Deb's Monthly Review

February 2007

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

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

Special Quotation "Love is the difficult realization that something other than oneself is real." --Iris Murdoch

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	The Artsy Site Of The Month: Pixar Animation goes to the movies.		Handy Site Of The Month: Rulers Heads of state from all over the planet
	Just Fun Site Of The Month: Snipe A little like billiards played with a mouse		Scientific/Technical Site Of The Month: Kung Fu Science Why the hand breaks the board

 February 2007 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 February Festivals and other events for travelers in the U.S.

February 1-4, 8-11, 2007 Frostbite Follies Various venues, Fergus Falls, Minnesota	Craft show Feb 3 at the Armory from 9am-3pm, Governor's Snowmobile Ride, snowmobile display, WPSA snowcross at Red Horse Ranch Arena, Someplace Safe Tea Party, comedy, candlight skiing, girls' high school basketball, Better Living Show at Westridge Mall, dart tournament, chili cookoff, pancake breakfast on Feb. 4 from 8am-1pm at the YMCA, fishing derby, carriage rides. Details: Call 218-736-6951
February 1-11, 2007 Ely Winter Festival Various venues, Ely, Minnesota	Mukluk Ball, community college open house, ArtWalk, Frozen Film Festival, radar snowmobile run, fish fry, cross-country skiing, polka dance, arts and crafts on Feb. 3, wolf howling contest, snowshoe trips to the Hegman Pictographs, spaghetti feed, reading fair, dog sled rides, snow carving and snow sculptures, music, wine and cheese tasting, more. Some events may have separate ticketing or require registration. Get the Facts: Call 218-365-6123 or 800-777-1281
February 2-4, 2007 Cordova Iceworm Festival Various venues, Cordova, Alaska	Basketball tournament, Survival Suit Race, pageant, variety show, arts and crafts, Lego display, pinochle tournament, dart tournament, photography display, chili cooking contest and chili feed, parade, steak/seafood dinner, ping pong tournament, BBQ rib cookoff, breakfast at St. Jospeh's Hall Feb. 3 from 7-11am, food faire, drawings for prizes, pet show, shaving permits, iceworm tail hunt, hotdog eating contest, scientific and historical displays, silent auction, gospel music, fireworks, bachelor auction, handyman auction. This event-filled celebration is celebrating its 47th year in 2007. Find Out More: Call 907-424-7260 or Email
February 2-4, 2007 Tent City Days unknown venue(s), Wrangell, Alaska	Wrangell celebrates its rich history of the Gold Rush days with contests, storytelling, sports events, a ball, fashion show, theatre, golf tournament, arts and crafts. Details: Call 907-874-3901 or 800-367-9745
February 2-4, 2007 Everglades City Seafood Festival Downtown, Everglades City, Florida	Carnival rides, seafood and Cajun dishes, more than 150 arts and crafts booths, musical entertainment. Please—no pets and no coolers. There is no admission charge. Questions? Call 239-695-4100
February 2-4, 2007 Frostbite Follies Various venues, Littleton, New Hamshire	Events actually take place in a number of towns in addition to Littleton—Bethlehem, Bretton Woods, Franconia, Lisbon, Sugar Hill, Whitehead. Enjoy ice and snow sculptures, an evening parade, fireworks, races, dances, bonfires, sleigh rides, entertainment, aerial tram rides, prizes, tours and more Further Information: Call 603-444-6561
February 2-4, 2007 Carolina Chocolate Festival Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City, North Carolina	An popular fundraising festival with a Champagne & Truffles Party, Chocolate Sunday Brunch, festival merchandise, chocolate tastings, Chocolate Spa Night, contests, drawings for prizes, entertainment. It's the 57th year for this one. More: Call 877-848-4976
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February 2-4, 2007 Hudson Hot Air Affair Various venues, Hudson, Wisconsin	Ice carvings, candlelight skiing and a hike, karaoke, art activities for kids, snow volleyball, early morning balloon launches and night balloon glows (all subject to weather conditions), dances, arts and crafts, torchlight parade, bingo, snow golf, Armchair Quarterback Lob, turkey bowling, stunt bikes, pancake breakfast Sun from 7:30am-noon, smoosh board competition, horseshoe tournament, dart tournament, pet costume contest, chili cookoff on Sun. from 2-4pm, fireworks. The festival is celebrating its 18th year. Additional Details: Call 715-381-2050 or 800-657-6775
February 2-11, 2007 Carrot Festival Downtown, Holtville, California	Now celebrating its 60th year, the festival includes fun such as a carnival in Samaha Park, student art show, arts and crafts, parade, 5K/1-mile run, Carrot Festival Cookery Contests, golf tournament, barbecue in Holt Park, music, classic car & tractor show, a banquet and lots of food booths. Be sure to try the Carrot Ice Cream. Learn More: Call 760-356-2923
February 2-14, 2006 Fish Creek Winter Festival Clark Park (& other venues), Fish Creek, Wisconsin	Fish Creek Winter Games on Feb. 3, minnow races, Best Leg in a Kilt Contest, Candlelight Skiing in Peninsula State Park, entertainment, kite flying, chili cooking contest, horse drawn carriage rides, shopping night, games, food, art. Get The Facts: Call 920-868-2316 or 800-577-1880
February 3, 2007 Ice & Snow Festival Downtown, Keene, New Hampshire	Snowman Central, 25 ice carvers, snow sculpting, rail jam, snowshoe races, entertainment, activities for kids, horse drawn wagon rides. Festival hours are 10am-4pm. Questions? Call 603-352-1303
February 3, 2007 Sniegfest Downtown, Gilman, Wisconsin	Lots of Polish Sausages and similar foods, snow volleyball, blind snowmobile races, contests, activities, ice bowling, snow sculptures, torchlight parade, scavenger hunt, ice bowling, horse drawn sleigh rides. Most events take place at Village Park. Enjoy this 7th year of fun. Info: Call 715-447-8285
February 3, 2007 Jack Frost Fest unknown venue(s), Spooner, Wisconsin	Snowmobile show and other snowmobile events, activities for kids, winter golf tournament, ice fishing contest, ribs, chili cooking contest, games, carriage rides, cartoons shown all day long. Get The Facts: Call 715-635-2168 or 800-367-3306
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 3, 2007 Groundhog Day Celebration St. Albert the Great Catholic Parish at 2420 St. Albert the Great Dr., Sun Prairie, Wisconsin	After local groundhog Jimmy does his work on February 2, folks turn out the next day for a community breakfast from 7:30-11am. Then the fun goes on to games, vendors with groundhog memorabilia, entertainment, a birthday party for humans with a Feb. 2 birthday and more. Jimmy is scheduled to arrive by limo at 8am. Already quite the star, Jimmy kicked things up a notch last year by correctly predicting an early spring. Find Out More: Call 608-837-4547 or 800-400-6162
February 3-3, 2007 Chocolate Lovers Festival Various venues Downtown, Fairfax, Virginia	Pancake breakfast with chocolate chip pancakes (Feb. 3 from 8am-1pm), bake sale, arts and crafts, raffle, activities for kids, do-your-own tile painting, Taste of Chocolate at Old Town Hall, Chocolate Challenge of cake and chocolate art (plus silent auction of donated cakes), "The Chocolate Caper" mock trial proceeding, circus acts, festival merchandise, historic houses open to the public. Questions? Call 703-385-1661
February 3-4, 2007 Iola Winter Carnival Old car showgrounds on Jenson Dr., Iola, Wisconsin	Cross-country ski race, ice fishing derby, arts and crafts, lutefisk supper (with other Norwegian dishes), music and more. It's a Scandinavian celebration with a wintry Wisconsin backdrop. Get Details: Call 715-445-4000
February 9-10, 2007 Chocolate Festival Copper Village on E. Commercial, Anaconda, Montana	This one seems a bit commercial, but you get free chocolates out of it, so let's play along, shall we? Local merchants are required to give away chocolates during the festival. Failure to do so will cause a sharp-eyed constable to levy a fine on them. The fine goes to charity anyway, so no one minds too much. But meanwhile, you get to enjoy treats, merchant specials, a quilt exhibit and a bake sale. Festival hours are 10am-4pm both days. Check out the Washoe Theater while you're in town. Further Information: Call 406-563-2422
February 9-10, 2007 Winterfest Deacon Mills Park area, Green Lake, Wisconsin	Ice golf, soup contest, carriage rides, ice bowling, activities for kids, volleyball tournament, pageant, food and beverage vendors, ice fishing, medallion hunt. Find Out More: Call 920-294-3231 or 800-253-7354
February 9-10, 2007 Cruiserfest Various venues, Minocqua, Wisconsin	Pancake breakfast, evening dance, lighted snowmobile parade on the lake at 5pm Feb. 9, brat & chili feed, silent auction, snowmobile radar runs, arts and crafts, rides on demo snowmobiles, bonfire, plenty of hot food, drawings for prizes. Many events are held at Tarpy Park downtown. Questions? Call 715-356-3375
February 9-11, 2007 Homer Winter Carnival Various venues, Homer, Alaska	It's the 51st year for this event. Plan to enjoy a parade, chili, entertainment and more. Details: Call 907-235-7740
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February 10, 2007 Sweet Potato Festival Samuel C. Pannell Community Center at 2450 Meadow View Rd., Sacramento, California	Entertainment, arts and crafts, sweet potato pies (and plenty of other sweet potato treats), drawings for prizes, sweet potato baking contests. Hours are 10am-4pm. The festival is celebrating its 18th year. Additional Information: Call 916-491-6850
February 10, 2007 Chocolate Festival Community Center at 61 Water St., Fairfield, Maine	Entertainment from local talent, clowns, face painting and plenty of chocolate. Learn More: Call 207-453-6518 or 207-453-7911
February 10-11, 2007 Winterfest Festival Upper McCulloch Blvd., Lake Havasu, Arizona	Arts and crafts, vendors, activities for kids, vehicle displays, festival foods, entertainment. Hours are 10am-5pm. There is no admission charge. The festival is celebrating its 22nd year. Info: Call 928-855-4115
February 10-11, 2007 Cabin Fever Festival Fairgrounds, Frederick, Maryland	Enjoy the work of juried artists in several heated buildings and heated tents from 10am-6pm on Friday and 10am-5pm on Sunday. There will also be entertainment, decorating ideas and demos and plenty of festival foods. This event has an admission charge. Questions? Call 301-896-5466
February 10-11, 2007 Mid-Winterfest Hayes Park area, Apple Valley, Minnesota	Ice skating, World's Largest Marshmallow Roast, chess tournament, cribbage tournament, bingo, face painting, 4-on-4 hockey, snow shoeing, indoor wiffle ball tournament, video arcade, chicken wing eating contest, music, volleyball, snow tube races, drawings for prizes, medallion hunt, games of chance and skill, giant inflatble jumping houses for the kids. It's the festival's 30th anniversary. Most events are accessible by buying and showing the festival button. Additional Details: Call 952-953-2300
February 10-11, 2007 Winter Festival Various venues Downtown, Cedarburg, Wisconsin	Iceburg Open Golf Tournament, dog weight-pulling contest, activities for kids, chili cooking contest, beer and gaming (sans kids) Saturday night, bed races on ice, pancake breakfast Sun. 8-11:30am, hayrides, barrel racing, ice carving, parade on Washington Street, petting zoo, quilt and fiber art display, family sledding, ice sculpture contest, plenty of food, snowbird egg hunt for kids age 7 and younger. It's the event's 33rd year. Further Information: Call 262-377-3891 or 800-237-2874
February 10-17, 2007 Winter Week Family Festival Downtown, Bangor, Maine	Paul Bunyon look-alike contest, pancake breakfast, brownie baking contest, merchant specials, horse drawn carriage rides, festival foods, outdoor games for the kids and more. Find Out More: Call 207-992-4234 or 207-947-8004
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February 16-18, 2007 Shanty Days Various venues Downtown, Caseville, Michigan	It's the 15th year for this one. Enjoy a magic show, snowman making contest in Township Park, Polar Bear Dip, Cold Butt Euchre, pool tournament, human bowling, Potty Trotty (race of outhouses on skis), drawing for prizes, warming site with hot chocolate and coffee, food stand, beer tent, ice fishing contest, broom ball, chili cooking contest, kid's snow soccer, music and dancing, scavenger hunt, comedy show. Further Details: Call 989-856-3818 or 800-606-1347
February 16-18, 2007 Eelpout Festival City Park and other venues, Walker, Minnesota	Eelpout Peelout 5-mile run, eelpout angling contest, Polar Plunge, rugby match, fish dinners and other foods, snowmobile radar run (moved to Birch Lake in Hackensack), festival merchandise, Eelpout 500 On-Ice Auto Race. Come and help celebrate this 28th year. Get The Facts: Call 320-259-6010 or 800-833-1118
February 16-18, 2007 Ice Castle Extravaganza Lakeside Park, Mayville, New York	With Mother Nature's cooperation a castle of ice is constructed with ice taken from Chautauqua Lake. There will be food concessions, activities for kids, a medallion hunt, music and more. Questions? Call 716-753-3113
February 16-25, 2006 Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival Riverside County Fairgrounds, Indio, California	Camel races, ostrich races, fireworks, Arabian Nights pageant, music, stunt show, monster trucks, blessing of the dates, Fiesta del Charro, livestock auctions, petting zoo, demolition derby, food concessions, carnival rides, cooking demonstrations and more. Info: Call 760-863-8247 or 800-811-FAIR
February 16-19, 2007 Cloverdale Citrus Fair Citrus Fairgrounds, Cloverdale, California	This year's theme is "World of Sports". Plans include arts and crafts, a melodrama, entertainment, citrus exhibits, photography exhibits, pageant, music, livestock displays and a carnival. You can also enjoy sculptures made of limes, lemons and oranges. This is the fair's 115th year. To Learn More: Call 707-894-3992
February 16-19, 2007 Whiskey Flat Days Various venues, Kernville, California	For its 52nd year festival organizers have planned fun such as a rock climbing wall for kids, arts and crafts, food vendors, museum exhibits, an Epitaph Contest, breakfast buffet at the Masonic Lodge on James Rd. (Sat 7am-noon), Dirty Boot Contest, music, line dancing, gunfighter skits, pet parade, Whiskerino Contest, 1860s Costume Contest, frog jumping, gold panning, carnival, parade, tours of the mill area, special postal cancellation, festival merchandise, historic encampments, storytelling, a rodeo and a tri-tip dinner at Kernville School. Questions? Call 760-376-2629 or 866-KERNVILLE
February 17-18, 2007 Dexter Winter Festival Various venues, Dexter, Maine	Last year the festival went on even though there was a lack of snow. Plans this year do include a snowmobile radar run and snow sculptures, fishing derby, snowmobile parade, fireworkd and dances. Check it out and see what creative ways they find to celebrate the winter in 2007. Further Details: Call 207-924-3057
February 16-19, 2007 Bryce Canyon Winter Festival Ruby's Inn, Bryce, Utah	Archery clinic and competition, guided snowshoe tours, photo contest, cross country ski racing, people-powered sled race, snow sculpture, activities for kids, kayaking demos, entertainment. Most events are free, but remember to be flexible because of rapidly changing weather conditions this time of year. Take your camera. This is one of the most scenic places in the world. Get the Facts: Call 435-834-5341 or 866-866-6616
February 17-18, 2007 Klondike Days Eagle River High School area, Eagle River, Wisconsin	Food, arts and crafts, snow shoe races, living history encounters, chainsaw carving competition, dog weight pull, horse weight pull, lumberjack competition, cultural expo, musical entertainment. Additional Information: Call 800-259-6315
February 22-24, 2007 Almond Blossom Festival Community Center on W. 4th St., Ripon, California	The carnival opens a day earlier at 5pm. Then, enjoy almond treats, a diaper derby, Blossom Fun Run at 8:30am on Saturday, parade down Main Street, a pageant, arts and crafts, food. In this 45th year of the festival Ripon will give a special tribute to the men and women of our military. Questions? Call 209-599-7519
February 22-25, 2007 Snow Rondi Various venues Downtown, Anchor Point, Alaska	Archery, pageant, costume ball, bingo, activities for kids, auction, bazaar, parade, pool tournament, snowmachine races, snowshoe softball. Find Out More: Call 907-235-2600
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February 23-24, 2007 George Fest Ferran Park, Eustis, Florida	Cherry pie eating contest, grand parade, Dog Jog, laser light show, canoe races, antique skiff races, bed races, Radio Disney, food booths, celebrity hot dog eating contest, concert, carnival, kayak races. Questions? Call 352-357-3434
February 23-24, 2007 Grumpy Old Men Festival Various venues, Wabasha, Minnesota	Inspired by the film of the same name, this festival offers minnow races, motorcycle ice racing, youth hockey, entertainment, horse drawn wagon rides, bingo, pet pageant, fishing contest, food, softball tournament, dance, cribbage tournament, Raghetti's Spaghetti Feed. Further Information: Call 651-565-4158
February 23-24, 2007 Land of Leather Days Downtown, Yoakum, Texas	Leather factory tours and merchant specials, carnival, dessert contest, arts and crafts booths, food booths, CASI Chili Cookoff, music and dance, Rawhide Golf Tournament. Get Details: Call 361-293-2309
February 23-March 4, 2007 Anchorage Fur Rendezvous Various venues, Anchorage, Alaska	The schedule at this writing includes a dog weight pull, multi-tribal gatherings, parade, snow sculptures, state fur and hide auctions, arts and crafts, melodrama, dog sled information and demonstrations, food, photo contest and fireworks. Find Out More: Call 907-274-1177
February 23-25, 2007 Swamp Cabbage Festival Barron Park, LaBelle, Florida	Swamp cabbage is actually food from the cabbage palm (Sabal Palm). Now that you know that much, plan to head to this festival and enjoy a motorcycle show, raffles, a fishing tournament, kayaking info, arts and crafts, entertainment, a parade, food, vendors and rodeo events. To Learn More: Call 863-675-2995
February 23-25, 2007 Maine Winterfest Point Sebago Resort on Rt. 302, Casco, Maine	Plans include the Sebago Lake Fly-In, helicopter and balloon rides, ice fishing derby, giant fire breathing ice dragon, Polar Ice Dip, cross country ski race, snowmobile speed run, Ice Mall, miniature golf, night ice racing, dog sled rides, snowmobile jumping exhibitions, skating, a chance to dress and decorate some snowpeople. The event combines the Maine Winterfest with the Rotary Derby. Additional Details: Call 207-892-8265 or 888-423-3524
February 24-25, 2007 Grant Seafood Festival Community Center, Grant, Florida	More than 100 arts and crafts vendors, musical entertainment, festival merchandise, seafood dishes and other festival foods, library book sale, civic displays, radio personalities visiting. Please, do not bring coolers or pets. Come and enjoy this 41st year of fun. There is no charge to park and no admission fee. Further Information: Call 321-723-8687 or Email
February 25, 2007 Capay Valley Almond Festival Various venues, Esparto, Californai	Events are also held in other area towns, including Guinda, Madison and Rumsey. Plans include a pageant, community breakfast, street fair, food vendors, music. Hours are 10am-4pm. This is the festival's 92nd year. Questions? Call 530-787-3242
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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February Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
Feb. 1-4 Chambersburg Ice Fest, Downtown, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, 717-264-7101 or 717-264-6883 Feb. 2-4 Two Rivers Renaissance Faire, 10am-6pm, Yuma, Arizona Feb. 3 For the Love of Chocolate Festival, 1-5pm, County Community Center on Lafayette Rd., Medina, Ohio, 330-723-4565 Feb. 3 Chocolate Lovers Fling, Grand Center at 182 N. 500 W., Moab, Utah, 435-259-2326 Feb. 3 Winter Fest, N16243 Lakeshore Dr., Butternut, Wisconsin, 715-769-3001 Feb. 5-10 South Texas Ranching Heritage Days, various venues, Kingsville, Texas, 361-593-2810 Feb. 8-11 Winter Carnival, Hanover, New Hampshire Feb. 8-11 Seminole Tribal Fair (36th), Hollywood, Florida, 954-797-5551 ext. 1303 Feb. 8-18 SF Independent Film Festival, San Francisco, California, 415-820-3907 Feb. 9-10 Mardi Gras Galveston, various venues, Galveston, Texas, 409-797-5164 or 888-425-4753 Feb. 9-11 Tulsa Indian Arts Festival, Tulsa Expo Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 918-838-3875 Feb. 10 Roaring 20's Arts & Crafts Festival (24th), Downtown, Sebring, Florida, 863-471-5104 Feb. 16-17 Olustee Battle Festival, Marion Street downtown, Lake City, Florida, 386-755-1097 Feb. 16-18 Yuma Crossing River Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, Main St., Yuma, Arizona, 928-782-5712 Feb. 16-18 Delray Beach Garlic Festival, Downtown, Delray Beach, Florida, 561-279-0907 Feb. 16-18 Dahlonega Literary Festival, Dahlonega, Georgia, 706-864-3711 Feb. 16-19 Water Fall Ice Festival (9th), Cody, Wyoming, 307-527-4326 Feb. 17 Mardi Gras Parade & Festival, 4:30pm, Main St., Jennings, Louisiana Feb. 17-18 Oregon Asian Celebration, Lane County Fairgrounds, Eugene, Oregon, 541-687-9600 or 541-682-7332 Feb. 17-18 Penn's Woods West Folk & Art Festival (21st),                    Mercer High School, Mercer, Pennsylvania, 724-662-4185 Feb. 18 World Championship Crab Races & Festival                    (42nd), County Fairgrounds, Crescent City, California, 707-464-3174 or 800-343-8300 Feb. 18 Winter Carnivale, Downtown, Chester, Connecticut, 860-759-9494 Feb. 18-25 Charro Days, various venues, Brownsville, Texas, 956-542-4245 Feb. 24 Heritage Arts Festival, 10am-4pm, Old Courthouse, Monroeville, Alabama, 251-575-7433 or 251-575-3359 Feb. 24-Mar. 3 Maple Syrup Festival, Salem, Indiana, 877-841-8851
Other February 2007 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
Feb. 2 Duct Tape Ball, Marriott Downtown, Anchorage, Alaska, 907-646-8600 Feb. 2-3 New Hampshire Farm & Forest Exposition, Radisson Hotel, Manchester, New Hampshire, 603-271-3788 Feb. 2-3 Chocolate Festival & Gala (45th), Norman High School on Stubbeman, Norman, California, 405-329-4523 Feb. 2-4 The Creative Festival, Denver Merchandise Mart, Denver, Colorado, 505-323-0025 Feb. 3 Chocolate Fest, 5-8pm, County Convention Center on College Ave., Bloomington, Indiana, 800-875-9615 Feb. 3 Westby MOOS's Lutefisk & Meatball Dinner, Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Westby, Wisconsin, 608-634-4011 Feb. 3-4 Arti Gras, Shopko Hall, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 920-435-5220 Feb. 3-4 Orchid Quest (20th), 10-5, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wisconsin, 608-238-1939 Feb. 3-4 Antique Sporting & Collectible Show, Sunnyview Expo Center, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 920-337-0113 Feb. 3-11 Southern California Boat Show, Convention Center, Los Angeles, California Feb. 3-11 Philadelphia International Auto Show, Pennsylvania Convention Center, 215-418-4989 Feb. 4 Hearts & Art, 11:30am-3pm, Library at 601 S. Bench, Galena, Illinois, 815-777-9500 Feb. 7-11 Utah Boat Show, South Towne Expo Center, Salt Lake City, Utah Feb. 8-11 Hillsborough Antique Show, San Mateo Expo Center, San Mateo, California, 650-574-3247 Feb. 9-11 Home & Garden Show, Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida Feb. 10 Dummy Jump, 2-4pm, Big Sky Resort on Hwy. 191, Big Sky, Montana, 406-995-5887 or 800-548-4486 Feb. 10-11 Craft Show, 9am-5pm, Town Hall, Julian, California, 760-765-1857 Feb. 10-11 Special Olympics Wisconsin State Winter Sports Tournament, Wausau, Wisconsin, 608-222-1324 Feb. 10-13 Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, Convention Center, Tucson, Arizona, 520-322-5773 Feb. 10-18 Pittsburgh International Auto Show, Convention Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 866-575-3040 Feb. 11 Mystic Krewe of Barkus (parade), meets at Armstrong Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, 504-522-0239 Feb. 14-18 Northwest Flower & Garden Show, State Convention Center at 7th & Pike, Seattle, Washington, 206-789-5333 Feb. 15-18 Haunt X, LAX Hilton, Los Angeles, California, 805-937-7271 Feb. 15-18 Milwaukee RV & Camping Trailer Show, State Fair Park, West Allis, Wisconsin, 414-727-8840 or 800-884-3247 Feb. 16-18 California International Antiquarian Book Fair,                    (40th), Concourse Exhibition Center, Century City, California, 415-962-2500 Feb. 16-18 Cabin Fever Jewelry, Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show,                    Kirkwood Community Center, St. Louis, Missouri, 618-394-0443 or 618-973-7222 Feb. 17 Fairmont Fruitcake Follies, Municipal Airport, Fairmont, Minnesota, 507-235-5547 or 507-238-4573 Feb. 17-18 Rubber Stamp & Paper Arts Festival, County Expo Center, San Mateo, California, 650-574-3247 Feb. 17-18 Mad City Model Railroad Show & Sale (40th), 9-5, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wisconsin, 608-835-3148 Feb. 18 Spam Festival, Hotel Del Rio, Isleton, California, 916-777-6033 Feb. 18 George Washington Birthday Stone Toss, 3:30pm, City Dock at Sophia St., Fredericksburg, Virginia, 540-371-6066 Feb. 21-25 Show-Me Missouri International Film Festival, Downtown, Springfield, Missouri, 417-862-2787 ext. 40 Feb. 23-25 Winter Craft Fair, South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm, Florida Feb. 24 Strasburg Fire Co. Mud Sale, 8am, 46 W. Main St., Strasburg, Pennsylvania, 717-687-7323 Feb. 24 Cotton Pickin' Quilt Show, Munday Elementary School, Knox Prairie, Texas, 940-422-4540 Feb. 24-25 Depression Era Glass Show, State Fairgrounds, Little Rock, Arkansas, 501-375-0435 Feb. 24-25 Outdoor Sports & Gun Show, Armory on Western Ave., Augusta, Maine, 207-582-7178 Feb. 24-25 Gem & Mineral Show, 9-6 & 10-5, State Fairgrounds, Jackson, Mississippi, 601-956-9997 Feb. 24-25 Unique Animal Expo & Pet Fair (28th), County Fairgrounds, Hillsboro, Oregon, 503-717-8484 or 503-738-9669 Feb. 25-28 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games,                    various venues, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 800-235-9058
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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.

Want to say thank you to a soldier who has served our country and has been injured in the line of duty? One way is to give through the Wounded Warrior Project. Soldiers' Angels also assists wounded soldiers with backpacks full of toiletries, phone cards, clothing and other items.
Two Quick links: St. George Area Parade of Homes February 16-25, 2007 Super Bowl XLI February 4, 2007		All the world's a stage. Apparently, meetings are also a stage, complete with heroes and villains.
Cold snaps encourage those with woodburning fireplaces to build roaring fires for extra warmth and ambience. But too many people get a nasty surprise when their good intentions turn deadly. Check out the tips on preventing chimney fire.

(Link broken—Zinos.com is up for sale.)

Send Deb email: deb@lightpatch.com

Last Updated January 25, 2007

Deb's Monthly Review © copyright Deb Thompson