, Lewis/Gore uses his uncanny wit, not to laugh at Vermonters, but to laugh with them, and even to educate them. 

Gore’s “run for office” ended on November 18, 1994. At noon of that day, while standing on the steps of the State House, he declared victory in his race and appointed himself the governor of the state. Seven minutes later - minutes he borrowed from the legally elected governor, Howard Dean, without the governor even knowing it – he abdicated the governor's seat and allowed Governor Dean to serve out the remainder of his term. 

Although Lewis/Gore long ago quit the campaign trail, he is still making appearances and making people laugh.

The event is hosted by Scott and Penny Wheeler of Derby, the publisher's of Vermont's Northland Journal, and the Goodrich Memorial Library.