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'Best of Web' by US News & World Reports
The products are Americana, the convenience is contemporary, but the ambiance is American shopping as it was in a time before mega malls. It all can be found at the Village Shops our Main Street Business District of Americana goods and services. More 
We can help get you going. Visit the Travel and Touring Center, now in conjunction with Travelocity. 
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A YEAR AROUND AMERICA ANNUAL HIDDEN AMERICA HIGHLIGHTS
MUMMERS PARADE New Year's Day, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania In this New Year's Day tradition, colorfully costumed
march up Broad Street to the strains of string band music. The festival is an outgrowth of
northern European traditions; a southern influence can be seen in the strut. Info: (215)
686-2876 POLAR ICE
CAP GOLF TOURNAMENT Mid-January, Grand Haven, Michigan Hundreds of golfers assemble to shoot 9 or 18 holes on
Spring Lake, on a course carved out of the ice and snow. Info: (616) 842-4910 WESTERN STOCK SHOW Mid-January, Denver, Colorado Major rodeo with more than 1,000 participants. Shows
for horses, sheep and 20breeds of cattle. They serve some 300-500 barrels of homemade
chili - ingredients include chili powder, cayenne, pinto beans and ketchup. BBQ Beef,
baked beans and chicken fired steaks also available in abundance. Info: (303) 295-1660. COWBOY POETRY GATHERING January, Elko, Nevada Cowboys and cowgirls get together to read their poetry.
In addition, there are western films, crafts and art and music of the range. Info: (702)
738-7508 ST. PAUL WINTER CARNIVAL January, St. Paul, Minnesota Event dating back to the 1880's features sports,
special events and intricate ice sculptures. A classic winter event. Info: (612) 297-6953 HOPI DANCE January, Hopi Reservation (Arizona) Hopi sponsors a series of events that are open to the
public. In January (dates vary), visitors are invited to attend the Buffalo Dance and
other traditional dances. Traditional food is served in Hopi homes. Info: (602) 734-2401. GROUNDHOG
DAY February 2, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania Punxsutawney Phil, the clairvoyant groundhog, makes his
annual appearance to tell us when spring will arrive. the announcement is made at 7:30
a.m., followed by a breakfast. there is a dinner banquet later in the day. Info: (314)
------. THE GREAT AMERICAN CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL Valentine's Weekend, Hershey, Pennsylvania Heaven for chocolate lovers. Meals, lectures, bake-offs
and more. Info: (717) 533-2171. GOLD RUSH Early February, Wickenburg, Arizona A brief hay day here is recalled at Wickenburg
Fairgrounds for a three day old timers' rodeo, Wild West parade, arts and crafts and
panning for gold. Info: (602) 684-5479. CHINESE NEW
YEARS February, San Francisco, California North America's foremost Chinese community salutes the
New Year with pageants, cultural programs, lion dances, and the Golden Dragon Parade.
Info: (415) 391-2000. INTERNATIONAL
PANCAKE RACE Shrove Tuesday (Usually in February), Liberal,
Kansas This pancake race is a Shrove Tuesday tradition.
Married women in Liberal and Olney, England join in a transatlantic competition, running
an S-shaped course carrying skillets and flipping pancakes. Also pancake flipping and
eating contests. Info: (316) 624-3855. President's Weekend, Alexandria, Virginia Washington's hometown celebrates with a series of
events including a giant parade, re-enactments, promenade of period fashions, walking
tours, wreath laying, banquet and more. Info: (703) 838-5005. First Week in February Shelton, WA Competitions in speed shucking and in presentation of
both Pacific and Olympia oysters. More than 100 booths offering all types of seafood.
Info: (206) 426-2021. First Weekend in February; Angel Fire, NM Shovel races along with winter activities, snowmobile races and moonlight tours. Info: (505) 377-2301. CHOCOLATE FESTIVALPresident's Day Weekend; Hershey, PA Home of Hershey's chocolate celebrates the holiday of chocolates - Valentine's Day with chocolate tastings, displays of chocolate products, chocolate games and workshops. Info: (800) 533-3131. DATE FESTIVALFriday of Presidents Day weekend for ten days; Indio, CA First Weekend in February; Anchorage, AK Settlement origins of Alaska recalled in this event that includes a fur trade re-enactment, fur sales, sled dog races, crafts and pioneer contests. Info: (907) 276-4118. GASPARILLA PIRATE INVASIONFebruary; Tampa, FL Highlight is the pirate landing on a three-masted schooner. Parade with floats, balls, competitions and more. Info: (800) 44-TAMPA. AMERICAN BIRKENBEINER CROSS-COUNTRY SKI WEEKENDThird Weekend in February, Hayward, Wisconsin Largest cross-country ski race in North America, and the fourth largest in the world. In addition to the races, there are banquets, German food, music and entertainment. Info: (715) 634-5025. WEST COAST OYSTER SHUCKING CHAMPIONSHIP First Week in February; Shelton, WA Competitions in speed shucking and in presentation of both Pacific and Olympia oysters. More than 100 booths offering fish farms. This fact is celebrated with tours of the farms, arts and crafts, displays, music, catfish eating and cooking contests, and what is described as the World's Largest Catfish Fry. Info: (601) 247-4838 or (800) 408-4838. TASTE OF SOLVANG Mid-March; Solvang, CA Celebration of Danish culture. Info: (800) GO-SOLVANG C.M. RUSSELL AUCTION OF ORIGINAL WESTERN ARTMid-March; Great Falls, MT Western Art exhibits, auctions, displays, seminars and music at the Charles Russell Museum. Info: (406) 727-8787. WORLD'S LARGEST RATTLESNAKE ROUNDUP Second Weekend in March ; Sweetwater, TX Rattlesnake hunt, parade, demonstrations., fried snake dinner and eating contest, beauty pageant, carnival and flea market. Info: (915) 235-5488. GREAT ASTORIA CRAB & SEAFOOD FESTIVALMid-March; Astoria, OR Booths with Oregon seafood and wines, entertainment and childrens' events. Info: (503) 325-6311. ST. PATRICK'S DAYMarch 17; New York, NY St. Patrick's Day is a celebration of Irish culture in this parade that draws millions to Manhattan's Fifth Avenue. Info: (800) NYC-VISIT. FLORIDA HERITAGE FESTIVALLate March-April; Bradenton, FL Florida's origins recalled with a nighttime parade, street entertainment and a ball. Info: (813) 747-1998. NATURAL BRIDGE RE-ENACTMENTEarly March (Sunday); Tallahassee, FL The last Confederate victory in the Civil war occurred here. It is recalled in this living history event. Info: (904) 922-6007. SWALLOWS DAYMarch 19; San Juan Capistrano, CA Famous return of the swallows to Capistrano is a sure sign of the arrival of Spring. In addition, there is a parade, art show and traditional dances. Info:(714) 493-4700. MAINE MAPLE SUNDAY Fourth Sunday in March; South China, ME More than 60 sugarhouses statewide hold open houses to show the public how make syrup is made. Info: (207) 2287-3491. SAVANNAH TOURS OF HOMES Last Week; Savannah, GA Walking tours of private homes in Savannah's historic neighborhoods. Other events as well. Info: (912) 234-8054. TOWN MEETING DAY First Tuesday in March, Statewide, Vermont Exercise in American democracy on the grass-roots level. Info: (802) 496-2218. BUZZARD SUNDAYMid-March, Hinckley, Ohio Celebration of the mysterious annual return of turkey vultures to Hinckley. Games, arts and crafts and a pancake breakfast are highlights. Info: (216) 237-4242 WESTERN ART AUCTIONThird weekend in March, Great Falls, Montana Works of western art, past and present are exhibited and auctioned at the Russell Museum. In addition there are seminars and receptions. Held at the C.M. Russell Museum which exhibits watercolors, sculptures, illustrations of great Western artists year round. Info: (406) 761-6453. MULE DAYFirst Weekend in April; Columbia, TN Event recalls area's past mule producing industry. Mule parade and auction, mule pulls, flea market, crafts, western mule show, clogging, and talent show. Info: (615) 381-9557. CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVALFirst Two Weeks in April; Washington, DC Recalls gift of trees from Japan early this century. Highlights include a Japanese lantern lighting ceremony, pageant, parade, and beautiful blossoms. Info: (202) 646-0366. PEAR BLOSSOM FESTIVALSecond Weekend in April; Medford, OR Blossom time celebrated with parade, food booths, street entertainment and pageants. Info: (503) 734-PEAR. PATRIOTS DAYThird Monday in April; Massachusetts Commemoration of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, which took place on April 19, 1775. It is observed with ceremonies and a re-enactment of the battle on the Lexington Green. Actors portraying Paul Revere and William Dawes re-do their famous rides, shouting "The British are Coming". They leave the North End of Boston in the morning and arrive in Lexington in early afternoon. Info: (617) 536-4100. VIDALIA ONION FESTIVALLast Weekend in April (Thursday-Sunday); Vidalia, GA Sweet onions are celebrated where they are grown. Info: (912) 538-8687. VERMONT MAPLE FESTIVALThird Weekend in April; St, Albans, VT Quebec and neighboring Vermont are the source of some of the world's best maple syrup. Here, the are sugarhouse demonstrations, "sugar on snow", recipe contests. Also arts and crafts, talent show, parade, and a maple supper with foods including maple-glazed ham. Info: (802) 524-2444. INTERNATIONAL MARIACHI CONVENTIONThird Week in April; Tucson, AZ Musicians from the U.S. and Mexico gather for joint concerts, workshops and seminars. Info: (602) 884-9920. FRENCH ACADIAN MUSIC FESTIVALThird Week in April; Abbeville, LA French prose and song maintain Acadian cultural tradition. Accordion, violin and harmonica music. Info: (318) 893-1257. WORLD GRITS FESTIVALApril; St. George, SC St. George's consumption of grits was unusually high, said the local supermarket. Now they celebrate this fact with grits in various forms, games, contests, pageants and more. Highlights are Rolling in Grits and a recipe contest. Info: (803) 563-3255. FIESTA SAN ANTONIOThird Week in April; San Antonio, TX Parades, concerts, flower show and cultural and historical events recall San Antonio's origins. Info: (210) 224-6163. ASPARAGUS FESTIVALFourth Weekend in April; Stockton, CA California produces some 90% of the fresh market asparagus in the U.S. and San Joaquin County (Stockton) harvests some 30,000, making t the largest producing county ion the nation. There is a Asparagus Alley, demonstrations, music, arts and of course lots of asparagus to eat. Info: (209) 466-6674. WORLD'S BIGGEST FISH FRY Last Week in April
MAPLE SUGAR FESTIVAL Second Weekend in April,St. Albans, Vermont One of many events occurring in the Green Mountain State when the sap runs from the state's maple trees. You can see how sap is made into maple syrup by taking a sugarhouse tour. you can watch competitions for the best flavor, density and color. There is also lots of maple fudge, pancakes, music, entertainment and crafts, including coopering (the making of sap buckets). Info: (802) 524-2444. HORSEBACK ENDURANCE RIDE Second Weekend in April, Hurricane, Utah Horseback teams from Utah, Nevada, California and Colorado compete in 25 and 50 mile races. Info: (801) 635-4627. 89er DAYS Mid-April, Guthrie, Oklahoma The Oklahoma Territory was opened for settlement on April 22, 1889. To commemorate the famous rush for land, Guthrie hosts rodeos, carnivals, parades and a chuck wagon food. Info: (405) 282-1947. NATIONAL WHISTLER'S CONVENTION Last Weekend in April, Louisburg, North Carolina The oldest whistler's convention the nation beings together professionals and amateurs from throughout the country. There are contests, concerts and workshops. Prizes are awarded to the loudest, oldest and youngest whistlers, categories include classical, contemporary and novelty ,music. The country's only whistler's museum displays articles on and objects connected with, whistles and whistlers. Info: (919) 496-2521; Ext. 226. CATFISH CAPITAL OF THE WORLD FESTIVAL First Saturday in April, Belzoni, Mississippi Humphrey County (Belzoni, the county seat) is the center of over 100 catfish April (Monday-Saturday); Paris, TN An all you can eat catfish dinner is the highlight of this event which dates back to 1953. Also pageants, parades, fishing rodeo and a bed race derby.Catfish is king in the Mississippi Delta. Here it is celebrated with entertainment, a pageant, sports, catfish dinners and a catfish-eating contest. Info: (601) 247-2616. KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL Last Week in April/First Week in May, Louisville, Kentucky This ten day festival offers more than 70 events, calumniating in the running of the Kentucky Derby. Activities include the Pegaus parade, a hot air balloon race, steamboat races, square dancing, concerts and fireworks. Info: (502) 584-6383. CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL DAY April 26, Various Locations, Georgia Annual ceremonies to recall those who fought and died for the Confederacy in "The War Between the States". Speeches, flowers and patriotic music. Among the sites are the Marietta National Cemetery, the State Capitol in Atlanta, the Oakland Cemetery the Decatur Court House. Other observances are held on other dates in the South. Info: (404) 428-0978. LANDING OF D'IBERVILLE Last Week; Ocean Springs, MS Re-enactment of French landing in the region in the 16th century. Also arts and entertainment. Info: (601) 875-4424. FESTIVAL OF NATIONS Last Weekend in April, St. Paul, Minnesota Three day event, sponsored by the International Institute of Minnesota, features 6,000 people representing over 50 ethnic groups. Activities include dance, music, crafts, an international bazaar, and countless varieties of food. A special highlight is a stage offering continuous entertainment. Info: (612) 647-0191. BARBED WIRE FESTIVAL First Weekend; La Crosse, WI Barbed Wire Museum hosts a collectors' meet, splicing contests, auction and cookout as role of barbed wire in settlement of the West is recalled. Info: (913) 222-9900. BREAUX BRIDGE CRAWFISH FESTIVAL First Weekend in May; Breaux Bridge, LA Zydeco crawdaddy festival. Info: (318) 332-6655 or (800) 346-1958. CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL AND JAPANESE CULTURE FESTIVAL First Weekend in May, Seattle, Washington Celebration of Japanese culture features traditional textiles, kimonos, art, games and bonsai. Info: (206) 623-7900. JOHNNYCAKE BREAKFASTS May, Rhode Island A Rhode Island tradition since 1867, Johnnycakes are served up in various locations around the state. Info: (800) 556-2484. CINCO DE MAYO May 5, Nogales, Arizona One of many such celebrations in the Southwest, this party is unique because it is staged in both Nogales, AZ its its sister city Nogales, Mexico just across the border. A fiesta of music, dance, food and Mexican culture marks the Mexican victory over France in a pivotal battle on May 5, 1862 . Info: (602) 287-3685. ANNIVERSARY OF THE GOLDEN SPIKE CEREMONY RE-ENACTMENT May 10, Promonotory, Utah The construction of the transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869. To mark the occasion, a golden spike was driven into he ties at the point where the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroad lines met. the event is reenacted with period costumes and engines. Info: (801) 471-2209. INTERNATIONAL BBQ FESTIVAL Second Full Weekend in May; Owensboro, KY Barbecued mutton and burgoo, a western Kentucky specialty stew, are the highlights at this event along the banks of the Ohio River. There is also a backyard grilling contest, entertainment on four stages, sports, crafts, and mutton and pie eating contests. Info: (800) 489-1131. DECOY, WILDLIFE ART & SPORTSMAN FSETIVAL First Weekend in May; Havre de Grace, MD Festival honoring decoys and related activities along the banks of Chesapeake Bay. Info: (410) 939-3739. LILAC FESTIVAL Second Weekend; Rochester, NY They have been celebrating lilacs in Rochester since the 1890's. There are flower shows, illuminated gardens, nature walks and more. Info: (716) 256-4960. WORLD'S LARGEST PANCAKE BREAKFAST Saturday Nearest to May 14; Springfield, MA Some 60,000 turn up for a big breakfast. A 1,500 foot table occupies Main Street and consume pancakes from a batter of 600 pounds of eggs. Info: (413) 733-3800. DULCIMER DAYS Mid-May; Coshocton, OH Old-time hammer dulcimer music contests and workshops. Also tours of historic Roscoe Village, an 11830's settlement along the Ohio and Erie Canal. Info: (614) 622-9310. MEMPHIS IN MAY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BARBECUE COOKING CONTEST Mid-May; Memphis, TN Giant barbecue festival is part of the Memphis in May festival. Info: (901) 525-4611. NINTH AVENUE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL Third Weekend in May; New York, NY New York's international diversity is celebrated with a giant culinary block party which stretches from 37th to 57th Street. From Greek to Italian to Brazilian and Indonesian to name just afew. There is international music, crafts, games and a distinctively New York international flavor. Info: (212) 581-7217. RHUBARB FESTIVAL Third Saturday in May; Intercourse, PA Rhubarb is cooked as if a fruit, but it is actually a vegetable. Once a year this community serves fresh rhubarb and variations of it. There are rhubarb meals throughout the day, demonstrations and other activities in the heart of the Lancaster Valley. Info: (717) 768-8261 or (800) 732-3538. CALAVERAS COUNTY FAIR & JUMPIN' FROG JUBILEE Third Weekend; Angels Camp, CA Area made famous by the Gold Rush and a Mark Twain story recalls its history with a jumping frog competition, parades, rodeo, fireworks, cow-milking contest and more. Info: (209) 736-2561. NATIONAL MUSHROOM FESTIVAL Weekend of the third Sunday in May; Boyne City, MI Highlight is the National Mushroom Hunting Championship where some 500 are bussed out to hunt morels. Also seminars, mushroom cooking demonstrations and tastings, and free cream of morel soup. Info: (616) 582-6222 or (800) 230-2739. HOUBY DAYS Third Weekend; Cedar Rapids, IA Celebration of Czech heritage. Highlights include Czech crafts and folk art, costumed dancers, traditional foods and mushroom hunt contests. Info: (800) 735-5557. BLESSING OF THE FLEET Third Sunday in May; Bayou La Batre, AL Town, 2 1/2 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, has been a fishing village since 1787. Today it calls itself the Seafood Capital of Alabama. The fleet blessing dates back to 1950. There are also dinners (seafood and non-seafood), contests, a street parade, pet show and pageant. Info: (334) 824-2415. CHUCK WAGON FESTIVAL Memorial Day Weekend; Oklahoma City, OK Actual cowboys prepare traditional western foods in period attire from actual or replica period chuck wagons at the Western Heritage Center. There are also stagecoach rides, storytelling, cowboy music and western memorabilia. Info: (405) 478-2250. BUCKING HORSE SALE Third Weekend; Miles City, MT Outgrowth of a Spring round-up of horses locally, event includes a rodeo, livestock sales, street dances and entertainment. Info: (406) 232-2890. SACRAMENTO DIXIELAND JUBILEE Fourth Week; Sacramento, CA Over 100 dixieland bands perform throughout town. Info: (916) 372-5277. JIMMIE RODGERS MEMORIAL FESTIVAL Fourth Week; Meridian, MS Commemoration of blues singer-songwriter. Activities include street dancing, barbecue, all-day singing and musical performances. Info: (601) 693-2686. JAMBALAYA FESTIVAL Memorial Day Weekend (Thursday through Monday); Gonzales, LA Cook-off to crown the World Jambalya Cooking Champion. Also cajun music, carnival and a pageant. Info: (505) 647-7487 KODIAK CRAB FESTIVAL Memorial Weekend (Thursday through Monday); Kodiak, AK Alaska's largest seafood port of the host of this event which features king crab, local seafood and a local specialty called brainburgers (Deep fried hamburgers, turkey legs and Chinese and Mexican food). Also a sourdough pancake breakfast, Russian luncheon, sports, parade, demonstrations and entertainment. Info: (907) 486-5557. FLEET OF FLOWERS Memorial Day Weekend; Depoe Bay, OR Flotilla of decorated boats parades out of the harbor and out to sea where a memorial service is held. Info: (503) 765-2345. WEST VIRGINIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Memorial Day Weekend (Wednesday Through Sunday); Buckhannon, WV Festival dates back to 1936 and features strawberry in various culinary forms ranging from shortcake and jam to daiquiris. Also pageants, a parade, crafts, hoedown, gospel sing and recipe contest with entries including strawberry and kiwi pizza. Info: (204) 472-9036. A DAY IN OLD NEW CASTLE Late May; New Castle, DE Tours of private homes and gardens. public buildings, museums and churches dating from 17th to early 19th centuries. Info: (302) 328-2449. GASPEE DAYS Late May; Warwick, RI Re-enactment of the burning of the British schooner Gaspee, fife and drum corps parades, concerts, balls. arts and crafts, living history, childrens' events and more. Info: (401) 781-1772. TULIP TIME Wed. thru Sunday after Mother's Day, Holland, Michigan They say that there are eight miles of tulips at Tulip Time, as the citizens of Holland, Michigan celebrate the to9wn's Dutch origins. Attractions include Windmill Island, Dutch Village, wooden shows, street scrubbings, parades and Dutch music. Info: (616) 396-4221. JIMMIE RODGERS MEMORIAL FESTIVAL Last Week of May, Meridian, Mississippi The festival commemorates the life of the legendary blues-singer-songwriter and his impact on country music. There are talent shows, a beauty pageant, gospel sings, street dancing, catfish dinners, barbecues and all-day music. Info: (601) 693-2686. 500 FESTIVAL May - Monthlong, Indianapolis, Indiana To stretch out the fun of the famous Indy 500 car race, the city hosts a monthlong celebration that includes art exhibits, a parade, children's events and more. Info: (317) 636-4556. LEWIS & CLARK RENDEZVOUS Third Weekend in May, St. Charles, Missouri A re-enactment of the five-day encampment of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in 1804 prior to their departure from St. Charles on their epic journey to explore the frontier. Info: (314) 946-7776. U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY COMISSIONING WEEK May, Annapolis, Maryland Annual rites marking the completion of initial courses at the Naval Academy are highlighted by the traditional Herndon Monument Climb, dress parades and performances by the Blue Angels. Info: (301) 267-3109. JUMPIN' FROG JUBILEE Third Weekend in May, Angels Camp, California Mark Twain's short story, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras Country" inspired the annual frog-jumping contest at the Calaveras County Fair. Jumping frogs is a finely skilled art, and the contest draws competitors and spectators from far away. There is even a Rent-A-Frog booth. Info: (209) 736-2561. FLEET OF FLOWERS Memorial Day, Depoe Bay, Oregon Since 1945, crowds from throughout the country have gathered to witness the assembly of the flotilla on Memorial Day. Boats are decorated with flowers. A procession goes to the ocean where wreaths are cast to commemorate loved ones lost at sea. Info: (503) 765-2345. MEMORIAL DAY Last Monday in May, Arlington, Virginia/Washington, DC America's dead are honored with official ceremonies at the Arlington National Cemetery including a wreath laying service at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial service at the amphitheater and entertainment by the U.S. Navy band. Afternoon ceremonies at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the Mall. Info: (202) 475-0856.
June; Nashville, TN The chance for the public at large to meet country music celebrities. Activities include entertainment, celebrity autographs, a barbecue competition. Info: (615) 259-4700.
Early June-Early July; Portland, OR The Rose City celebrates its inspiration in an event that predates the Tournament of Roses Parade in California. There are multiple floral parades, exhibits, demonstrations, sports, music and more. Info: (503) 227-2681.
First Week; Sedalia, MO Scott Joplin published "Maple Leaf Rag" in this time. This fact is recalled by the locals each year with concerts, and street entertainment. Info: (816) 826-2271.
First Weekend; Collinsville, IL This community near St. Louis calls itself the Horseradish Capital of the World. In fact farmers harvest 10 million pounds of the stuff a year. There's horseradish to take home, a recipe contest, pageants, contests and horseradish foods ranging from horseradish on hot dogs to horseradish apple pie. Info: (618) 344-2884.
First Weekend (Friday-Saturday); Little Chute, WI Little Chute lies in the heart of cheese producing territory in the Dairy State. This event features a cheese-carving contest, curd-eating contests, cheesecake-recipe contest, tours of the dairy farms and cheese plants, a parade, music and more. Info: (414) 788-7390.
First Weekend (Thursday-Sunday); Enonsburg Falls, VT Dairy accounts for some 705 of the Green Mountain States agricultural industry. Cartons of chocolate and white milk are given away. There's local ice cream (Ben & Jerry's) and cheese (Cabot). Also a milking contest, cooking contest, parade, crafts and more. Info: (802) 933-2513 or (802) 933-4134.
Second Weekend; Belmar, NJ Start of the beach season on the Jersey is marked with a spread of the best in shore seafood. Also water sports, juried arts and crafts, music, and crab races. Info: (908) 681-2900.
Second Week; St. Louis, MO Dixieland and traditional jazz bands perform continuous music along the banks of the Mississippi. Info: (314) 621-3311.
Early June (Includes the first two weekends); Garden City, KS Chuckwagon feeds in the Park a highlight. There businesses serve up beef in a variety of forms and compete for cash prizes. Samples are available tot he public. Also a parade and rodeo. Info: (316) 275-6807.
Mid-June; Location varies each year, Eastern Shore of Delaware, Maryland, Virginia The Delmarva Peninsula is the birthplace of the Broiler Industry. Some 10,000 pieces of chicken are served up in forms ranging from chicken sandwiches to ethnic recipes. Contests, demonstrations egg toss and more. Info: (302) 856-1845.
Second Saturday; New Britain, CT New Britain is a city with a history of immigrants and industry. Various cultures are celebrated in music, food and crafts. Info: (860) 223-3586.
Second Weekend - June; Battle Creek, MI The world's largest breakfast cereal table in what is the home of cereal. Info: (616) 962-2240.
Second Weekend; Clarinda, IA Big band leader is recalled in his birthplace with concerts, tours of the birthplace, displays, a dance and more. Info: (712) 542-2461.
Third Weekend in June; Fort Valley, GA To many Georgia means peaches, and here folks celebrate that association. This event features what is described as the world's largest peach cobbler. Also a parade, pageant and pancake breakfast. Info: (912) 825-4002.
Mid-June; Davenport, IA Davenport celebrates it history and ties to the river with concerts, regatta, carnival, and steamboat rides. Info: (319) 754-4434.
Third Weekend; Okmulgee, OK Home of the world's largest pecan pie and the largest pecan cookie, this vent bakes big and shares its rewards with the visiting public. Also a carnival, pageant, pecan bake-off, music and arts and crafts. Info: 9918) 756-6172 or (800) 355-5552.
Third Weekend; Willisston, ND Recreation of a frontier trading post. Demonstrations of life as it was in the Old West, with games such tomahawk throws and buffalo tosses. Info: (701) 572-9083.
Third Saturday; St. Augustine, FL Spanish colonial roots recalled with a candlelight procession through the Spanish Quarter costumed entertainers, Spanish music and crafts. Info: (904) 824-9550.
Late June; Hampton, SC Lots of watermelon and seed-spitting contests are highlights. Info: (803) 943-3784.
Late June; Madawaska, ME French speaking Acadians have called Maine and New Brunswick home for centuries. Notwithstanding attempts to expel them and their culture by the British Acadian pride endures, and the use of the language is being revived. Acadian foods, crafts, French music and a re-enactment are some of the highlights. Info: (207) 728-7000.
Last Week (Wednesday-Sunday); Fargo, SD/Moorhead, MN Danish, Swedish and Norwegian specialties are served in this celebration
Late June-Early July; Kutztown, PA Funnel cakes, shoo-fly pie and other Pennsylvania German specialties are featured in this event that celebrates the areas German roots. Also folk arts, corn-husk dolls, quilts, storytelling, sing-alongs and a carousel. Info: (610) 375-4085 or (800) 963-8824.
Last Saturday; Mt. Nebo, AR Fried chicken, pickles, rice, baked beans, cole slaw, lemonade and sarsaparilla have been served up annually here since 1949. There are also a variety of chicken and egg themed contests and games. Info: (501) 229-3328.
Last Weekend (Thursday-Saturday); Luling, TX Tribute to local watermelon growers features a melon auction, eating contests, seed-spitting and lots of melon to eat. Also pageant, rodeo, fiddlers contest, crafts and a carnival. Info: (210) 875-3214.
Late June; Boothbay Harbor, ME Schooners play an important role in the history New England's coast. Windjammer regatta, seafood festival, art fair, parade and concerts. Info: (207) 633-2353.
Late June-Early July; Detroit, MI-Windsor, ON An transnational celebration spanning the national birthdays of Canada (July 1) and the United States (July 4). Activities include concerts, crafts, sports, special events and fireworks. Info: (313) 923-7400.
Late June-Early July; Washington, DC Folk performers and artisans present music and artistry. Indigenous culture presented. Info: (202) 287-3424.
Last Weekend in June, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania The Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863) was one of the crucial battles of the Civil War and the subject of President Lincoln's famous address. The annual commemoration starts with a parade, followed by a ceremony at the Gettysburg National Cemetery with guest speakers. Flowers are placed on graves, continuing a tradition started in 1867. Five miles to the south there is a re-enactment of the battle between Blue and Grey. Info: (717) 334-6274.
July 4, Washington, DC National Independence Day Parade on Constitution Avenue, followed by an evening concert by the National Symphony and fireworks. Info: (202) 789-7000.
July 4, White Springs, Florida July Fourth, America's birthday, is also the birthday of the composer, Steven Foster. Both occasions are celebrated with games, music, picnics, and concerts. Music is all-American, with a special focus on Foster favorites such as "Swanee River" and "My Old Kentucky Home". Info: (904) 397-2192.
July 4, Pekin, Indiana This event with distinction features a parade, contests for queen, prince and princess, food, games and music. Info: (812) 967-4360.
First Week - July, Hannibal, Missouri The town where Mark Twain grew up hosts annual events based on his books and stories. Activities include a Fence Painting Contest, a Frog Jumpin' Contest and Tom Boy and Tom Girl Contests. Info: (314) 221-2477.
Weekend Closest to July 4, Springfield, Illinois Historic district of the town where Lincoln practiced law is the location of a two-day celebration that includes a parade, fireworks, nine stages with continuous entertainment, childrens'' booths, musicians, jugglers and food. Info: (800) 545-7300; (800) 356-7900 (Ill.)
Second Weekend - July, Milwaukee, Wisconsin A traditional circus parade is recreated in authentic manner, with original antique wooden wagons, animals, marching bands, clowns and all other pageantry that used to herald the arrival of the circus to tow. Milwaukee is last stop of a circus train that begins at the Circus World Museum at Baraboo. Info: (414) 273-7222.
End of June or Second Week of July, Sauk Centre, Minnesota Festival in Lewis' hometown includes an auto show, swap meet, high school band concert, flea market, art show, chess tournament, soap box derby, parade and Lewis readings. Info: (612) 352-5201.
Third & Fourth Week of July, Salt Lake City, Utah Regional celebration, commemorating the settling of the area by Mormon pioneers in 1847, features parades, pageants, music and fireworks. Info: )801) 364-3631.
Third Weekend in July, Imperial Beach, California Sand sculptors compete for the champion's title in both professional and amateur categories. In addition, there are fireworks, parades, and crafts. Info: (619) 424-3151.
Third Weekend in July, Gilroy, California The "Garlic Capital of the World" draws an international spectrum of cooks and garlic lovers. In addition to garlic-cooking competitions, there is a 200-booth gourmet alley, plus garlic braids, wreaths, jewelry, T-shirts and cookbooks. Info: (408) 842-1625.
Last Week of July, Cheyenne, Wyoming One of the largest outdoor rodeos. There are parades, chuck-wagon races and an art show. Info: (307) 778-7200.
Last Weekend in July, Rockland, Maine Maine's symbol to the world, the lobster, is celebrated by crafts, marine exhibits, lobster crate and trap-hauling contests, music, entertainment, and, of course, lobsters and lobster eating contests. Info: (207) 596-0376.
First Week, Boston, MA 170 events in six days include tall ships, fireworks, a chowderfest, clambake, lobsterfest, music and many other events. Info: (617) 227-1528.
Week of July Fourth, Hannibal, MO Birthplace of Mark Twain celebrates its favorite son with events including a whitewashing competition, frog jumping, tomboy games, tours of historic sites and fireworks. Info: (314) 221-2477.
Early July (Around July Fourth Weekend), Elko, NV Basques of the Pyrenees of Spain and France settled in this area around the turn of the century and often served as sheepherders. This heritage is celebrated with Basque foods, sports, music and customs. Info: (702) 738-7991.
Early July, Traverse City, MI Cherry games and cherry foods. Info: (616) 947-4230.
Second Weekend, Wilmington, DE Rockwood Museum is the site of a Victorian celebration featuring some 28 varieties of ice cream. Also Sousa music, period music and games, and an old-time traveling carnival. Info: (302) 761-4340.
Second Weekend, Cumberland, Maryland After the National Road, and before the railroad the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal was a major navigational route from east to west through the mountains of western Maryland. This history is recalled with rides through he old canal on replica boats, Canal walking tours, horse and buggy rides, and music. Info: (301) 729-3136.
Second Weekend, Wayne, NE 2,000 omelets are consumed here. There is also a chicken feed. But the highlight is the National Cluck-Off. There's a parade, airplane fly-in and chicken and egg themed games. Info: (402) 375-2240.
Third Saturday, Hamburg, NY This one community, of many, that claims to be home of the first hamburger in 1885. Started as a centennial celebration of the hamburger in 1985, this event features hamburgers in their original recipe, plus hamburger donuts, watermelon cookies and buffalo chicken wings. Also music, childrens' events, bed races and more. Info: (716) 649-7917.
Mid-July, Seneca Falls, NY Seneca Falls, home of Elizabeth Cady, is considered the birthplace of the American Women's Rights movement. There are movies and speakers, plays, outdoor activities, crafts and a parade. Info: (315) 568-8412.
Third Weekend, Warren, RI Quahogs (pronounced ko-hogg) are hard-shell claims indigenous to eastern waters and famous in Rhode Island. Event features chowder, a clam boil, along with steamers and other non-quahog foods. Also crab and lobster races, a mussel-eating contest and clam shucking. Info: (401) 247-2188.
Third Weekend, Ogdensburg, NY Event celebrates the impact of the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959. Water events and sports, a parade and fireworks are some of the highlights. Info: (315) 393-3620.
Third Weekend, Yarmouth, ME Some 50,000 folks converge to consume 1,200 lobsters, 60 bushels of steamers and 1 1/2 tons of Maine potatoes. Regional seafood, pies, music, carnival, crafts and fireworks are highlights. Info: (207) 846-3984.
Weekend closest to July 21, Pageland, SC, Watermelon foods, watermelon drinks, watermelon eating contests, and watermelon seed spitting contests. there's also a unique lawn tractor race that includes consumption watermelon drink and food at selected stations. Info: (803) 672-5257.
Fourth Saturday, Pittsfield, ME Home of the world's biggest omelet, cooked on an aluminum frying pan 12 feet; one inch in diameter. Event features many egg events, including a cooking contest, biggest egg contests, egg games, hatchings. Also a parade and crafts fair. Info: (207) 487-5282.
Fourth Weekend, Custer, SD The highs and lows of gold days is remembered with a historical pageant, parade, street fair, carnival and balloon rides. Info: (605) 673-2244.
Last Weekend, Fairplay, CO In gold country it was a burro that was man's best friend. The legacy of this work partner is recalled with events that include burro and llama races, western food and entertainment. Info: (719) 836-2622.
First Week in August, Colon, MI A convention of magicians and magic lovers. Info: (616) 432-3235.
First Week, Santa Barbara, CA Spanish first landing here in 1602. Their influence can still be felt in the midst of scenic beauty. This festival dates back to 1924 and includes historical re-enactments, a large equestrian parade, Spanish and Mexican , marketplace, Spanish music and foods and more. Info: (805) 962-8101.
First Weekend (Friday and Saturday), Sheboygan, WI Self-proclaimed "Wurst" Capital of the World, Sheboygan's connection to brats dates back to German immigrants in the 1880's. Here there various forms of brats to eat. Also a fiddlers contest, parade, magicians and a brat-eating contest. Info: (414) 457-9495.
August, Twinsburg, OH 1000 sets of twins turn up for a variety of activities for twins. Also entertainment, parade and fireworks. info: (216) 673-3511.
August, Deming, NM Duck races in several heats. Other wacky activities include "best dressed" duck, tortilla toss, and a duck pageant. Info: (505) 546-2674.
First Weekend, Asheville, NC Continues the area tradition of hillbillies coming from the mountains to entertain visitors to Asheville. Concerts of traditional mountain and regional music, dance and a crafts fair are highlights. Info: (704) 258-6101.
First Weekend, Leadville, CO Early days and characters of the area are recalled with parades, a drilling competition, entertainment and a carnival. Info: (719) 486-3900.
First Saturday, Seymour, WI Seymour, site of the Hamburger Hall of Fame, is one the places that claims to be the home of he Hamburger. it also claims to have produced the World's Biggest Hamburger. For this event there is a breakfast featuring some for of burger omelet, burgers through the day, a bun toss, ketchup slide and parade. Info: (414) 833-2517.
First Saturday, Mt. Horeb, WI Home of the National Mustard Museum is the site of Mustard Day, ironically the same weekend as Burgerfest, also in Wisconsin. Here hot dogs are free and can be consumed with any of 400 mustards. Also mustard demonstrations and a parade. Info: (800) 438-6878.
First Sunday, New Glarus, WI Small community retains much of the Swiss influence of its settlers. For this event there is traditional Swiss music, food, and historical demonstrations. A piece of Switzerland in America. Info: (608) 527-2095.
Second Thursday, Carlsbad, NM Some half a million bats fly through caves in a short period daily. This early morning event allows visitors watch this wonder of nature at the Carlsbad Caverns. Community breakfast, lectures by park rangers, and bat flight observing. Info: (505) 785-2232.
Second Week, Memphis, TN Formal marking of the annual pilgrimage made by thousands to mark the passing of Elvis Presley on August 16, 1977. Music, memorabilia, Elvis look-alikes and more in and around Graceland. Info: (901) 332-3322.
Second Saturday, Britt, IA Britt used to be a switching station for trains. Transients and hoboes would pass through, and some would stay. This history and the unique hobo culture are celebrated with a variety of events, including the preparation of a Mulligan Stew. Info: (515) 843-3867.
Second Weekend, Galax, VA Started in 1935 this event seeks to preserve old-time music, dance and cultural traditions. Concerts, dances and food. Info: (703) 236-8541.
Mid-August, Hope, Arkansas President Clinton's hometown celebrates its local watermelons. Info: (501) 777-3640.
First Weekend, Kaanapli, HI Sweet onions presented in a number of forms varying from onion rings to onion pizza, gumbo, and onions smothered on chicken, goat cheese, etc. There's a recipe contest, onion eating contest and a parade. Info: (808) 875-0457.
First Weekend (Thursday-Sunday), Phelps, NY Phelps is in the midst of cabbage country. Once called the sauerkraut capital it celebrates its heritage with a sauerkraut cake over 100 pounds. Also other sauerkraut food, music, rides, parade and fireworks. Info: (315) 5448-5691
First Weekend of August, Rockland, Maine Parades, races and lots of lobsters o eat in this Down East event. Info: (207) 596-0376 or (800) LOB-CLAW.
Second Weekend (Friday-Saturday), Mendota, IL Some 60 tons of sweet corn are fed on this weekend. Corn costumes, a pet show, antique cars and entertainment are other highlights. Info: (815) 539-6507.
Second Weekend, Van Buren, IN The presence of a large popcorn processing company causes Van Buren to call itself the Popcorn Center of the World. Popcorn abounds. There is also unpopped corn, a parade, entertainment, games, crafts and dancing. Info: (317) 934-4888.
Second Tuesday, Gallup, NM The oldest celebration off American Indian heritage, this event features tribal stage performances, rodeos and displays of traditional crafts. Non-motorized parade through town and Native foods. Info: (505) 863-3841 or (800) 242-4282.
Second Week, Ste. Genevieve, MO French origins of this community are recalled with period crafts and work, tours of historic homes, antiques, a French market and music. Info: (800) 373-7007.
Third Week (Friday and Saturday), Barnesville, MN Red River potato crop is celebrated with potato foods such as dumplings, baked potatoes, potato doughnuts. Also cook-offs, contests for potato peeling and potato picking, Norwegian foods, street fair, entertainment and a parade. Info: (218) 354-2145.
Third Weekend (Thursday-Sunday), Linwood, MI Michigan is the leading pickle producing state and the Linwood area is the leader within the state. There are sweet, dills, butter and sour pickles, as well as relish. Also pickle eating contests, caning contest, non-pickle foods and a parade. Info: (517) 697-3868.
Last Weekend, Tower, MN Wild rice is actually not rice at all - but aquatic grass to be found in the lakes and drivers of Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. Here there are cook-offs, demonstrations, and samples of wild rice. Also crafts, and living history presentations. Info: (218) 753-6941.
Last Saturday, Skowhegan, ME The Kennebec River historically has been a logging route and the area has depending on the logging industry. This tradition is honored with lumberjack competitions, a parade, fireworks and a community dinner. Info: (207) 474-3621.
Last Two Weekends, Ely, NV The Pony Express only ran for 18 month, but the lore associated with has become legendary. this event recalls this tradition with a western parade, and frontier activities. Info: (702) 289-8877.
First Thursday, Friday & Saturday of August, Asheville, North Carolina Asheville has hosted this e vent for more than 60 years. Activities include traditional mountain-style clog and figure dancing, old-time and bluegrass string bands, ballad singing, dulcimer playing, buck dancing, storytelling and dance and band competitions. Info: (704) 258-3916.
First Saturday in August, Britt, Iowa In the Depression, Britt was a transfer point on the railroad. It became a gathering place for hoboes. Today it is a gathering place for hoboes to celebrate life on the road. Info: (515) 843-3867.
First Weekend in August, San Antonio, Texas Six thousand people representing 30 ethnic groups come together at the Hemisfair Plaza to celebrate the state's ethnic diversity and pioneer heritage with a celebration of their traditions, food and dance. Activities include roping and shingle-splitting. Contemporary ethnic foods range from Hungarian gulyas to Filipino lumpia. Info: (512) 226-7651.
First Weekend of August, Cooperstown, New York Former players admitted into the Hall on this weekend in this picturesque Upstate New York village. In recent years, special award categories have been added, including old timers, Black players from the old Negro League, broadcasters and journalists/ Two major leagues square off at Doubleday Field in an exhibition game. Info: (607) 547-9988.
Second Weekend in August, Morton, Washington Competitions in more than 15 events, including speed climbing and tree topping. Info: (206) 498-5250.
Mid-August, Carlsbad, New Mexico Alfresco predawn breakfast at the mouth of the caves precedes the yearly return of the 500,000 freetail bats who roost there. Info: (505) 785-2232.
Saturday before Labor Day, Brady, TX A cook-off has been staged here for almost 25 years. these days over 120 teams compete. Visitors can sample contestants' creations. Also arts and crafts, music and childrens' games. Info: (915) 597-3491.
Labor Day Weekend, Crisfield, MD An Eastern Shore Tradition, the highlight is the crab races, there is even a Governor's Cup in which crabs representing states race. Also seafood, crab picking contests, entertainment, a pageant, parade and fireworks. Info: (301) 968-2500.
First Week, Northfield, MN Highlight is a re-enactment of a 1876 gunfight where Northfield residents retired the James gang. Activities include a parade, carnival and artfair. Info: (507) 645-5604.
Saturday After Labor Day, Valparaiso, IN Home of Orville Redenbacher (developer of gourmet popcorn) celebrates its local corn. Parade, stage shows, arts and crafts, and lots of popcorn. Info: (219) 464-8332.
First weekend (Friday-Sunday), Lebanon, PA Lebanon is home of baloney factories. For this event the factories give out free samples and sell smoked bologna sandwiches. Also Pennsylvania Dutch foods, entertainment, antique cars, circus, a rodeo and carnival. Info: (717) 656-3559.
First Weekend After Labor Day, Libby, MT Local folks recall their Norwegian roots as a way to promote tourism through Norwegian foods, music and culture. Some 100 fjords draft horses are a highlight. Info: (406) 293-7747.
Labor Day Weekend (Saturday-Monday), Kewanee, IL Pork patties, pork chops, pig decorations, tractor pull, carnival, music, crafts and a parade are some highlights. Info: (309) 852-2176.
First Weekend After Labor Day, Lenexa, KS A spinach farming community before it became a suburb, Lenexa celebrates it roots. Spinach cooking-contest, vegetable games, dancing, pigeon racing and more. Info: (913) 55541-0209.
Weekends, Emporia, VA Cajun peanuts, Spanish peanuts are but afew of the peanut offerings. Also a carnival, parade, barbecue and bicycle tours. Info: (804) 634-6611.
Second Week (Tuesday through Saturday), McClure, PA The oldest festival in Pennsylvania started as a Civil War reunion. Today, a Civil War Bean Soup is stills served. Also country-western music, parade, rides and dancing. Info: (717) 658-8425 or (800) 338-8389.
Saturday after Labor Day, Lewiston, MT Chokeberry is a North American wild cherry favored by birds and humans. It is found locally and celebrated here with baked goods, demonstrations, and contests such as seed-spitting, a pet show, parade, entertainment, a rubber duck race. Info: (406) 538-5346.
Mid-September, Kennett Square, PA Celebration in mushroom growing country. Info: (610) 344-6365 or (800) 228-9933.
Early September, Gloucester, MA Info: (508) 283-1601.
Second/Third Weekend, Yuba City, CA 995 of all runes come from California. This event in prune-growing country features prune burgers and prune ice cream. There are demonstrations, samples and recipes given out. Also a parade, photo contest, farmer's market, music and more. Info: (916) 671-3100.
Second Saturday, Caldwell, TX Kolaches are sweet buns of Czech origin filled with fruit, meat, cheese, etc. Kolaches and other Czech foods are available here in this celebration of Czech culture. Also crafts and kolache demonstrations. Info: (409) 567-3218.
Second Weekend After Labor Day, Lincoln, IL Town named after Abe Lincoln before he became President recalls its earliest days with railsplitting. Also frontier displays and a flea market. Info: (217) 732-7146.
Mid-September, Mitchell, SD Top entertainment, carnival, agricultural displays and demonstrations based at the Corn Palace which is covered by some three thousands bushels of corn and grass in mosaic form. Info: (605) 996-7311.
Mid-September, New York, NY New York's oldest and most renowned street fair is a celebration of Italian-American culture in Little Italy. Italian foods, music, a parade and a special atmosphere. Info: (212) 226-6427.
Third Weekend, Gloucester, MA A New England seaside village celebrates its connection to the sea and its heritage. Seafood in various forms, demonstrations of lobster-pot building, net mending, and clam shucking. Info: ------
Third Week, Worthington, MN Highlight is a parade led by a flock of turkeys. Also speeches by politicians on teh courthouse steps, and a traditional turkey race (The Great Gobbler). Info: (507) 372-2919.
Third Saturday, Shelley, ID A large parade and large numbers of potatoes - from mashed to fried to scalloped. Highlights are wrestling in mashed potatoes contests in potato picking and cooking. Info: (208) 357-7661.
Third Weekend, Fort Wayne, IN John Chapman, Johnny Appleseed, is buried in Fort Wayne. He and his legend are recalled with a celebration of apples. Apple foods, app-apple recipes, crafts, encampment and more. Info: (219) 427-6003.
Third Weekend (Friday-Sunday), Cincinnati, OH Half a million assemble in downtown Cincinnati to celebrate the city's German heritage. German wursts, potato salads, accordion music, oompah bands beer garden and more. Info: (513) 579-3191 or (800) CINCYUSA.
Third Weekend (Friday-Saturday), San Marcos, TX Men's Chili-cook-off is touted as the largest in the world. Also a hot sauce contest, music, parade and more. Info: (512) 396-5400.
Third Weekend, Stone Harbor, NJ Event organized to raise awareness of coastal wildlife. Activities include a chowder cook-off, seafood, Jersey tomatoes and corn, dune walks, duck and goose calling wildfowl carving and folk music. Info: (609) 368-1211.
Third Saturday , Greenville, MS The Delta, home of the Blues, is host to a celebration of the musical art form. Concerts through the weekend. Info: (601) 335-3523.
Weekend After Labor Day, Atlantic City, NJ An American institution endures although nature of the beauty pageant and Atlantic city have changed. In addition to the pageant, there is entertainment and a parade. Info: (609) 344-5278.
Last full weekend in September (Friday-Sunday), Penn Yan, NY World's largest buckwheat producer is to be found in this Finger Lakes area. Buckwheat products, and kasha featured in forms ranging from buckwheat pretzels and kasha cookie cream ice cream. Also a parade, music. Info: (315) 536-7434.
Third or Fourth Weekend, Castroville, CA Almost all U.S. artichokes originate from here. Artichokes can be found and consumed in many different ways, i.e. French Fried, cakes, pies and muffins. Demonstrations, pageant, crafts and a parade. Info: (408) 633-2465.
Last Weekend (Friday and Saturday), Irmo, SC Okra in cornmeal batter, pickled okra, and Indian fried okra are some offerings here. There are cooking contests and demonstrations. Also a pageant, parade, music and crafts. Info: (803) 781-9878.
Fourth Full Weekend (Friday-Sunday), Pensecola, FL Celebration of the area's seafood industry. Boiled, barbecued, stuffed and sandwiched fish. Also puppets, crafts, music and more. Info: (904) 433-6512.
Second Weekend in September, Dearborn, Michigan Hundreds of antique vehicles from the turn of the century through 1929 are on display at the Henry Ford Museum. Antique car owners bring g their restored vehicles. There are special activities . This event is counterpart to the Motor Muster, held at the museum in August, which features cars of the era between the 1930's and 1950's and music of the period. Info: (313) 271-1976.
Third weekend in September, Cedarsburg, Wisconsin Grape stomping is a highlight of this harvest event. Also arts and crafts, antiques show, and the making of a giant fish stew. Info: (414) 377-8020.
Third Weekend in September, Greenville, Mississippi Top national and local blues artists perform in the place where the blues were born. Info: (601) 335-5323.
Late September-Early October, Northeast Kingdom, Vermont Regional festival that moves from north to south ;along with the leaf line. Events include farm tours, band concerts, town dinners and lumberjack breakfasts. Info: (802) 563-2472.
Last Weekend in September, Leavenworth, Washington German food, music, parade, theater, art sports in a Bavarian set village. Info: (509) 548-7914.
First Full Weekend in October, Des Moines, Iowa Meet with competitions. Food and music. Info: (512) 278-5286.
First Week of October, Moiese, Montana Some 300-500 bison range over 19,000 acres of grassland and timber on the National Bison range. The autumn roundup is open for viewing. Info: (406) 644-2211.
Second Week of October, Collins, New York Pumpkin growers from throughout North America compete. Info: (716) 532-5995.
Second Week in October, Cape May, New Jersey Celebration of time when much of Victorian Cape May was built. Info: (609) 884-5404.
Second Weekend in October, Jonesborough, Tennessee This was the first and is now the major storytelling event in the country. Throughout the weekend, there is non-stop storytelling in several large tents. Stories, ballads, tall tales and fairy tales are included. Info: (615) 753-2171.
First Weekends in October, Albuquerque, New Mexico Top event sees hundreds of hot air balloons fill the beautiful Southwestern skies. Info: (505) 344-3501.
Last Week in October, Salem, Massachusetts Weeklong observance in the city of witches features parades, costume parties, seminars, candlelight tours of a haunted house, and of course, "real" witches. Info: (508) 745-1245
First Week, Shelton, WA Competitions in speed shucking and in presentation of both Pacific and Olympia oysters. More than 100 booths offering all types of seafood. Info: (206) 426-2021.
First Week, Issaquah, WA Celebration of the salmon's return to Issaquah Creek to spawn. Features tours of salmon hatchery, parade, arts and crafts booths, square dancing and sports. Info: (206) 392-7024.
Fourth Saturday, Ferrum, VA A showcase of Virginia's regional and indigenous traditions. Demonstrations of authentic mountain crafts, music, storytelling, mule and horse-pulls, and such regional culinary specialties as Brunswick Stew and country ham biscuits. Info: (540) 365-4418.
Saturday of Columbus Day Weekend, Chincoteague, VA All you can eat of oysters in various forms ranging from fried, steamed, half-shell, stew, etc. Also chowder and crabs. Info: (804) 336-6161.
Columbus Day Weekend, Mystic, CT New England and Manhattan chowders are but two of the varieties available. Along with chowder and other foods, there's music, demonstrations and childrens' games. Info: (860) 572-5315.
Sunday of Columbus Day, Dummerston, VT 1,500 apple pies are prepared by folks at the Congregational Church . There is also a pancake breakfast, a crafts fair and other Vermont foods such as cheddar ch | ||||||||||||||||||
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