Deb's Monthly Review

August 2006

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

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

Special Quotation "Laughter is an instant vacation." --Milton Berle

To parents, teachers, and other guardians of children: The Review is a place where adults or kids should be able to stop by and browse comfortably. But, remember - I have no control over outside links. For happiest results, please surf the Web with your kids!

Important Message Just For Kids: If someone (even someone you love) has touched you in a way that didn't seem right or made you feel bad, you can talk about it with someone. There are really nice people at this number who will listen and let you talk about what you might want to do next to stay safe.

Call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) and push 1 to talk to someone. Nobody has the right to hurt you and then tell you not to tell. It's important to talk about it. Tell someone!

	The Artsy Site Of The Month: Polykarbon Anime Tutorials Try your hand at drawing anime characters.		Handy Site Of The Month: Cooking With a Thermos Bottle Fill, close, let sit, eat.
	Just Fun Site Of The Month: Pjotro See him dance in his musical suit.		Scientific/Technical Site Of The Month: Place names on other planets Plus the naming rules and links to maps and images

 August 2006 Festivals and Events

Need a place to stay? Days Inn - Great San Francisco rates! Wingate Inns - Great Columbia, SC rates! Ramada - Great Washington D.C. rates! Howard Johnson - Great Anaheim rates! Travelodge - Great Las Vegas rates! Super 8 - Great NYC rates! Knights Inn - Great value on the road.

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

August 2, 2006 Loon Day Downtown, Mercer, Wisconsin	It's the 26th year for this event. Come and celebrate with more than 250 arts and crafts booths, face painting, a raffle, bake sale, varsity basketball tournament, helicopter rides, sidewalk sales, Loon Calling Contest, used book sale (at the Community Center), entertainment, food and a dance. The fun goes from 9am-4pm. Learn More: Call 715-476-2389 or 877-551-2204
August 2-5, 2006 North Carolina Watermelon Festival Various venues, Fair Bluff, North Carolina	In its 21st year the festival offers free watermelon slices, bingo, a carnival, parade, antiques and collectibles, arts and crafts, a watermelon eating contest, watermelon seed spitting contest, food fair, 5K run/walk and fireworks. Get the Facts: Call 262-398-5922
August 2-6, 2006 Romeofest Recreation Center, Romeoville, Illinois	Karaoke, horseshoe pitching, arts and crafts, fireworks Friday night and Sunday night, 5K run/walk, music, community booths, tennis tournament, volleyball tournament, food vendors, softball, carnival, bingo, clowns, magic show. Free shuttle to and from from several locations. Information: Call 815-886-6222
August 2-6, 2006 Maine Lobster Festival Harbor Park, Rockland, Maine	10K road race, storytelling, lobster boat demos, carnival, children's parade, grand parade, vendors, pageant, pancake breakfast, US Coast Guard Station open house, juried arts and crafts, food tent, tours of US Coast Guard vessels, crate race, strolling stiltwalkers, diaper derby and more. You can park free at Rockland District High School (on Broadway) and take a shuttle to the festival. There will be no admission charge on August 2, which is Home Town Day. This is the festival's 59th year. Additional Details: Call 207-596-0376 or 800-LOB-CLAW
August 3-5, 2006 Harvest Days various venues, St. Louis, Missouri	Miniature golf tournament, entertainment, lobster bake, arts and crafts. Questions? Call 207-474-3621
August 3-5, 2006 Bear Lake Raspberry Days Various venues, Garden City, Utah	Pancake breakfast (Sat. from 7-11am), rodeo at Laketown Arena, talent show, music, food, pageant, arts and crafts, 5K run, golf scramble, parade, fireworks. Please leave pets comfortably at home. Additional Details: Call 435-946-2714 or 435-946-2901
August 3-6, 2006 Steinbeck Festival Oldtown, Salinas, California	Enjoy this 26th year with films, walking tours, bus tours, readings of Steinbeck's work, talks from Thomas Steinbeck and others, display of letters and other memorabilia from Steinbeck's first wife. Keep in mind that the event is more cultural than carnival-like. Remember that some events may be ticketed separately, have an admission charge, and/or require reservations. Information: Call 831-775-4721
August 3-6, 2006 Jasper Strassenfest Various venues, Jasper, Indiana	Youth golf tournament, German music, quilt raffle, bike ride (Sun.), pageant, Children's Box Parade (6:15pm on Thursday), games and rides, polka dance contest, food, parade, truck raffle, miniature golf, log sawing contest, German mass (Sun.), baby photo contest, sockhop, fireworks, hole-in-one contest, duck race, baseball throwing contest, golf scramble, waterball for the kids (with the assistance of local firefighters), waterball contest for firefighters, hot air balloons and more. Please do not bring pets to this event. Information: Call 812-482-6866
August 3-6, 2006 Pig Gig Veterans Memorial Park, Bay City, Michigan	Rib-cooking competition, truck give-away, pie eating contest, Hula Hoop contest, Rock by the Dock (Sat.), Nerveless Nick's Circus Stunt Show, karaoke, refreshment tent, clowns, magic shows, pig calling contest, oinking contest, pig races, activities for kids and more. Learn More: Call 866-684-0452
August 3-6, 2006 Phelps Sauerkraut Festival Downtown, Phelps, New York	The 40th year of this festival will feature carnival rides, a 20K road race, beer pavilion, fireworks, games, music, raffles, arts and crafts (at Firemen's Hall), magic shows and other entertainment, cabbage head decorating contest, parade at 2pm on Saturday, sauerkraut cake, chicken BBQ, hot dogs and sauerkraut. Further Details: Call 315-548-8017
August 3-6, 2006 Flambeau Rama 5th Street North, Park Falls, Wisconsin	Now in its 54th year, the festival features activities for kids, a softball tournament, food court, music, carnival, arts and crafts (Sat. & Sun. from 10am-4pm), car show and parade. (The Park Falls public library will hold a used book sale from 10am-6pm on Aug. 4.) Find Out More: Call 715-762-2703
August 3-6, 2006 Jack Pine Savage Days Downtown, Spooner, Wisconsin	Food booths, activities for kids, 3-on-3 basketball, volleyball tournaments, pancake breakfast on Sunday morning at the fire hall, lip sync contest, horseshoe tournament, entertainment. Questions? Call 715-635-2168 or 800-367-3306
August 3-6, 2006 Riverfest Riverside Park, Watertown, Wisconsin	Arts and crafts, entertainment, activities for kids, drawings for prizes, fireworks and more. Additional Information: Call 920-261-6320
August 4-5, 2006 Duncan Hines Festival Various venues, Bowling Green, Kentucky	Silent auction, local entertainment, kids' art contest, street dance on Saturday night, art exhibit, activities for kids, recipe contest, duck race, food. This is the festival's 10th year. Get Details: Call 270-782-0800 or 800-326-7465
August 4-5, 2006 Wilton Blueberry Festival Downtown area, Wilton, Maine	It's the 24th year for this event. Plans include a blueberry pancake breakfast, sidewalk sale, arts and crafts, boat tours. There will also be a doll carriage, bicycle and pet parade especially for children. BBQ and baked goods will be on hand, plus there will be musical entertainment and a firefighters' muster. Learn More: Call 207-778-4726
August 4-5, 2006 SkeeterFest various venues, Hardin, Missouri	Car show, antique tractor pull, kiddie pedal tractor pull, parade (Sat. at 3pm), back seat driving contest, peanut roll, pageant, 3-on-3 basketball, beer garden, flea market and crafts, mud volleyball tournament, kids' scavenger hunt and more. Further Details: Call 660-398-4833
August 4-5, 2006 Burger Fest/Balloon Rally S. Main Street area, Seymour, Wisconsin	Hot air balloon ascensions in the mornings (weather permitting) and balloon glows at evening time, parade, 5K Bun Run, Hamburger Press strength contest, pony rides for the kids, classic cars, hamburger eating contest, ketchup slide competition, plus the serving of a very large hamburger. The festival has a Western theme this year. Most events occur on Saturday, Aug. 5. Additional Information: Call 920-833-6688
August 4-6, 2006 Wild West Weekend Various venues, Dexter, Maine	Hungry Cowpoke's Breakfast and a chicken pie supper, horse show, kid parade, Wild West costume contest, blood pressure checks, Fireman's Auction, Shriner Parade, bingo, arts and crafts, farmers market, drawings for prizes, Ducky Race, entertainment, car show, Wild West Olympics (at Crosby Park), library book sale, pig scramble, food vendors, merchant specials. And if you want to, you can ride your horse to town! It's the 4th year for this event. Questions? Call 207-824-7351
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August 4-6, 2006 Flekkefest Various venues, Elbow Lake, Minnesota	5K run/walk, European Kaffe Haus, rummage sales, festival merchandise, farmers market, classic cars, fish fry, pancake breakfast (Sat. from 7-10am at the Community Building), apple pie and pumpkin pie baking contests, tricycle races, arts and crafts, pony rides, tractor display, fireworks, street dances, used book sale, Taste of Scandinavia, troll-related activities and more. Get The Facts: Call 218-685-5380
August 4-6, 2006 Belgian American Days unknown venue(s), Ghent, Minnesota	This festival has a definite small-town atmosphere and in that spirit they invite you to bring your own lawn chairs to watch the parade. Enjoy music, food, arts and crafts and a Rolle Bolle tournament. Learn Details: Call 507-428-3505
August 4-6, 2006 Ponca Sesquicentennial Various venues, Ponca, Nebraska	Ponca usually has the Nifty 50s celebration this time of year, but they have something bigger to brag about this year. The town is turning 150 and will pull out all the stops on celebrating. Enjoy historical displays, an alumni banquet, golf tournament, a dance, cookout, car show, quilt show, activities for kids, frog jumping contests, fireworks, a teen dance, the Nifty 50s Street Dance (Saturday night), a kiddie tractor pull and some very showy Tractor Square Dancing. Questions? Call 402-755-2224
August 4-6, 2006 Grizzly Fest 10042 S. River Road, Portage, New York	Blue grass music, games and contests, chicken barbecue, mountain men encampment, logging demonstrations, arts and crafts, pony pulls, mini antique tractor pulls. Learn More: Call 585-476-2249
August 4-6, 2006 Goettafest Riverfront Levee, Newport, Kentucky	This is actually considered a Cincinnati, Ohio event. I guess Goetta is so popular that both states want to claim it for their own! Goetta (say it like "get'-uh") is made from meat, oats and seasonings and is made into sausages. Some 80,000 people are expected to attend this festival and enjoy the Goetta Toss, Goetta Slide, activities for kids, festival merchandise, beer and other beverages, water misting stations for keeping cool, Goetta Ring Toss, a drawing for a year's supply of Goetta, great music and the official Goetta Cookbook. Among the festival treats available will be Goetta Pizza and Goetta Reubens. There is no admission charge. Additional Facts: Call 859-291-1800
August 4-6, 2006 Filbert Festival Willamalane Park & Island Park, Springfield, Oregon	Northwest Harmonica Championships, Fun Junk Junction with crafts and projects for young people, floral arranging contest, beer pavilion, community booths, nursery plants on display and for sale, fireworks (Sat. at 9pm), musical entertainment on 2 stages, Nuttiest Cook-Off, Balloon Station, raffles, River Poker Run and more. Enjoy festival foods such as Indian fry bread, shaved ice, teriyaki chicken and deep-fried Twinkies. If you can't remember what a filbert is, you might know it better as a hazelnut. Further Info: Call 541-746-6750
August 4-6, 2006 Schulenburg Festival Wolters Park, Schulenburg, Texas	Festival parade, 5K run/walk, golf tournament, tricycle races, petting zoo, carnival, arts and crafts, cow chip toss, egg toss, 3-on-3 basketball, chili cook-off, horseshoe pitching, men's and women's softball tournaments, rodeo events, kiddie parade, food booths, Go Texan BBQ Cook-off, volleyball tournament, biergarten, turtle races, a dance, antiques. Enjoy music from High Speed Hayride and others. Information: Call 888-515-1195
August 4-6, 2006 Wood Turtle Days Village Park, Wilton, Wisconsin	Games for kids, fireworks, water fights, 5K run/walk, musical entertainment, softball tournament, food, parade, volleyball tournament, arts and crafts. Details: Call 608-435-6512
August 5, 2006 Village Fair Village Green, Stonington, Connecticut	Face painting, demonstrations, games, rides for the kids, arts and crafts, book fair, music, food. Find Out More: Call 8660-535-2476
August 5, 2006 Possum Festival Downtown, Wausau, Florida	Parade, corn pone baking contest, pancake breakfast at the Masonic Lodge from 6-9am, quilt auction, hog calling and rooster crowing contests for kids, a hog calling contest for the grown-ups, horseshoe pitching, rides for kids, Possum Trot 5K run/walk and 1-mile fun run/walk, arts and crafts, car show, music, food (They tell me there will be possum ice cream and possum stew. Are you ready for those?) A Possum King and Queen are chosen for their rather bad looks. The special possum auction is well-visited by politicians, who bid up the stakes for a live possum. The auction has become quite the thing to attend. I understand that even Governor Jeb Bush has been seen bidding at the event. Get the Facts: Call 850-638-7888 or 850-638-4157
August 5, 2006 Clark Potato Days Various Venues, Clark, South Dakota	Medallion hunt, pancake breakfast, mashed potato wrestling, antique farming equipment on display, teen pool party, potato decorating contests, kids' tractor pull, kids' coin dig, Potato & Chip Dip Recipe Contest, 1-mile walk plus 5K run/walk and 10K run, kids' coloring contest, parade, classic cars, potato sculptures, festival merchandise, horseshoe pitching tournament, arts and crafts. Learn Details: Call 605-532-3512
August 5, 2006 Cherry Fest Lakeside Park on Hwy. 57, Jacksonport, Wisconsin	Historical displays, baked goods featuring cherries, arts and crafts, music, food booths, penny hunt for kids, wagon rides and more. It's the 12th year for this event and the hours are from 9am-4pm. Get Info: Call 920-823-2288
August 5, 2006 Cookie Daze Barlow Park, Ripon, Wisconsin	They put a lot of fun into the festival hours of 10am-2pm, with Kookie Cookie Bingo, Cookie Blaster Rocket Shop, kite making, Cookie Bake & Taste, food and beverage vendors, entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides, a pageant, cookie hunts geared especially for small children, cookie decorating, the Cookie Drop (for various age groups) and an appearance by the very popular Cookie Monster. This is an especially good event for very young children, but all ages will enjoy the fun. Questions? Call 920-748-6764
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.
August 5-6, 2006 Watermelon Carnival City Park, Water Valley, Mississippi	Now in its 35th year, the festival celebrates summer and watermelon with a growers' contest, arts and crafts, food (including plenty of fresh watermelon), entertainment, classic cars, square dancing, a fun run/walk and lawnmower races. I got mixed information on the timing for this year, so do call to confirm exact dates. Further Info: Call 662-473-1122 or 662-473-4169
August 5-6, 2006 Twin Days Glenn Chamberlain Park, Twinsburg, Ohio	Royal Court Pageant, games, wiener roasts, breakfasts, entertainment, group photos, fireworks and more. This event focuses on twins and all that goes with it, including parenting, sibling issues and fun, loss of a twin in death and much more. Contests will run for the oldest, youngest and most alike twins. Learn More: Call 330-425-3652
August 6, 2006 Raspberry Festival St. Gertrude's Musuem grounds, Cottonwood, Idaho	Cowboy breakfast, raffle, book sale, 10K run, cake walk, quilt show, arts and crafts, raspberry products for sale, tours of the monastery chapel, classic cars and motorcyles, raspberry shortcake, activities for children and more. There is no admission charge. The festival is celebrating its 14th year and the hours are from 10am-4pm. Questions? Call 208-962-7123 or 208-962-2050
August 8-12, 2006 Tontitown Grape Festival Downtown, Tontitown, Arkansas	This is their 107th year. Enjoy a Grape Stomp, music, pageant, carnival, music, arts and crafts, used book sale, Run for the Grapes 5K Walk/run, Sunday mass. On Friday, from 4:30-8:30pm they serve Italian spaghetti dinners at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. One price gets you bottomless bowls of pasta plus fried chicken, rolls, salad, a beverage and lots of fresh grapes for dessert. Details: Call 479-361-2612 or 479-361-2700
August 9-12, 2006 Baltimore Festival Johnson Park, Baltimore, Ohio	Battle of the bands, pageant, teen night, carnival games and rides, parade at 10am on Saturday, fireworks, cruise-in, kiddie tractor pull, drawings for prizes, arts and crafts, 5K road race. Get Information: Call 740-438-0837
August 10-12, 2006 Festa! Holy Rosary Church, Ansonia, Connecticut	It's the 39th year for this event. From 5-11pm activities include games and rides for kids, music, marketplace, Italian foods, raffles and more. Learn More: Call 203-735-1787
August 10-12, 2006 St. Joe Pickle Festival Johnson Park, St. Joseph, Indiana	Pickle/Pepper Cook-off, teen dance, pageant, karaoke, fireworks, climbing wall, pancake breakfast, grand parade, entertainment, photography, petting zoo, horseshoe pitching contest, fish fry, chicken BBQ, arts and crafts, blue light parade, gospel music, pet parade and the Pickle, Pepper, Poker, People Walk. You can take tours of the Sechlers pickle factory, which is celebrating its 85th year in business. There is no admission charge to the festival. Further Information: Call 260-337-5470
August 10-12, 2006 Fun Fest Main & Market area, North Manchester, Indiana	350 vehicles are expected to participate at the cruise-in on Friday, plus you can enjoy a parade, arts and crafts, musical entertainment, food and more. There is no admission charge. Find Out More: Call 260-982-7644
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August 10-13, 2006 Hope Watermelon Festival Fair Park, Hope, Arkansas	In its 30th year the festival celebrates tasty watermelon with more than 200 arts and crafts booths, music, giant melons from the fields, archery, activities for kids, arm wrestling contest, melon toss, sports card show, melon auction, seed spitting contest, watermelon eating contest, 5K run/walk, and plenty of sliced fresh watermelon. Some 50,000 people are expected to attend. Questions? Call 870-777-3640
August 10-13, 2006 Mendota Sweet Corn Festival Most events downtown, Mendota, Illinois	The festival celebrates its 59th year with virtual reality car races, a carnival, fresh corn for sale by bag (Fri-Sun), police safety demos, commercial vendors, corn cooking recipe contest, tennis tournament, beer garden, music and other entertainment, food booths, arts and crafts, flea market, youth parade, blood drive, grand parade, breakfast on Sunday, classic cars and also free sweet corn given out at 2pm on Sunday. Almost 60,000 people usually attend this popular event. Additional Details: 815-539-6507
August 10-13, 2006 Amish Acres Arts & Crafts Festival Amish Acres on US 6, Nappanee, Indiana	Guided farm tours, entertainment on 3 stages, wagon rides, shows at the Round Barn Theatre, more than 380 artists showing and selling their work, roving entertainment. Available foods include sweet potato fries, bean soup, sweet corn and something tasty called Donkey Ears (which we will assume were never actually part of any real donkey). There is an admission charge for those age 12 and older. Parking is free. You're asked to leave Fido or any other pets safely at home.The festival is celebrating its 44th year. Get The Facts: Call 574-773-4188 or 800-800-4942
August 10-13, 2006 West Point Sweet Corn Festival Downtown, West Point, Iowa	In its 54th year the festival offers activities such as a carnival, arts and crafts, water fights, BBQ, fresh sweet corn, corn eating competition, horseshoe pitching tournament, 5K & 10K runs, mini garden tractor pull and musical entertainment. A "Shuckfest" is held the Wednesday before the festival, so if you're a local or you're in town early, call to find out how to participate. I hear they thank you for your shucking time with very tasty food. Learn More: Call 319-837-6313 or Email
August 10-13, 2006 National Blueberry Festival Downtown, South Haven, Michigan	Now in its 43rd year, the festival offers fun such as a blueberry pancake breakfast, arts and crafts, pies, musical entertainment and much more. Further Information: Call 269-637-5252 or 800-764-2836
August 10-13, 2006 Looney Daze Main Street area, Vergas, Minnesota	Street dance, bingo, merchant specials, arts and crafts, hunt for The Emerald Egg, activities for kids, egg drop, drawings for prizes, parade, karaoke for different age levels, turtle races, horseshoe pitching, loon calling contest, flea market, 5K run/walk, classic cars, food booths. The festival is in its 41st year. Learn More: Call 218-234-1175
August 10-13, 2006 Scandinavian Festival Festival Grounds, Junction City, Oregon	Russian Choir performance, storytelling, Scandinavian arts and crafts, Skandia Run, pancake breakfast, meatball dinner, music and dance and foods such as salmon, meat loaf, lefse, cream puffs and vandbakkelsers. Get Details: Call 541-998-9372
August 10-13, 2006 Carnation Festival Various venues, Alliance, Ohio	Ribfest (Thursday), firefighter muster, music, Carnation Photo Contest, grand parade, pageant, used book sale at the library, a vintage baseball game, hot air balloons, golf scramble, historic home tours, ice cream socials, senior bowling, fireworks, pet show, flower show, arts and crafts, cruise-in, sales of carnations. Questions? Call 330-823-5150
August 11-12, 2006 Great Goshen Grill Out Downtown, Elkhart, Indiana	Grilling contest, pancake breakfast, art exhibits, food vendors, beverages, activities for kids, music. Details: Call 574-296-5844
August 11-12, 2006 Pit Festival unknown venue(s), Battle Mountain, Nevada	Someone from The Washington Post once called Battle Mountain "the armpit of America". Rather than take it badly, the town turned the razz into some snazz with their very own festival. This is their 5th year. Some events are held at Elquist Park and include a Sweat T-shirt Contest, a deodorant toss, armpit beauty competition, music and food. There were also possible plans for adding a pancake breakfast (at this writing). More Information: Call 775-635-8245
August 11-13, 2006 Ole Hickory Days Various venues, Colfax, Indiana	Parade, fish fry, entertainment, flea market, games, arts and crafts, car show, tractor/truck pull, breakfast, chicken noodle dinner at UM Church on Sunday, more. Get The Facts: Call 765-324-2961
August 11-13, 2006 Polska Kielbasa Festival Various venues, Ivanhoe, Minnesota	Softball tournaments, 3-on-3 basketball, flea market, entertainment, arts and crafts, karaoke, festival foods, ethnic foods. There will also be a quilt and toy collector tractor show at the library on the 12th. Learn More: Call 507-694-1736
August 11-13, 2006 Minnesota Irish Festival Harriet Island, St. Paul, Minnesota	Irish music and dance (plus lessons), sheep herding demonstrations, Irish genealogical information, gaelic football, boxing exhibition, hurling lessons, lectures, activities for kids, storytelling, tug of war, food, 5K run and family 1K run. Further Info: Call 952-474-7411
August 11-13, 2006 Huckleberry Festival Community Park, Trout Creek, Montana	It's the 27th year for this one. Plan to enjoy more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, a huckleberry pancake breakfast (7-11am Sat & Sun.), family dance contest, huckleberry dessert contest (with samples for sale as long as they last), parade, carnival, 5K run, horseshoe pitching contest, pageant, auction, fresh huckleberries for sale, plus festival foods, including more unusual ones like huckleberry pizza and huckleberry ice cream. Additional Details: Call 406-827-3301
August 11-13, 2006 Kool-Aid Days Downtown, Hastings, Nebraska	Kool-Aid Kardboard Boat Races, carnival games, fireworks, food vendors, musical entertainment, giant inflatables for the kids, Kool-Aid Edible Art Contest, car show, World's Largest Kool-Aid Stand (buy a commemorative mug and get all you like of any of 14 flavors of Kool-Aid on Saturday from 10am-5pm). The fire department will have displays and there will be a special postal cancellation available. Enjoy special events at the Hastings Museum. Or get in on the Kwickest Kool-Aid Drinking Contest. Buy fresh produce at the farmers market or enjoy a free concert at Brickyard Park. It's the 9th year for this event. More: Call 402-461-8405 or 800-967-2189
August 11-13, 2006 Musky Jamboree unknown venue(s), Boulder Junction, Wisconsin	Celebrate 50 years of the Musky Jamboree with a parade, street dance, activities for kids, fireworks (Fri. at 10pm), Musky Fun Run, car show, more than 170 arts and crafts booths, food, kids' casting contest, a flea market, entertainment. Learn The Facts: Call 715-385-2400 or 800-466-8759
August 11-13, 2006 Covered Bridge Days Downtown, Brodhead, Wisconsin	Brodhead is also celebrating its Sesquicentennial, so there's a lot going on. Enjoy a softball tournament, quilt show, sand volleyball tournament, classic cars, 5K run/walk, parade, arts and crafts, historical cemetery walk, fireworks, beer garden, carnival, sidewalk sale, flea market, music, horse show, street dance, antique tractors on display and birthday cake in honor of Brodhead's 150 years. Questions? Call 608-897-8411
August 11-20, 2006 Bill Johnston's Pirate Days Various venues, Alexandria Bay, New York	Pirates come from the St. Lawrence River to storm the village with a sword fighting show, muskets and cannon fire. There is also a boat parade, life-size chessboard, storytelling, arts and crafts and activities for kids. You are encouraged to dress up if you wish. Visitors will find many photo opportunities as wandering pirates mingle with the crowd and instigate a skirmish or two, all in good fun. Further Info: Call 800-541-2110
August 12-13, 2006 Gravenstein Apple Fair Ragle Ranch Park, Sebastopol, California	Now celebrating its 33rd year, this festival brings farms exhibits, apple grower judging, apple pie baking contests, caramel apple eating contest, blacksmith demos, chef demos, singing cowboys, a hay maze, apple pie eating contest, arts and crafts, music, an area for children, a beer and wine tent. You can find festival foods such as Thai kabobs, apple fritters and fresh apple juice. There is an admission charge for those over age 5. Hours are 10am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday. Please do not bring pets to the fair. Additional Details: Call 707-824-1765 or 800-207-9464
August 12-13, 2006 Gold Rush Days Main Street area, Buena Vista, Colorado	Gunfighter reenactments, costume parade (dress up and join the fun), rubber duck race, festival merchandise, music, gold panning, pancake breakfast, storytelling, food, square dance lessons, more than 120 arts and crafts booths. You can also catch the third leg of the Rocky Mountain Championship Pack Burro Race Triple Crown. Learn More: Call 719-395-6612
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August 12-13, 2006 Havre de Grace Seafood Festival Tydings Park, Havre de Grace, Maryland	Seafood and other festival treats, arts and crafts, a crab-calling contest, auction, entertainment. Hours are from 11am-7pm on Saturday and from 11am-6pm on Sunday. The festival is celebrating its 26th year. Questions? Call 410-939-1525
August 12-13, 2006 Victorian Art Fair Irons Park, West Branch, Michigan	More than 275 arts and crafts booths, plus old-fashioned entertainment, games for kids, food and more. Further Information: Call 989-345-3856
August 12-13, 2006 Jour de Fete Historic District, Ste. Genevieve, Missouri	It's the event's 40th year. Come and enjoy music, exhibits and displays of a French Colonial nature, food and about 600 arts and crafts booths. The event is open from 10am-6pm on Saturday and from 10am-5pm on Sunday. There is no admission charge. Details: Call 573-883-3686 or 800-373-7007
August 12-20, 2006 Corn Festival Various venues, Avon, New York	Agricultual and historical information, commercial vendors, music on 3 stages, contests, festival foods (including plenty of fresh sweet corn) and more than 150 artisans showing and selling their work. The event is from 10am-6pm and is celebrating its 20th year. Questions? Call 585-226-8094 or 585-243-1547
August 16-19, 2006 Pemberville Free Fair Memorial Park, Pemberville, Ohio	Grand parade, Air National Guard band concert, frog jumping contest, arts and crafts, Portage River Poker Run, quilt show, bingo, kiddie parade, livestock events, pony pull, talent contest, pancake breakfast on Thursday. Enjoy festival foods: BBQ, ice cream, deep fried mushrooms, breakfast rolls, hot dogs, burgers and more. Further Information: Call 419-287-4836 or 419-287-3832
August 17-20, 2006 Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival Angell Park, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin	Parade on Thursday at 6:30pm, bingo, helicopter rides, carnival games and rides, beer tent, entertainment, activities for kids, uncooked fresh corn for sale by the bag on Sat. and Sun., cooked sweet corn and other festival foods, rock climbing wall, arts and crafts, petting zoo. There is an admission charge for those age 7 and older. Additional Details: Call 608-837-4547
August 17-20, 2006 Beef & Dairy Days Downtown, Whitehall, Wisconsin	Top of the World bike tour, quilt and needlework show, classic cars, carnival, arts and crafts, 5K run/walk, food, parades, music. Questions? Call 715-538-4353 days or 715-538-4252 evenings
August 18-19, 2006 Festival of the Little Hills Frontier Park area downtown, St. Charles, Missouri	Arts and crafts, festival foods, activities for kids, entertainment. Get Details: Call 636-940-0095 or 800-366-2427
August 18-19, 2006 National Lentil Festival Downtown, Pullman, Washington	In its 18th year the festival offers free lentil chili on Fri. evening, Lentil 5K Run/walk, Tour de Lentil 100k bike ride, Lentil Lane food court, Boards and Blades competition, lentil cooking contests, activities for kids, arts and crafts in Reaney Park, parades, rock climbing wall, farm exhibits, 3-on-3 basketball and more. Learn More: Call 509-334-3565 or 800-365-6948
August 18-20, 2006 McCloud Heritage Days various venues, McCloud, California	Art show, antique logging demonstrations, quilt show, excursion train rides, classic cars, antique tractors, entertainment, melodrama, food. You can put a friend in "jail" to raise money for Court House restoration. Further Information: Call 530-964-2 591
August 18-20, 2006 Elwood Glass Festival Callaway Park, Elwood, Indiana	The festival celebrates with arts and crafts, commercial booths, food, glass factory tours, a parade, classic cars, flea marketand more. The hours are 10am-9pm on Friday and Saturday and noon-6pm on Sunday. There is no admission charge. Get the Facts: Call 765-552-0180
August 18-20, 2006 Peach Festival Fountain Park, Wilbraham, Massachusetts	Pancake breakfast, classic cars, parade, food vendors, arts and crafts, entertainment, antique engines on display, fireworks, Li'l Peach Pit for kids, games for kids, business vendors and more. The festival is celebrating its 22nd year. Learn More: Call 413-599-0010
August 18-20, 2006 Howell Melon Festival Downtown, Howell, Michigan	In its 47th year the festival offers activities for kids, entertainment, a farmers market, arts and crafts (Sat. and Sun.), a festival parade, Melon Run, used library book sale, an ice cream eating contest, pageant, marital arts demo, commercial and community vendors, food. Questions? Call 517-546-7477
August 18-20, 2006 Ysilanti Heritage Festival Various venues, Ypsilanti, Michigan	Historic tours, parade, casino party (for those over age 21), activities for children, contests and raffles, arts and crafts, entertainment, and the Nightmare Cruise—a spoof of Detroit's Dream Cruise in which rattle traps make their way past a crowd of admiring(?) fans. Come and enjoy the fun in this 28th year. Further Information: Call 734-483-6071
August 18-20, 2006 Cucumber Fest Pafko Park, Boyceville, Wisconsin	Opening parade with lots of horses Friday evening, grand parade on Sunday afternoon, softball tournament, carnival, music, arts and crafts, antique tractor display, fly-in pancake breakfast on Sunday. Questions? Call 715-643-2351 or 888-523-3866
August 19, 2006 Ferragosto 300 South & 400 West, Salt Lake City, Utah	Vendors of Italian foods and beverages, arts and crafts, cheese tasting, wine tasting, bocce ball, spaghetti sauce cooking contest, festival merchandise, Italian car and scooter show, golf tournament. The event is from 10am-10pm. Additional Details: Call 801-979-1997 or 888-800-1441
August 19, 2006 Coffee Break Festival Mandt Community Park, Stoughton, Wisconsin	Arts and crafts, car show, activities for kids, museum tours, baked goods, beer garden Jave Jog 5K/1mile race. Stoughton claims to be the home of the first coffee break tradition. Their festival had to be cancelled at the last minute last year because of a devastating tornado that hit the area. But the fun is back on for 2006. Come and enjoy free hot coffee as they celebrate their return. Questions? Call 608-873-7912 or 888-873-7912
August 19-20, 2006 Round Valley Blackberry Festival Blackberry Festival Grounds, Covelo, California	Enjoy this 24th year with arts and crafts, musical entertainment, wine tasting, classic cars, activities for kids, a 10K run. Pick up some blackberry cobbler, blackberry bobbler, blackberry jam and blackberry pie. The fun runs from 10am-5pm and there is no admission charge. More Information: Call 707-983-6144
August 19-20, 2006 NewWestFest Downtown, Fort Collins, Colorado	More than 300 arts, crafts and food booths are part of this 18th year. Kids' World, 7 impressive stages of entertainemnt, beer gardens, Bohemian Nights evening bands (at this writing Nickel Creek and The B-52's were scheduled to perform). Get Details: Call 970-224-FEST
August 19-20, 2006 GreekFest Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Manchester, New Hampshire	Have fun with a penny sale, Greek foods, raffles, crafts, church tours, activities for kids, music. The festival goes from 11am-9pm on Saturday and from 11am-8pm on Sunday. Learn More: Call 603-623-2045
August 19-20, 2006 Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts Fowler Park, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin	In a lovely setting near Fowler Lake you can enjoy entertainment on 3 stages, a silent auction, activities for kids, arts and crafts, food vendors. The festival goes from 10am-5pm, rain or shine. Please leave pets safely at home. Additional Info: Call 262-567-1243
August 20, 2006 Art in the Park Civic Park, New Holstein, Wisconsin	Arts and crafts, pancake breakfast from 9am-12:30pm, used book sale at the library across the street from the park (9am-3pm), corn roast from noon-4pm, entertainment and more. There is no admission charge. Questions? Call 920-898-5640 or 920-898-5766
August 20-26, 2006 Union Fair & Blueberry Festival Fairgrounds on Common Rd., Union, Maine	You get all the fun of a country fair with livestock and 4-H events, plus a wild blueberry pancake breakfast, a pancake eating contest, harness racing, free tastes of blueberry pie at scheduled times, watermelon seed spitting contest, bubblegum blowing contest, horse pulling and oxen pulling competitions, tractor pull, a 2-person pie eating contest with one person blindfolded, fireworks. The kids have their own blueberry pie eating contest. There are also baking contests for Wild Maine Blueberry Gingerbread, Wild Maine Blueberry Brunch Cake and Wild Maine Blueberry Quick Bread. Find Out More: Call 207-785-3281
August 24-27, 2006 Obetz Zucchinifest Lancaster Park, Obetz, Ohio	Pageant, grand parade, cruise-in, contests and games, rides, arts and crafts, entertainment, food (including Zucchini Burgers). Information: Call 614-497-2518
August 25-27, 2006 Olive Festival Various venues, Corning, California	It's the 17th year for this one. Plan to enjoy a parade Friday evening, lawnmower races, a fun run/walk, youth dance, arts and crafts, activities for children, cooking contest, talent show, entertainment, pancake breakfast, bed races. Additional Details: Call 530-824-5550
August 25-26, 2006 Bodock Festival Courthouse Square, Pontotoc, Mississippi	Bodock Fence Post Throwing Contest, men's and women's softball tournament, arts and crafts, golf tournament, 5K run, petting zoo, food. Information: Call 662-489-5042
August 25-27, 2006 Watermelon Days Downtown, Fayette, Iowa	Community dinner, musical entertainment, pageant, ice cream, parade, horse and wagon rides, free watermelon at scheduled times, water fights, fire truck rides, watermelon games, tractor cruise, firemen's supper, watermelon games, 5K/10K run/walk, magic show, pie baking contest, silent auction, raffles, fireworks. Questions? Call 563-425-4316
August 25-27, 2006 Prairie Festival Downtown, Huxley, Iowa	Horseshoe pitching tournament, mud volleyball, 5K run/walk and 10K run/walk, entertainment, arts and crafts and more. Get Details: Call 515-597-2561 or 5115-597-2589
August 25-27, 2006 Markle Wildcat Festival Markle Park, Markle, Indiana	Now in its 30th year, the festival presents a theme of "Town Fair With Country Flair". Enjoy a demolition derby, 1890s encampment, arts and crafts, parade, frog jumping contest, vendors, car and truck show. Learn More: Call 260-758-2855
August 25-27, 2006 Artstreet Downtown, Green Bay, Wisconsin	Literary arts, edible arts (festival foods and ethnic specialties), strolling performers, activities for kids, festival merchandise, more than 200 artisans showing and selling their work, 4 stages of entertainment. Come and enjoy this 25th year. Information: Call 920-435-2787 or 920-435-5220
August 26, 2006 Shawangunk Mountain Wild Blueberry & Huckleberry Festival Downtown, Ellenville, New York	Blueberry pancake breakfast (7:30-11am at Norbury Hall), area cultural exhibits, blueberry pie baking contest, climbing wall, wildlife talks, art show, classic cars, entertainment, arts and crafts, festival foods. Most of the events are from 9am-5pm Questions? Call 845-647-4620
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August 26-27, 2006 Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts Elmwood Avenue (at Auburn St.), Buffalo, New York	Parade, wine tasting, information from local arts groups and other non-profit agencies, activities for kids, music, art, dance, festival foods such as sesame chicken, corn on the cob and BBQ favorites. Get The Facts: Call 716-830-2484
August 26-27, 2006 Coplay Community Days Saylor Park, Coplay, Pennsylvania	5K race, tours of area kilns, arts and crafts, entertainment, food. Details: Call 610-262-6088
August 26-27, 2006 Festival in the Pines Carson Park, Eau Claire, Wisconsin	The festival celebrates its 24th year with more than 260 arts and crafts booths, music and other entertainment, Pub Garden, games and rides for the kids, interactive exchange from the children's museum, festival foods. If you shop and have too much to carry the Girl Scouts will hold your items while you finish browsing. You can take a free shuttle from Chippewa Valley Technical College or Eau Claire City Courthouse parking lot to the festival area. Festival hours are 9am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday. Further Information: Call 888-611-7463
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.
August 31 to September 3, 2006 New York State Festival of Balloons Dansville Airport area, Dansville, New York	The 25th Anniversary of this event starts with a balloon glow on Thursday evening. Enjoy classic cars, staged entertainment, arts and crafts, international food court, strolling entertainment, several balloon launches (weather permitting), activities for the kids. There is an admission charge for those age 12 and older. Please leave pets safely at home. (As usual, assistance animals are welcome.) No coolers, bicycles, roller blades or skate boards are allowed at the festival. Questions? Call 800-538-7365 or Email
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August Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
August 3-6 Ohio Chile Pepper Festival, Timble H.S. on Main St., Glouster, Ohio, 740-767-4407 August 3-11 Schweizer Fest, Tell City, Indiana, 888-343-6262 August 4-5 Zoar Mosquito Festival,                    United Methodist Church picnic grounds, Zoar, Indiana, 812-536-2920 or 812-354-8155 August 4-5 Great River Road Food Festival,                    Main Street Marketplace, Natchez, Mississippi, 601-445-4611 August 4-5 Festival of Summer, downtown, Elkhorn, Wisconsin, 262-723-5788 August 4-5 Summer Sizzle, Historic Third Ward, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 414-273-1173 August 4-6 Carmel Valley Fiesta, Carmel Valley, California, 831-659-4502 or 831-644-6180 August 4-6 Monterey Bay Strawberry Festival, Ramsey Park, Watsonville, California, 831-566-1230 August 4-6 Riverfest, Vassar, Michigan, 989-823-2601 August 4-6 Wilbur Czech Festival, Wilber, Nebraska, 888-494-5237 August 4-6 Lucy's Birthday Celebration, Lucy-Desi Museum, Jamestown, New York, 877-LUCY-FAN August 5-6 Festival of the Arts, Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, California, 510-795-2244 August 5-6 Festa Italiana, 3730 Auburn Blvd., Sacramento, California, 916-690-5634 August 5-6 Cabrillo Music, Art & Wine Festival,                    11am-8pm, Church Street near Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz, California, info@cabrillomusic.org August 5-6 Maui Onion Festival, Whalers Village, Lahaina, Hawaii, 808-661-4567 August 5-6 West Springfield Arts Festival, Town Common, West Springfield, Massachusetts, 413-263-3284 August 5-6 Heritage Days, Park Circle, Angelica, New York, 585-456-3216 August 6 Taste of Dorset, Park Rapids, Minnesota, 218-732-0275 August 6 Crossroads Festival, Lima, New York, 585-582-1481 August 9-12 Onion Days, Nobel Township Park, Wolf Lake, Indiana, 260-635-1199 August 9-12 Big Coal River Festival, Whitesville, West Virginia, 304-854-1224 August 10-13 Pure Water Days/Heritage Fun Fest, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, 888-723-0024 August 11-13 Canada Days, Bethel, Maine, 207-824-2908 or 800-824-2910 August 11-13 Milbank Train Festival, Milbank, South Dakota August 12 Tomato Festival, 10am-6pm, Texas Street downtown, Fairfield, California, 707-423-0103 August 12 Scandinavian Saturday, Shell Lake, Wisconsin, 715-468-2904 August 12-13 Japanese Food & Cultural Bazaar, 24011 Riverside Ave., Sacramento, California, 916-446-01121 August 12-13 Mystic Outdoor Art Festival, Mystic, Connecticut, 860-572-9578 August 12-13 National Hamburger Festival, Lock 3 Park, Akron, Ohio, 716-565-4141 August 13 Tomato Festival, 4-10pm, downtown, Yuba City, California, 530-218-2320 August 13 Peach Festival, Attica, New York, 585-591-2161 August 14-20 Peaches & Cream Festival, Apple Holler, Sturtevant, Wisconsin, 262-886-8500 August 16-19 Parade of the Hills, Public Square, Nelsonville, Ohio August 18-19 Peach Festival, Palisade, Colorado, 970-464-7458 August 18-20 Great Falls Balloon Festival, Auburn, Maine, 800-639-6331 August 18-20 Medaryville Community Potato Fest, Medaryville, Indiana, 219-843-3371 August 18-20 Diamond Days, Blairsville, Pennsylvania, 724-459-6252 August 19 Cornfest, Drover Park, Huntington, Indiana, 260-356-9681 August 19 Newfane August Fest, 11am-5pm, Main Street, Newfane, New York, 716-778-7674 August 19-20 Olde Farmers Fest, downtown, Rolling Prairie, Indiana, 219-324-6206 August 19-20 Fairborn Sweet Corn Festival, Community Park, Fariborn, Ohio, 937-305-0800 August 20 Corn 'n Tater Festival, 11am-4pm, East Adams, Wisconsin, 608-339-9284 August 21-22 Lewis & Clark Heritage Days, Heritage Park, Elk Point, South Dakota, 605-356-2164 August 23-27 Telluride Mushroom Festival, various venues, Telluride, Colorado, 970-728-1412 August 24-27 Swiss Wine Festival, Paul Ogle Riverfront Park, Vevay, Indiana, 800-435-5688 August 25-26 Crane Broiler Festival, Crane, Missouri, 417-723-5248 August 25-27 Caladium Festival, Lake Placid, Florida, 863-465-4331 August 26 Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, 9am-5pm, downtown, Cary, North Carolina, 919-462-3864 August 26 AquaFest, Cedar Park Lake, Olathe, Kansas, 913-971-6263 August 26 Crepe Myrtle Festival, Downtown, Ardmore, Tennessee, 256-423-7588 August 26-27 Festival of the Arts, Lake Ellyn Park, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, 630-790-9180 August 26-27 Keystone State Hot & Stinky Garlic & Herb Festival,                    Zanolini Nursery (603 St. Johns Rd., Drums, Pennsylvania, 570-788-3152 August 26-27 Seven Springs Wine & Food Festival, 777 Water Wheel Dr., Champion, Pennsylvania, 866-703-7625 August 30-September 2 Sweet Corn Festival, Lions Park, Millersport, Ohio, 740-467-3639
Other August 2006 Events You Might Enjoy Events in this section may be called festivals but are generally less multi-dimensional than events in the above category
August 1-3 Farmfest, Gilfillan Estate, Redwood County, Minnesota, 800-827-8007 August 3 Teddy Bear Picnic,                    11am-1:30pm, 6411 Delaware Ave.(rain venue is 16 Linwood Ave.), Buffalo, New York, Reservations: 716-884-0095 August 3-7 Wizard World, Stephens Convention Center, Chicago, Illinois, conventions@wizarduniverse.com August 3-7 Street Rod Nationals, Kentucky Fair & Expo Center, Louisville, Kentucky, 901-452-4030 August 3-7 World's Longest Outdoor Sale,                    Along US Hwy. 127, (headquarted in) Jamestown, Tennessee, 859-491-0458 or 800-327-3945 August 4-5 Wheat Harvest Dinner & parade, First Presbyterian Church at 90 & 34B, King Ferry, New York, 315-730-6134 August 4-5 Midwest Scroll Saw Show, Richland Center, Richland, Wisconsin, 888-322-2432 August 4-6 Fandemonium, Civic Center, Nampa, Idaho, 208-468-5500 or email August 4-6 Metris Uptown Art Fair, Hennepin Ave. area, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 612-823-4581 August 5 Antiques Festival on the Green, Hubbard Green, Glastonbury, Connecticut, 860-633-6890 August 9 I Love NY Food Festival, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York, 518-473-0559 August 9-10 Mount Morris Italian Festival, Main Street, Morris, New York, 585-658-9830 August 9-13 2006 State H.O.G. Rally, Johnson City, Tennessee, 615-255-3442 August 10-13 Gen Con Indy, Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, 206-957-3976 August 10-13 Cumberland Craft Show, Fairgrounds on Blanchard Rd., Cumberland, Maine, 207-621-1945 or 207-621-2818 August 10-13 King Midget Jamboree, Athens, Ohio, 740-594-3175 August 11-13 Escalante Days, Dolores, Colorado, 719-882-4018 August 11-13 Conglomeration, Clarion Hotel, Louisville, Kentucky, email August 11-13 Horrorfind Weekend, Marriott Hunt Valley Inn, Hunt Valley, Maryland, 444-465-0645 August 11-13 On the Green Arts & Crafts Festival,                    10am-5pm, Brewster Academy, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, 603-528-4014 August 11-13 German Fest, Gates Memorial Park, Rochester, New York, 585-426-7835 August 11-13 Armadillocon, Doubletree Hotel North, Austin, Texas, 512-477-6259 August 11-12 Waldensian Festival, Main Street Area, Valdese, North Carolina, 828-879-2126 August 12 Somerset Antique Show, 8am-4pm, downtown, Somerset, Pennsylvania, 814-445-6431 August 12 Stroll Through the Park, 9am-3pm, Albion Park, Edgerton, Wisconsin, 608-884-3581 August 12-13 Scotts Valley Art & Wine Festival, SkyPark, Scotts Valley, California, 831-438-1010 August 12-13 Outdoor Art Festival, Historic downtown, Mystic, Connecticut, 860-572-9578 August 12-13 Collectors Carnival Antique & Flea Market,                    4-H Center, Evansville, Indiana, 812-471-9419 August 12-13 Maine Antiques Festival Fairgrounds off Route 17, Union, Maine, 207-563-1013 August 12-13 Sourwood Festival, Black Mountain, North Carolina, 828-669-2300 August 12-13 Fine Arts Show, Playground Park, Green Lake, Wisconsin, 800-253-7354 August 12-13 Art in the Park, 10am-5pm, Library Park, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, 262-249-7988 August 12-13 Morning Glory Fine Craft Fair, 929 N. Water, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 414-259-1440 August 13 Cars & Crafts in the Park, 10am-3pm, Village Park, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, 715-986-4680 August 13-20 Bay Area Tap Festival, various venues, San Francisco, California, 415-294-4941 August 17-20 Star Trek Convention, Las Vegas Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, Tickets: 818-409-0960 ext. 225 August 18-19 Ignite the Nites, downtown, Libby, Montana, 406-293-2633 August 19-20 Art Show, Tydings Park, Havre de Grace, Maryland, 410-939-9342 August 19-20 Santa Fe Indian Market, downtown, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 505-983-5220 August 19-20 Children First Festival, Ellicottville, New York, 716-699-5544 August 20 Concours d'Elegance, Pebble Beach, California, 831-622-1700 August 20 Poags Hole Professional Motorcyle Hillclimb, off Rte. 36, Dansville, New York, 585-335-9260 August 25-26 Cape BBQ Fest, 10am-3pm, Arena Park, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 573-335-3312 August 25-27 Miami County Heritage Days, 4-H Fairgrounds at 1029 w. 200 N., Denver, Indiana, 765-985-3435 August 25-27 Frog Follies, 4-H Fairgrounds, Evansville, Indiana, 812-428-3764 August 25-27 Bondville Fair, Route 30, Bondville, Vermont, 802-297-1882 August 26-27 Indianapolis Air Show, Mt. Comfort Airport, Greenfield, Indiana, 317-335-7252 August 26-27 Island Park Show, Island Park, Fargo, North Dakota, 701-241-1350
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It's always best to call ahead to verify festival information. Please tell them you saw the listing in Deb's Monthly Review.

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. A sample of her work is illustrated online. Talk to her about what you're looking for!

Ever since William Malmskog and I began a dialogue I've been impressed by his willingness to share openly the details of his life. Most of us hide a lot of our lives from others and present only the parts we can polish and make look acceptable. He isn't afraid to talk about how his difficulties, including physical challenges, have guided him to an increased sense of abilities and possibilities.

I have a special place in my heart for people who allow themselves to be vulnerable enough to show us their pain. But this isn't about being a victim. It's about using adversity as a stepping stone to new challenges and then helping the rest of us do the same. When he sends me welcome updates of what he's been doing I know he's going to bring me something I can bite into and use in my own daily challenges. Please take time to visit his web site and explore the man who calls himself the Crazy Viking.

Do you avoid chain restaurants when you travel, because of nutritional considerations? You might want to visit some of them again and see what's been happening. Quite a few restaurants have added menu items that are lower in fat, lower in calories, lower in carbohydrates or are sugar-free. Denny's has more fresh fruit and vegetable choices now, plus some fat-free dressings and lower-carb meals. And Dairy Queen has been experimenting with no-fat, no-sugar ice cream treats and has been letting customers substitute a salad for a side of fries.
August 1 is National Night Out.		Trek through South Carolina, but only after checking out the SC State Trails Program.

Send Deb email: deb@lightpatch.com

Last Updated July 24, 2006

Deb's Monthly Review © copyright Deb Thompson