1. Vermont became the 14th state on October 8, 1791. Vermont is the first state in the United States to be admitted after the original thirteen colonies. As such, Vermont is known as the "Green Mountain State" and has a state bird, flower, tree, and mammal.

2. Ethan Allen, a famous Revolutionary War hero and the founder of the state of Vermont, was born on October 8, 1738, in Litchfield, Connecticut. Ethan Allen was a key figure in the Green Mountain Boys, a militia that defended Vermont's territory from both New York and New Hampshire.

3. On October 8, 1971, the first Homecoming parade took place in Burlington, Vermont. The parade included floats, marching bands, and a giant, inflatable football player. The tradition continues to this day, and the Burlington Homecoming parade is now one of the largest in the state.

4. In 2003, Vermont became the first state in the United States to allow same-sex couples to enter into civil unions. On October 8, 2004, Vermont celebrated its first anniversary of legal non-discrimination against same-sex couples.

5. The Vermont State Fair is one of the biggest events in the state, and it takes place every year in early October. The fair features live music, carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, and horse shows. On October 8, 2008, the Vermont State Fair celebrated its 50th anniversary.