Deb's Monthly Review

December 2006

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

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

The Christmas light display list is now here

Special Quotation "A dream will always triumph over reality, once it is given the chance." --Stanislaw Lem

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!

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	The Artsy Site Of The Month: Behind the Scenes at Powerhouse Musuem Flash presentation of labs, workshops and stored art		Handy Site Of The Month: Family Caregiving and the Holidays Great tips for those dealing with both the holidays and with long-term caregiving.
	Just Fun Site Of The Month: Scared of Santa Gallery A Jolly Old Elf and some very wary kids.		Scientific/Technical Site Of The Month: Holiday Uses for Duct Tape Some practical uses, some wacky uses too.

 December 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 December Festivals and other events for travelers in the U.S.

December 1, 2006 Peoria's Old Town Festival Osuna Park, Peoria, Arizona	Gingerbread house contest, puppet shows, crafts for kids, hayrides, cookie decorating, fireworks, high school choral contest, snow play area, food booths, arts and crafts. The festival is from 5-9pm. Additional Details: Call 623-773-7564
December 1, 2006 Living Windows Downtown, Monmouth, Illinois	Back for a 19th year, the event features, more than 40 downtown windows filled with living holiday scenes plus holiday silhouettes in second story windows. Enjoy food from vendors, horse-drawn trolley rides, a parade at 6pm with the arrival of Santa, drawings for prizes. Find Out More: Call 309-734-3181
December 1, 2006 Christmas on the River English Landing Park Parkville, Missouri	Lighting ceremony, hot chocolate and other refreshments, merchant specials, fireworks, 100-voice choir, visit from St. Nicholas, costumed Christmas characters, indoor party at the Olde Mill. Tentative hours are listed as 6-9pm at this writing. Get the Facts: Call 816-587-2700 Note: If you stay in town for the whole weekend you can get in on the 10-dollar steak dinner (5 dollars for kids) at the American Legion Post (11 Main St.) from 6-8pm on Saturday evening. And then they're selling a full breakfast on Sunday, December 3, from 8:30-11am. Call 816-741-5387 for information on both meals.
December 1, 2006 Hollydazzle City Center at Oyster Point Fountain Plaza, Newport News, Virginia	Fireworks and special effects show set to music, lighting of the community tree, holiday entertainment, food vendors. This is an evening celebration. Details: Call 757-926-1400 or 888-493-7386
December 1-2, 2006 Holiday Walk in Forest Park Madison Street, Forest Park, Illinois	Photos with Santa on Saturday (at Forest Park National Bank & Trust), live reindeer, merchant specials, tree lighting, caroling, refreshments, marshmallow roasting, more. Questions? Call 708-366-2543
December 1-2, 2006 Light Up LaGrange Downtown, LaGrange, Kentucky	Visits with Santa, carriage rides, activities for kids, window decorations, caroling, merchant specials, Christmas lights turned on at 6pm Friday night. Get the Facts: Call 502-269-0126 or 502-222-1650
December 1-2, 2006 Christmas Past in Oil City various venues, Oil City, Pennsylvania	Concerts, window decorating contest, Madrigal Dinner, caroling, horse drawn wagon rides, visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus with live reindeer, church tours, arts and crafts, merchant specials. Further Information: Call 814-676-8521
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December 1-2, 2006 Santa Fest Stancil Park and downtown, Cleveland, Texas	Church pageant, petting zoo, vendors, senior food fest, karaoke, breakfast with Santa (Sat. from 8-10am), battle of the bands, lighted parade, cookie recipe contest, games, music. Details: Call 281-592-8788
December 1-3, 2006 Festival of the Arts Mill Avenue, Tempe, Arizona	More than 400 artists show and sell their juried works. There are also street performers, exhibits, vendors, food and staged entertainment from 10am until dusk. Among those scheduled to perform at this writing: Think Horses, Foot Clan, Traveler and Hans Olson. Learn More: Call 480-921-2300
December 1-3, 2006 Christmas by the Lake Downtown, Clear Lake, Iowaa	Now in its 12th year, the festival features activities for kids, horse-drawn trolley rides, the Opportunity Village Festival of Trees, ice sculptures, a living nativity, church soup supper, lighted Christmas parade, polar bear dip for charity, free matinee at Lake Theater (please bring food donations for the Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank). You can also enjoy holiday home tours, concerts, pony rides, arts and crafts, a petting zoo and a visit with Santa. Some events may require a separate fee or require reservations. Info: Call 641-357-2159 or 800-285-2159
December 1-3, 2006 Frostfest Downtown, Tempe, Arizona	Lighted Christmas parade at 5:30pm on Sunday, merchant specials, storytelling, baking contest, drawings for prizes, visit from Santa, arts and crafts, activities for kids, horse drawn wagon rides, music and more. Get The Facts: Call 410-632-2080
December 1-3, 2006 Christmas by the Sea various venues, Camden, Maine	It's the festival's 20th year. Expect fun such as a tree lighting ceremony, choir music, baked goods for sale, wreaths and greens for sale, a parade at 6pm on Friday, nativity display at United Methodist Church on John Street, caroling, hot chocolate, story readings, arts and crafts, bonfires, tours of residences and decorated bed and breakfast inns, music. Find Out More: Call 207-236-4404
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.
December 1-3, 2006 Sparkle various venues, Freeport, Maine	Also known as Sparkle Weekend, the event celebrates its 13th year with a Parade of Lights (Friday at 6pm), hot cocoa and cookies, Tuba Christmas, free horse drawn carriage rides, Jingle Bell Run/Walk, a visit from Santa, carolers, sugar cookie decorating for the kids, outlet specials, a tribute to radio (ticketed separately), arts and crafts and a very unusual talking tree. There will be a Coats for Kids drop-off at Shaw's Supermarket, so plan to help out if you can. Questions? Call 207-865-1212
December 1-3, 2006 Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas Main Street & other venues, Stockbridge, Massachusetts	The festival is back for a 17th year with a luminaria walk Saturday night, vintage vehicles, caroling, horse drawn rides and much more that takes us back to the world of Norman Rockwell's rendition of Main Street at holiday time. Expect an appearance by Mr. & Mrs. Claus, food, holidays readings at Berkshire Theatre Festival, concerts, tours of area homes, a Holly Fair at the First Congregational Church and special sales from Country Curtains. Get Details: Call 413-298-5200
December 1-3, 2006 Red Rock Balloon Rally Red Rock State Park (and other venues), Gallup, New Mexico	American Indian craft vendors and Indian dance demonstrations, Balloominaria at Rio West Mall, evening balloon glows, early morning balloon launches. Join in and be part of a chase crew! The town also holds its Christmas parade this weekend, at 2pm on Saturday. It's the 26th year for the festival. Further Information: Call 505-722-3839
December 1-3, 2006 Old Fashioned Cowboy Christmas Community Center, Medora, North Dakota	Sleigh hay rides, Christmas quilt display and silent auction, wreath hanging ceremony, fireworks, tree decorating, pancake breakfast, Cowboy Candy arts and crafts show, museum open house, family Christmas supper and dance, ecumenical cowboy church service, storytelling, photos with Santa, Western Parade of Lights at 6:30pm on Dec. 3, Cowboy Christmas Poetry, Fowl Fling (sponsored by the Beef Commission!) Find Out More: Call 701-623-4829 or 701-623-4910
December 1-3, 2006 Festival of Trees Main Pavilin at Renziehausen Park, McKeesport, Pennsylvania	The one is back in its 21st year with themed holiday trees, food vendors, a bake sale, sleigh hay rides, visits with Santa, decorating greens for purchase, crafts, activities for kids, raffle, entertainment. You are encouraged to bring canned food donations! Questions? Call 412-675-5068
December 1-3, 2006 Christmas in the Gorge various venues, Gorge, Washington	Activities are actually held throughout Skamania County and include the Starlight Truck Parade, merchant specials and open houses, arts and crafts, tree lighting ceremonies, nativity displays and a Lions Club breakfast on Saturday from 7-10:30am. Details: Call 509-427-9811 or 800-989-9178
December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 2006 Sorrento Cheese Christmas in Little Italy Mulberry Street between Canal & Broome Streets, New York, New York	Parades on Saturdays, carolers in 19th Century costume, holiday lights and decorations, visits from Santa, merchant specials, tree lighting ceremonies, food and more. Additional Information: Call 800-654-9710
December 1, 8, 15, 22, 2006 Cornish Christmas Mill & W. Main Streets downtown, Grass Valley, California	You can park downtown or park at the County Fairgrounds and take a free shuttle to the festival. Enjoy carolers, Grass Valley Cornish Choir, cloggers, bell ringers, jugglers, arts and crafts and warm pastries, stew, sausages, roasted chestnuts, downtown merchant specials and decorated windows. Downtown will be aglow with lights at this 34th year of the celebration. Hours are 6-9pm. Learn More: Call 530-272-8315
December 2, 2006 Fireman's Carnival unknown venue(s), Nome, Alaska	Proceeds from this event go to the local Volunteer Fire Department, so go and enjoy bingo, prizes, a cake walk, games, food and more. Get The Facts: Call 907-443-2310
December 2, 2006 Cowboy Christmas Community Park on 5th Street, Templeton, California	This one is back for a 5th year. Enjoy merchant specials, arts and crafts, refreshments, hayrides, pony rides, Christmas music, Country music, Santa's arrival by haywagon, real snow for the kids to play in, vendors. Events run from 1-4pm. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy or bring non-perishable food items for the Food and Toy Drive! Info: Call 805-434-1789
December 2, 2006 Santa Parade & Snowfest Straub Park, St. Petersburg, Florida	In this 79th year the festival offers carnival rides, activities for kids, prizes, a petting zoo, winter sports and games, holiday parade at 10am. There is no admission charge. Questions? Call 727-525-5950
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December 2, 2006 Winter Festival Downtown, Tallahassee, Florida	Jingle Bell Run, lighting ceremony, 4 stages of entertainment, vendors, night parade at 7:15pm, probably ice skating too. Additional Details: Call 850-891-3866
December 2, 2006 Holidays on the Square Courthouse Square, Blakely, Georgia	Two parades, arts and crafts, food vendors, classic cars, activities for kids, games, entertainment. Hours are 9am-5pm. Find Out More: Call 229-723-3741
December 2, 2006 Jingle Bell Festival Downtown, Valdosta, Georgia	Activities for kids, 5K Jingle Bell Run, breakfast with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides, trolley rides, arts and crafts, food vendors, entertainment, Christmas Parade at 5pm. The parade begins on Patterson Street and ends downtown, where holiday decorations add to the fun. Questions? Call 229-259-3577
December 2, 2006 Harbor Lights Festival Downtown, Boothbay Harbor, Maine	Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by boat. Enjoy arts and crafts, horse drawn wagon rides, tree lighting ceremony, caroling, live nativity, lighted boat parade. Further Information: Call 207-633-2353
December 2, 2006 Chester Greenwood Day Downtown, Farmington, Maine	The word is that Chester invented earmuffs, and so locals celebrate his discovery with this event. There's a chili cooking contest with votes by festival-goers who get to enjoy the warm taste of the chili. There's a Festival of Trees at the Granary Restaurant, wreaths for sale, maybe some cake after the chili, a parade at 11am, and a local group taking their annual dip into Clearwater Lake at 3pm. Get The Facts: Call 207-778-4215
December 2, 2006 Festival of Lights various venues, York, Maine	Raffles, open houses, arts and crafts, caroling, visits with Santa, hot cocoa and cookies, chowder supper, spaghetti dinner, lighted parade at 4:30pm, Festival of Trees at Masonic Lodge and more. To Learn More: Call 207-363-4974
December 2, 2006 Christmas in the Park Riverside Park, Tuscumbia, Missouri	Music, Christmas parade at 2pm, light display in the park, more. Questions? Call 573-369-2376
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December 2, 2006 Christmas on the Square Town Square, Waynesville, Missouri	The festival is scheduled to have carriage rides, hay rides, pony rides, arts and crafts, merchant specials, caroling, a live nativity scene, an appearance by Santa, a food court. Hours are 6-9pm. Questions? Call 573-774-6000 or 573-435-6766
December 2, 2006 Christmas in Collierville various venues, Collierville, Tennessee	Back for a 13th year, the event kicks off with a Christmas parade the evening before, at 7pm. Events on Saturday go from 10am-4pm and include carriage rides, a visit from Santa, chili cook-off, hot cider, merchant specials, activities for kids, music, a scavenger hunt, and crafts and food vendors. Additional Details: Call 901-853-1666
December 2, 2006 Harbor Lights Festival Shoreline Blvd. between Lawrence and Peoples, Corpus Christi, Texas	This celebration is back for a 25th year with a Gingerbread Holiday Tree Village, Children's Parade at 2pm, activity area just for kids, Santa's motorcade, floating stage of musical entertainment, the lighting of the 75-foot AEP tree at 6pm, laser light show, illuminated boat parade at 7:45pm, fireworks. Events are between the hours of 2-9pm. Find Out More: Call 361-985-1555
December 2, 2006 Christmas in the Park Town Center Park, Kingood, Texas	An appearance by Santa with chances for photos, arts and crafts, Christmas tree lighting ceremony, merchant specials, activities for kids, food vendors, puppeteers, carriage rides. Festival fun begins at 10am and goes until 8pm. Info: Call 832-594-6969
December 2, 2006 Winter Flake Festival Centennial Park, Wenatchee, Washington	Enjoy games, sledding, food vendors, music, activities for kids, an illuminated parade at 7pm, arts and crafts, tree lighting ceremony. Most events begin at 2pm. Get The Facts: Call 509-664-3392
December 2, 2006 Plaquemines Parish Fair & Orange Festival Medal of Honor Park on Barriere Rd., Belle Chasse, Louisiana	Cajun music, citrus displays, orange peeling contest, orange eating contest, food, more. Additional Details: Call 504-656-7599
December 2-3, 2006 Budafest City Greenbelt, Buda, Texas	Visits with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, arts and crafts, antiques, collectibles, raffles, parade Saturday at 10am, festival foods such as turkey legs, baked potatoes and sweets. Hours are 10am-dusk. Get The Facts: Call 512-295-9999 or 512-694-3413
December 2-3, 9-10, & 16-17, 2006 Winter Wonderland Slater Memorial Park at Newport Ave. & Armistice Blvd., Pawtucket, Rhode Island	Movies for kids, miniature Christmas village of shops and trees, caroling, visits and photos with Santa, face painting, carousel rides, hay rides, train rides, food court, bell ringers. Hours are 4-8pm. Questions? Call 401-726-3185 or 401-728-0500 ext. 251
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December 3, 2006 Christmas on the Canal Union Street, Spencerport, New York	The festival is celebrating its 11th year with horse-drawn hayrides, theatre for kids, candlelight caroling, a children's craft tent, merchant specials, a visit from Santa Claus, tree lighting, a choral concert at the First Congregational Church (also called The White Church) at 3pm. Additional Information: Call 585-352-4771
December 4, 2006 Miracle on Lake Avenue Lake Avenue area, Storm Lake, Iowa	There's a chili supper, caramel apples, hot cocoa, tacos, cookies and other treats to give you energy for enjoying the 6pm lighted parade and lots of live entertainment in store windows. Enjoy a drive-thru nativity scene and have a visit with Santa. There are also plans for a Wassail Party and entertainment at the Witter Gallery. Questions? Call 712-732-3780 or 888-752-4692
December 4, 2006 It's A Wonderful Life in Whittemore "A Walk Along Broad Street" Downtown, Whittemore, Iowa	Events begin at 3:30pm and go into the evening hours. Enjoy carolers, bake sales, a live nativity scene, music, roasted chestnuts, library activities, tree lighting ceremony and more. Find Out Details: Call 515-884-2265
December 7-8, 2006 Flushing Community Candlewalk Downtown, Flushing, Michigan	More than 5 miles of city streets glow with 10,000 candles. Take a carriage ride or hayride, enjoy roasted chestnuts, catch Santa's arrival in the grand parade, listen to choirs and see ice sculpture and gingerbread houses. Learn More: Call 810-859-4141
December 7-10, 2006 Festival of the Bonfires Lutcher Recreation Park on Louisiana Ave., Lutcher, Louisiania	In addition to bonfires on the levee in the evenings this festival offers a 5K run/walk, Cheer for a Cure, Christmas Memories floral exhibit, a Washerboard Tournament, Santa's Very Merry Forest lighted trees, a pageant, carnival, music, Million Mutt March, Gumbo Cook-off, Potato Salad Showdown, Bread Pudding Contest, a poker run and arts and crafts. Enjoy Cajun dishes, corn dogs, gumbo, burgers, seafood, sweet potato pie, coconut pie and white chocolate bread pudding. Further Details: Call 225-869-1717 or 800-367-7852
December 8-10, 2006 Christmas by the Sea various venues, Ogunquit, Maine	Bake sale, Merchant specials and open houses, tree lightings, caroling, bonfires on the beach, parade, storytelling, chowder, Christmas decoration-making for kids, music, hay rides, candlelight walk, living manger, themed tree silent auction, hot cider and cookies. It's the festival's 20th year. Get The Facts: Call 207-646-2939
December 9, 2006 Christmas on the Coosa Gold Star Park area, Wetumpka, Alabama	In its 23rd year the festival includes the fun of classic cars, activities for kids, arts and crafts, a fun run, quilt show, a lighted boat parade on the Coosa River at 6pm and then a fireworks display. Further Information: Call 334-567-1313
December 9, 2006 Palms and Ponsettia Ulmer Park, Largo, Florida	This holiday event celebrates with children's craft activities, music, the lighting of the palm tree, visits with Santa in the gazebo. Park free at the County School Board building. There is no admission fee to the event. Santa photos carry a small charge. Hours are 4-7pm. Learn More: Call 727-587-6740 ext. 5014
December 9, 2006 Old Fashioned Christmas Downtown, Glasgow, Missouri	Home tours, crafts, music, carriage rides, drawings for prizes, coffee or cocoa and cookies, a visit from Santa, merchant specials. Enjoy activities from 1-7pm. Questions? Call 660-338-2576 or 660-338-2407
December 9-10, 2006 Calico Christmas Throughout downtown, Grantville, Georgia	There is an impressive Baking contest (categories are Pecan Pie, Fudge and Fruit Cake and the winners will featured in Calico Cookin' Souvneir Cookbook). Enjoy a parade on Saturday at 3pm with the theme "Toys, Tales and Tradition", Hidden History Scavenger Hunt geared especially toward teens, Mystery Baby Contest, Young Writers Contest, Porch Decoration Contest for locals, musical entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, hot beverages and holiday treats, 50s diner themed festival foods, storytelling, candlelight caroling Saturday evening. There will also be a kid's craft area, historic exhibits at the library and a toy drive (new, unwrapped toys only). Fire and rescue crews will be on hand with displays and Smokey Bear will make an appearance. The Coweta County Genealogy Society will have help for those tracing their family tree and you can take part in a scrapbooking workshop. Park behind City Hall, or the Ball Field on Colley Street. Additional Details: Call 678-877-0242 or Email
December 9-10, 2006 Christmas along the Mississippi Front Street, Clarksville, Missouri	The festival kicks off with a parade on Saturday night at 6pm and then hours on Sunday are 10am-5pm with arts and crafts, entertainment, a food court, plus art activities for kids and craft demonstrations for all. Information: Call 573-242-3132
December 9, 16, 2006 Old Town Country Christmas Old Town area, Auburn, California	The festival is back for a 20th year with carolers, a bonfire, arts and crafts, food and entertainment. Downtown streets are illuminated with lanterns for a lovely glow from 5-9pm. Park at the fairgrounds and take the free shuttle to the festival area. Find Out More: Call 530-888-1585
December 10, 2006 St. Lucy Festival of Lights St. Martin d'Tours Church Square, St Martinsville, Louisiana	Enjoy a parade on Main Street, arts and crafts, games, entertainment, light displays and food. Questions? Call 337-298-3556 or 337-394-6021
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.
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December Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
December 1 Winterfest, Downtown, Redding, California, 530-243-7773 December 1 Christmas on Main Street, Downtown, Dickson, Tennessee, 615-446-2349 December 1-2 December Nights, Balboa Park, San Diego, California, 619-239-0512 December 1-3 Christmas in LeClaire, Downtown, LeClaire, Iowa, 563-322-3911 ext. 120 December 1-3 Weihnachten, Fredericksburg, Texas, 830-997-8515 or 888-997-3600 December 1-3,8-10 Old Tyme Christmas, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, 304-725-8019 or 304-535-9909 December 1-10 Christmas Prelude, various venues throughout town, Kennebunkport, Maine December 2 Holiday Rock-a-Thon, 419 Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida, 850-681-7881 December 2 Star City Holiday Festival, Lincoln, Nebraska, 402-434-6902 December 2 Christmas Festival, Quanah, Texas, 940-663-2222 December 2-3 Carols in the Park, Central Park, Winter Haven, Florida, 863-291-5656 December 2-3 Christmas By The Sea, Manchester, Massachusetts, 978-283-1601 December 3 Holiday Street Festival, Main Street, Ventura, California, 805-654-7830 December 4 Holiday Festival, Newtown, Connecticut, 203-426-4874 December 4-16 Holiday Festival, Performing Arts Centre, Selma, Alabama, 334-875-7241 or 800-45-SELMA December 8 Christmas in the Park, Union Park, Fort Payne, Alabama, 256-996-0795 December 9 Victorian Holiday Showcase, Vine Street between 8th & 21st, Paso Robles, California, 805-238-4103 December 9 Candlelight Sing-Along Tour, 6:30pm (held only if no rain),                    starts at Historic Park, San Juan Bautista, California, 831-623-2454 December 9 "Just One More" Invitational Arts Festival, Ponce de Leon Park, Tallahassee, Florida, 850-980-8727 December 9 Christmas at Moosehead, Greenville, Maine December 9 Festival of Lights Holiday Parade, 6:30pm, Downtown, Salem, Oregon, 503-581-4325 December 9-10 Centennial Celebration, Havana, Florida, 850-539-2820 December 9,16 Old Town Country Christmas, 5-9pm, Auburn, California, 530-888-1585 December 10 A Christmas Carroll, Carrollton, Kentucky, 502-732-8100
Other December 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
December 1 Holiday Parade, 7pm, Main Street in Old Town, Seal Beach, California, 562-799-0179 December 1 Lighted Christmas Parade, Town Square area, Lockhart, Texas, 512-398-2818 December 1-3 Chimneyville Crafts Festival, State Fairgrounds, Jackson, Mississippi, 601-981-0019 December 1-3 Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Holiday show, State Fairgrounds, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 505-292-7457 December 1-3 Philadelphia Sports Card & Memorabilia Show, Expo Center, Reading, Pennsylvania, 215-643-0910 December 1-3 Music City Winter Guitar Show, Nashville, Tennessee, 314-645-6670 December 1-3 McLean Holiday Craft Show, Community Center, McLean, Virginia, 703-790-0123 December 1-10 Anchorage Film Festival, Anchorage, Alaska, 907-338-3690 December 1-10 Gingerbread Wonderland,                    Frelinghuysen Arboretum on Hanover Ave., Morristown, New Jersey, 973-326-7628 or 973-326-7600 December 2 APS Electric Light Parade, 7pm, begins at Central Park, Phoenix, Arizona, 602-262-4627 December 2 Lighted Boat Parade, 6:30pm, Marinas, Morro Bay, California, 800-231-0592 December 2 Oakland Tribune Holiday Parade, 2pm, begins at Broadway & 11th, Oakland, California, 510-874-4800 December 2 Lighted Yacht Parade, Oakland Estuary near Jack London Square, Oakland, California, 510-522-3273 December 2 Super Toy, Doll & Collectible Show, 11am-4pm, County Fairgrounds, San Jose, California, 408-298-1709 December 2 Candy Cane Parade, 7pm, Hollywood Beach, Hollywood, Florida, 954-921-3404 December 2 Holiday Lighted Parade, 5:30pm, Downtown, Leavenworth, Kansas, 913-682-3924 December 2 Holiday Lighted Parade, 6pm, Lake Orion, Michigan, 248-693-0222 December 2 Lafayette Lancer Marketplace, Lafayette High School on Clayton Rd., Wildwood, Missouri, 636-458-9134 December 2 Parade of Lights, 6:30pm, Las Vegas boat harbor, Las Vegas, Nevada, 702-373-4406 December 2 Arts & Crafts Fair, 9am-4pm, 7801 Wilshire Ave NE (La Cueva High School), Albuquerque, New Mexico, 505-296-3758 December 2 Christmas Lights Parade, downtown, Willamina, Oregon, 503-876-5777 December 2 Lehigh Valley Comic Conn, 10am-4pm, 4550 Old Packerhouse Rd., Schnecksville, Pennsylvania December 2 Parade of Lights, 6pm, Arlington, Texas, 817-533-3425 December 2 Lighted Christmas Parade, 6:30pm, Cisco, Texas, 254-442-2537 December 2 Beyond the Unicorn Christmas Craft Fair, 9am-4pm, Riverside Middle School, Springfield, Vermont, 802-885-3579 December 2 Lighted Boat Parade, 7-9pm, York River & Beach, Yorktown, West Virginia, 757-890-4490 December 2 Country Christmas Lighted Farm Implement Parade,                    6:30pm, Sunnyside, Washington, 509-837-5939 or 800-457-8089 December 2 Reindog Parade, Valley Park, Hurricane, West Virginia, 304-562-0518 December 2-3 Gun Show, County Fairgrounds, Vallejo, California, 530-676-8762 December 2-3 Band Booster Craft Fair, Owensville High School on Hwy. 19, Owensville, Missouri, 573-437-4221 December 2-3 Gun Show, Holiday Inn, Billings, Montana, 406-633-2206 December 2-3 Gun Show, Fairgrounds, Salem, Oregon, 503-644-5952 December 2-3 Pittsburgh Toy, Comic & Childhood Collectibles Show,                    Expo Mart, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 814-467-1500 December 2-3 Crafts Guild Christmas Bazaar, Wells Fargo Pavilion, San Angelo, Texas, 325-658-9122 December 2-3 Great Train Expo, Convention Center, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 630-279-4048 December 2-9 Gingerbread Village & Christmas Bazaar,                    St. George's Church on Tucker Hill Rd., Middlebury, Connecticut, 203-758-9557 or 203-758-2165 December 2-10 Mark Twain Library Art Show & Sale, Redding, Connecticut, 203-938-2545 December 3 Holly Fair, 9am-2pm, St. Mary's Episcopal Church on Rt. 6A, Barnstable, Massachusetts, 508-362-3977 December 3 Christmas Parade, noon, Mall down Main to Village Green, Falmouth, Massachusetts, 508-548-8500 December 3 Christmas Open House, noon-4pm, Grand Traverse Lighthouse, Northport, Michigan, 231-386-7195 December 3 Christmas Parade, Downtown streets, Beaufort, South Carolina, 843-525-6644 December 7 Christmas Parade, 6:30pm, Main Street, Shawnee, Oklahoma, 405-273-1080 December 7 Christmas Parade & Stroll, Downtown, Landrum, South Carolina, 864-457-4879 December 7-9 Greens Show, 10am-9pm & 10am-6pm, Jackman Long Bldg. at Expo Center, Salem, Oregon, 503-393-4439 December 8 Lighted Boat Parade, Marina area, St. Petersburg, Florida, 727-821-6443 December 8-9 SEMO Farm Toy Show, 6-9pm & 8am-2pm, Best Western at 220 S. Interstate Drive, Sikeston, Missouri, 573-628-3643 December 8-9 Gallatin Coin Show, Gallatin Civic Center Gym, Nashville, Tennessee, 615-868-9456 December 8-10 Cowboy Christmas Pro Rodeo & Gift Show, State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, North Carolina, 704-528-5812 December 9 Colony Christmas Parade of Lights, 5pm, Downtown, Palmer, Alaska, 907-745-2880 December 9 Luminaria Run, Cave Creek, Arizona, 602-769-0848 December 9 Christmas Parade, 4pm, Ponchatoula, Louisiana, 985-370-9223 December 9 Parade of Lights, 6pm, begins at high school, Blissfield, Michigan, 517-486-3642 December 9 Cecil Floyd Craft Show, 9am-4pm, Joplin, Missouri, 417-626-0154 December 9 Lutheran South Craft Fair,                    Lutheran High School South at 9515 Tesson Ferry Rd., St. Louis, Missouri, 314-631-1702 December 9-10 Pueblo Grande Museum Indian Market,                    9:30am-5pm, Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix, Arizona, 602-495-0901 or 877-706-4408 December 9-10 Gun Show, Del Mar Fairgrounds, San Diego, California, 801-544-9125 December 9-10 Festival Noir, Hynes Convention Center, Boston, Massachusetts, 805-238-4103 December 9-10 Antique Show & Flea Market, County Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ohio, 937-325-0053 December 10 Brighten the Harbor lighted boat parade,                    begins 5pm at US Coast Guard Pier, Monterey, California, 831-657-0855 December 10 Philadelphia Comic-Con, Ramada Philadelphia Airport, Essington, Pennsylvania, 856-782-0817 December 10 Honolulu Marathon, 5am, Honolulu, Hawaii, 808-734-7200 December 10 Parade of Horses, 2pm, Charles Town, West Virginia, 304-728-7455 December 12 Capitol Caroling, 7-10pm, Capitol Rotunda, Jefferson City, Missouri, 573-632-3482 December 15-17 Sports Card, Memorabilia, NASCAR Collectibles Show,                    State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, North Carolina, 919-553-4285 December 16 Arts & Crafts & Pancake Breakfast, Fun 'N Sun RV Resort, San Benito, Texas, 956-399-5800 December 16-17 Gun Show, Cashman Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, 801-544-9125 December 17 Lighted Tractor Parade, 7pm, Main Street, Ferndale, California, 707-786-4299 or 707-786-4477 December 17 Caroling in Jackson Square, meet 6:30pm, New Orleans, Louisiana, 504-524-8432 December 17 Toy Train Sale & Swap Meet, State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, North Carolina, 919-847-5393 December 23-24 Gun Show, Convention Center, Temple, Texas, 563-927-8175 December 25 George Washington Crossing the Delaware,                    Washington Crossing State Park, Trenton, New Jersey, 609-393-8998 November 26 Volunteer Fire Dept. Pancake & Sausage Brunch, 9am-4pm, North Washington, Pennsylvania, 724-894-2064 November 28 Christmas Parade, Emporia, Kansas, 620-342-1600 December 30-31 Gun Show, Armory, Bloomington, Minnesota, 763-754-5543 December 30-31 Antiques Festival, State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, North Carolina, 757-430-4735 December 30, 2006-January 7, 2007 New York National Boat Show, Javits Convention Center, New York, New York December 31 King Mango Strut Parade, 2pm, begins at Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove, Florida, 305-401-1171
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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.

The Christmas light display list is now here

Winey, Pointy, Malty, Brassy, Biscuity, Bakey and Gone off they aren't new versions of the Seven Dwarfs. They're terms used for describing tea. You can find out all about it, and more, on the Tea FAQ.
We probably all know it's Boxing Day, but what else is December 26 known for?		Why the Northern Hemisphere has cooler summers than the Southern Hemisphere does— and other interesting solstice information. Our winter is Australia's summer!
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is celebrating its 100th year as a national monument, on December 8, 2006. Also established as national monuments that same year in 1906 by President Roosevelt were El Morro and Montezuma Castle in Arizona. Special centennial ceremonies are planned at each of these historic spots the second week of December.

Send Deb email: deb@lightpatch.com

Last Updated November 27, 2006

Deb's Monthly Review © copyright Deb Thompson