Deb's Monthly Review

February 2008

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

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

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 February 2008 Festivals and Events

Books to help you make more money for travel fun or make the most of the money you already have! Making Your Money Count Buy It, Sell It, Make Money The Naked Truth About Your Money Gold: The Once and Future Money Your Money After the Big 5-0 Show Me the Money Make Your Money Make Money For You

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

February 1-3, 2008 Iceworm Festival various venues, Cordova, Alaska	Survival Suit Races, photo show, cake bake, parade, music, fireworks, variety show, pageant, arts and crafts, food, more. Further Information: Call 907-424-5756
February 1-3, 2008 Everglades City Seafood Festival Downtown, Everglades, Florida	Seafood and Cajun festival foods, carnival rides, more than 150 arts and crafts booths, music. Please do not bring coolers and do leave pets safely at home when you come to enjoy the festival. There is no admission charge. Get Details: Call 239-695-4100
February 1-3, 2008 Carolina Chocolate Festival Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City, North Carolina	Now in its 58th year, this festival gives everyone the opportunity to indulge in the Champagne & Truffles Party, the Chocolate Sunday Brunch, Chocolate Spa Night and more. There will be cooking demos, a festival dinner, professional baking contests, bingo, festival merchandise, drawings for prizes and entertainment. Find Out More: Call 877-848-4976
February 1-3, 2008 Hudson Hot Air Affair various venues, Hudson, Wisconsin	Pancake breakfast Sunday from 7:30am-noon, smoosh board competition, museum displays, dart tournament, pet costume contest, Mardi Gras Festival, horseshoe tournament, chili cookoff on Sunday from 2-4:30pm, art activities for kids, candlelight skiing and a hike, snow volleyball, karaoke, early morning balloon launches and night balloon glows (subject to weather conditions), dances, arts and crafts, torchlight parade, bingo, fireworks, geocaching info. It's the event's 19th year. Questions? Call 715-381-2050 or 800-657-6775-
February 1-10, 2008 Carrot Festival Downtown, Holtville, California	Plans for this 61st year include a 5K/1-mile run, Carrot Festival Cookery Contests, a parade Feb. 9 at 10am, arts and crafts, carnival, pageant, golf tournament, classic car & tractor show, banquet, student art show, barbecue in Holt Park, food booths with plenty of opportunities to try new tastes with carrots. Further Information: Call 760-356-2923
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February 1-10, 2008 Ely Winter Festival various venues, Ely, Minnesota	Pool tournament, Mukluk Ball, watercolor classes, community college open house, ArtWalk, ski race, ski jouring demo, radar snowmobile run, snow carving and snow sculptures, arts and crafts on Feb. 2, wolf howling contest, museum fundraising dinner and silent auction, snowshoe trips to the Hegman Pictograhs, spaghetti feed, reading fair, dog sled rides, wine tasting, music, Snowbear (rolled snow sculptures) Contest. Some events may have separate ticketing and/or require registration/reservations. Additional Details: Call 218-365-6123 or 800-777-1281
February 2, 2008 Ice & Snow Festival Downtown, Keene, New Hampshire	Hot drinks and food, ice carvers, Snowman Central, snow sculpture, activities for the kids, entertainment, horse drawn wagon rides. Festival hours are 10am-4pm. Learn More: Call 603-352-1303
February 2, 2008 Sniegfest Downtown, Gilman, Wisconsin	This 8th year you can enjoy horse drawn sleigh rides, snow sculptures, a torchlight parade, scavenger hunt, blind snowmobile races, Polish sausages and similar treats, contests, ice bowling. Many events take place at Village Park. Information: Call 715-447-8285
February 2, 2008 Groundhog Day Celebration St. Albert the Great Catholic Parish at 2420 St. Albert the great Dr., Sun Prairie, Wisconsin	Community breakfast from 7:30-11am, games, vendors with groundhog memorabilia, birthday party for humans with a Feb. 2 birthday, entertainment. Jimmy, the local groundhog performs his yearly duty in forecasting the weather for locals and visitors to Sun Prairie. Further Details: Call 608-837-4547 or 800-400-6162
February 2-3, 2008 Tent City Days Downtown, Wrangell, Alaska	Revisit the history of the Gold Rush Days with storytelling, a dress ball, contests, fashion show, theatre, golf tournament, arts and crafts. Learn More: Call 907-874-3901 or 800-367-9745
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February 2-3, 2008 Frostbite Follies various venues, Fergus Falls, Minnesota	Pancake breakfast on Feb. 3 from 8am-1pm at the YMCA, Better Living Show at Westridge Mall, pageant (held ahead of festival on Feb. 1), vaudeville show, chili cookoff, craft show at the Armory from 9am-3pm, snow-related events and more. Questions? Call 218-736-6951
February 2-3, 2008 Chocolate Lovers Festival various venues, Fairfax, Virginia	Historic reenactments, chocolate vendors, child fingerprinting, pancake breakfast (with chocolate chip pancakes available) Feb. 2 from 8am-1pm, bake sale, arts and crafts, raffle, activities for kids, Taste of Chocolate at Old Town Hall, Chocolate Challenge of cake and chocolate art (plus a silent auction of donated cakes), Chocolate Caper mock trial, rainforest presentation, storytelling, circus acts festival merchandise for sale, historic houses open to the public. Get The Facts: Call 703-385-1661
February 2-3, 2008 Iola Winter Carnival Old car showgrounds on Jenson Dr., Iola, Wisconsin	Raffle, ski jumping, Badger State Winter Games, lutefish supper (with other Norwegian dishes), music, ice fishing derby, cross-country ski race, ice sculpting. Find Out More: Call 715-445-4000
February 8-9, 2008 Chocolate Festival Copper Village on E. Commercial, Anaconda, Montana	This is a wee bit more commercial than some festivals, but the result is that you get free chocolates. The local merchants are under orders to give away chocolates that weekend and any merchant caught not doing so will have a fine levied on them by a good-humored constable. The fine goes to charity, so someone wins in the end, no matter what happens. But in the meantime, you'll get to taste and enjoy treats. There will also be merchant specials, a quilt exhibit, bake sale, children's Valentine Box Contest and more. Festival hours are 10am-4pm both days. Questions? Call 406-563-2422
February 8-9, 2008 Wintergrdy Deacon Mills Park, Green Lake, Wisconsin	Volley tournament, entertainment, food and beverage vendors, basketball, ice fishing, pageant, activities for kids, ice bowling, ice golf, soup making contest, ice carving, carriage rides, medallion hunt. Learn More: Call 920-294-3231 or 800-253-7354
February 8-9, 2008 Cruiserfest Downtown, Minocqua, Wisconsin	Raffle, lighted snowmobile parade Friday at 6:15pm, brat & chili feed, pancake breakfast Sat from 8-11am, rides on demo snowmobiles, plenty of hot food, bonfire, silent auction, snowmobile radar runs, arts and crafts, evening DJ and dancing. It's the festival's 8th season. Get The Facts: Call 715-356-3375 or 715-727-4082
February 8-10, 2008 Homer Winter Carnival various venues, Homer, Alaska	This 52nd year plans include a parade, festival foods, prizes, entertainment and fireworks. Additional Details: Call 907-235-7740
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February 8-10, 2008 Fish Creek Winter Festival Clark Park (and other venues), Fish Creek, Wisconsin	Door County Idol Contest, snow sculpture contest, games, cooking contests, minnow races, football toss, food, art, kite flying and more. It's the festival's 21st year. Details: Call 920-868-2316 or 800-577-1880
February 9, 2008 Chocolate Festival Community Center at 61 Water St., Fairfield, Maine	Clowns, face painting, entertainment from local talent, lots of chocolate treats. Learn More: Call 207-453-6516 or 207-453-7911
February 9-10, 2008 Winterrest Festival Upper McCullock Blvd, Lake Havasu, Arizona	Festival foods, entertainment, arts and crafts, vendors, activities for kids, and more during this 23rd year. Questions? Call 928-855-4115
February 9-10, 2008 Cabin Fever Festival Fairgrounds, Frederick, Maryland	Juried artists show and sell their work in several heated buildings and heated tents from 10am-6pm on Friday and Saturday (10am-5pm on Sunday). Enjoy other fun such as decorating ideas, musical entertainment, demos and festival foods. This event has an admission charge. Get The Facts: Call 301-896-5466
February 9-10, 2008 Mid-Winterfest Community Center (and other venues), Apple Valley, Minnesota	The festival celebrates its 31st year with music, volleyball, bingo, snow tube races, a senior center open house, jigsaw puzzle contest, table tennis tournament, games, a hayride, ice carving demos, indoor miniature golf, free throw contest, ice skating, marshmallow roast, checkers tournament, cribbage tournament, face painting, video arcade, chicken wing eating contest, drawings for prizes, medallion hunt, giant inflatable houses for the kids. Most events are accessible by buying and showing the festival button. Further Details: Call 952-953-2300
February 9-10 2008 Winter Festival various venues, Cedarburg, Wisconsin	This 43th year the festival sports a pirate theme. Enjoy the Iceburg Open Golf Tournament, dog weight pulling contest, activities for kids, parade on Washington Street, art on display, hayrides, barrel racing, festival foods, bed races on ice, pancake breakfast Sun. at the Community Center from 8-11am, beer and gaming (sans kids) on Sat. night. Info: Call 262-377-3981 or 262-377-5856
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 15-17, 2008 Dexter Winter Festival various venues, Dexter, Maine	Two years ago Dexter struggled through a lack of snow, but last year's festival had plenty. So off they go again for 2008, with lots of snowmobile events and other snow-related fun. This year's theme is "Children's Storybook Characters". Find Out More: Call 207-924-3057
February 15-17, 2008 Shanty Days various venues downtown, Caseville, Michigan	In its 16th year the festival offers music and dancing, high school alumni basketball, Cold Butt Euchre, pool tournament, magic show, snowman making contest in Township Park, Texas Hold-Em Tournament, Family Pet Fashion Parade, face painting, Potty Trotty (race of outhouses set on skis), drawings for prizes, warming site with hot chocolate and hot coffee, beer tent, food stand, ice fishing contest, chili cooking contest, broomball, kids' snow soccer, scavenger hunt. Additional Details: Call 989-856-3818 or 800-606-1347
February 15-17, 2008 International Eelpout Festival City Park and other venues, Walker, Minnesota	Eelpout Peelout 5K Run, Polar Plunge, eelpout angling contest, fish dinners, other festival foods, festival merchandise, Eeelpout 500 On-Ice Auto Race, Eelpout Olympics, rugby match, possibly snowmobile events. Some events are held subject to weather conditions. It's the festival's 29th year. Questions? Call 320-259-6010 or 800-833-1118
February 15-18, 2008 Cloverdale Citrus Fair Citrus Fairgrounds, Cloverdale, California	This 116th year carries a theme of "Salute to Agriculture". Enjoy entertainment, citrus exhibits, photography contests, pageant, arts and crafts, livestock displays, a carnival. You can also view sculptures made of limes, lemons and oranges. Further Details: Call 707-894-3982
February 15-18, 2008 Whiskey Flat Days various venues, Kernville, California	Activities for kids, historical exhibits, carnival rides, rodeo events, festival merchandise, historic encampments and demonstrations, arts and crafts, food vendors, music, parade and more. The festival is celebrating its 53rd year in 2008. Info: Call 760-376-2629 or 866-KERNVILLE
February 15-24, 2008 The Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival County Fairgrounds, Indio, California	Nightly Arabian Nights pageant, art (and other) activities for kids, grand parade on Feb. 18 at 10am, Bull-O-Rama, plenty of date treats, food concessions, monster trucks, blessing of the dates, Fiesta del Charro, livestock auctions, ostrich races, petting zoo, demolition derby, carnival and more. More: Call 760-863-8247 or 800-811-FAIR
February 16-17, 2008 I.C.E. Festival Lakeside Park, Mayville, New York	Snowmobile rides, arts and crafts, fireworks, food concessions, activities for children, musical entertainment. Plus, you can enjoy (with Mother Nature's assistance) a castle of ice constructed with ice taken from Chautauqua Lake. It's the festival's 20th year of fun. Get Details: Call 716-753-3113
February 16-17, 2008 Klondike Days Eagle River High School area, Eagle River, Wisconsin	Lumberjack competition, living history encounters, arts and crafts, chainsaw carving competition, horse weight pull, cultural expo, musical entertainment, food. Please leave pets safely at home when you come to enjoy this 18th year. Further Information: Call 800-259-6315
February 16-18, 2008 Bryce Canyon Winter Festival Ruby's Inn, Bryce, Utah	Enjoy guided snowshoe tours and snowshoe races, cross-country ski racing and ski tours, snow sculpture contests, activities for kids, an archery clinic and competition, entertainment, kayaking demos, photo contest. Most events are free. The weather can change rapidly in Bryce Canyon, so remember to stay flexible in your choice of events. Learn More: Call 435-834-5341 or 866-866-6616
February 21-24, 2008 Snow Rondi various venues downtown, Anchor Point, Alaska	Auction, activities for kids, parade, bazaar, snowmachine races, snowshoe softball, pool tournament. Get The Facts: Call 907-235-2600
February 22-23, 2008 Grumpy Old Men Days various venues, Wabasha, Minnesota	If you remember the movie you'll appreciate this festival with its ice fishing contest, cribbage tournament, bingo, pet pageant, Raghetti's Spaghetti Feed, softball tournament, entertainment and a stretch raffle. Find Out More: Call 651-565-4158
February 22-24, 2008 George Fest Ferran Park, Eustis, Florida	Drawings for prizes, Citrus Squeeze Contest, entertainment, bed races, celebrity hot dog eating contest, grand parade, Dog Jog, fireworks, canoe/kayak races, food booths, classic car cruise-in. Further Information: Call 352-357-3434
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February 22-23, 2008 Land of Leather Days Community Center, Yoakum, Texas	BBQ hut, merchant specials, leather factory tours, arts and crafts, food booths, CASI Chili Cookoff, music and dance. The carnival opens one evening early. Questions? Call 361-293-2309
February 22-24, 2008 Almond Blossom Festival Community Center on W. 4th St., Ripon, California	Fashion show, bake sale, carnival (opens early), 4H pie sell, diaper derby, Blossom Fun Run at 8:30am on Saturday, parade down Main Street at 11am on Feb. 23, breakfast at the Grange Hall (827 Ripona) Feb. 23 from 6-10am, pancake breakfast at the VFW Hall (12544 W. Ripon Rd.) Feb. 24 from 8am-noon, golf tournament, dance, spaghetti dinner (comes a day before other events, on Feb. 21, at 5:30pm.) This is the festival's 46th year. Get Details: Call 209-599-7519
February 22-24, 2008 Swamp Cabbage Festival Barron Park, LaBelle, Florida	Bike show, armadillo races, rodeo, lawnmower races, arts and crafts, parade on Feb. 23 at 10am, fishing tournament, entertainment, food. Further Information: Call 863-675-2995
February 22-24, 2008 Maine Winterfest & Ice Derby Point Sebago Resort on Rt. 302, Caasco, Maine	Ice Cube Lounge, games, ice fishing derby, snow and ice carvings, entertainment, motorcyle ice racing, activities for kids, Ice Mall, food and more. Find Out More: Call 207-655-3821br>
February 22-March 2, 2008 Anchorage Fur Rendezvous various venues, Anchorage, Alaska	This event is also called Fur Rondy. Enjoy helicopter rides, an oyster shucking contest, stamp show & sale, reindeer races, The Running of the Reindeer, ice bowling, dog weight pull, state fur and hide auctions, arts and crafts, multi-tribal gathering, pony rides, snowshoe softball, carnival, outhouse races, photo contest, dog sled info and demos, dog sled races, a melodrama, snow sculptures, parade Feb. 23 at 10:30am, pancake breakfasts. Further Information: Call 907-274-1177
February 23-24, 2008 Grant Seafood Festival Community Center, Grant, Florida	This 42nd year of fun includes musical entertainment, more than 100 arts and crafts booths, radio personalities visiting and DJ broadcasts from the festival, seafood dishes and other festival treats, library book sale, civic displays, festival merchandise. There is no charge to park and no admission fee. Get The Facts: Call 321-723-8687
February 24, 2008 Capay Valley Almond Festival various venues, Esparto, California	Pancake breakfast, arts and crafts, BBQ, petting zoo, farmer's market, entertainment, classic cars and more. The festival also holds events in other towns, including Rumsey, Capay, Brooks, Guidna and Madison. Further Information: Call 530-787-3242
February 28-March 4, 2008 BorderFest Dodge Arena, Hidalgo, Texas	Many stages of entertainment, parade, cultural displays, drawings for prizes, pageants, arts and crafts, festival foods. The theme of this 31st celebration is a focus on China. Details Call 956-843-2302 or 956-843-2734
February 29-March 9, 2008 Tahoe Snow Festival various venues, Tahoe City, California	Back for a 27th year, this festival brings events such as snow sculpture contests, a ski challenge, parades, an ice cream eating contest, sushi eating contest, poker, spaghetti feed, wine tasting, pancake breakfasts on March 1 and March 8, dog pull, tricycle races, school science expo, Bar Game Olympics, art activities for kids, Mardi Gras Party, a luau buffet and the Tahoe Tots Disco Dance. Questions? Call 530-583-7167
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. 1-3 Two Rivers Renaissance Faire, 10-6, West Wetland Park, Yuma, Arizona Feb. 2 Mardi Gras Parade & Festival, 4:30pm, Main St., Jennings, Louisiana, 337-821-5532 Feb. 2 For the Love of Chocolate Festival, County Community Center on Lafayette Rd., Medina, Ohio, 330-723-4565 Feb. 2 Chocolate Lovers Fling, Grand Center at 182 N. 500 W., Moab, Utah, 435-259-23225 Feb. 2 Sno-Gypsies Winter Fest, N16243 Lakeshore Dr. on Butter Lake, Butternut, Wisconsin, 715-789-3001 Feb. 7-10 Seminole Tribal Fair (37th), Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida, 954-347-1838 Feb. 7-10 Winter Carnival, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire Feb. 7-20 SF Independent Film Festival, San Francisco, California, 415-820-3907 Feb. 8-10 Delray Beach Garlic Festival (9th), Downtown, Delray Beach, Florida, 561-279-0907 Feb. 8-10 Tulsa Indian Arts Festival, Tulsa Event Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 918-838-3875 or 918-388-5318 Feb. 9 Roaring Twenties (Arts & Crafts) Festival (25th), 9-4, Downtown, Lake City, Florida, 386-755-1097 Feb. 9 South Texas Ranching Heritage Days, grounds of John E. Conner Museum, Kingsville, Texas, 361-583-2810 Feb. 9-10 Speckled Perch Festival (40th), Okeechobee, Florida, 863-763-6464 Feb. 15-16 Olustee Battle Festival, Marion Street Downtown, Lake City, Florida, 386-755-1097 Feb. 15-17 Yuma Crossing River Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, Main St., Yuma, Arizona, 928-782-5712 Feb. 15-18 Water Fall Ice Festival (10th), Cody, Wyoming, 307-527-4326 Feb. 16-17 Oregon Asian Celebration, Lane County Fairgrounds, Eugene, Oregon, 541-687-9600 or 541-682-7332 Feb. 16-17 Penn's Wood West Folk & Art Festival (22nd), 10-4,                    Mercer High School on W. Butler St., Mercer, Pennsylvania, 724-662-4185 Feb. 17 Winter Carnivale, 10-5, Downtown, Chester, Connecticut, 860-759-9494 Feb. 23 Heritage Arts Festival, 10-4, Old Courthouse, Monroeville, Alabama, 251-575-7433 or 2511-575-3359 Feb. 23-24 & March 1-2 Maple Syrup Festival, 321 Garrison Hollow Rd., Salem, Indiana, 812-967-4491 or 877-641-8851 Feb. 24-March 2 Charro Days (71st), various venues, Brownsville, Texas, 956-542-4245 Feb. 29-March 2 Danville Heritage Festival, High School, Danville, Kentucky, 859-238-6223 or 800-755-0076
Other February 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
Feb. 1 Duct Tape Ball, Marriott Downtown, Anchorage, Alaska, 907-646-8600 Feb. 2 Chocolate Fest (11th), 5-8pm, County Convention Center on College Ave., Bloomington, Indiana, 800-875-9615 Feb. 2 Lutefisk & Meatball Dinner, Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Westby, Wisconsin, 608-634-3415 Feb. 2-3 Arti Gras, Shopko Hall, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 920-435-5220 Feb. 2-3 Orchid Quest (21st), 10-5 & 10-4, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wisconsin, 608-238-1939 Feb. 2-3 Antique Sporting & Collectible Show, 9-4 & 9-2, Sunnyview Expo Center, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 920-337-0113 Feb. 2-10 Southern California Boat Show, Convention Center, Los Angeles, California, 714-633-7581 Feb. 2-10 Philadelphia International Auto Show, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 215-418-4989 Feb. 3 Hearts & Art, 11-3, Library at 601 S. Bench, Galena, Illinois, 815-777-0200 Feb. 8-9 New Hampshire Farm & Forest Expo, Radisson Hotel on Elm St., Manchester, New Hampshire, 603-271-3788 Feb. 8-10 Hillsborough Antiques Show, San Mateo Expo Center, San Mateo, California, 650-574-3247 Feb. 9 Dummy Jump, Big Sky Resort on Hwy. 191, Big Sky, Montana, 406-995-5887 or 800-548-4486 Feb. 9-10 Craft Show, 9am-5pm, Town Hall, Julian, California, 760-765-1857 Feb. 9-10 Special Olympics Wisconsin State Winter Sports Tournament, Wausau, Wisconsin, 608-222-1324 Feb. 14-17 Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, 10-6 & 10-5, Convention Center, Tucson, Arizona, 520-322-5773 Feb. 14-17 Milwaukee RV & Camping Trailer Show, State Fair Park, West Allis, Wisconsin, 414-463-7640 Feb. 15-17 California International Antiquarian Book Fair (41st),                    Hyatt Regency (2025 Avenue of the Stars), Los Angeles, California, 310-277-2000 or 310-551-3355 Feb. 15-17 Creative Festival, San Mateo Expo Center, San Mateo, California, 775-856-3224 Feb. 15-17 Home & Garden Show, Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida, 850-432-0800 Feb. 15-17 Jewelry, Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show,                    Community Center at 111 S. Geyer, Kirkwood, Missouri, 618-830-8471 or 618-973-7222 Feb. 15-17 Show-Me Missouri International Film Festival, downtown, Springfield, Missouri, 417-862-2787 ext. 40 Feb. 16-17 Mad City Model Railroad Show & Sale (41st), 9-5, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wisconsin, 608-835-3148 Feb. 17 Spam Festival, 10-4, Isleton Joe's & Delta Daze Inn, Isleton, California, 916-777-5880 Feb. 18 Fairmont Fruitcake Follies, Municipal Airport, Fairmont, Minnesota, 507-235-5547 or 507-238-4573 Feb. 20-24 Utah Boat Show, Towne Expo Center, Salt Lake City, Utah Feb. 20-24 Northwest Flower & Garden Show, Convention Center at 7th & Pike, Seattle, Washington, 206-789-5333 Feb. 22-24 Arkansas Flower & Garden Show, Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock, Arkansas, 501-821-4000 Feb. 22-24 Craft & Scrapbooking Fair, South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm, Florida, 386-860-0092 Feb. 22-24 Gem & Mineral Show, State Fairgrounds, Jackson, Mississippi, 601-956-9997 Feb. 22-28 WonderCon 2008, Moscone Center South, San Francisco, California, 6191-491-2475 Feb. 23 Annual Bar-b-que (33rd), 11-4, Volunteer Fire Dept. Station 9 at 2300 Longview Ct., Sebring, Florida, 863-471-5344 Feb. 23 Strasburg Fire Co. Mud Sale, 8am, 46 W. Main St., Strasburg, Pennsylvania, 717-687-7323 Feb. 23 Cotton Pickin' Quilt Show, 10-4, Munday Elementary School, Munday, Texas, 940-422-4540 Feb. 23-24 Depression Era Glass Show, 9-5 & 10-4, State Fairgrounds, Little Rock, Arkansas, 501-375-0435 or 501-868-4964 Feb. 23-24 Unique Animal Expo & Pet Fair (29th), County Fairgrounds, Hillsboro, Oregon, 503-717-8484 Feb. 24-27 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games, various venues, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 800-235-9058 Feb. 28-March 2 Nashville Lawn & Garden Show, State Fairgrounds, Nashville, Tennessee, 615-876-7680 Feb. 29-March 2 Gem Faire, Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa, California, 760-747-9215 Feb. 29-March 2 Central Illinois Recreational Show, Civic Center, Peoria, Illinois, 309-692-6465 Feb. 29-March 2 Rhode Island RV, Camping Show, Convention Center, Providence, Rhode Island, 800-332-3976 Feb. 29, March 1-2 Hostlers Model Railroad Festival 2008, Union Station, Ogden, Utah, 801-394-4952
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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: 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.

If you have been enjoying a particular frequent travel program and you'd like to give them kudos you might like to vote for them at the web site for The Freddie Awards.
A great public garden in Alaska? You bet. Georgeson Botanical Garden in Fairbanks offers self-guided tours, classes and specialty focus on growing peonies.		Yahoo! Groups you many not have heard of yet: Log Cabins Online Garage Sales Penturners Doing Home Work
With the high cost of heating, lots of us have been turning down the thermostat this winter. If you d\o this you can compensate a bit by layering your clothing and even wearing a hat. And do be careful about making your home too airtight in winter. You may be shutting in allergens, toxins or hot, dry air that can affect lung functionality.

Send Deb email: deb@lightpatch.com

Last Updated February 4, 2008

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