Deb's Monthly Review

August 2008

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

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

Bringing you festivals and other fun since 1997!

Special Quotation "It is through creating, not possessing, that life is revealed." --Vida D. Scudder

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: Open Music Project Links to many online music resources		Handy Site Of The Month: Roxer Anyone can make a web page. Click on the padlock to play with their default page.
	Just Fun Site Of The Month: Bubbleshooter Simple aim-and-shoot game		Scientific/Technical Site Of The Month: Middle School Comic Relief Pushy air, green-tasting rocks and high flying fogs.

 August 2008 Festivals and Events

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

August 1-2, 2008 Pine Tree Festival City Park, Dierks, Arkansas	Plans for this 36th year include lumberjack competitions, rides and activities for the kids, IBCA BBQ cooking competition, archery events, arts and crafts, classic cars, food, music. There is no admission change. Learn More: Call 870-286-3163
August 1-2, 2008 Wilton Blueberry Festival Maine Street area downtown, Wilton, Maine	Van with health checks and screening, Fireman's Muster, blood drive, boat parade, arts and crafts, yard sales, blueberry pancake breakfast on Saturday next to Key Bank from 6-10am, sidewalk sales, blueberry baked goods for sale, Historical Society tours, parade on Saturday at 9am, quilt and rug show, kayaking, blueberry cook-off, chicken BBQ, chili tasting contest, bee demo, golf tournament, raffles, church lunches and dinners, firetruck rides for kids, pie sale, bingo, 10K and 1-mile runs, fireworks, baby and toddler derby race. It's the 26th year for this one. Details: Call 207-778-4726
August 1-2, 2008 Watermelon Carnival City Park, Water Valey, Mississippi	Diller celebrates 37 years of fun with a 3K fun run/walk, entertainment, street dance, pageant, classic cars, grower's contest, parade and plenty of festival foods (including sweet, chilled watermelon). Further Information: Call 662-473-1122 or 662-473-4169
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August 1-3, 2008 Goettafest Riverfront Levee, Newport, Kentucky	Goetta is made of meat, oats and seasonings and is usually made into sausages and eaten at breakfast. At the festival you'll encounter Goetta vending machines, the Goetta Photo-Op Board, the Goetta Ring Toss, Goetta Slide, Goetta Toss, festival merchandise, music and cloggers, Kids' Hut, misting stations, rides and more. Try a Goetta Reuben, Goetta-stuffed mushrooms, Goetta Sloppy Joes or even Goetta Fudge. There is no admission charge to the festival. Get The Facts: Call 859-291-1800 ext. 225
August 1-3, 2008 Wild West Weekend Various venues, Dexter, Maine	The event is 6 years old and plans for this year include music, big breakfasts and suppers, food vendors, arts and crafts and plenty of horse-centric activities. More: Call 740-824-7351 or 207-924-3067-4600
August 1-3, 2008 Flekkefest Various venues, Elbow Lake, Minnesota	Parade down Main Street at 4pm on Saturday, pedal tractor pull, festival merchandise, Taste of Scandinavia, dance, fly-in at the municipal airport on Saturday, 5K run/walk, musical entertainment, farmers market, European Kaffee Haus, vintage tractors on display, rummage sales, pony rides and face painting, arts and crafts. Be sure you keep an eye out for trolls during this 31st year. Questions? Call 218-685-5380 or 218-747-2108
August 1-3, 2008 Belgian American Days Downtown, Ghent, Minnesota	Bring a chair to watch the parade at this family-friendly festival. There will be a Rolle Bolle tournament, car show (August 2), arts and crafts, music and plenty of festival treats, including Belgian favorites. Learn More: Call 507-426-3505
August 1-3, 2008 Schulenburg Festival Wolters Park, Schulenburg, Texas	5K run/walk, marshmallow guns, dunking board, tricycle races, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, carnival, arts and crafts, collectibles for sale, cow chip toss, egg toss, chili cook-off, men's and women's softball tournaments, rodeo events, golf tournament, Go Texan BBQ Cook-Off, food booths, music, volleyball tournament. Further Details: Call 888-515-1195
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August 1-3, 2008 Utica Festival County Roads B & W, Cambridge, Wisconsin	Celebrate with a softball tournament, kids's sawdust money dig, Badger State Super Farm & Hot Farm Tractor Pull, horse pulls, music, bingo, festival foods. Additional Facts: Call 608-764-8480
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August 2, 2008 Village Fair Village Green, Stonington, Connecticut	Music, Soup Kitchen with hearty soups and baked goods, face painting, demonstrations, games, arts and crafts, Treasures & Trifles Table, festival food and beverages. Hours are 10am-4pm, rain or shine. Learn More: Call 860-505-2476
August 2, 2008 Funday & Possum Festival Downtown, Wausau, Florida	Pancake breakfast at the Masonic Lodge, parade at 10am, Possum Trot 5K run/walk, music, corn pone baking contest, quilt auction, hog calling contest, rooster crowing contest, car show at the Possum Palace, possibly arts and crafts. I'm not sure whether they're having the Possum Auction this year. It's generally a place for politicians to make an appearance and have some fun.) A pageant is held the night before the main festival date. Info: Call 850-638-7888 or 850-638-1781
August 2, 2008 Clark Potato Days Dicksonson Park (& other venues), Clark, South Dakota	Mime theatre, potato sculptures, 5K run/walk plus a 10K run & 1-mile walk, classic car show, softball tournament, pancake breakfast 7-10am at the fire hall, kids' coloring contest, food and drink vendors, kids' tractor pull, antique farming equipment on display, mashed potato wrestling, antique tractor parade, kids' coin dig, horseshoe pitching tournament, arts and crafts, potato dish cooking contest, potato decorating contests, festival merchandise, potato and chip dip recipe contest, parade at 5pm (route begins at St. Michael's Catholic Church). It's the 17th year for this fun-packed event. Get The Facts: Call 605-532-3512
August 2, 2008 Mossyrock Blueberry Festival State & Williams Street area downtown, Mossyrock, Washington	It's the 2nd year for this event, but they've already figured out how to pump up the crowd with wiener dog races (3pm), slow drags, a car show, dunk tank, music, face painting, piano smashing, blueberry pie eating contest, blueberry spitting contest, kids' fun races, blueberry pancake breakfast, arts and crafts, blueberry dinner, street dance, parade at noon. Questions? Call 360-983-3734
August 2, 2008 Cherry Fest Lakeside Park on Hwy. 57, Jacksonport, Wisconsin	Now in its 14th year, the festival offers more than 100 artisans showing and selling their work, historical displays, pioneer living history demonstrations, food booths, a penny hunt for the kids, baked goods and plenty of cherry products such as cherry jam and cherry chip cookies. Bring a lawn chair and/or blanket to enjoy the musical entertainment. Details: Call 920-623-2288
August 2-3, 2008 Wood Turtle Days Village Park, Wilton, Wisconsin	Enjoy a parade, arts and crafts, festival foods, games for kids, musical entertainment, a softball tournament, 5K run/walk and fireworks. More: Call 608-435-6512
August 3, 2008 Raspberry Festival St. Gertrude's Museum grounds, Cottonwood, Idaho	It's the Festival's 16th anniversary. Plan to help celebrate with cultural demos, arts and crafts, 10K run on a scenic route (with a 5K marker for those wishing to do the "shortcake walk"), raspberry products for sale, craft demos, quilt show, tours of the monastery chapel, classic cars and motorcyles, raspberry shortcake and other raspberry treats, BBQ, music. Get The Facts: Call 208-962-2050
August 5-9, 2008 Tontitown Grape Festival Downtown, Tontitown, Arkansas	Help the locals celebrate a whopping 110th year with arts and crafts, carnival rides, entertainment, prizes, grape stomping, Italian spaghetti dinners, used book sale and more. Info: Call 479-361-2612 or 479-361-2700
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 6, 2008 Loon Day Downtown, Mercer, Wisconsin	It's the 28th year for this one. Plans include flea markets, a bake sale, more than 250 arts and crafts booths, used book sale at the Community Center, a dance, helicopter rides, musical entertainment, sidewalk sales and merchant specials, raffle, basketball tournament, festival foods, a Loon Calling Contest. Hours are 9am-4pm. Get Details: Call 715-476-2389
August 6-9, 2008 Baltimore Festival Johnson Park, Baltimore, Ohio	Fireworks Friday at 10pm, pie baking contest, 5K run 8:30am on Saturday, parade on Saturday morning, crafts, kiddie tractor pull, Teen Night on Thursday, cruise-in on Friday, pageant, staged musical entertainment, carnival rides. It's the festival's 20th anniversary. Further Facts: Call 740-438-7881
August 6-10, 2008 Romeofest Village Park Rec Center (on Romeo Road), Romeoville, Illinois	Activities for kids, music, softaball tournament, tennis tournament, beverage garden, food vendors, arts and crafts, fireworks Friday and Sunday at 9:15pm, baggo tournament, carnival. Find Out More: Call 815-886-6222
August 7-9, 2008 Fun Fest Main & Market area, North Manchester, Indiana	Diaper derby, carnival rides, auction, petting farm, 5K/1-mile run at Warvel Park, cruise-in, arts and crafts, music, food, car show, rodeo events drawings for prizes. Additional Information: Call 260-982-7644 or 260-982-2184
August 7-9, 2008 St. Joe Pickle Festival Riverdale Elementary School (and other venues), St. Joseph, Indiana	Now in its 12th year, the festival brings a lot of fun to this community. Enjoy arts and crafts, a horseshoe pitching contest, tours of the Sechlers pickle factory, music, pickle derby, art displays, kids' coloring contest, the pickle/pepper cook-off, volkswalk, mad hatters tea party, petting zoo, children's parade, bingo, plus treats such as fried pickles and even pickle ice cream. Questions? Call 260-337-5470
August 7-9, 2008 Bear Lake Raspberry Days Various venues, Garden City, Utah	Family street dance, 5K run on August 9, festival foods, arts and crafts, pancake breakfast Saturday at the LDS Church from 8-11am, fireworks, parade. Please leave pets comfortably at home while you come to enjoy this 25th year of fun. Find Out Details: Call 435-946-2901
August 7-10, 2008 Hope Watermelon Festival Fair Park, Hope, Arkansas	Antique engine show, nearly 300 arts and crafts stations with artisans from 6 states, music, giant melons from the fields and melon grower judging, games for kids, watermelon eating contest, horseshoe pitching tournament, gospel music concert, watermelon seed spitting contest, sports car show, softball tournament, dog show, 5K run/walk, food booths, plenty of slices of chilled watermelon. Further Details: Call 870-777-3640
August 7-10, 2008 Mendota Sweet Corn Festival Most events held downtown, Mendota, Illinois	For this 61st year you can enjoy a strolling magician and a balloon artist, a carnival, face painting, corn food contest, fresh corn for sale by the bag (Fri-Sun), a beer garden, tennis tournament, music and other entertainment, youth parade, commercial vendors, 5K/10K run & a 5K walk, Red Cross Blood Drive, flea market, food booths, pageant, grand parade at 1pm on Sunday, hot fresh corn giveway about 2pm on Sunday (at intersection of Illinois Avenue & Jefferson Street), fly in/drive in breakfast at Grandpa's Farm Airport on Rt. 251 (south of town) on Sunday, state and local police demonstration of a Roll Over Simulator (to remind everyone to buckle up), sweet corn eating contest for ages 12 & younger on Sunday at 4:30pm. Get Details: Call 815-539-6507
August 7-10, 2008 West Point Sweet Corn Festival Downtown, West Point, Iowa	It's the 56th year for this event. Plans include a pageant, parade, 5k & 10K run, arts and crafts, water fights, carnival, mini garden tractor pull, BBQ, corn eating competition, food vendors (including those with fresh, sweet corn). If you'd like to get to know the locals, come a few days early and get in on the Shuckfest, which is usually held the Wednesday just before the festival weekend. Call the festival number for more information. Further Information: Call 319-837-6313
August 7-10, 2008 National Blueberry Festival Downtown, South Haven, Michigan	Celebrate this 45th year with theatre, arts and crafts, a raffle, Steelheaders Fish Boil, library stories, parade Sat. at 1:30pm, fresh blueberries for sale, blueberry pies, festival merchandise, 5K run/walk, music, activities for kids, fly-in at the airport, pancake breakfast Sat. & Sun. mornings, blueberry pie social, diaper derby, food vendors, sidewalk chalk art, AAUW book sale, blueberry plants for sale, possibly a kids' blueberry pie eating contest. Learn More: Call 269-637-1572 or 800-754-2836
August 7-10, 2008 Scandinavian Festival Festival grounds, Junction City, Oregon	Meatball dinner, beer garden, wine and microbrew tasting, music, Scandinavian arts and crafts, Scandinavian folk music and dance, Ukranian dance group performing, 10K Scandia Run (plus a shorter walk) on Sat., rest area with cold water and air-conditioning. You will not go hungry. There will be Rarakor (lacy fried potatoes), BQ beef sandwiches, Loven Oven (sour cream pastry filled with ground beef and shredded red potatoes plus Tillamook Cheddar), vegetarian hot dogs, sausages, chicken patties, lefse, ice cream, cotton candy, shaved ice, smoothies, Fri-Jo (yeast-raised deep-fried pastry rolled in cinnamon-sugar), chocolate cream puffs, aebelskivers and more. Get The Festival Facts: Call 541-998-9372
August 7-17, 2008 Carnation Festival Silver Park & other venues Alliance, Ohio	Mayor's breakfast, music, helicopter rides, kick-off parade, pet show, flower show, triathlon/duathlon, used book sale, junior sporting events, Ribfest, pageant, style show & luncheon, ce cream social, hot air balloon rides (weather permitting), sales of carnations, historic home tours cruise-in, arts and crafts, fireworks. Find Out Details: Call 330-823-6260 or 330-337-6363
August 8-10, 2008 Ole Hickory Days Various venues, Colfax, Indiana	Truck & tractor pull, library used book sale, music, arts and crafts, garage sales, music, food. Further Information: Call 765-324-2961 or 765-650-0231
August 8-10, 2008 Polska Kielbasa Festival Various venues, Ivanhoe, Minnesota	Now in its 37th year, the festival offers fun such as a golf tournament, volleyball tournament, entertainment, arts and crafts, fireworks on Saturday night, parade, flea market, 3-on-3 basketball, softball tournaments, karaoke, festival and ethnic foods. Get The Facts: Call 507-694-1736 or 507-694-1529
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August 8-10, 2008 Minneosta Irish Festival Harriet Island, St. Paul, Minnesota	Tug-of-war exhibition, boxing match, sheep herding demonstrations, Run with the Celts 5K run, Irish genealogical information, Gaelic football exhibition match, storytelling, lectures, workshops, Irish music and dance (with some lessons thrown in), craft demonstrations and displays, activities for kids, food and more. There is no admission charge. Questions? Call 952-474-7411
August 8-10, 2008 Huckleberry Festival Community Park area, Trout Creek, Montana	Huckleberry pancake breakfast, musical entertainment, bounce houses and other activities for kids, pageant, fresh berries for sale, festival foods, arts and crafts booths, huckleberry dessert contest, 5K race, auction, more. Learn Details: Call 406-827-3301
August 8-10, 2008 Kool-Aid Days Brickyard Park & downtown, Hastings, Nebraska	Parade, bike tour, non-profit displays, food vendors, carnival games, Kool-Aid Kollectibles, rocketry demo at Lake Hastings, Kool-Aid Kardboard Boat Races, Kwickest Kool-Aid Drinking Contest, fresh produce market, Kool-Aid Days Trolley, festival merchandise, Rave On: The Buddy Holly Experience, postal cancellations, golf scramble, car show, World's Largest Kool-Aid Stand (buy a commemorative mug and drink all you like of 14 flavors). In case you get hungry there are meatball subs, nachos, beef brisket sandwiches, chili cheese dogs, popcorn, shaved ice, beef hot dogs, ice cream sandwiches, burgers, dill pickles. It's the festival's 11th year. Further Information: Call 402-461-8405 or 800-987-2189
August 8-10, 2008 Elephant Garlic Festival Jessie Mays Community Center, North Plains, Oregon	Parade, arts and crafts, car show,music, 10K & 2-mile walk/run, kids' stage. Food vendors will be selling criss-cross fries with garlic aioli, fried rice, yaki soba noodles, elephant ears, elephant garlic rustic bread and foccacia, Hawaiian noodles with BBQ chicken, milkshakes, mango lemonade, pastries, root beer floats, soft-frozen lemonade and more. Find Out Details: Call 503-647-2619
August 8-10, 2008 Musky Jamboree Main Street (and other venues), Boulder Junction, Wisconsin	This year marks the festival's 52nd season. Plans include more than 170 arts and crafts booths, kids' casting contest, search & rescue demo, Civil Air Patrol fly-by, Taste of Musky, fireworks on Friday at 10pm, 5K & 10K Musky Fun Run at 7:30am on Sunday, flea market, entertainment, food booths. Get The Facts: Call 715-385-2400 or 800-466-8759
August 8-10, 2008 Covered Bridge Days Downtown, Brodhead, Wisconsin	Softball tournament, festival foods, cemetery walk, church services in Veterans Park, Model A antiques cars on display, Depot Museum display, rummage sale, beer garden, 5K run/walk at 8am on Saturday, sand volleyball tournament, sidewalk sales, music, toy tractor pull, pony rides for the kids, antique tractors. Further Information: Call 608-897-8411
August 8-17, 2008 Bill Johnston's Pirate Days Various venues, Alexandria Bay, New York	The St. Lawrence River brings pirates to storm the village and take over the premises for lots of fun. Expect sword fighting in the streets, cannon fire, skirmishes breaking out amongst the crowds. There'll be a life-size chessboard, activities for kids, storytelling, vintage boat show (Aug. 11-13), scavenger hunt, raft race, swap meet and more. If you like, come dressed as a pirate or other character. Learn More: Call 800-541-2110
August 9, 2008 Corn Festival Various venues, Avon, New York	Plans for this 22nd year include arts and crafts, musical entertainment on 4 stages, games, corn eating contests, food vendors and more. Please keep pets safely at home while you come to enjoy the festival. (As always, service animals are welcomed.) Questions? Call 585-243-1547 or 585-226-8094
August 9, 2008 Burger Fest/Balloon Rally South Main Street area, Seymour, Wisconsin	Admission is by button purchase. You can buy a button at various places in town, but you can also buy one on the day of the festival, at the entrance, for five dollars. That will get you to games and activities for the kids, hot air balloon ascensions in the morning (and balloon glows in the evening, weather permitting), the ketchup slide, Big Wheel races, magic show, pony rides, hamburger eating contest, Hamburger Parade at 11am, classic cars, model railroad display, music, 5K Bun Run, Hamburger Press strength contest, museum displays and the serving of a very large hamburger to the crowd at 2:30pm. Find Out Details: Call 920-833-6688
August 9, 2008 Coffee Break Festival Mandt Community Park, Stoughton, Wisconsin	When housewives helped a tobacco farmer sort tobacco leaves all those years ago, they insisted on a break to go home and do their chores and have some coffee. Nowadays, we think of a coffee break as a time to relax, but it's still a tradition throughout the U.S. Stoughton celebrates with festival foods, arts and crafts, face painting and other activities for kids, a car show, swap meet, Java Jog 5K/1-mile race, museum tours, baked goods and plenty of free hot coffee. It's the festival's 11th season. Further Information: Call 608-873-7912 or 888-873-7912
August 9-10, 2008 Gravenstein Apple Fair Ragle Ranch Park, Sebastopol, California	Apple pie baking contest, apple juggling contest, farm exhibits, educational and community booths, apple grower judging, farm animals, applesauce eating contest, caramel apple eating contest, arts and crafts, special area for children, blacksmith demonstrations, beer and wine tent, hay maze, fresh apple juice and more. Please leave pets comfortable at home while you enjoy the fair. Admission is charged for those age 7 and older. Hours are 10am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday. Get The Facts: Call 707-824-1765 or 800-207-9464
August 9-10, 2008 Gold Rush Days Main Street area, Buena Vista, Colorado	Square dancing demonstration (and maybe some lessons), festival merchandise, arts and crafts, rubber duck race down Cottonwood Creek, beer garden, festival foods, gold panning, pancake breakfast, western dancers, gunfighter shows, rock and gem display, activities for kids, music, the third leg of the Rocky Mountain Championship Pack Burro Race, possibly a mechanical bull, Costume Parade. Questions? Call 719-395-6612
August 9-10, 2008 Havre de Grace Seafood Festival Tydings Park, Havre de Grace, Maryland	There is no admission charge for the festival, so go on in and enjoy music, commercial vendors, arts and crafts, a charity auction, beer and food (including seafood favorites). Some of the treats may include: Soft pretzels, grilled veggies, mozzarella sticks, fried seafood, chicken tenders, seafood dip and salads, pizza, grilled mahi, fruit smoothies, cotton candy, BBQ meats, soft-serve ice cream, cream puffs. Hours are 11am-7pm on Saturday and 11am-6pm on Sunday. Learn More: Call 410-939-1525 or 410-939-2100
August 9-10, 2008 Victorian Art Fair Irons Park, West Branc, Michigan	Sailboat race for kids, panning for gold, old-fashioned entertainment, more than 275 arts and crafts booths, ice cream licking contest for kids, duck races, frog jumping (BYOF: Bring Your Own Frog), festival foods. Find Out Details: Call 989-345-3856
August 9-10, 2008 Jour de Fete Historic District, St. Genevieve, Missouri	Colonial crafts demonstrations, antique window displays in area stores, 1919 steam engine on display, entertainment, birds of prey exhibit, displays of a French Colonial nature, about 600 arts and crafts booths, historical home tours, classic cars Sunday at the Knights of Columbus Hall (6th & Market), festival foods. Hours are 10am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday. the festival celebrates 42 years in 2008. Further Information: Call 573-883-3686 or 800-373-7007
August 13-16, 2008 Pemberville Free Fair Memorial Park, Pemberville, Ohio	Grand parade (August 16 at 1pm), horse pull, collectibles, frog jumping contest, arts and crafts, pony pull, vehicle show, baked goods sale on the 13th at 6pm (at the Scout Cabin on Memorial Drive), pancake breakfast on Thursday from 7-10am, Portage River Run, Fair Idol, tug of war, beef BBQ, flower show, Cornhole tournament, volleyball tournament, Swine Scramble, quilt show, Kiddie Parade on the 13th at 6:30pm. Feast on chicken noodle soup, chili, burgers, deep-fried mushrooms, fish sandwiches, hot dogs, breakfast rolls and ice cream. Questions? Call 419-287-4836 or 419-287-3832
August 14-16, 2008 Duncan Hines Festival Various venues, Bowling Green, Kentucky	Kid's art contest (and other activities for the younger set), street dance Saturday night at Fountain Square park, silent auction, local entertainment, food vendors, art exhibit and contest, duck derby on the 15th, recipe contest. The festival celebrates its 12th season this summer. Learn More: Call 270-782-0800 or 800-326-7465
August 14-17, 2008 Looney Daze Main Street area, Vergas, Minnesota	Pageant, 5K run/walk, beer gardens, bingo, arts and crafts, street dance (18 and older), scholarship program, outdoor church service (bring lawn chairs), loon calling contest, merchant specials, food vendors, activities for the kids, drawings for prizes, parade on Sunday at 2pm, horseshoe pitching, area-wide rummage sales, gun raffle, collectibles, turtle races, fire and rescue water fights. Info: Call 218-234-1175
August 14-17, 2008 Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival Angel Park, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin	Mini golf, music and other entertainment, parade Thursday at 6:30pm on Main Street, carnival, petting zoo, obstacle course, karaoke, midget auto racing Sunday at 7pm, large inflatables and other activities for kids, arts and crafts, steamed corn available from noon-7pm Saturday and Sunday, bingo. There is no admission charge for those age 6 and younger. Additional Details: Call 608-837-4547
August 14-17, 2008 Beef & Dairy Days Downtown, Whitehall, Wisconsin	Classic cars, carnival, mud bog, pageant, quilt and needlework show, Top of the World Bike Tour, arts and crafts, 5K run/walk, food and beverages, parade, music. Find Out More: Call 715-538-4353 or 715-538-4252
August 15-17, 2008 McCloud Heritage Days Various venues, McCloud, California	Melodrama at the Heritage Museum, classic cars, home and business tours, wood carving demos, arts and crafts, antique tractors, displays and exhibits, entertainment, food, Shasta Sunset dinner train. Questions? Call 530-964-2105 or 530-964-3113
August 15-17, 2008 NewWest Fest Downtown, Fort Collins, Colorado	A whopping 7 stages of entertainment, more than 300 arts and crafts booths, Bohemian nights music, carnival, Kids' World, food. It's the 20th year for this event. Further Information: Call 970-224-FEST
August 15-17, 2008 Elwood Glass Festival Callaway Park, Elwood, Indiana	Art glass factory tours, collectibles, parade, flea market, activities for kids, classic cars, arts and crafts, pageant. Hours are 10am-10pm on Friday and Saturday and from 10am-4pm on Sunday. Learn More: Call 765-552-0180
August 15-17, 2008 Peach Festival Fountain Park, Wilbraham, Massachusetts	Pageant, arts and crafts, parade on Saturday, fireworks Saturday night, business vendors, entertainment, food and beverage vendors, peach dessert contest, pancake breakfast at 7:30am on Sunday, classic cars, film fest, children's entertainment, road race, martial arts demos, Civil War reenactors. It's the festival's 24th season. Get The Facts: Call 413-559-0010
August 15-17, 2008 Howell Melon Festival Historic downtown, Howell, Michigan	Melon Run Saturday morning, farmer's market, arts and crafts, pageant, wine & beer, festival parade on Saturday at noon, activities for kids, commercial and community booths, entertainment, festival foods. It's the festival's 49th year. Downtown Development is heading up the action this year, though the Howell Jaycees will continue their support wherever they can. More: Call 517-546-7477
August 15-17, 2008 Ypsilanti Heritage Festival Various venues, Ypsilanti, Michigan	The festival celebrates 30 years in 2008. Enjoy music, parades, a Civil War Encampment, beautiful baby contest, activities for children, museum displays, food and drink vendors, arts and crafts. General hours are noon-9 on Friday, 10am-9pm on Saturday and 11am-7pm on Sunday. There is no admission charge. Please, no dogs, skates, blades, glass containers, bikes (there is bike valet parking available). Additional Details: Call 734-483-6071
August 15-17 2008 Festival of the LIttle Hills Frontier Park area downtown, St. Charles, Missouri	Games and stories for the kids, antiques, clowns, magic tricks, arts and crafts, face painting, musical entertainment and plenty of festival foods (including baked potatoes, corn on the cob, burgers and hot dogs, BBQ, fried Oreos, frozen custard and more. Hours are 4-10pm on Friday, 9:30am-10pm on Saturday and 9:30am-5pm on Sunday. Further Information: Call 635-940-0095 or 800-366-2427
August 15-17, 2008 Cucumber Fest Pafko Park & Main Street, Boyceville, Wisconsin	Quilt show, music, dance, arts and crafts, parade and more. More: Call 715-643-2351 or 888-523-3866
August 16, 2008 Ferragosto Rio Grande Depot, Salt Lake City, Utah	Italian movie showings, Italian wine and beer, Italian-American karaoke, bocce ball tournament, Italian food and beverages, arts and crafts, historical photos and art on display, entertainment, genealogical assistance and information. Details: Call 801-979-1997 or 888-800-1441
August 16-17, 2008 Round Valley Blackberry Festival Festival grounds, Covelo, California	Celebrate with a classic car show, music, 10K fun run, wine tasting, arts and crafts, plus treats such as blackberry jam, blackberry cobbler and blackberry pie. Hours are 10am-5pm and there is no admission charge. It's the event's 26th anniversary. Get The Facts: Call 701-963-6144 or 707-963-6736
August 16-17, 2008 Potato Fest Dowtown, Medaryville, Indiana	Parade, arts and crafts, fish fry, music, tractor pull, games for the kids and more. Further Information: Call 218-843-5263
August 16-17, 2008 Greek Fest Assumption Greek Orthodox Church on Island Pond Road, Manchester, New Hampshire	Church tours, music, activities for kids, penny sale, raffles, arts and crafts, Greek food and Greek pastries. Hours are 111am-9pm on Saturday and 11am-8pm on Sunday. Learn More: Call 603-623-2045
August 16-17, 2008 Corn City Festival Deshler Park, Deshler, Ohio	Fireman's breakfast, pageant, bingo, ice cream social, cornhole tournament, 5K run, pedal tractor pull, arts and crafts, diaper derby, car show, chicken BBQ, parade, rides, entertainment, food vendors. There is no admission charge. Questions? Call 419-278-0000
August 16-17, 2008 Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts Fowler Park, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin	Plans for this year include more than 130 artisans showing and selling their work, activities for kids, entertainment on 3 stages, silent auction, food vendors. There is no admission charge and the fun goes on rain or shine. Hours are 10am-5pm. Please leave pets safely at home. Additional Details: Call 262-567-1243
August 17, 2008 Arts & Crafts Fair Civic Park, New Holstein, Wisconsin	Pancake breakfast from 9am-12:30pm, corn roast in the afternoon, entertainment, library used book sale (across the street from the park), food vendors. General hours are 10am-4pm and there is no admission charge. Further Information: Call 920-898-5640
August 17-23, 2008 Union Fair & Blueberry Festival Fairgrounds on Common Road, Union, Maine	Carnival midway, drawings for prizes, fireworks, wild blueberry spitting contest, 4-H events, He-Man Contest, pageant, blueberry pie eating contest, blueberry muffin contest, rooster crowing contest, K-9 demonstrations, demolition derby, music, parade, bubblegum blowing contest, livestock events typical of a county fair setting, festival merchandise, hen cackling contest, blueberry pie baking contests, blueberry dessert contest, wild blueberry pancake breakfast, children's pedal tractor pull, Kid's Kooking Kontest, pig scramble, harness racing, food concessions. Questions? Call 207-785-3281
August 21-24, 2008 Obeta Zucchinifest Lancaster Park, Obetz, Ohio	Arts and crafts, entertainment, pageant, games and contests, rides, grand parade, cruise-in, fresh zucchini for sale, food vendors (with Zucchini burgers, zucchini fudge and other treats). Learn More: Call 614-497-2518 or 614-492-8364
August 22-23, 2008 Olive Festival Woodson City Park, Corning, California	Come and celebrate 19 years of olive goodness with a Dutch oven cooking contest, olive cooking contest, bed races, food booths, games and activities for kids, parade, arts and crafts, food booths. Get The Facts: Call 530-824-5550
August 22-23, 2008 Bodock Festival Courthouse Square, Pontococ, Mississippi	Petting zoo, golf tournament, exhibits, festival foods, Twilight 5K run, games and rides for the kids, arts and crafts, parade, bodock fence throwing contest. (A bodock is a type of tree.) More Details: Call 662-489-5042 or 562-488-0388
August 22-23, 2008 National Lentil Festival Reaney Park & Downtown, Pullman, Washington	This event marks 20 years in 2008. Enjoy a lentil pancake breakfast in Cougar Plaza on Saturday at 8am, grand parade on Saturday at 11am, Boards and Blades competition, free lentil chili and a street fair Friday evening (with activities for kids), lentil cooking contests, farm exhibits, wine tasting, pageant, 5K run/walk, Tour de Lentil 100K Bike Ride, 3-on-3 basketball, microbrews, music, children's area with lentil crafts, face painting and bubble pools. Questions? Call 509-334-3565 or800-365-6948
August 22-24, 2008 Markle Wildcat Festival Markle Park, Markle, Indiana	The theme for this 32nd year is "Luau along the Wabash". You can take part in a pancake breakfast on the 23rd, arts and crafts, entertainment, battle of the bands, 3-on-3 basketball, a car and truck show, parade on Saturday at 10am, sand volleyball, pie baking contest, hot air balloons, see a sand sculpture artist at work and get in on the sand castle contest, lawn mower racing, bingo, cornhole contest, flower and vegetable show, victory baseball game. Further Information: Call 260-758-2855
August 22-24, 2008 Prairie Festival Downtown, Huxley, Iowa	Bike ride, arts and crafts, cow chip bingo, tenn dance, kiddie tractor pull, activities for kids, food vendors, BBQ competition, Sunday preach and feed, parade on Saturday at 10am, lip sync contest, baking contest, dog show, horseshoe pitching tournament. Get The Facts: Call 515-231-3665 or 515-597-3174
August 22-24, 2008 Artstreet Jefferson & Walnut area downtown, Green Bay, Wisconsin	Art activities for kids, edible arts (festival foods and ethnic specialties), art demonstrations, festival merchandise, art raffle, more than 200 artisans showing and selling their work, "red" hot fashion show, Avon exhibit, Baylake Bank Monster Mural, street performers. When you get the munchies you can enjoy soba noodles, jerk chicken, pizza, gyros, cheese curds, gourmet coffees, BBQ, meatballs, pasta salad, burgers, dogs, baklava. Learn More: Call 920-435-2787 or 920-435-5220
August 23, 2008 Shawangunk Mountain Wild Blueberry & Huckleberry Festival Downtown, Ellenville, New York	It's the 9th year for this one. Plans include a blueberry pancake breakfast at 7:30am, cultural exhibits, street fair, area for kids, art show, entertainment, festival foods, pie sale. Events are held rain or shine. Questions? Call 845-847-4620
August 23-24, 2008 Watermelon Days Downtown, Fayette, Iowa	Parade on Saturday at 11am, free watermelon (following the parade), tractor cruise on Sunday, watermelon games, 5K/10K run/walk plus a Tot Trot, waterball fights, fireman's supper, White Elephant Bingo, activities for kids, library silent auction, classic car show Sunday at Klock's Island Park, raffle, fireworks Saturday night. The festival celebrates 25 years this summer. Further Information: Call 563-425-4316
August 23-24, 2008 Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts Elmwood Avenue (at Auburn Street), Buffalo, New York	Community vendors, 170 artists and craftspeople selling their work, Kidsfest Parade, family friendly dance tent, music on 3 stages, art (and other) activities for kids, commercial vendors, information from local arts groups and non-profit agencies, festival foods. General festival hours are 10am-6pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday. Further Information: Call 716-830-2484
August 23-24, 2008 Coplay Community Days Saylor Park on North Second Street, Coplay, Pennsylvania	Festival foods, 5K race, entertainment, tours of the kilns, arts and crafts. (The kilns in the park made cement until 1904 and are now a museum and a rather odd sight, sticking up above the ground like a sort of Stonehenge.) There is no admission charge to the festival. Questions? Call 610-262-6086 or 610-262-7322
August 23-24, 2008 Festival in the Pines Carson Park, Eau Claire, Wisconsin	This is the festival's 26th season. Enjoy 250 vendors, petting zoo, music and other entertainment, fishing tank, beer garden and more. If you shop to the point where you can't carry it around you can have the Girl Scouts hold your items while you wander. Take the free shuttle to and from the fun. It's at Chippewa Valley Technical College or at Eau Claire County Courthouse parking lot. Festival hours are 9am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday. There is an admission charge for those age 12 and older. Additional Details: Call 715-552-5504 or 888-611-7463
August 28-September 1, 2008 New York State Festival of Balloons Dansville Airport area, Dansville, New York	Have fun at this 27th year with strolling entertainment, festival merchandise, balloon launches and a balloon glow (weather permitting), international food court, arts and crafts, car show, activities for kids. There is an admission charge for those age 12 and older. Please, no pets, coolers, bicycles, skates, blades or skate boards. Get The Facts: Call 800-536-7365
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August Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
August 1-2 Zoar Mosquito Festival, United Methodist Church picnic grounds, Zoar, Indiana, 812-536-2920 or 812-354-8155 August 1-2 Festival of Summer, Downtown on the Square, Elkhorn, Wisconsin, 262-723-5788 August 1-2 Summer Sizzle (jazz), 11am-11pm, Historic Third Ward, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 414-273-1173 August 1-3 Monterey Bay Stawberry Festival (14th),                    Ramsey Park, Watsonville, California, 8311-406-7072 or Email montereystrawberryfestival@yahoo.com August 1-3 Covered Wagon Days, Del Norte, Colorado, 719-616-4638 or 719-657-2845 August 1-3 Homecoming and Augustfest, Scheve Park, Mascoutah, Illinois, 618-566-2540 August 1-3 Fish Sandwich Festival (31st), Bay Port, Michigan, 989-551-9929 August 1-3 Riverfest, Vassar, Michigan, 989-823-2601 August 1-3 Wilber Czech Festival, Wilber, Nebraska, 888-494-5237 August 1-3 Old Lincoln Days, Lincoln, New Mexico, 505-653-4025 August 1-3 Lucy's Birthday Celebration, Lucy-Desi Musuem, Jamestown, New York, 877-LUCY-FAN August 1-3 Ohio Chile Pepper Festival, High School at 1 Tomcat Drive, Glouster, Ohio, 740-767-4407 or 740-767-4946 August 1-3 Twin Days, Glenn Chamberlain Park, Twinsburg, Ohio, 330-425-3652 August 1-3 Gatesway Balloon Festival, Will Rogers Downs on S. 4200 Rd., Claremont, Oklahoma, 918-258-3900 August 2 Fayette Freeze Off Art & Music Festival (11th), Courthouse Square, Fayette, Missouri, 660-888-0586 August 2 Crossroads Festival, Lima, New York, 585-582-1481 August 2 Cookie Daze, Barlow Park, Ripon, Wisconsin, 920-748-6764 August 2 Cherry Fest, 9-4, Lakeside Park on Hwy. 57, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, 920-823-2288 August 2-3 Carmel Valley Fiesta, Carmel Valley, California, 831-659-4502 or 831-644-6180 August 2-3 Fremont Festival of the Arts (25th), Paseo Parkway between Mowry & Walnut, Fremont, California, 510-795-2344 August 2-3 Fiesta Italiana, 3730 Auburn Boulevard, Sacramento, California, 916-690-5634 August 2-3 Cabrillo Music, Art & Wine Festival (17th),                    11-8, Church Street near Civic Auditorium, Santa Cruz, California, 831-420-5260 or Email cabrillomusic.org August 2-3 SoNo Arts Celebration (32nd), S. Main & Washington area, South Norwalk, Connecticut, 203-866-7915 August 2-3 Maui Onion Festival (19th), Whaler's Village, Lahaina, Hawaii, 808-661-4567 August 2-3 Heritage Days, Park Circle, Angelica, New York, 585-456-3216 August 2-9 Schweizer Fest & Tell City Sesquicentennial, Tell City, Indiana, 888-343-0275 August 3 Taste of Dorset, Park Rapids, Minnesota, 218-732-0275 August 7-10 Steinbeck Festival (28th), Oldtown, Salinas, California, 831-775-4721 August 8-10 Escalante Days, Dolores, Colorado, 719-882-4018 August 8-10 Dahlonega Literary Festival, Historical Square downtown, Dalhonega, Georgia, 706-864-3711 August 8-10 Coal Festival, City Park on Main Street, Marissa, Illinois, 618-295-2562 August 8-10 Great River Tug Fest, Port Byron, Illinois & LeClaire, Iowa, 800-747-7800 August 8-10 Sudbury Canada Days, Bethel, Maine, 207-824-2908 or 800-824-2910 August 8-10 Street Car Days, Downtown, Red Cloud, Nebraska, 402-746-2211 August 8-10 Pure Water Days/Heritage Fun Fest, 700 black of N. Bridge St., Chippewea Falls, Wisconsin, 888-723-0024 August 9 Twine Ball Celebration, Darwin, Minnesota August 9 Black-eyed Pea Festival, Main & Broadway, Hollis, Oklahoma, 580-688-9545 August 9 Watermelon Festival, 9-9, Jeff Davis Park, Rush Springs, Oklahoma, 580-476-9348 August 9 Tomato Art Fest (5th), Five Points area, E. Nashville, Tennessee, 615-226-2070 August 9 Cornucopia Day, 8-5, Marina, Cornucopia, Wisconsin, 715-742-3384 August 9-10 Japanese Food & Cultural Bazaar (62nd), 2401 Riverside Ave., Sacramento, California, 916-446-0121 August 9-10 Mystic Outdoor Art Festival, Historic downtown, Mystic, Connecticut, 860-572-9578 August 9-10, 16-17 Big Bear Renaissance Faire (7th), Fawnskin (Big Bear Lake's North Shore), Big Bear, California, 909-585-7825 August 13 SeaScare & Porchlight Parade (7th), Brier, Washington, 425-778-5440 or 425-672-3252 August 13-16 Parade of the Hills (59th), Public Square, Nelsonville, Ohio August 14-16 Annual Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival, Anderson Park at 44th & Field, Wheat Ridge, Colorado, 303-985-4555 August 14-16 Bratwurst Festival (41st), Bucyrus, Ohio, 419-562-BRAT August 14-17 Peach Festival (40th), Riverbend Park & Downtown, Palisade, Colorado, 970-464-7458 August 15-16 Milford Oyster Festival, 5-9 & 10-6, downtown & along harbor, Milford, Connecticut, 203-878-5363 August 15-16 Columbia Daze, Columbia, Illinois, 618-281-5393 August 15-16 Summer in the City, Various venues downtown, Batavia, New York, 585-344-0900 August 15-17 Balloon Fest, Foundation Park, Centralia, Illinois, 618-532-6789 August 15-17 Spassfast, Germantown, Illinois, 618-523-4202 August 15-17 Great Falls Balloon Festival (16th), Simard & Payne Memorial Park, Auburn, Maine, 800-639-6331 August 15-17 Wild Blueberry Festival (33rd), Congregational Church at 7 Centre Street, Machias, Maine, 207-255-6665 August 15-17 Diamond Days, downtown, Blairsville, Pennsylvania, 724-459-6252 August 15-17 Pepper Festival, Pepperfest Park, North Hudson, Wisconsin, 800-657-6775 August 16 Multi-Cultural Festival, Owensboro, Kentucky, 800-489-1131 August 16 Newfane August Fest, 11-6, Main Street, Newfane, New York, 716-778-7674 August 16-17 Tomato Festival (17th), 10-5 & 11-4, Texas Street downtown, Fairfield, California, 707-423-0103 August 16-17 Medaryville Community Potato Fest, Medaryville, Indiana, 219-843-5263 August 16-17 Olde Farmers Fest, downtown, Rolling Prairie, Indiana, 219-324-6206 August 16-17 Wooden Boat Festival (8th), Orleans Cty. Marine Park on Rt. 98/Point Breeze Rd., Kent, New York, 585-331-8814 August 16-17 Fairborn Sweet Corn Festival, 11-7 & 11-6, Community Park, Fairborn, Ohio, 937-305-0800 August 16-17 Lewis & Clark Heritage Days, Heritage Park, Elk Point, South Dakota, 605-356-2164 August 17 Corn 'n Tater Festival, 11-4, County Road E, Grand Marsh, Wisconsin, 608-339-9284 August 20-24 Rutabega Festival (76th), Various venues, Cumberland, Wisconsin, 715-822-FEST August 21-23 Winterville Watermelon Festival (23rd),                    Church & Sylvania area, Winterville, North Carolina, Email ectrophy@earthlink.net August 21-24 Telluride Mushroom Festival (28th), various venues, Telluride, Colorado, 970-728-1412 August 21-24 Swiss Wine Festival, Paul Ogle Riverfront Park, Vevay, Indiana, 800-435-5688 August 21-24 Crown of Maine Balloon Festival (5th), Northern Maine Fairgrounds, Presque Isle, Maine, 207-764-6561 August 21-24 Rutabega Festival, Pepperfest Park, Cumberland, Wisconsin, 715-822-FEST August 22-23 Barnesville Potato Days Festival, Barnesville, Minnesota, 800-525-4901 August 22-24 Caladium Festival (18th), DeVane Park, Lake Placid, Florida, 863-465-4331 August 22-24 Popcorn Days, Main Street, North Loup, Nebraska, 308-496-4401 August 22-24 North Country Moose Festival (17th),                    Colebrook, New Hampshire (also in Pittsburg, New Hampshire & Canann), Vermont, 603-237-8939 or 800-698-8939 August 22-24 Legion Community Days, 731 Sand Lake Rd., Onalaska, Wisconsin, 800-873-1901 August 23-24 Miami County Heritage Days, Courthouse Square, Peru, Indiana, 765-473-9183 August 23 Cornfest, Drover Park, Huntington, Indiana, 260-356-9681 August 23 Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival (32nd), 9-5, downtown, Cary, North Carolina, 919-462-3864 August 23-24 Bodega Seafood, Art & Wine Festival, Watts Ranch on Bodega Hwy., Bodega, California, 707-824-8717 or 707-792-0288 August 23-24 Festival of the Arts, Lake Ellyn Park, Glen Ellyn, Illinois, 630-790-9180 August 23-24 Kirchenfest (38th), St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, Illinois, 618-654-2239 or 618-634-3721 August 23-24 Seven Springs Wine & Food Festival, 777 Water Wheel Dr., Champion, Pennsylvania, 814-352-7777 or 800-452-2223 August 23-24 Keystone State Hot & Stinky Garlic Festival,                    Zanolini Nursery (603 St. Johns Rd., Drums, Pennsylvania, 570-788-3152 August 27-30 Sweet Corn Festival, Lions Park, Millersport, Ohio, 740-467-3639 August 28-31 Portsmouth River Festival, Riverfront Landing, Portsmouth, Ohio, 740-354-8807 August 28-31 Oak Leaf Festival (10th), Main Street area, Oak Hill, West Virginia, 800-927-0263 August 28-Sept. 1 Moab Music Festival, Moab, Utah, 435-259-7003 August 29-30 Kentucky Heartland Festival, Freemann Lake Park, Elizabethtown, Kentucky, 270-765-4334 August 29-30 Progress Days, Lions Park, Progress, Wisconsin, 715-428-2861 August 29-31 Greek Festival, Community Center at J & 13, Sacramento, California, 916-264-5181 August 29-31 Earl Park Fall Festival, Community Park, Earl Park, Indiana, 219-474-5081 or 765-385-2678 August 29-31 Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival (30th), Winchester, Kentucky, 858-744-0556 August 29-31 West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival (30th), Clarksburg, West Virginia, 304-622-7314 August 29-31 & Sept. 5-7 Fayetteville Arts Festival, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 479-571-3337 August 29-Sept. 1 Capitola Begonia Festival, Stockton Bridge area, Capitola, California, 831-476-3566 or 800-919-8156 August 29-Sept. 1 Paul Bunyan Days, various venues, Fort Bragg, California, 707-961-6300 August 29-Sept. 1 Gold Rush Days, Old Sacramento, Sacramento, California, 916-808-7777 August 29-Sept. 1 Wagon Days, downtown, Ketchum, Idaho, 866-305-9899 August 29-Sept. 1 Little Italy Festival, Clinton, Indiana, 765-832-9935 or 765-832-7254 August 29-Sept. 1 Marshmallow Festival (17th), Ligonier, Indiana, 260-894-4073 August 29-Sept. 1 Marshall County Blueberry Festival, Centennial Park, Plymouth, Indiana, 888-936-5020 August 29-Sept. 1 Arts, Beats & Eats, downtown, Pontiac, Michigan, 248-334-4600 August 29-Sept. 1 Santa-Cali-Gon Days, Independence Square on Lexington, Independence, Missouri, 816-252-4745 August 29-Sept. 1 Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe Festival, Fallon, Nevada, 775-423-2544 August 29-Sept. 1 North Carolina Apple Festival, downtown, Hendersonville, North Carolina, 828-697-4557 August 29-Sept. 1 Sturgeon Festival, Anson Park on Cty. Hwy. S, Jim Falls, Wisconsin, 715-832-5405 August 30 Crape Myrtle Festival, downtown, Ardmore, Tennessee, 256-423-7588 August 30-31 Broiler Festival, Crane, Missouri, 417-723-5248 August 30-31 Caramel Festival, Winchester, Ohio, 937-695-0950 August 30-31 Bratfest, Fireman's Park, Harrisville, Wisconsin, 608-296-2553 August 30-31 Leon Gatorfest V, Leon, Wisconsin, 800-354-2453 August 30-Sept. 1 Redgranite Labor Days Festival, 9-4, Downtown Park, Redgranite, Wisconsin, 920-566-4015 August 31-Sept. 1 Septemberfest, Qwest Center on 10th St., Omaha, Nebraska, 586-752-4436
Other August 2008 Events You Might Enjoy Events in this section may also be called festivals but are generally less multi-dimensional than events in the above category
August 1-3 Fandemonium '08, Civic Center, Nampa, Idaho, 208-468-5500 or Email borneo@fandemonium.org August 1-3 Uptown Art Fair (45th), Hennepin Avenue at Lake Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 612-823-4581 August 2 Antiques Festival on the Green (35th), corner of Hubbard & Main, Glastonbury, Connecticut, 860-633-6890 August 2-3 Glass Art & Bead Festival, 10-6 & 10-5, Veterans Memorial Bldg. on First Street W., Sonoma, California, 707-938-3539 August 2-3 International Depression Glass Show, Scottish Rite Temple, Sacramento, California August 5-7 Farmfest (27th), Gilfillan Estate, Redwood County, Minnesota, 800-827-8007 August 5-7 Political Memorabilia Show, Riviera Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, 916-921-7415 August 6 Taste of Greater Waterville (16th), Main Street, Waterville, Maine, 207-873-3315 August 6-9 Wizard World Chicago Comic-Con,                    Stephens Convention Center, Chicago, Illinois, Email conventions@wizarduniverse.com August 6-10 Star Trek Convention, Las Vegas Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, 818-409-0960 ext. 225 August 7 Taste on Broadway, 5-10pm, Broadway Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 920-437-2531 August 7-10 Cumberland Craft Show, Fairgrounds on Blanchard Road, Cumberland, Maine, 207-621-1945 or 207-621-2818 August 7-10 King Midget Jamboree, County Fairgrounds, Coshocton, Michigan, 740-559-3983 August 7-10 World's Largest Outdoor Sale (AKA Hwy. 127 Corridor Sale),                    Along U.S. Hwy. 127, (headquarted in) Jamestown, Tennessee, 931-878-9948 or 800-327-3945 August 8-10 Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show, Harbor Park & Buoy Park, Rockland, Maine, 207-236-8622 August 8-10 Maine Antiques Festival (27th), Fairgrounds off Rt. 17, Union, Maine, 207-563-1013 August 8-10 On the Green Arts & Crafts Festival, Brewster Academy on S. Main Street, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, 603-528-4014 August 8-10 German Fest, Gates Memorial Park on Spencerport Rd., Rochester, New York, 585-426-7835 August 9 Waldensian Festival (33rd), Main Street area, Valdese, North Carolina, 828-879-2126 August 9 Stroll Through the Park Arts & Crafts Fair, 9-3, Albion Park Museum, Edgerton, Wisconsin, 608-854-3581 or 608-884-6039 August 9 Fly-in, Airport, Rice Lake, Wisconsin, 800-523-6318 August 9-10 Scotts Valley Art & Wine Festival (9th), 10-6, Skypark, Scotts Valley, California, 831-438-1010 August 9-10 Outdoor Art Festival, 11-6 & 11-5, Historic Downtown, Mystic, Connecticut, 860-572-9578 or 860-572-5098 August 9-10 Collectors Carnival Antique & Flea Market, 4-H Center, Evansville, Indiana, 812-471-9419 August 9-10 Great Southwestern Antique Show, Convention Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 505-255-4054 August 9-10 Artists' Studio Tour, Alto, New Mexico, 505-336-7707 August 9-10 Sourwood Festival (31st), Black Mountain, North Carolina, 826-669-2300 August 9-10 Dixie Gun & Knife Show, State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, North Carolina, 910-846-2555 August 9-10 Art in the Park, 10-6 & 10-4, Library Park, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, 262-249-7968 August 9-10 Morning Glory Fine Craft Fair, 10-5, 929 N. Water, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 414-259-1440 August 10 Cars, Crafts & Rock-N-Roll in the Park, 8-3, Village Park, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, 715-986-4680 August 10-17 Bay Area Tap Festival, various venues, San Francisco, California, 415-294-4941 August 14-17 Gen Con Indy, Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, 206-957-EXPO or 800-957-EXPO August 15-16 Ignite the Nites, Mineral Avenue downtown, Libby, Montana, 406-293-2633 August 15-16 Oklahoma Prison Rodeo, State Penitentiary on North West St., McAlester, Oklahoma, 800-879-2550 August 15-17 Oceanside Longboard Surfing Club Contest, Oceanside Pier, Oceanside, California, 760-931-0301 August 15-17 Horrorfind Weekend, Marriot Hunt Valley Inn, Hunt Valley, Maryland, 444-465-0645 August 15-17 Armadillocon 30, Doubletree Austin North, Austin, Texas, 512-477-6259 August 16-17 Golden Gate Antique & Collectibles Show, Marin Civic Center, San Rafael, California August 16-17 American Founders Band Woodland Art Fair, 209 Castlewood Drive, Lexington, Kentucky, 859-233-1221 August 16-17 Mount Morris Italian Festival (12th), Main Street, Mount Morris, New York, 585-658-9830 August 17 Concours d'Elegance, Pebble Beach, California, 831-622-1700 August 17 Northern Connecticut Vegetarian Society Vegan Picnic & Beach Day                    11am, Sunrise Park on Rt. 168, West Suffield, Connecticut, 860-623-8020 or Email joycegre@aol.com August 17 Poags Hole Professional Motorcycle Hillclimb, off Rt. 36, Dansville, New York, 585-335-9260 August 22-23 Cape BBQ Fest (16th), Arena Park, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 573-275-7162 August 22-24 Frog Follies, 8am-6pm, Vanderburgh 4-H Center, Evansville, Indiana, 812-428-3754 August 22-24 Indianapolis Air Show (12th), Mt. Comfort Airport, Greenfield, Indiana, 317-335-7252 August 22-24 Monster-Mania Con 11, Crowne Plaza, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Email monstermania@hotmail.com August 22-24 Bondville Fair, Rt. 30, Bondville, Vermont, 802-297-9810 August 23 New England Auto Auction, 8:30am-5pm, Transportation Museum, Owls Head, Maine, 207-594-4418 August 23-24 Santa Fe Indian Market, Historic Plaza, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 505-983-5220 August 23-24 Island Park Show, 10am-5pm, Island Park, Fargo, North Dakota, 701-241-1350 August 24 Racine Zoo Classic Car Show, 10-4, Racine Zoo on N. Main, Racine, Wisconsin, 262-636-9189 August 28-September 1 Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival, Morgan City, Louisiana, 985-256-2931 or 985-385-0703 August 29-30 Wisconsin Paint Horse Futurity Show, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wisconsin, 608-325-2539 August 29-September 1 Dragon Con,                    Hyatt Regency and Atlanta Marriott, Atlanta, Georgia, 770-909-0115 or Email dragoncon@dragoncon.org August 29-September 1 Arts Festival Oklahoma, Community College, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 405-882-7576 August 29-September 1 Crawford Rock Swap, City Park, Crawford, Nebraska, 308-432-8950 August 30 Fireworks Extravaganza, Genesee County Village (1410 Flint Hill Rd.), Mumford, New York, 585-538-6822 August 30-September 1 Mason Shoe's Annual Labor Day Sale, 301 N. Bridge Street, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, 715-723-4323
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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: Feather Choker Necklace

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.

Kids and food and traveling: McMenamin's Tavern, on Old Cornelius Pass in Hillsboro, Oregon has a kid's menu with grilled cheese sandwiches, mini corn dogs, burgers (or cheeseburgers) and all come with a choice of veggie sticks, fresh-cut fries or tater bites. The grown-ups can find a hummus plate, Ahi tacos, burgers, Gardenburgers, soup, salad and sandwiches. They also have live music on occasion and the place has quite a history, having burned down once and maybe twice, only to be rebuilt to serve more travelers. The Tavern is on the West side of Portland. Give them a call at 503-645-3822. Kosher Deli in Nashville (corner of Broadway & Lyle Avenue) has omelettes, smoked fish platters, blintzes, knishes, soups, nosh tomatoes (filled with egg salad or similar goodies), pastrami sandwiches, Reubens, fried bologna sandwiches, veggie hoagies, meatloaf and more. Sides include coleslaw, fresh fruit, baked beans. Their phone number is 615-329-6674. There are now a couple of other locations, including one on Hillsboro Circle and one on Meridian Blvd. in Franklin, Tennessee. The Mediterranean Restaurant at 1002 Walnut Street in Boulder, Colorado has a kid's menu that includes pizza, corn dogs, teriyaki chicken with rice and veggies and penne parmigiana. Mom and Dad can feast on hanger steak, tabbouleh, polenta fritti, pastas, grilled salmon and other seafood, spanakopita, burgers, Spanish-style chicken and more. Key lime pie and the molten-centered Chocolate Almond Tower leave everyone happy. It's a bit more upscale than some places, hence the menu with more choices. They do lunch and dinner only. Check on their hours at 303-444-5335. Hunan Palace, 3523 Singing Hills Blvd., Sioux City, Iowa will fill your craving for Chinese food, but if the kids won't eat it, the place has French fries for kids (or anyone). For specific hours, call 712-222-1022. (If you're in town on Wednesday, I'm told there's a nice Farmers Market at 1211 5th Street. 712-224-3635.
School will be opening before we know it. Learn to protect your kids from Chicken pox or Measles and how to take better care of them if they do get one of those childhood diseases.		An unusual volunteer opportunity: Foster care for a capuchin monkey who will go on to assist a disabled person. (You'll need to travel to Boston.)
Let's say you're traveling without kids. Let's say you're in the exotic Virgin Islands, specifically the smaller island of St. John. How about renting a jeep to explore? You can kayak, snorkel, charter a boat, hike the Cinnamon Bay Trail, or see the windmills that made power for crushing sugar cane. Taste some tostones (twice-fried plantains a bit like French fries) Book The Terrace Room at Garden by the Sea B&B or enjoy mountaintop views from a (private) outside shower or veranda at the luxurious South Shore Villa. The temperature is usually around 85 degrees. And you don't need a passport to travel to this area from the U.S. OK, maybe that takes a bit too much digging into the old wallet. How about a trip to Catalina Island instead? Take a ferry ride from the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. The ride lasts about an hour and then you can take a glass-bottom boat ride or see flying fish, hike, play golf, ride horseback, go bird watching, rent a bicycle, watch a movie at Avalon Theatre, go to a gym for a workout, prowl the Catalina Island Museum. Buy a Hawaiian shirt or other souvenir at Metropole Market Place. There are ice cream and espresso stands for quick energy stops, but also sit-down restaurants with everything from Mexican platters to European specialties. You can get lodging with ocean views or pick a room in the offpeak season and find comfortable accommodations for under eighty dollars a night. The Catalina Island Conservancy oversees a great deal of the island's ecological management and offers memberships and volunteer opportunities.

Send Deb email: deb@lightpatch.com

Last Updated July 27, 2008

Deb's Monthly Review © copyright Deb Thompson