Deb's Monthly Review

April 2005

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

Festivals for Travelers, Sites of the Month, Archives, Selected Links and more.

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	The Artsy Site Of The Month: Works of Art in the Capitol Complex Art in the Senate and House wings, in the rotunda and elsewhere.		Handy Site Of The Month: Chef Moz A growing list of restaurant reviews from all over the planet.
	Just Fun Site Of The Month: Doodle Pad Send someone a doodle or note.		Scientific/Technical Site Of The Month: Science Jokes Read these scientific pranks, presented in honor of April Fool's Day.

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April 2005 Festivals and Events

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Scroll down for April Festivals and other events for travelers in the U.S.

April 1-2, 2005 St. Johns River Catfish Festival Eva Lyon Park, Crescent City, Florida.	Music, 5K Catfish Run, classic cars, arts and crafts, parade, strawberry shortcake, fish, swamp cabbage (hearts of palm) and more. This event is in its 27th year. Learn More: Call 386-698-2464.
April 1-16, 2005 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival various venues, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.	Drumming and dance performances, sake tasting, cherry tree planting, martial arts demonstrations, origami, kite making demonstrations, tea ceremony, tours of a Japanese house and garden, Japanese story hour, kimono exhibit, sushi making demonstration, lectures, more. Information: Call 215-790-3810.
April 1-30, 2005 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival various venues, Columbia, Tennessee	Art, Woodfest, wine tasting, Anacortes Quilt Walk, basketball tournament, music, salmon BBQ, downtown street fair, dairy tours, special concentrations of tulip and daffodil plantings at the county fairgrounds and other venues, . Details: Call 360-428-5959
April 2, 2005 World Catfish Festival various venues, Belzoni, Mississippi	Colgate Country Show Down, Catfish on Parade (fiberglass sculptures displayed throughout town), arts and crafts, Rhino rock climbing wall, entertainment, catfish eating contest, catfish fry. There is no admission charge but events such as the catfish fry have a separate fee. This is the festival's 30th anniversary. Learn More: Call 800-408-4838.
April 2-4, 2005 Big Hat Days Old Town, Clovis, California	Wear a big sun-shielding hat to this event and enjoy a carnival, merchant specials, some 400 arts and crafts booths, home and garden show, entertainment and food. Further Details: Call 559-299-7363.
April 2-3, 2005 Maple Syrup Festival Brady's Run Park, Camden, Arkansas.	Pony rides, Civil War reenactments, entertainment, a pancake breakfast and more. The event runs from 8:30am-4:30pm and is in its 28th year. Get More Information: Call 724-774-7090.
April 8-10, 2005 Poteet Strawberry Festival Festival Grounds on Hwy. 16, Poteet, Texas.	Knights of the Guild demonstrations, 4-H Taste of Texas Food Show, Taste of Texas auction, Great American Duck Races, fireworks, carnival, activities for kids, staged and strolling entertainers, fresh strawberries for sale, plus strawberry shortcake and chocolate-dipped strawberries. You can also enjoy a petting zoo, helicopter rides and arts and crafts. It's the 58th year for this event. Questions: Call 830-742-8144.
April 8-10, 2005 Atlanta Dogwood Festival Piedmont Park, Atlanta, Georgia	Enjoy arts and crafts from more than 200 vendors, plus a rock climbing wall, activities for kids, the Disc Dog Southern National Frisbee contest, and plenty of festival foods. This is the festival's 69th year. Further Details: Call 404-817-6642.
April 8-10, 2005 Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival North 6th Street area, Ponchatoula, Louisiana	Parade, pageant, carnival rides, berry grower competition, entertainment, hollering contest, strawberry eating contest, Strawberry Strut (One mile and 10K), plus more than 50 food vendors with treats such as gumbo, funnel cakes and strawberry pastries. Learn More: Call 800-917-7045.
April 8-10, 2005 French Quarter Festival French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana	Celebrate the Vieux Carre with historical tours, Pirate's Alley Art Show, 5K run/walk, fireworks over the Mississippi River, activities for kids, 15 stages of music, Gumbo Ya Ya's World's Largest Praline Contest. Local cuisine features red beans and rice, seafood, sandwiches, nachos, pizza and sweet treats such as White Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding. Questions: Call 504-522-5730 or 800-673-5725.
Sorry, festival-goers. I am unable to fulfill requests for personalized festival lists free of charge. You may hire me by the hour for personal research.
April 8-24, 2005 Dogwood Arts Festival various venues, Knoxville, Tennessee.	Blossom walking trails and gardens, art, house and garden show, motorcycle poker run, Bark in the Park, fashion show, crafts, photography and quilt displays, regatta, food, plant sale, entertainment, sporting events and more. The event is in its 45th year. Information: Call 865-637-4561.
April 9, 2005 Franklin Parish Catfish Festival Historic downtown, Winnsboro, Louisiana	Zydeco and bluegrass (and other) music, classic cars, Corvette show, motorcyle, activities, more than 300 juried arts and crafts booths, food. Further Details: Call 318-435-7607.
April 9, 2005 National Grits Festival Emmerson Park, Warwick, Georgia	In its 8th year the festival features the Quaker Grits Breakfast, chili cooking contest, corn shelling contest, entertainment, parade, gospel sing, arts and crafts, quilt raffle and more. Learn More: Call 229-535-6670.
April 9-10, 2005 Good Old Days Celebration Downtown, Pacific Grove, California.	Parade, Victorian fashion show, carnival, games and contests, California police motorcycle competition, street dance and more. It's the event's 46th year. Additional Information: Call 831-373-3304.
April 9-10, 2005 Rose Festival Downtown, Tombstone, Arizona	Rose Parade, museum tours, breakfast, basket lunch auction, variety show. There is a street dance in the evening of April 8. The festival celebrates a rose tree that covers more than 8,000 square feet. Details: Call 888-457-3929.
April 9-10, 2005 Scanfest Kingsmen Park, 60 W. Owen Rd., Thousand Oaks, California.	Viking encampment, folk dancing, Tivoli Gardens, international fair, arts and crafts, activities for kids, Smorgasboard meal (must reserve seating in advance), many Scandinavian foods such as abelskivers, cabbage rolls and Danish pastries. Get More Information: Call 805-493-3151.
April 14-17, 2005 Windfest Community Center Grounds, Portland, Texas.	Horseshoe tournament, chili cooking contest, petting zoo, fireworks, carnival, Cow Patty Bingo, 10K run, 5K run and 2-mile walk, food vendors. There is an admission charge. Further Details: Call 877-643-2475.
April 14-17, 2005 Big Squeeze Juice Festival Brevard Community College, Palm Bay, Florida.	Health fair, citrus juice tasting, farmers market, agricultural displays, entertainment, fireworks, carnival, arts and crafts, antiques, car and cycle show. Learn More: Call 321-951-9998.
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April 15-16, 2005 Totally Texas 500 W. 13th Street, Deer Park, Texas	Parade, petting zoo, Great Strides walk, carnival, hot dog eating contest, pageant, classic cars, Kids Go Country Contest, food. Be sure to view The World's Biggest Fur Ball. Further Details: Call 281-478-2050.
April 15-16, 2005 Magnolia Festival Magnolia Park, Kirbyville, Texas.	Arts and crafts, carnival (opens on Thursday, April 14), pet show, silent auction, entertainment, commercial vendors, food vendors. Additional Information: Call 409-423-5827.
April 15-16, 2005 Riverfest Historic Downtown, Vicksburg, Mississippi	Food, arts and crafts, music, kayak race. Learn More: Call 800-221-3536.
April 15-16, 2005 Baxley Tree Fest Across from courthouse, Baxley, Georgia.	Music and dance, arts and crafts, carnival, lumberjack demonstrations, cake baking contest, pageant, parade, food. There is no admission charge. Get Details: Call 912-367-7731.
April 15-17, 2005 Placer County Strawberry Festival County Fairgrounds, Roseville, California.	Eating Contest, classic cars, recipe contest, Strawberry Put-Put golf with frozen berries, festival merchandise, talent show, berries for sale, strawberry pancake breakfast, beer garden, arts and crafts, Lord of the Strawberries Catapult Contest. This is the fetival's 15th year. Additional Information: Call 916-781-7066.
April 15-17, 2005 Terrell Heritage Jubilee Ben Gill Park, Terrell, Texas.	Wild West Show, BBQ competition, arts and crafts, car show, poker run, carnival, quilt show and more. There is no admission charge, but some events have a fee. Additional Information: Call 972-524-5703 or 1-877-TERRELL.
April 15-17, 2005 Bluebonnet Trails Festival Downtown, Ennis, Texas.	Food, arts and crafts, souvenirs, free maps showing 40 miles of blossom trails, activities for kids. More: Call 888-366-4748.
April 15-17, 2005 Texas Sandfest On the beach, Port Aransas, Texas.	The fun is near beach markers 9 and 10. Enjoy sand sculpting lessons, sand sculpture competitions for all age groups, arts and crafts and food vendors, theatre tent. The crowds have grown in recent years and the folks who put together the celebration assure us that there will be more portable "comfort stations" this year to accommodate the festival-goers. Questions: Call 800-452-6278.
April 15-17, 2005 World Grits Festival Near Hwy. 15 & Hwy. 78, St. George, South Carolina.	Corn shucking contest, falling in the grits contest, softball tournament, entertainment, arts and crafts, pageant, and plenty of meals with grits. This is the celebration's 20th anniversary. Further Information: Call 843-563-7943.
April 15-17, 2005 Ole Tyme Days Festival Main Street area, Dayton, Texas	Carnival, arts and crafts, car show, pageant, youth night, BBQ cooking contest, junior chili cooking contest, food. You are especially encouraged to come in historical costume, but do come one way or the other. You can park at Dayton High School or Woodrow Wilson Junior High School and take an hourly shuttle to and from the festival area. There is no admission charge. Get The Details: Call 936-402-3322.
April 16, 2005 Sugar Festival City Park area, Clewiston, Florida.	Sugar Country Dessert Contest, rodeo events, arts and crafts, entertainment, sugar cane grinding, rock climbing wall, bass tournament, quilt display, horseshoe tournament, food. Admission to the festival is free. Questions: Call 863-983-7979.
April 16-17, 2005 Fisherman's Festival Westside Park, Bodega Bay, California.	Boat parade and blessing of the fleet, bathtub races, entertainment, wine tasting, plenty of food, arts and crafts, activities for kids, raffle. There is an admission charge for those over age 12. Find Out More: Call 707-875-3286
April 16-17, 2005 Bloomin' Festival St. Bernard Prep School, Cullman, Alabama.	Southern foods, entertainment, activities for kids, drawings for prizes, arts and crafts. The festival runs from 9am-5pm and does have an admission charge. Further Details: Call 800-722-0999.
April 16-17, 2005 Big Shanty Festival Main Street downtown, Kennesaw, Georgia	Civil War Living History encampment, games, activities for kids, entertainment, more than 250 arts and crafts booths, parade. There is no admission charge. Learn More: Call 770-423-1330.
April 16-17, 2005 Mainsail Arts Festival Straub Park/Vinoy Park area, St. Petersburg, Florida.	Almost 250 artisans show and sell their work, plus there is art for kids, music and plenty of food. The event runs from 9am-5pm and there is no admission charge. Information: Call 727-892-5885 or 727-893-7734.
April 16-17, 2005 Cherry Blossom Festival Barnes Park, Monterey Park, California.	Japanese tea ceremony, Japanese music and dance, martial arts demonstrations, activities for children, kimono fashion show, games, floral displays, food. This is the festival's 8th year and there is no admission charge. Further Details: Call 626-307-2541.
April 17, 2005 Avocado Festival Downtown, Fallbrook, California.	Antique air show at Fallbrook Airport, avocados for sale by the pound, avocado trees for sale, professional and amateur cooking competitions for best quacamole and other dishes, avocado pit spitting competitions, croquet played with avocados, the Avocado 500 (with vehicles made from avocados), food vendors and more. The fun runs from 9am-5pm. Please do not bring pets to the event. Additional Information: Call 760-728-5845.
April 19-24, 2005 Festival of the Arts Festival Plaza, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.	Kinetic sculptures, street performers, more than 150 arts and crafts booths, activities for children, and festival treats such as Tomato-Basil Soup, Cedar Plank Salmon, Fried Peaches and Creole Praline Bread Pudding. Learn More: Call 405-270-4848.
April 22-24, 2005 Riverfest Weekend Salisbury Park, Columbus, Georgia.	Pig Jig BBQ cooking contest, several stages of entertainment, activities for kids, Folklife Village, arts and crafts, festival foods, 5K run/1-mile run/walk, Pooch Promenade for costumed dogs (call for information, because pets are not generally allowed at the festival), plus extras such as the Kitchen Tour of Homes (held Thursday, April 21). Please do not bring coolers, cans or glass onto the grounds. Get Details: Call 706-323-7979.
April 22-24, 2005 John Chisum Days Love Civic Center, Paris, Texas.	Trail ride, Black Tie & Boots movie showing, chuck wagon cooking contest, Southwestern wearable art, activities for children, juried art show, music. Some events may be ticketed separately. Additional Information: Call 903-783-1373.
April 22-24, 2005 Stockton Asparagus Festival Downtown waterfront area, Stockton, California.	Spear-throwing competition, deep-fried asparagus eating contest, Great Spear-It Run (1 mile run on Sunday, with both serious runners and casual participants who come in costumes). There will also be a beer pavilion, Home & Garden Expo, celebrity chef demonstrations, hole-in-one golf contest, entertainment, food and merchandise vendors, Asparagus Alley with treats such as deep-fried asparagus, 100 arts and crafts booths. There is an admission charge for those over age 10. Further Details: Call 209-644-3740.
April 22-24, 2005 Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival Maplewood School, Vermontville, Michigan	Now in its 65th year, this event features a carnival, petting zoo, pancake feed, syrup-making demonstrations, festival foods. Additional Information: Call 517-726-0394.
April 22-24, 2005 Arbor Daze Festival unknown venue(s), Euless, Texas	Plant sale, arts and crafts, business exhibits and vendors, carnival, food, petting zoo, entertainment, activities for kids and more. This is an alcohol-free event. Questions: Call 817-685-1660.
April 22-24, 2005 Vermont Maple Festival Main Street area, St. Albans, Vermont.	Fiddler's Variety Show, 8.5 Mile Sap Run, exhibits, carnival, parade (Sunday), antiques, youth talent show, events for children, food vendors, pony rides, entertainment. Additional Information: Call 802-524-5800.
April 22-24, 2005 Crab & Seafood Festival County Fairgrounds, Astoria, Oregon.	Seafood, wine, activities for kids, petting zoo, crab races, locally brewed beers, arts and crafts. More: Call 503-325-6311.
April 22-24, 2005 Germanfest City Park area, Muenster, Texas.	In its 30th year, the festival offers a 5K and 15K Fun Run, bicycle rally, sausage cooking competition, clown and storytellers, rock-climbing wall, arts and crafts, folk dancing and other entertainment, beer garden, apple strudel, homemade breads, contests and games. Additional Information: Call 800-942-8037 or 940-759-2227.
ABC Art & Craft Event Directory: 2003 National Edition by Mary Reed	Carnival Secrets by Matthew L. Gryczan
April 22-30, 2005 Vinton Dogwood Festival unknown venue(s), Vinton, Virginia.	This festival celebrate its 50th anniversary this year with a street dance, carnival, motorcyle show, arts and crafts, activities for kids, 5K run, parade, music and plenty of food vendors. Further Details: Call 540-871-5142 or 540-983-0613.
April 23, 2005 International Ramp Festival City Park, Elkins, West Virginia.	Tastes of ramp, entertainment, cooking contest, arts and crafts, food vendors, traditional ramp dinner. There is no admission charge. Find Out More: Call 800-422-3304.
April 23, 2005 East Texas Gusher Days Downtown, Gladewater, Texas.	Now in its 20th year the festival features rodeo events, a Brownie Bowl Lick-Off, antiques, heritage parade, chili cooking contest, arts and crafts, bass tournament on the lake, food and more. The festival is a celebration of the old oil boom days in Texas. Additional Information: Call 903-845-5501 or 800-627-0315.
April 23-24, 2005 Apopka Art & Foliage Festival Kit Land Nelson Park, Apopka, Florida.	More than 150 juried arts and crafts vendors, art area for kids, entertainment, nursery bus tours, plus area nurseries will sell herbs, orchids, trees and other plants. The event runs from 9am-5pm and is in its 44th year. Questions: Call 407-889-3285 or 407-886-1441.
April 23-24, 2005 Bradford County Strawberry Festival Downtown, Starke, Florida.	Musical entertainment, street dance, games, exhibits, demonstrations, activities and rides for kids, classic cars, arts and crafts, plenty of strawberry treats. Further Details: Call 904-964-5278 or 352-278-0143.
April 23-24, 2005 Main Street Festival Historic Main Street, Franklin, Tennessee.	Carnival, entertainment, more than 200 arts and crafts booths, activities for kids, street dance, two food courts with treats such as smoked turkey legs, corn on the cob and ice cream. Questions: Call 615-591-8500 or 615-595-1239.
April 23-24, 2005 Butter & Eggs Days Downtown, Petaluma, California	Parade, antique street fair, local cheese tasting, Cutest Chick Contest for kids, French toast breakfast, more. Learn More: Call 707-763-0344 or 877-273-8258.
Sorry, festival-goers. I am unable to fulfill requests for personalized festival lists free of charge. You may hire me by the hour for personal research.
April 23-24, 2005 Spring Jonquil Festival Village Green, Smyrna, Georgia.	Entertainment, food, activities for children, more than 150 artisans. There is an admission charge. Additional Information: Call 770-423-1330.
April 23-24, 2005 Red Poppy Festival Downtown Square, Georgetown, Texas.	Corvette show, car cruise, parade, more than 125 arts and crafts booths, Red Poppy Ride (bikes), 5K race, festival foods. This is the festival's 6th year. Get Details: Call 800-436-8696.
April 23-24, 2005 Cornbread Festival Downtown, South Pittsburgh, Tennessee.	Cornbread Alley with many cornbread treats, ice cream eating contest, cornbread eating contest, buttermilk chuggin' contest, street dance, exhibits, carnival, jam band contest, 5K road race, World Championship Cornbread Cookoff. There is an admission charge. Additional Information: Call 423-837-0022.
April 24, 2005 Festival de la Familia Cal Expo, Sacramento, California	In its 14th year the festival offers a health fair, sports information, a display of indigenous Mexican musical instruments, crafts for kids, carnival games, Folklorico Aztlan and other dance groups, Mariachi Femenil Las Aguilas and other musical entertainment, police and fire displays, financial service displays, art exhibits, crafts, and food vendors with specialties from places such as Nicaragua, Mexico, El Salvador and Puerto Rico. Questions: Call 916-326-5521.
April 26-28, 2005 Contraband Days Lake Shore Drive area, Lake Charles, Louisiana.	Pirate landing family night, parade, boat parade, BBQ competition, concert band competition, tennis tournament, marine displays, motorcycle rally, sailboat regatta, carnival, arm wrestling competition, beach volleyball, classic cars, egg drop, food, entertainment. Details: Call 337-436-5508.
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April 26-May 1, 2005 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival various venues, Winchester, Virginia	Carnival, breakfast walk, arts and crafts in Jim Barnett Park on Saturday and Sunday, Wachovia Pro-Am Golf Tournament, concert band competition, luncheons, Firefighters' Parade, pageant, foot races, teen dance, other dances, parade, fireworks, more. This is the festival's 78th year. Expect to mingle with a crowd of 250,000. Learn More: Call 540-662-3863.
April 27-May 1, 2005 Trout Festival various venues, Kalkaska, Michigan.	Horseshoe tournament, fishing contests, car show, parade, senior bingo, teen dance, flea market, arts and crafts, model plane air show, waffle breakfast, pancake breakfast, pizza eating contest. Additional Information: Call 231-258-9103.
April 28-May 1, 2005 Foothills Country Festival Tri-State Exhibition Center, Cleveland, Tennessee	Pageant, pet show, lawn and tractor pull, police K9 demonstrations, horse show, floral displays, arts and crafts, food vendors. This is the event's 2nd year. Learn More: Call 423-472-9510 or 423-476-9310.
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April 29, 2005 Dewberry Festival Wilson-Ledbetter Park, Cameron, Texas.	Dewberry cobbler/cake contest and auction, youth fishing, petting zoo, karaoke, horseshoe tournament, entertainment, carnival, BBQ cooking contest, food.. Additional Information: Call 254-697-4979.
April 29-May 1, 2005 Freer Rattlesnake Roundup Cactus Corral, Freer, Texas.	Parade, softball tournament, snake shows, rattlesnake hunt and contest, carnival, helicopter rides, entertainment, food. Please, no ice chests and no pets at this event. Additional Information: Call 361-394-6891.
April 30, 2005 CityFest Kiesel Park, Auburn, Alabama.	Mutt Strut, arts and crafts, entertainment, activities for kids, food vendors. There is no admission charge. Additional Information: Call 334-501-2963.
April 30-May 1, 2005 Great Griffin Mayfling City Park, Griffin, Georgia	Iris City 5K & Fun Run, entertainment, arts and crafts, activities for kids, food. Further Details: Call 770-228-8200.
April 30-May 1, 2005 Blooming Arts Festival Historic downtown area, Monroe, North Carolina	Quilt display, arts and crafts, art demonstrations, gardening exhibits, studen art, entertainment, festival foods. The festival celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. There is no admission charge. Learn More: Call 704-283-2784.
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April Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
April 1-3 East Maui Taro Festival, Hana Ballpark, Hana, Maui, Hawaii, 808-248-8586 April 1-3 Deep Ellum Arts Festival, Dallas, Texas, 214-855-1881 ext. 1004 April 1-10 Come See Me Festival, Rock Hill, South Carolina, 800-681-7635 April 2 Fiesta En La Calle, Coleto Creek Park, Yorktown, Texas, 361-564-2661 April 2 Billy the Kid Day, Downtown, Hico, Texas, 800-361-HICO April 2-3 Hawaiian Scottish Festival, Kapiolani Park, Waikiki, Hawaii, 808-261-2653 April 2-3 Austin Fine Arts Festival, Republic Square, Austin, Texas, 512-458-6073 April 6-10 North Carolina Azalea Festival, Wilmington, North Carolina, 910-794-4650 April 7-10 Main Street Forth Worth Arts Festival, Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas, 817-336-2787 April 8-9 Spring Fling, Kiwanis Building, Andalusia, Alabama April 8-10 Creole Festival, City Park, Jeanerette, Louisiana, 337-276-3615 April 8-10 Next Generation Festival (jazz), Conference Center, Monterey, California, 831-373-3366 April 9 Aliceville Dogwood Festival, Downtown, Aliceville, Alabama, 250-373-2820 April 9-10 Strawberry Festival, Municipal Park, Loxley, Alabama, 251-964-5091 April 12-17 Scottsville Culinary Festival, Scottsville, Arizona, 480-945-7193 April 13-17 San Jacinto Festival, Am. Legion Complex, West Columbia, Texas, 979-345-3921 April 14-16 Hillybilly Days Festival, Pikeville, Kentucky, 606-432-5063 April 15-16 Lebanese Food & Cultural Festival,                                Saint Elias Maronite Catholic Church, Birmingham, Alabama, 205-253-5564 April 15-17 Cotton Gin Festival, 307 N. Main, Burton, Texas, 979-289-3378 April 15-17 Clarendon County Striped Bass Festival,                                Downtown Square area, Manning, South Carolina, 803-435-4405 April 15-17 Founders Day Festival, Dripping Springs, Texas, 512-858-4725 April 15-17 RioFest, Fair Park, Harlingen, Texas, 800-746-3378 April 16 Springfest, North Central Texas College, Bowie, Texas, 940-872-4002 April 16 Spinach Festival, Alma, Arkansas, 479-632-4127 April 16 Bluebonnet Festival, Tehuacana, Texas, 354-395-4228 April 16-17 Chocolate Festival, Maysville, Kentucky, 606-759-7423 April 16-17 Dogwood Days, Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, 870-670-5433 April 16-17 Spring Fest, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 765-494-5876 April 16-17 Wamego Tulip Festival, City Park, Wamego, Kansas, 785-456-7849 April 17 SpringFest, Main & South Broadway, Nyack, New York, 845-353-2221 April 20-24 Viking Fest, Waco, Texas, 254-750-5810 April 21-24 Gold Nugget Days, Paradise, California, 530-872-8722 April 22-24 Panoply Arts Festival, Huntsville, Alabama, 256-519-2787 April 22-24 & April 29-May 1 Texas Crawfish Festival, Old Town Springs, Texas, 800-OLD-TOWN April 22-24 Pompano Beach Seafood Festival, on the beach, Pompano Beach, Florida, 954-570-7785 April 22-24 Italian Festival, Independence, Louisiana, 800-542-7520 April 22-24, 29-30 & May 1 Texas Crawfish & Music Festival,                                Preservation Park, Old Town Spring, Texas, 713-863-9994 or 800-OLDTOWN April 23 Rose Festival-Art in the Park, Paradise Park, Thomasville, Georgia, 229-227-3310 April 23 Rajuncajun Crawfish Festival, Isle of Pines South Beach Park, Orlando, Florida April 23-24 Great American Pie Festival, Market Street area, Celebration, Florida, 847-371-0170 April 28-30 Monterey Wine Festival, Monterey, California, 831-656-WINE April 28-May 1 Mayfest, Trinity Park, Fort Worth, Texas, 817-332-1055 April 28-May 1 Homecoming, Downtown Square, Lexington, Texas, 979-773-4337 April 29 Apple Blossom Festival, Presbyterian Manor Grounds, Newton, Kansas, 316-283-5400 April 29-30 Lilac Festival & Fine Arts Faire, Eureka College, Eureka, Illinois, 309-467-6123 April 29-May 1 Fishermen's Festival, Boothbay Harbor, Maine, 207-633-2353 April 29-May 1 Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival,                                Fernandina Beach, Florida, 866-426-3542/904-261-3248 April 29-May 1 Festival on the Rivers, Robert Fowler Memorial Park, Geneva, Alabama, 334-684-6725 April 29-May 8 Feather Fiesta Days, Bird & Myers Street area, Oroville, California, 530-534-7690 April 30 Double Decker Arts Festival, Oxford, Mississippi, 800-758-9177 April 30-May 1 Rhododendron Festival, Mentone, Alabama, 256-634-4041 April 30-May 1 Navasota Heritage Days, Navasota, Texas, 936-825-6600
Other April 2005 Events You Might Enjoy
April 1-2 Spring Wine Show, Lodi, California, 209-369-2771 April 1-2 The Big One Art & Craft Fair, State Fairgrounds, Minot, North Dakota, 701-838-9385 April 1-3 Antique Days, Country Corner on Hwy. 237, Warrentown, Texas, 512-260-2405 April 1-3 Arabian Horse Show, County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, California, 707-823-1751 April 1-3 Home, Condo & Garden Show, Convention Center, Ocean City, Maryland, 410-524-7020 April 2 Fireman's Barbecue Cook-Off, Elgin Memorial Park, Elgin, Texas, 512-281-4025 April 2 Arts & Crafts Festival, Lanett, Alabama April 2-3 Deland Outdoor Art Festival, Earl Brown Park, Deland, Florida, 386-734-3243 April 2-3 Spring Into Wings, Wings Stadium, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 269-349-1185 April 2-3 Arts in the Park, Highland Park, Meridian, Mississippi, 601-693-2787 or 601-485-1944 April 8-9 Make Time Art Stroll, Downown, Sisters, Oregon, 541-549-4979 April 8-9 Pottery Show, Depot Museum, Mount Vernon, Texas, 903-537-4365 April 8-10 Texas Motorcycle Roadriders Association State Rally, Glen Rose, Texas, 254-897-3081 April 8-10 I-Con 24, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, 631-632-6045 April 9 Chili Cook-Off/Pickled Quail Egg Eating, Traders Village, Grand Prairie, Texas, 972-847-2331 April 9-10 Gun & Knife Show, Huntsville, Alabama, 256-859-4470 April 9-10 Spring Arts & Crafts Show, County Fairgrounds, Rochester, New York, 315-686-5789 April 10 Spring Breakout (motorcycle show), Ice Time Arena, Newburgh, New York, 607-863-4295 April 13-17 Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association National Championship,                                Tunica, Mississippi, 480-683-0485 April 15-16 Southern Kentucky Book Fest,                                Sloan Convention Center, Bowling Green, Kentucky, 270-745-5016 April 15-17 Spring Craft Market, Beach Pavilion Convention Center, Virginia Beach, Virginia April 15-17 Antique Alley & Yard Sale, 15-mile area, Cleburne, Texas, 817-641-0183 April 15-17 History Meets The Arts, various venues, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 717-334-6274 April 15-17 Sugarloaf Art Fair, Expo Center, Novi, Michigan, 800-210-9900 April 15-17 Wildflower Show, Museum of Natural History, Pacific Grove, California, 831-648-5716 April 16-17 Spring Craft Show, State Fairgrounds, Harrington, Delaware, 717-656-3208 April 16-17 Greater Southwest Guitar Show, Market Hall, Dallas, Texas, 972-563-5703 April 16-17 Orchid Festival, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor, Michigan April 16-18 Plein Air Painting,                                Old Monterey, Monterey, California, 831-655-8070 April 17 Arts & Crafts Sale, Simek Rec Center on Broadway, Medford, Wisconsin, 715-748-6655 April 22-23 Handworks Spring Market,                                Trade Mart at State Fairgrounds, Jackson, Mississippi, 601-948-6436 April 22-24 Dogwood Arts & Crafts Festival, Huntington, West Virginia, 304-696-5990 April 22-24 Interstate Mullet Toss, Flora-Bama Lounge, Perdido Key, Florida, 850-492-6838 April 22-24 Hampton Spring Crafts, Convention Center, Hampton, Virginia, 757-417-7771 April 22-24 Home, Sport & Garden Show, County Fairgrounds, Iona, Michigan April 22-24 New Living Expo, San Francisco, California, 415-382-8300 April 23 Thunder Over Louisville,                                (air show & massive pyrotechnical displays), Louisville, Kentucky, 502-584-6383 April 23 Chili Cook-Off & Classic Car Show, Cambria, California, 805-927-3624 April 23-24 Craft Fair USA, County Expo Center, Waukesha, Wisconsin, 414-321-2100 April 23-24 Art on the Lake, Carlisle Park Middle School on Sunset, Guntersville, Alabama April 23-24 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books,                                UCLA campus, Los Angeles, California, 213-237-7335 or 800-LATIMES April 23-24 Spring Arts & Crafts Fair, Custom House Plaza, Monterey, California, 831-622-0700 April 23-24 Wildflower Show, Mission College, Santa Clara, California, 650-941-1068 April 23-25 Delmarva Miniature Horse Show, State Fairgrounds, Harrington, Delaware, 302-424-2387 April 24 Taste of Marietta, Marietta Square, Marietta, Georgia, 770-429-1115 April 24 Big Sur International Marathon, Big Sur, California, 831-625-6226 April 28 A Tasting A'Faire, County Fairgrounds, El Dorado, California, 530-621-5860 April 28-30 Monterey Wine Festival,                                various venues, Monterey, California, 800-656-4282 or 831-656-WINE April 28-May 1 April Action Car Show, Swanny City Park, Moab, Utah, 435-259-5858 April 29-30 & May 1 Connecticut Storytelling Festival, Connecticut College, New London, Connecticut April 29-May 1 Love Affair Fine Arts, Fulwood Park, Tifton, Georgia, 229-391-4820 April 29-May 2 Costume-Con, Ogen, Utah, info@crossroadsutah.org April 30 Barbecue Cook-Off, Rio Raft Company, Sattler, Texas, 830-964-2223
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Look at this guy!

This is Scott L. Schwartz. If you ever get into trouble, you'll want him on your side. This guy means business. And his business is playing big and bad. Big may come easy, because he's 6'10" and weighs about 300 pounds. I'm not sure how he pulls off the bad part though, because he actually seems to be very... Well, never mind. Just click on the banner and get ready for some action. www.ultimatebadguy.com

Once upon a time there was a man with a gentle voice and quiet charm. He made several movies and worked in a TV show playing a character who rode a motorcycle from town to town, touching lives, and singing a little here and there. Then some of us didn't hear much of him for awhile. We wondered if he would ever come to sing for us again.
Michael Parks is singing, and he recorded 17 songs for us to enjoy, including: I'll Never Be Free Basin Street Blues Don't Go To Strangers Easy Street This CD was a long time coming, but it was worth waiting for. Take a trip to Listen Recordings where you can order your copy.

Above: Metallic Choker Necklace Left: Dreamcatcher Earrings

Joan Garnand creates from her home in Tennessee. Her design styles range from simple elegance to whimsical fun. Joan does hand-painted stationery, uses spare moments at festivals to paint faces, and entertains children at private parties. Only a small sample of her work is illustrated online. Talk to her about what you're looking for!

If your house is in need of new flooring or if you're just ready for a change, you might have fun with the design tools on several flooring sites. Try Pergo's eShowroom, Congoleum's RoomVision, or Tarkett Wood Floors' Palette of Ideas. If it's wallcolor you're looking to change you might have fun with Benjamin Moore Paints' Personal Color Viewer.
The next time you're traveling near Eureka Springs, Arkansas in your RV, you might consider staying at the RV Park at Turpentine Creek, where you can view rescued lions and tigers. If you're a birder you might enjoy the Bentsen Palm Village RV Park in a planned community that includes a birding center and a butterfly center.		It's almost Tax Day. You can keep up with the changes and news from the IRS by subscribing here to their IRS newswire via Email. The IRS site also has a feature called Tax Trails, where you can answer a series of questions on a particular topic to help determine your status on typical issues such as moving expenses, education expenses, capital gains and losses and dependents.

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