Deb's Monthly Review

February 2005

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

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

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The Artsy Site Of The Month: The Buildings of "Batman Begins" Chicago as Gotham City.		Handy Site Of The Month: Is Your House Too Tightly Shut Up? You might be trapping air pollution inside your energy-efficient home.
Just Fun Site Of The Month: Freestyle Frisbee Page Tips, events, news, video.		Scientific/Technical Site Of The Month: FoodNavigator.com News Nutrition and food science in the headlines.

Buy great spices at great prices

February Events

For February Travelers

February 3-5, 2005 Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival various venues, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.	The Smith Family Theater will host most of the events. There will be concerts, workshops in storytelling, story swapping sessions, a workshop on how to tell a tall tale, workshops on using history to enhance personal stories, trolley rides (with storytelling during the rides) and more. Information: Call 865-453-8574.
February 3-6, 2005 Voyageur Winter Festival various venues, Ely, Minnesota	Art Walk, fiber arts, crafts, snow carving, snow sculpting, children's art, snowshoe trip to the Hegman Pictographs, spaghetti dinner, bake sale, Frozen Film Festival, dance workshop, picnic at Whiteside Park Pavilion, family skating. Some events have separate ticketing or fees. Further Details: Call 800-777-7281.
February 4-6, 2005 Everglades City Seafood Festival Downtown, Everglades City, Florida.	Arts and crafts, carnival rides, mud buggy races, mullet toss, entertainment, seafood dishes and other treats. Details: Call 941-695-4100.
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February 4-6, 2005 Hudson Hot Air Affair various venues, Hudson, Wisconsin	Hudson celebrates this 16th year of the festival with a pancake breakfast, coloring art by children, balloon launches, fireworks, torchlight parade, chili cooking contest, kite events, dances, craft fair, commercial vendors, karaoke and more. Further Details: Call 888-247-2332 or 715-381-2050.
February 4-6, 2005 Tent City Days unknown venue(s), Wrangell, Alaska	Gold Rush history comes alive with a beard-growing contest, plus sports events and more. Learn More: Call 800-367-9745 or 907-874-3901.
February 4-6, 2005 Homer Winter Carnival various venues, Homer, Alaska.	Events vary with this cabin fever cure, but may include chili cooking, a parade, community dance, and chocolate treats. Get More Information: Call 907-235-7740.
February 4-6, 2005 Cordova Iceworm Festival various venues, Cordova, Alaska	Spaghetti feed, ping pong tournaments, historical displays, chili cooking contest, photography, pajama party, arts and crafts, science exhibits, gospel music, food fair, entertainment, fireworks, canoe race, pet show and more. Further Details: Call 907-424-7260.
February 4-6, 2005 Frostbite Follies various venues, Littleton, New Hampshire	The events actually take place over an area of 7 towns, including Bethlehem, Lisbon and Whitefield. Enjoy an evening parade, snow sports, races, music, dances, ski events, snow golf, prizes. Some events may require a separate ticket or fee. Questions: Call 603-444-8561.
February 4-14, 2005 Winter Festival Clark Park, Fish Creek, Wisconsin	Folk Concert, Games, chili cooking contest, Super Bowl parties, music, Valentine's Day special meals, chili cooking contest, dance, snow shoe dance contest, food, candlelight skiing. Details: Call 920-743-4456.
February 5, 2005 Sniegfest various venue(s), Gilman, Wisconsin.	Snow shoe race, yard decorating contest, snowman picture taking contest, hay rides, polka music, men's beard contest, women's hairy leg contest, snow basketball, scavenger hunt, horse drawn sleigh rides, snow volleyball, torchlight parade, frying pan toss and more. More: Call 715-447-8285 or 715-447-8147.
February 5, 2005 Fasching Festival Turner Hall, New Ulm, Minnesota.	This is Mardi Gras fun with a German twist and it runs until 11:00 in the evening. Enjoy a costume contest, music and dancing, arts and crafts, entertainment, and plenty of German and American foods. Additional Information: Call 888-463-9856.
February 5-6, 2005 Iola Winter Carnival unknown venue(s), Iola, Wisconsin.	Norwegian food (including a lutefisk supper), crafts, ice sculptures, ice fishing derby, ski jumping competition. Details: Call 715-445-4005.
Colorful festivals are great for taking pictures. Please ask permission before taking photos of arts and crafts items at a festival booth.
February 5-6, 2005 Winter Festival Downtown, Cedarburg, Wisconsin.	This year's theme is "There's Snow Biz Like Show Biz". Enjoy a pancake breakfast, chili cooking contest, speed skating competitions, music and other staged entertainment, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, bed race on ice, barrel racing contests, family skating, Snowbird Egg Hunt, ice carvings, dog pull, hot chocolate, spiced wine and more. Learn More: Call 262-377-9620 or 800-CDR-BURG.
February 5-6, 2005 Chocolate Lovers Festival Downtown, Fairfax, Virginia.	Pancake breakfast (you can get chocolate chip pancakes), historic demonstrations, actitivties for kids, chocolate art, Taste of Chocolate. Additional Information: Call 703-246-6321.
February 5-6, 2005 Carolina Chocolate Festival Cyrstal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City, North Carolina	The festival hours are from 9 am until 6 pm on Saturday and from 10 am until 3 pm on Sunday. Enjoy baking contests, musical comedy, Sunday brunch, entertainment, wine, festival T-shirts and other merchandise, pudding eating contest, ice cream eating contest, door prizes, and of course, the chocolates. Taste your way through a trail of pastries, chocolate-dipped fruit, truffles, cheesecake, fudge and more. Proceeds benefit 21 area charities. Learn More: Call 252-504-2203.
February 5-6, 2005 Kites On Ice Lake Mendota, Madison, Wisconsins.	Kite-flying demonstrations, kites used as art, workshops, Fire & Ice Nite Show (6:15pm on Saturday) and more. I'm unsure about whether food is available at the festival. Get Details: Call 608-850-4900.
February 5-6, 2005 Winterfest Festival Main Street, Lake Havasu, Arizona.	Salsa Challenge, arts and crafts, vehicle displays, food. Further Information: Call 928-855-4115.
February 11-12, 2005 Chocolate Festival Copper Village, Anaconda, Montana.	Local merchants give away chocolates, and an observant constable will levy a fine (for charity) on those merchants found not giving away the treats to visitors. You can also enjoy a quilt exhibit and a bake sale. Questions: Call 406-563-2422.
February 11-12, 2005 Winterfest Deacon Mills Park, Green Lake, Wisconsin.	Ice golf, ice carving, fisheree, volleyball, music, food and beverages, activities for kids and more. Further Details: Call 800-253-7354.
February 11-12, 2005 Cruiserfest various venues, Minocqua, Wisconsin.	Pancake breakfast, silent auction, brat and chili feed, music and dancing, radar runs, arts and crafts, vendors, lighted snowmobile parade on the lake, bonfire, taco feed and more. Information: Call 800-446-6784.
February 11-13, 2005 Eelpout Festival City Park, Walker, Minnesota.	In its 26th year, the festival offers dog sled rides, the Eelpout 500 On-Ice Auto Race, the polar plunge, ice drilling, merchandise and food vendors. Details: Call 320-259-6010 or 800-833-1118.
February 12, 2005 Sweet Potato Festival Samuel C. Pannell Community Center, Sacramento, California	BBQ dinners, clothing for sale, sweet potato pie baking contest, sweet potato pies for sale, sweet potato ice cream, entertainment, art, prizes. The festival is in its 16th year. Questions: Call 916-331-9561 or 916-689-5458.
February 12-13, 2005 Cabin Fever Festiva Fairgrounds, Frederick, Maryland	Juried arts and crafts in several buildings and heated tents, plus entertainment and food. Additional Information: Call 301-898-5466.
February 18-20, 2005 Ice Castle Extravaganza Lakeside Park, Mayville, New York	Fireworks, music and other entertainment, hay maze, dice run, igloo construction demonstration, library book sale, ice sculptures, snowman building contest, snowball throwing contest, snowmobile rides. Questions: Call 716-753-3113.
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.
February 18-21, 2005 Cloverdale Citrus Fair Citrus Fairgrounds, Cloverdale, California	This 113th year of the fair is themed "Made in America". Enjoy a carnival, gourmet food show, queen pageant, puppet shows, parade, diaper derby, citrus baking contest, music and other entertainment, cabaret dinner theatre and more. Learn More: Call 707-894-3992.
February 18-27, 2005 Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival County Fairgrounds, Indio, California	Musical concerts, carnival, livestock displays, ostrich and camel races, nightly music pageant, rodeo events, date exhibits, garlic fries and other foods. Questions: Call 800-811-FAIR.
February 18-March 6, 2005 Anchorage Fur Rendezvous various venues, Anchorage, Alaska.	Snowshoe softball, carnival, pancake breakfasts, chess tournament, antique farm equipment and vintage military vehicles on display, helicopter rides, World Ice Bowling Championship, wheelchair races, pony rides, science demonstrations and exhibits, dog sled information and races, arts and crafts, snowboard competition, Purr Rondy Cat Show, stamp show and sale, curling, melodrama, chili feed, martial arts expo and more. Additional Information: Call 907-274-1177.
February 19-20, 2005 Dexter Winter Festival various venues, Dexter, Maine	Snowmobile Radar-Run, dance, silent auction, fireworks, sleigh rides, snow sculptures, parade, ice fishing derby. Questions: Call 207-924-3057
February 19-21, 2005 Bryce Canyon Winter Festival Ruby's Inn, Bryce, Utah.	Archery clinic and competition, entertainment, activities for kids, snow sculptures, snowshoe tours, photography clinic, cross country ski racing, people-powered sled race. Events are subject to local weather conditions. Additional Information: Call 435-834-5341.
ABC Art & Craft Event Directory: 2003 National Edition by Mary Reed	Carnival Secrets by Matthew L. Gryczan
February 24-27, 2005 Snow Rondi unknown venue(s), Anchor Point, Alaska.	Ski events, parade, snowshoe softball, costume ball, auction, bingo, bazaar. Get More Details: Call 907-235-2600.
February 25-27, 2005 Swamp Cabbage Festival Barron Park, LaBelle, Florida.	5K run/walk, rodeo events, parade, lawnmower races, arts and crafts, entertainment and food. Information: Call 863-675-2872.
February 25-27, 2005 Almond Blossom Festival Community Center, Ripon, California.	Parade, queen pageant, baking contest, spaghetti dinner, pancake breakfast, golf tournament, carnival, diaper derby, cream puff sale, raw and roasted almonds for sale, flavored almonds and dishes made with almonds. This is a family-friendly festival that has been held annually for more than 40 years. Details: Call 209-599-7519.
Italian fashion and gifts	If you enjoy this issue, please tell a friend about it!
February 26, 2005 Grumpy Old Men Festival Parkside Marina, Wabasha, Minnesota.	Raghetti Spaghetti Feed, look-a-like contest, dance, cribbage tournament, fishing tournament. Get More Information: Call 651-565-2808.
Thanks for using these merchants' products and services Your purchases help make the next issue free to read Totally Shades
February 26-27, 2005 Greek Festival St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Palm Desert, California	Art, books, Greek foods, activities for kids, Greek music and dancing, tours of the church. The event is held at 74-109 Larrea. Learn More: Call 760-568-9901.
February 26-27, 2005 Chistochina Fun Days unknown venue(s), Chistochina, Alaska	Dog races, snow shoe races, poke run, breakfast, cakewalk, prizes. Further Details: Call 907-822-3503.
February 26-27, 2005 Grant Seafood Festival Community Center, Grant, Florida	More than 100 arts and crafts participants, entertainment, library book sale, civic displays and plenty of seafood dishes. The festival is in its 39th year. Questions: Call 321-723-8687.
February 27, 2005 Capay Valley Almond Festival various venues, Esparto, California	Events are actually held in Esparto, Guinda, and Rumsey. Enjoy music, food, a petting zoo, a community breakfast, street fair activities, classic vehicles and more. Further Details: Call 530-787-3242.
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February Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
February 3 For The Love Of Chocolate, County Community Center, Medina, Ohio, 330-723-4865 February 3-15 SF Indie (film) Fest, San Francisco, California, 415-621-4969 February 5 Mardi Gras, Waupaca, Wisconsin, 715-258-9009 February 5 Winter Festival, Downtown, Mineral Point, Wisconsin, 888-764-6894 February 6 Lugerville Chasers Winter Fun day,                                Crane Chase Lake Pavilion, Lugerville, Wisconsin, 715-339-2691 February 6 Chocolate Fest, Moshannon Hts. Presbyterian Home, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, 814-342-2930 February 10-13 Seminole Tribal Fair, PowWow & Rodeo, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 954-410-9398 February 11-13 Clam Chowder Festival, Seaside, Oregon, 503-717-1914 February 11-13 Yuma River Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, Main St., Yuma, Arizona, 928-782-5712 February 11-13 Shanty Days Festival, Downtown area, Caseville, Michigan, 800-606-1347 February 12 Roaring 20's Arts & Crafts Festival, Downtown, Sebring, Florida, 863-471-5104 February 12 Sweet Potato Festival, Sam Pannell Community Center, Sacramento, California, 916-331-9561 February 12-13 Chocolate & Ice Sculpture Festival, Downtown, Salem, Massachusetts, 908-740-1208 February 12-13 Mid-Winter Fest, Apple Valley, New York, 952-953-2300 February 13 International Festival, Overture Center, Madison, Wisconsin, 608-258-4177 February 13 Art & Wine Extravaganza, Sonora, California, 209-588-9689 February 17-20 White Sands Film Festival, Alamogordo, New Mexico, 505-437-2214 February 18-19 Olustee Battle Festival, Lake City, Florida, 386-755-1097 February 18-20 Dahlonega Literary Festival, Dahlonega, Georgia February 18-20 Water Fall Ice Festival, Cody, Wyoming, 307-527-4326 February 19-20 Klondike Days, Eagle River, Wisconsin, 800-359-6315 February 19-20 Penn's Wood West Folk & Art Festival, High School, Mercer, Pennsylvania, 724-662-4185 February 19-20 Oregon Asian Celebration, County Fairgrounds, Eugene, Oregon, 541-687-9600 February 20-27 Charro Days, Brownsville, Texas, 956-542-4245 February 25-27 True/False Film Festival, Columbia, Missouri February 25-27 George Fest, Downtown area, Eustis, Florida, 352-357-3434 February 26 Heritage Arts Festival, Monroeville, Alabama, 251-575-7433 February 27 TET, Vietnamese New Year Celebration, Tacoma, Washington, 253-471-2623
Other February 2005 Events You Might Enjoy
February 3-6 International Sportsmen's Expo, County Expo Center, San Mateo, California, 650-574-3247 February 4 Duct Tape Ball, Marriott Downtown, Anchorage, Alaska, 907-646-8600 February 4-6 Serendipity Antiques & Collectibles Show, Fresno, California, 559-434-9160 February 4-6 Antique Show & Sale, Convention Hall, Gadsden, Alabama, 256-549-4669 February 5 Chocolate Fest, County Convention Center, Bloomington, Indiana, 800-875-9615 February 5 Mardi Gras Parade & Festival, Main St., Jennings, Louisiana, 337-821-5500 February 5 Mystikal Krewe of Barkus, Lake Charles, Louisiana, 337-439-3300 February 5 MOOS's Lutefisk & Meatball Dinner,                                Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Westby, Wisconsin, 608-634-4011 February 5 Chocolate Festival, Norman High School, Norman, Oklahoma, 405-329-4523 February 5-6 Antique Sporting & Collectible Show,                                County Fairgrounds, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 920-337-0113 February 5-6 Orchid Quest 2005, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wisconsin, 608-238-1939 February 5-6 Arti Gras, Shopko Hall, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 920-435-2787 February 6 Chocolate Festival, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Westford, Massachusetts, 978-692-7849 February 6 Sweet Sensations: Festival of Desserts, Pioneer Resort, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 920-233-6267 February 10-13 Hillsborough Antique Show,                                San Mateo Expo Center, San Mateo, California, 650-574-3247 February 10-13 Orchid Show & Sale, King of Prussia Mall, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, 610-608-3944 February 11-13 Special Olympics Wisconsin Winter Games, Wausau, Wisconsin, 608-222-1324 February 11-16 Coconut Grove Home Design & Remodeling Show, Miami, Florida February 12-13 Garage Sale, Prairie Capital Convention Center, Springfield, Illinois, 317-236-6515 ext. 120 February 12-13 Valentine Wine & Chocolate Weekend, Lodi, California, 888-700-LODI February 12-20 Pittsburgh International Auto Show,                                Convention Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 412-963-8909 February 17-20 RV & Camping Trailer Show,                                Wisconsin Expo Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 800-884-3247 February 18-20 Home & Garden Show, Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida February 18-20 California International Antiquarian Book Fair,                                Concourse Expo Center, San Francisco, California, 415-962-2500 February 18-20 Wondercon, Moscone Convention Center, San Francisco, California, 619-491-2475 February 19 Fairmont Fruitcake Follies, Municipal Airport, Fairmont, Minnesota, 507-235-5547 February 19 Rotary Pancake Breakfast, County Expo Center, Waukesha, Wisconsin, 262-896-8490 February 19 Chinese New Year Parade, 5:30pm-8pm, San Francisco, California, 415-982-3000 February 19-20 Art & Rubber Stamp Expo, County Fairgrouds, San Mateo, California, 650-574-3247 February 19-20 Mad City Model Railroad Show & Sale,                                Overture Center, Madison, Wisconsin, 608-835-3148 February 19-21 Arts & Crafts Show, Town Hall, Julian, California, 760-765-1857 February 20 Spam Contest, Hotel Del Rio, Isleton, California, 916-777-6033 February 22-24 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 800-235-9058 February 25-26 Depression Glass Show, State Fairgrounds, Little Rock, Arkansas, 501-375-0435 February 25-27 Long Island Home & Garden Show, Sports & Convention Center, Brentwood, New York February 25-27 International Gem & Jewelry Show, Convention Center, Reno, Nevada, 301-294-0034 February 26 Cotton Pickin' Quilt Show, Munday Elementary School, Knox Prairie, Texas, 940-422-4540 February 26-27 Sand & Sage Collectors Show, County Fairgrounds, Garden City, Kansas, 620-272-3844 February 26-27 Gem & Mineral Show, State Fairgrounds, Jackson, Mississippi February 26-27 Jewelry, Gem, Fossil & Mineral Show, W. Idaho Fairgrounds, Boise, Idaho, 208-628-4002 February 26-27 Pet Fair, County Fair Complex, Hillsboro, Oregon, 503-738-6996 February 26-March 6 Home & Garden Show, Convention Center, Buffalo, New York, 716-631-2266 February 28 Mud Sale, Strasburg Fire Co. Station 5-10, Strasburg, Pennsylvania, 717-687-7323
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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.

Trade something you have for something you want! Keep more of your cash-- And barter! Check out Santa Cruz Barter!

Look at this guy!

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

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

Above: Metallic Choker Necklace Left: Dreamcatcher Earrings

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

Cracking knuckles is a habit for some people, but knees, ankles, backs and necks can also crack or pop. Here's why.
We usually see them in movies these days, but a lot of people are dedicated to the tanks, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles used in the past. Check out the Military Vehicle Preservation Association web site.		Someone who used to work behind the counter has put together a bit of a primer on Starbucks drinks.

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