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MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL
March 5-7; 13-14;
20-21; 27-28; Bloomfield Hills, MI
More than 200 maple
trees are tapped and sap is processed into maple syrup.
Info: (313) 645-3200.
ST. URHO'S DAY
March 16; Finland,
MN
Event honors St. Uhro
who rid Finland of grasshoppers. Includes a "beauty
pageant", ethnic food, parade, music and more. Info:
(218) 353-7359
BUZZARD DAY
March 20; Hinckley,
OH
Annual rite that welcomes
turkey vultures back from their winter in the Great
Smoky Mountains. Info: (216) 278-2066.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY FESTIVAL
March 13; Deadwood,
SD
Celebration of Irish
culture includes a parade, poetry readings, music and
dance. Also sports. Info: (800) 999-1876.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE
March 17; St.
Paul, MN
Descendants of Irish
clans parade through downtown St. Paul. Info: (612)
224-5891.
WORLD'S SHORTEST ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE
March 17; Maryville,
MO
Floats and marching
bands parade down Main Street for less than half a block.
Each year the distance is lessened by afew inches to
maintain the record for brevity. Info: (816) 582-8850.
LONGHORN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO
March 20-21
Columbus, OH
More than 300 top cowboys
and cowgirls compete for cash and prizes in this 24th
annual event. Info: (615) 876-1016.
SNOWMAN BURNING
March 23; Sault
St. Marie, MI
Reading of poetry marking
the end of winter and the start of Spring, followed
by a sacrifice in effigy, toasts and cheers. Info: (906)
635-2315.
MAPLE SYRUP SATURDAY
March 20; Appleton,
WI
Chance to see how maple
syrup is made. Info: (920) 731-6041.
LAKE THOMPSON WETLANDS AND WATERFOWL FESTIVAL
March 27-28;
Lake Preston, SD
Waterfowl, wetlands
and wildlife art is displayed and auctioned. Info: (605)
847-4448.
ANN ARBOR FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW
March 25-28;
Ann Arbor, MI
Spring is just around
the corner. More than 200 exhibits including full scale
gardens, patios and balconies. Info: (313) 998-7061.
MAPLE SYRUPING IN YOUR BACKYARD
March 27-28;
Albert Lea, MN
Visitors help collect,
boil and sample maple syrup. Guides provide an overview
and historical context to the process. Info: (507) 373-4492
or 5084.
WURSTFEST
March 27-28;
Hermann, MO
Celebration of sausage
makers from throughout Missouri in this town of German
traditions. Info: (573) 486-2744.
SUGARING AND SHEARING
March 28; Jackson,
MI
Chance to observe the
maple syruping process. Also ewe shearing and a pancake
breakfast. Info: (517) 787-2320
SCHMECKFEST
March 25-March
28; Freeman, SD
A "tasting" of German
foods. Also cooking demonstrations and music. Info:
(605) 925-7362.
WISCONSIN DELLS SPRING POLKA FEST
April 3-4; Wisconsin Dells, WI
Celebration polka music. Highlights
are a polka breakfast and workshops. Info: (608) 254-8306 or
800-54-DELLS.
ANNUAL BARBERSHOP SHOW
April 3; Neenah, WI
For over 50 years the local barbershop
chorus has performed complemented but some friends - groups
form as far away as Washington and Ohio who contribute to four
part harmony. Info: (920) 734-5721.
SPRING STROLL
April 3-4;10-11; Covington, KY
Restored 19th century German neighborhood
is the scene for this event. Info: (606) 491-0458
HILLBILLY DAYS
April 16-18; Pikeville, KY
Celebration of the history and culture
of Appalachia with mountain music, crafts, parade and more.
Info: (606) 432-5504.
WORLD'S LARGEST TRIVIA CONTEST
April 16-18; Stevens Point, WI
More than 12,000 players (over 530
teams) compete to answer questions every hour for 54 hours straight.
Info: (715) 346-3755.
ST. PAUL CRAFT SHOW
April 16-18; St. Paul, MN
American craft Council event at RiverCentre.
Info: (612) 346-6696.
KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL
April 16-May 2; Louisville, KY
Civic celebration leading up to the
famous horse race. 70 events in all which are open to the public.
Info: (502) 584-6383.
FESTIVAL OF THE DOGWOOD
April 23-25; Louisville, KY
Over 300 illuminated trees and residents
in antebellum costumes. At Audobon Park. Info: (502) 637-5066.
GREAT CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA
April 24; Carbondale, IL
Teams and individuals design, build
and race boats made of corrugated cardboard. This year marks
the 15th anniversary of this event at Southern Illinois University.
Info: (618) 867-2346.
CIVIL WAR RE-ENACTMENT
April 23-25; Keokuk, IA
Battle re-enactment, military ball,
period tea and fashion show and military band concert. Info:
(800) 383-1219.
KITEFEST
April 23-25; Kalamazoo, MI
Kites fill the Michigan skies in this
family event. Children's kite making, kite competitions, and
an indoor fly. Info: (616) 381-4000.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER VALLEY SCENIC DRIVE
April 24-25; Southeast Missouri
Small towns along a scenic drive feature
food, music, demonstrations, tours and crafts. Info: (573) 651-2555.
REDBUD TRAIL RENDEZ-VOUS
April 24-25; Rochester, IN
Re-enactment of a pre-1840 gathering
to trade furs on the Tippecanoe River. Teppee village, traditional
music and crafts, Native dances, foods, demonstrations and more.
Info: (219) 223-4436.