Deb's Monthly Review

July 2005

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

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

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Special Quotation "If we knew each other's secrets, what comforts we should find." --John Churton Collins

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!

	The Artsy Site Of The Month: COLOURlovers Mingle with designers and see what colors are hot.		Handy Site Of The Month: Trip Gas Price Calculations (from AAA) on How Much That Road Trip Will Cost
	Just Fun Site Of The Month: Togy Ball Your opponent is really fast and shows no mercy.		Scientific/Technical Site Of The Month: SnakeRobots.com The sidewinder is especially impressive.

Buy great spices at great prices

July 2005 Festivals and Events

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

July 1-4, 2005 Green River Catfish Festival City Park, Morgantown, Kentucky	Games for kids, fishing tournament, arts and crafts, carnival, entertainment, square dancing, quilt show. Questions: Call 270-526-6827
July 1-4, 2005 First Town Days Festival Tuscora Park, New Philadelphia, Ohio	Car show, 5K run, softball tournament, parade, car show, carnival midway, talent show, food. Further Information: Call 330-343-6814
July 1-4, 2005 National Tom Sawyer Days Historic downtown, Hannibal, Missouri	Frog jumping contest, Hucklebeary Fun Run, back seat driver contest, raft races, Hannibal Cannibal 10K/5K run and 5K walk, National Fence Painting Contest, Mississippi Mud Volleyball, beer tent, food booths kids' casting contest, horseshoe tournament, bingo, tricycle races, entertainment, arts and crafts. The festival is celebrating its 50th year. Details: Call 573-221-2477
July 1-4, 2005 Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival Twin Lakes Park, Greensburg, Pennsylvania	More than 100,000 are expected to attend this event, which runs from 11am-8pm. More than 200 artisans show their work, plus you can enjoy entertainment on 4 stages. There are activities for the kids in the crowd. And how about trying some deep-fried strudel, sausage sandwiches or vegetarian wraps? Questions: Call 724-834-7474
July 1-4, 2005 Basque Festival Downtown (and other venues), Elko, Nevada	Weightlifting, Running From The Bulls, street dance, 5K run, handball, parade, chorizo eating contest, sheepherder's bread baking contest, golf tournament, picnic. Some events may be ticketed separately. Learn More: Call 775-738-3418.
July 2-4, 2005 Fair St. Louis Riverfront, St. Louis, Missouri	Air shows, fireworks, storytelling, entertainment, message for U.S. troops overseas, entertainment, food. Get Further Information: Call 314-982-1410.
July 2-4, 2005 Arts, Crafts & Food Festival Ewing Park, Ellwood, Pennsylvania	Chainsaw art (which is auctioned off later), 10K run (on July 2), more than 200 arts and crafts booths, fireworks, entertainment, 30 food booths. Questions: Call 724-758-3115 or 724-758-5630
July 2-4, 2005 Fair of Life Festival of Arts and Crafts Extraordinaire Wheeler Park, Flagstaff, Arizona	This event is a fundraiser for Northland Hospice. Enjoy classic cars on display, art and science activities for kids, prize drawings, 10K race, 2-mile run walk/run, entertainment, more than 100 artisans showing their work and plenty of festival foods such as Mexican dishes and burgers. There is no admission charge. Further Details: Call 928-779-1227.
July 2-6, 2005 Summer Motion Riverfront & Central Park, Ashland, Kentucky	Arts and crafts, classic car show, 10K race (July 2), parade (July 4), health screenings, entertainment, pageant, soap box derby, activities for kids, carnival, fireworks (July 4). Questions: Call 606-329-1007
July 2-9, 2005 National Cherry Festival various venues, Traverse City, Michigan	Carnival, cherry pit spitting contest, hole-in-one competition, parade, lumberjack show, arts and crafts, air show, bingo, Bigwheel race, pageants, dock dog jumping, ice cream social, entertainment, swing dance lessons, seniors' euchre tournament, volleyball, orchard tours, wine tasting, cherry pancake breakfast, sand sculpture contest, picnic. Additional Information: Call 231-947-4230
July 2-10, 2005 Kutztown Festival Fairgrounds, Kutztown, Pennsylvania	More than 2500 quilts on sale plus a quilt auction, activities for kids, Pennsylvania Dutch foods, folklore and crafts displays, cake walk, reenactment of a 19th century hanging, country auction, entertainment on 5 stages, more. Questions: Call 888-674-6136.
July 4-9, 2005 Blackberry Festival Courthouse Square, Carlisle, Kentucky	Street dance, carnival, parade, food, fireworks. Further Details: Call 859-289-2384
July 4-9, 2005 Watermelon Festival unknown venue(s), Saline, Louisiana	Rodeo, arts and crafts, food booths, street dance, pageant, treasure hunt, activities for kids. Find Out More: Call 318-576-9089
July 4-10, 2005 Spring Ho Festival W.M. Brook Park, Lampasas, Texas	Dancing, washer pitching tournament, pageant, hayloft party, BBQ cook-off, fireworks, races, activities for kids, carnival, Gospel night, arts and crafts, food. Questions: Call 512-556-5301
July 6-9, 2005 Ohio Hills Folk Festival unknown venue(s), Quaker City, Ohio	Mile-long parade, pet show, fireworks, flea market, car show, arts and crafts, food, 5K run, entertainment, carnival rides. Learn More: Call 740-679-2704.
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.
July 6-9, 2005 Slugburger Festival Historic downtown, Corinth, Mississippi	In its 18th year, the festival includes the fun of arts and crafts, carnival rides and games, entertainment and plenty of food. Go ahead and have a slugburger. I'm told deep-fried and crunchy is the best style. Don't worry. You won't get any real slugs in your burger! Information: Call 662-287-1550 or 877-347-0545.
July 7-9, 2005 Diller Picnic Downtown, Diller, Nebraska	The community of Diller is celebrating its Quasquicentennial (125th year), and the picnic adds to the fun with a street dance, Mud Drags, bingo, pasture golf, entertainment, tractor pull, bingo, parade, food and more. Additional Details: Call 402-793-5991
July 7-9, 2005 Pioneer Days Downtown, Marlinton, West Virginia	It's the 39th year for this one and they're having a great time with arts and crafts, horse and buggy rides, old-time music, a parade, games and food. Learn More: Call 800-336-7009
July 7-10, 2005 Caribou Festival various venues, Caribou, Maine	Fly-In, bean supper, ice cream sundaes, strawberry baking contest, golf tournament, carnival, prizes, display of antique tractors and farm equipment, arts and crafts, internation foods, planetarium show, antique tractor parade, hay rides, entertainment, more. Further Details: Call 207-227-6611 or 800-722-7648
July 7-10, 2005 Moxie Festival Main Street area, Lisbon Falls, Maine	Fireman's Muster, trivia contest, entertainment, chicken BBQ, penny scramble, games for the kids, recipe contest, fireworks, bed races, canoe race, car show, 5K race, pancake breakfast and food vendors with treats such as sausage subs, french fries and ice cream. Information: Call 207-783-2249
July 8-10, 2005 Catfish Days Central Park, Trempealeau, Wisconsin	Arts and crafts, fishing tournament, BBQ flea market, fireworks, parade, breakfasts, Catfish 50 Bike Tour and more. It's the 33rd year for this event. Further Details: Call 419-592-1786
July 8-10, 2005 Washington Parish Watermelon Festival Cassidy Park, Bogalusa, Louisiana	I believe they've moved the festival from Franklinton to Bogalusa this year. I'm unsure of dates. It's possible that it's being held the first weekend in July. Please call the folks at this (or any other) festival before you travel. Additional Information: Call 985-839-7855 or 985-839-3094
July 8-10, 2005 Byron Fest Downtown, Byron, Illinois	Fun run, parade, softball, carnival midway, arts and crafts, gospel music, car show, activities for kids, beer garden, entertainment, food. Questions: Call 815-234-5500
July 8-10, 2005 Niagara Pirate Festival Krull Park, Olcott, New York	Pirate-themed entertainment, games and rides, music, parade, food. More: Call 716-778-8942
July 8-10, 2005 Turkey Days various venues, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota	Library book sale, flea market, food, turkey races, classic cars, entertainment and more. Questions: Call 218-863-1221
July 8-10, 2005 River Raisin Festival Ellis and Bachmayer Parks, Blissfield, Michigan	Classic cars, entertainment on 3 stages, fireworks (Friday), tractor pulls, the Un-Boat Race (Sunday), activities for kids, parade, carnival, food vendors, arts and crafts and more. Further Details: Call 517-486-3642
July 8-10, 2005 Strawberry Festival various venues, Vashon Island, Washington	Now in its 88th year, this festival breaks out the fun with a BBQ, Fun Run, pancake breakfast, street dances, festival merchandise, classic cars, a beer garden, music and plenty of food. Additional Information: Call 206-463-6217.
July 8-17, 2005 Maine Potato Blossom Festival various venues, Fort Fairfield, Maine	Parade, antique farm equipment displays, road race, clowns, . Learn More: Call 903-237-4040.
July 9, 2005 Parker County Peach Festival Courthouse Square Weatherford, Texas	Entertainment, more than 200 arts and crafts booths, activities for kids, food court, fresh peaches for sale, and plenty of treats such as peach ice cream and cobbler. Kids 12 and under get in free with an adult. The festival runs from 8am-5pm. Get Details: Call 888-594-3801
July 9-10, 2005 Taste of Buffalo Delaware Avenue area, Buffalo, New York	More than 55 restaurants dish up some tasting-size portions of foods. There will be an area of activities for kids, plus you can enjoy 4 stages of entertainment. Learn More: Call 716-685-9888
July 9-10, 2005 Choochokam Langley Festival of the Arts Whidbey Island Center, Langley, Washington	Enjoy some 200 booths of arts and crafts, music, dance (and other entertainment) and plenty of food. Additional Information: Call 360-221-6765
July 9-10, 2005 Los Altos Art & Wine Festival Main & State Street, Los Altos, California	More than 100,000 are expected to attend this event where almost 450 artisans show and sell their wares. You can park at the high school and take a shuttle to the festival area. Enjoy 3 stages of entertainment, food booths, beer and wine and a special area for the kids' enjoyment. Questions: Call 650-917-9799.
July 9-10, 2005 Heritage Days Old Constitution House, Windsor, Vermont	Old-fashioned board games, Victorian tea party, pony rides for the kids, historic encampments, re-enactors, tours of historic homes, library book sale, Cavalcade of Horses, horse-drawn carriage rides, crafts and more. All are encouraged (but not required) to come in historic costume. The festival runs from 10am-4pm both days and is celebrating its 7th year. Learn More: Call 802-674-5910.
July 10, 2005 Catsup Bottle Summerfest Downtown on Main Street, Collinsville, Illinois	Big Bottle Bike Ride, crafts, classic cars, water balloon toss, drawings for prizes, entertainment, Hula Hoop competition, Brooks Tangy Catsup Taste Test, old-fashioned party games, festival foods, and birthday cake to celebrate the World's Largest Catsup Bottle turning 56. Questions: Call 618-345-5598
July 10-17, 2005 Sinclair Lewis Days unknown venue(s), Sauk Centre, Minnesota	Pageant, battle of the bands, flea market, softball, Heart of the Lakes Bike Tour, treasure hunt, crafts, parade, fireworks. Additional Information: Call 320-352-5201.
July 13-16, 2005 Wyandotte Street Art Fair Biddle Avenue area, Wyandotte, Michigan	It's the event's 44th year and more than 350 artists and craftspeople will have booths for you to browse. Enjoy entertainment, local merchant specials, activities for kids and plenty of food. Details: Call 734-324-4505.
July 14-17, 2005 Venetian Festival Lakefront, St. Joseph, Michigan	Classic cars, big band dance, wine tasting, boating events, volleyball, fireworks (Saturday night), River Run & Fitness Walk, carnival, music from REO Speedwagon, sand sculpting contest, activities for kids, food booths. Additional Information: Call 269-983-7917
July 14-17, 2005 Auburn Cornfest Downtown on Main Street, Auburn, Michigan	Softball and volleyball tournaments, entertainment, dancing, tractor pull, arts and crafts, flea market, food (including fresh sweet corn). Further Details: Call 989-662-4001.
July 14-17, 2005 People's Choice Festival of Pennsylvania Arts & Crafts Military Museum (on Rt. 322), Boalsburg, Pennsylvania	Arts and crafts, entertainment, activities for kids, and festival foods such as egg rolls, veggie wraps, BBQ and fries. Find Out More: Call 434-636-4387
July 15-16, 2005 California Peach Festival Historic downtown, Marysville, California	5K run/walk, peaches and pancake breakfast, 4 stages of entertainment, fresh peaches for sale, activities for kids, arts and crafts and plenty of peach desserts and other foods. Additional Information: Call 530-671-9600
July 15-16, 2005 Raspberry Festival various venues, Lynden, Washington	Pancake breakfast, Raspberry Run/walk, a Raspberry Jam, sidewalk sale, croquet tournament, farm tours, wine tasting. Learn More: Call 360-354-5995
July 15-17, 2005 Yarmouth Clam Festival unknown venue(s), Yarmouth, Maine	Blueberry pancake breakfast, carnival, fireworks, postal cancellations, bike race, clam shucking competition, more than 125 arts and crafts booths, firefighters muster, parade, entertainment, karaoke. It's the festival's 40th year and there's a lot to see and do. Replenish your energy with festival treats such as seafood, burgers, fajitas and blueberry crisp. Additional Details: Call 920-336-6123
July 15-17, 2005 Somerfest Downtown, Somerset, Pennsylvania	Local class reunions, magic shows, youth talent night, entertainment, festival foods. Questions: Call 814-443-2433
July 15-17, 2005 Watermelon Festival various venue(s), Pageland, South Carolina	Arts and crafts, cooking contest, entertainment, hot air balloon rides, carnival rides, commercial vendors, Melon Mile Relay, pageant, rodeo and more. Further Information: Call 843-672-6400
July 16, 2005 Burgerfest Main Street area, Hamburg, New York	Arts and crafts, games for kids, Taste of Hamburg food court, Hula Hoop contest, entertainment, burger eating contest, beer tent, car show. Get Details: Call 716-649-7917
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July 16, 2005 Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival County Fairgrounds, Walla Walla, Washington	In its 21st year, the event features onion grower contests, an onion recipe contest, onion art contest, games for kids, blues music, cooking demos, entertainment, information on the history of onions and more. Learn More: Call 509-525-1031
July 16, 2005 Mollyockett Day Downtown, Bethel, Maine	Duck race, fiddler contest, frog jumping, entertainment, fireworks, parade, 5 mile road race, arts and crafts, bed race, plenty of festival foods. Further Details: Call 207-824-3575
July 16, 2005 North Carolina Peach Festival Fitzgerald Park, Candor, North Carolina	Parade, games, rides, fresh peaches for sale, peaches and ice cream, entertainment (bring your lawn chairs!). Questions: Call 910-974-4221
July 16-17, 2005 Alfred Festival Days various venues, Alfred, Maine	Run for Fun, Chicken BBQ, band concert, climbing wall, parade, arts and crafts and more. Further Information: Call 207-324-5872
July 16-17, 2005 Santa Barbara French Festival Oak Park, Santa Barbara, California	Poodle Parade on Saturday, entertainment on 3 stages, a tribute to Maurice Chevalier, arts and crafts, storytelling, wines, French films, puppet shows and French specialties such as onion soup, beignets and cheeses. The festival is a non-smoking event. Hours are from 11am-7pm. It's the 18th year for this one. More: Call 800-564-7274
July 16-17, 2005 Ethnic Arts Festival Dawes Park, Evanston, Illinois	In its 20th year the festival celebrates with more than 100 countries' representations in dance, food, art, poetry and music. It runs from noon until 7pm and there is no admission charge. Get Details: Call 847-448-8260
July 16-17, 2005 San Clemente Ocean Festival San Clemente Pier, San Clemente, California	5K Beach Run, California Waterman competition, 13th annual rubber duck race, pancake breakfast, Woodie car show, fishing derby, face painting, children's pavilion, relay races, surfing competitions, water craft demonstrations, lifesaving demonstrations, swimming events, games, ocean art show, hula music and dancers. Learn More: Call 949-440-6141
July 19-23, 2005 National Baby Food Festival Downtown, Fremont, Michigan	More than 125,000 people are expected to attend this event, which features a Baby Crawl, carnival midway, Baby Food Eating Contest (for kids), Baby Food Eating Contest (for grown-ups), arts and crafts area for kids, games for kids, corporate olympics, entertainment and more. Additional Details: Call 800-592-2229
July 19-23, 2005 Plainfield Farmer's Fair Fairgrounds on Route 191, Plainfield, Pennsylvania	Celebrating its 57th year, the festival offers a watermelon eating contest, livestock and 4-H events, kiddy pedal tractor pull, demolition derby, entertainment, face/hand painting, food vendors, antique equipment display, pie eating contest, baking contest, BBQ. Please don't bring pets, coolers or backpacks. There is an admission charge for those over age 12. Remember that some events may be ticketed separately. Questions: Call 610-863-6816
July 20-23, 2005 Durbin Days various venues, Durbin, West Virginia	Fire truck parade, tug of war, entertainment, arts and crafts, classic car show, fireworks, exhibits, horseshoe tournament, carnival. Learn More: Call 304-456-4281
July 21-23, 2005 Bagelfest Peterson Park, Mattoon, Illinois	Celebrate the World's Biggest Bagel and come to the breakfast featuring bagels and all the toppings. Enjoy entertainment, a dog show, race, talent show, pageant, bingo, carnival, contests and more. Expect to mingle with a crowd of some 20,000. Further Information: Call 217-258-6286 or 800-500-6286
July 21-24, 2005 Festa Italiana Maier Festival Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin	In its 28th year the festival features nightly fireworks, opera, bocce tournaments, Zoppe Family Circus, sacred art exhibit, Italian dog show and a wealth of food, including manicotti, chicken panini, pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, Italian wines, espresso and cannoli. Questions: Call 414-223-2808
July 22-23, 2005 Mize Watermelon Festival City Park, Mize, Mississippi	Watermelon seed spitting contest, entertainment, greased watermelon race, arts and crafts, watermelon eating contest. Details: Call 601-733-2227
July 22-23, 2005 Ployes Festival unknown venue(s), Fort Kent, Maine	This is the event's 5th year and the fun is centered on a French Acadian pancake called a ploye. Enjoy a ploye cooking contest, eating contest, street bazaar, a very large ploye cooked by Bouchard Family Farms, possibly a parade, entertainment. Additional Information: Call 207-834-5354 or 800-733-3563
July 22-24, 2005 Bite of Seattle Seattle Center, Seattle, Washington	More than 60 area restaurants and more than 30 food product companies participate in this event. The kids can enjoy an area especially for them. The Comedy Club brings laughter and the 7 stages bring a variety of musical entertainment. Some of the foods you'll be able to taste include corn on the cob, Thai noodles, Tibetan spinach dumplings, gyros, BBQ meats, crepes, cheesecake and berry shortcake. Find Out More: Call 425-283-5050
July 22-24, 2005 Upper Ohio Valley Italian Festival Heritage Port, Wheeling, West Virginia	In its 23rd year the festival offers fun with a pasta exhibit, wine competition, carnival games, FunZone for kids, bingo, bocce, crafts, entertainment and more. More than a quarter of a million people typically attend this great event. The festival folks had a strange run-in with bad times recently, but the festival is scheduled to go on as planned. Proceeds help provide scholarships, so go and be supportive and have a great time doing so! Details: Call 304-233-1090
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July 22-30, 2005 Paducah Summer Festival various venues, Paducah, Kentucky	Arts and crafts, photo competition, entertainment, local merchant specials, fireworks. Events were still being added at this writing. Questions: Call 800-723-8224
July 23-24, 2005 Blueberry Festival Burnside Plantation, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania	Blueberry pie baking contest, blueberry desserts, craft demonstrations and crafts for sale, historic presentations, stories, folk music, baby farm animals and food. The event runs from 11am-7pm. Learn More: Call 610-888-5044 or 610-882-0450
July 23-24, 2005 Iron River Blueberry Festival Moon Lake Park & downtown area, Iron River, Wisconsin	Flea market, horseshoe tournament, blueberry pie eating contest, parade, polka mass, drawing for prizes, pedal tractor pull for the kids, arts and crafts, chicken BBQ, games and rides, music and more. Questions: Call 800-345-0716
July 23-30, 2005 Medina Apple Festival unknown venue(s), Medina, Texas	Solar workshop, art show, games for kids, crafts, agricultural displays, petting zoo, gospel music, gunfighter demonstrations, wool spinning, car show, talent contest, storytelling, pageant, dance, husband calling contest and entertainment on 4 stages. There will be plenty of cold apple cider and fresh apple pies.more Details: Call 830-589-7224
July 27-30, 2005 Violet Festival Victory Park, Pickerington, Ohio	Car show and bike cruise-in, carnival, entertainment, beer garden, community vendors, parade, fireworks, 5K run, arts and crafts, pageant, food. Learn More: Call 614-834-2717
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.
July 28-30, 2005 Great Texas Mosquito Festival Municipal Park, Clute, Texas	Paintball tournament, BBQ & fajita cook-off, Mr. & Mrs. Mosquito Legs Contest, Mosquito run, arts and crafts, goat roping competition, entertainment, carnival, food, Mosquito Callng Contest, haystack dive. The festival is celebrating its 25th year. Details: Call 979-265-8392 or 800-371-2171
July 28-31, 2005 Turkey Days unknown venue(s), Frazee, Minnesota	Pancake breakfast, Turkey Crawl, pet & doll parade, kids' fishing contest, biscuits and gravy breakfast, pedal tractor pull, golf scramble, Turkey Trot 5Krun/walk, street dance, turkey calling contest, pageant, soap box derby, flea market, teen dance, cupcake walk, parade, demolition derby, golf cart driving blind course and more. Details: Call 800-407-2488
July 28-31, 2005 Munger Potato Festival Community Park, Munger, Michigan	Potato sack races, carnival, kids' pedal tractor pull, chicken dinner, Mr. Potato Head Decorating Contest, free potatoes, demolition derby, entertainment, food. Some events may be ticketed separately. Find Out More: Call 989-659-3471 or 989-659-2571
July 29-30, 2005 Louisiana Watermelon Festival unknown venue(s), Farmerville, Louisiana	The festival celebrates its 42nd year with arts and crafts, a street dance, tricycle races, parade, food vendors, arm wrestling competitions, a treasure hunt, pageant and more. Additional Details: Call 318-368-0044
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July 29-31, 2005 Covington Days various venues, Covington, Washington	Celebrating its 20th year, the festival offers fun such as arts and crafts, classic cars, watermelon seed spitting contest, food booths, carnival, parade, fireworks, entertainment and more. Questions: Call 253-639-6666
July 29-31, 2005 Blueberry Festival various venues, Lake George, Minnesota	Blueberry pancake breakfast, gospel music, flea market, bed races, quilt show and raffle, bingo, mini pedal tractor pull, pie sale, children's carnival, beer wagon, blueberry educational displays, bean feed at the fire hall, horseshoe tournament and more. Find Out More: Call 218-266-3977 or 218-266-2915
July 29-31, 2005 Pierogi Fest 119th Street area downtown, Whiting, Illinois	Pierogi eating contest, Kids Kourt, Precision Lawn-mower Drill Team, polka bands, polka parade, beer garden, arts and crafts, song parodies, queen pageant, a pierogi toss and treats such as stuffed peppers and, of course, tasty pierogi! Additional Details: Call 877-659-0292
July 29-31, 2005 Derby Days Cory Park, Dousman, Wisconsin	State Championship Frog Jump, softball tournament, carnival, beer tent, fireworks, entertainment, parade, car show, chicken BBQ, firefighter olympics and more. It's a big year for this event. They're celebrating their 50th anniversary! Further Information: Call 262-965-400 or 262-965-2679
July 29-31, 2005 Blueberry Art Festival Whiteside Park, Ely, Minnesota	More than 220 artisans will show and sell their work during this festival's 25th year. Enjoy ethnic foods, music, petting zoo, pony rides, and pancake breakfasts. Details: Call 218-365-6123
July 29-31, 2005 Gilroy Garlic Festival Christmas Hill Park, Gilroy, California	Arts and crafts, pageant, activities for kids, entertainment (with the likes of Drunken Starfighter, Rhythm Doctors and Lunch Box). And you can have a great time in Gourmet Alley, where you can enjoy Lemon Garlic Chicken, fried garlic, garlic sausage, garlic-stuffed mushrooms and even garlic ice cream. Part of what makes such great-tasting garlic is that it's grown in this very warm climate. Bring sunscreen and hats to enjoy the 27th year of this great event. There is an admission charge. Questions: Call 408-842-1625
July 29-31, 2005 Aquafest various venues, Lake Stevens, Washington	Water ski tournament, boat races, childrens' parade, grand parade, Aquarun, photo contest, firefighter breakfast (Sat. and Sun. 6am-noon), talent competition, disc golf tournament, fireworks, wakeboard competition, rain gutter regatta, entertainment, diaper dash and some great festival treats such as chow mein, root beer floats and peanut butter pie. Get More Information: Call 425-397-2344
July 29-31, 2005 Bele Chere Downtown, Asheville, North Carolina	There's an alcohol-free zone included in this great festival, with special activities for kids too. Entertainers scheduled at this writing include the Marshall Tucker Band and Sam Bush. There are 6 stages of entertainment so you'll find something you like! Check out the "Urban Boot Camp Challenge" in which several people are chosen to handle some special tasks during the festival. Enjoy arts and crafts and great food such as pinto beans and cornbread, fried green tomatoes, lamb gyros, bratwurst, jerk chicken, bread pudding and chocolate apples. Watch for the giant Jack-in-the-box throughout the festival. It indicates a few surprises! Additional Details: Call 828-259-5800
July 29-August 7, 2005 Coast Guard Festival Waterfront area, Grand Haven, Michigan	Venetian boat parade, street dance, kids' parade, ship tours, grand parade, arts and crafts, sporting events, pet expo, quilt show, battle of the bands, fireworks, entertainment, car show, pancake breakfast, carnival, tributes to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard. Further Information: Call 616-846-5940 or 888-207-2434
July 30, 2005 Lambtown USA Festival May Fairgrounds, Dixon, California	The fun runs from 9am-10pm, and includes arts and crafts, entertainment, sheepdog demonstrations, fiber booths, spinning competitions, classes in wool dyeing and sheep shearing, food vendors and more. Learn More: Call 707-678-7386
July 30, 2005 Blueberry Festival Fruitland Township Park, Whitehall, Michigan	Blueberry pancake breakfast, tours of local light station, arts and crafts, activities for kids and more. Questions: Call 231-766-3208
July 30, 2005 Watermelon Festival Marina Park, Irrigon, Oregon	Arts and crafts, entertainment, food and more. Further Details: Call 541-922-3386
July 30-31, 2005 Salsa Festival Plaza Park, Oxnard, California	It's the 12th year for this fun event. Enjoy Latin and Salsa music, commercial vendors, the Great Oxnard Salsa Challenge, face painting, arts and crafts, salsa dancing, festival foods and more. The event runs from 11am-7pm. There is no admission charge. Please do not bring pets or coolers. Questions: Call 805-247-0197
July 31, 2005 Pear Fair Downtown, Courtland, California	It's the 33rd year for this festival and the fun planned includes cooking demos, arts and crafts, classic cars, a parade, entertainment, a pear cooking contest, 5/10 mile fun run (and a 1/2 mile run for kids), magic, clowns, games for kids, pony rides and more. Pear treats like smoothies, fritters and pear pie go quickly, so get there early if you can. Admission to the festival is free, but you'll be asked to pay ten dollars for parking (proceeds benefit the Courtland Volunteer Fire Department and also provide educational scholarships). Details: Call 916-775-2000
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July Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
July 1-4 Sweetcorn Festival, Downtown, East Prairie, Missouri, 573-649-5243 July 1-4 Crab Festival, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, 228-467-6509 July 1-4 UFO Festival, Roswell, New Mexico July 3-9 Punxsutawney Groundhog Festival,                                Barclay Square, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, 800-752-PHIL July 6-9 West of the Pecos Rodeo Celebration,                                Reeves County Sheriff's Posse Barn, Pecos, Texas, 432-447-2847 July 7-9 Dairy Festival, Elsie, Michigan, 989-862-5210 July 8-9 Elvisfest, Riverside Park, Ypsilanti, Michigan, 734-374-5753 July 8-9 Chicken Show & Henoween, State College Campus, Wayne, Nebraska, 402-375-2240 July 8-10 Summerfest, O'Neill, Nebraska July 8-10 Louisiana Catfish Festival,                                St. Gertrude Catholic Church, Des Allemands, Louisiana, 985-758-7542 July 8-10 Italian-American Festival,County Fairgrounds, Canton, Ohio, 330-494-0886 July 8-10 Q125 (Quasquicentennial), Geneva, Nebraska, 402-759-3109 July 8-10 Greek Heritage Festival, 186 Bradley, Saco, Maine, 207-284-5651 July 9-10 Watermelon Festival, Campo, Colorado, 719-787-2110 July 9-10 International Mango Festival, 10901 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, Florida, 305-667-1651 July 9-10 Moose Dropping Festival, Talkeetna, Alaska, 907-733-2487 July 9-10 Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Arts Festival, Haddonfield, New Jersey, 856-216-7253 July 9-10 Sugar Creek Arts Festival, Downtown, Normal, Illinois, 309-454-9557 July 9-10 Wheaton Fine Art Fair, Downtown, Wheaton, Illinois, 630-682-0633 July 12-16 Puerto Rican Festival,                                Thaddeus Stevens School of Technology, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 717-397-8597 July 13-16 Crawford County Fair, Hood Park, Cuba, Missouri, 573-885-4141 July 13-17 Bear Paw Festival, Eagle River, Alaska, 907-694-4702 July 13-17 Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts,                                Penn State University campus & downtown, State College, Pennsylvania, 814-237-3682 July 14-16 Bronson Polish Festival Days, Bronson, Michigan, 800-968-9333 or 517-369-7334 July 14-16 Iron Heritage Festival, various venues, Danville, Pennsylvania, 570-275-6700 July 14-17 Sorrento Cheese Buffalo Italian Heritage Festival,                                Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, New York, 716-874-6133 ext. 17 July 14-15 Truckers Jamboree, Iowa 80 Truckstop, Walcott, Iowa July 15-16 Kanefest, Kane, Pennsylvania, 814-837-6565 July 15-17 Westmoreland Rib, Wing & Fun Fest,                                Fairgrounds, Mt. Pleasant (near Greensburg), Pennsylvania, 724-373-3860 July 15-17 Lavender Festival, Sequim, Washington, 877-681-3035 July 15-17 Paw Paw Days, Downtown, Paw Paw, Michigan, 269-657-5395 July 15-17 Grease Pole Festival, 261 Swan Street, Buffalo, New York, 716-852-1648 July 16 Gold Digger Days, Greenville, California, 530-284-6633 July 16 Oldham County Day, Main Street, La Grange, Kentucky, 502-222-1731 July 16-17 Fine Arts & Wine Festival, Springfield, Nebraska, 402-253-2479 July 16-17 Connisseurs' Marketplace, Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, California, 650-325-2818 July 22-24 Central Nebraska Ethnic Festival, Downtown, Grand Island, Nebraska, 308-385-5444 July 22-24 Centennial Days, Klamath Falls, Oregon, 541-882-1501 or 800-445-6728 July 22-24 Stir-Up Days, Ashland, Nebraska, 402-944-3387 July 23-24 Geneva Arts Fair, Geneva, Illinois, 630-232-6060 July 23-24 Catalan Festival, Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves, Sonoma, California, 707-933-1999 July 24 Pickle Festival, Berrien Springs, Michigan, 269-471-9283 July 24 WWISSCA Food Festival,                                County Convention Center, Greenville, Mississippi, 662-378-8663 or 800-820-8204 July 25-31 Feast of Lanterns, Pacific Grove, California, 831-649-8737 July 27-August 7 California Mid-State Fair,                                2198 Riverside Avenue, Paso Robles, California, 805-239-0655 July 28-30 Swiss Days, Berne, Indiana, 260-589-8007 July 28-31 Barre Homecoming Days, various venues, Barre, Vermont, 802-476-1812 July 28-31 Washburn Homecoming, Washburn, Wisconsin, 715-373-5017 July 29-30 Dutch Festival, Hanover, Pennsylvania, 717-637-6130 July 29-30 Altus Grape Festival, City Park, Altus, Arkansas, 479-468-4684 July 29-30 Wells Fargo Street Festival, 2nd Street area, Davenport, Iowa, 563-823-3694 July 29-31 Sesquicentennial Celebration, Rangeley, Maine, 800-MT-LAKES July 29-31 Town & Country Jamboree, City Park, Moulton, Texas, 361-596-7205 July 29-31 Lebanese Festival, 2040 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville, New York, 716-634-0669 July 29-31 Bologna Festival, Yale, Michigan, 810-387-9253 July 30 Beef Capital of the World Jubilee, Dameron Park, Hereford, Texas, 806-364-3333 July 30-31 Minorville Jubilee, Natchez, Mississippi, 601-446-5979 July 30-31 Old Olcott Days, Lakeview Village Shoppes, Olcott, New York, 716-735-7489
Other July 2005 Events You Might Enjoy Items in this section may also be festivals but are generally less multi-dimensional than events in the above category
July 1-3 CONvergence 2005, Sheraton South Hotel, Bloomington, Minnesota, 651-647-3487 July 1-4 Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, Jones Park, Gulfport, Missouri, 228-863-2713 July 1-4 International Food Festival, Lower Harbor Park, Marquette, Michigan, 906-226-6591 July 2 World's Largest Salmon Barbecue, Fort Bragg, California, 707-964-1228 July 2 Strawberry Festival, Lincolnville Center, Camden, Maine, 207-763-3381 July 2 Burklyn Arts Council Summer Craft Fair, Bandstand Park, Lyndonville, Vermont, 802-626-5836 July 4 Mr and Mrs Muscle Beach Centennial Fitness & Figure Competition, Venice, California July 8-10 Art in the Park, Kellogg Park, Plymouth, Michigan, 734-454-1314 July 8-10 Stargate SG-1 Con, Burbank Airport Hilton & Towers, Burbank, California, 818-409-0960 July 8-10 Beauty & the Beast TV Show Fan Convention,                                60 Battery Street, Burlington, Vermont, 802-524-3203 July 8-10 U.S. Grand Prix, Laguna Seca, Salinas, California July 8-10 Shore Leave (Science Fiction Convention),                                Marriott's Hunt Valley Inn, Baltimore, Maryland, 410-496-4456 July 8-10 Great Texas Balloon Race, County Airport, Longview, Texas, 903-237-4000 July 8-10 Montclair Village Fine Arts Sidwalk Festival,                                Mountain Blvd., Oakland, California, 510-339-1000 July 9 Chelsea Flea Market, Chelsea, Vermont, 802-685-3392 July 9-10 Clay & Glass Festival, Art Center, Palo Alto, California, 650-329-2366 July 9-10 RAVE Car Show, State fairgrounds, Rutland, Vermont, 802-265-8026 July 9-10 Bridal Show, 10am-5pm, Dallas Market, Dallas, Texas July 9-10 Charlevoix Craft Show, Charlevoix, Michigan July 10 Northeast Nebraska Toy Show, Norfolk, Nebraska July 14-17 Comic-Con 2005, Convention Center, San Diego, California, 619-491-2475 July 15-17 Summer Boat Show, Dallas, Texas July 16-17 North Shore Art Festival, Westfield (Old Orchard Mall), Skokie, Illinois, 847-673-0240 July 17 Summer Craft Show, York Fair Expo Center, York, Pennsylvania, 717-764-1155 July 20 Flavor of Skowhegan, Skowhegan, Maine, 207-474-3621 July 20-23 Street Art Fair, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 800-888-9487 July 21 Chicken Pie Dinner, 24 South Street, South Hero, Vermont, 802-372-4962 July 21 House & Garden Tour Day, Camden, Maine, 207-236-6375 July 21-24 California Rodeo Salinas, Salinas, California, 800-771-8807 July 22-24 ConMisterio (mystery convention), Austin, Texas, lillian@conmisterio.org July 22-31 Cheyenne Frontier Days, Frontier Park, Cheyennne, Wyoming, 800-227-6336 July 22-24 Camp Betty Campout, Black Oak Ranch, Laytonville, California, 707-442-3607 July 22-24 Fortuna Redwood Autorama, Fortuna, California, 707-725-3916 July 22-24 Okemo Mountain Art & Craft Festival, Jackson Gore Lodge, Ludlow, Vermont, 802-425-3399 July 23 Mutt Strutt, Jackson Arena, Stowe Village, Vermont, 877-467-8693 July 23-25 North Kitsap Arts & Crafts Festival, Port Gamble, Washington, 360-842-6100 July 23-August 7 Art on the Mountain,                                (new venue!) Sundance Base Lodge at Mt. Snow, Dover, Vermont, artonmtn@sover.net July 28-30 Nebraska's Big Rodeo, Burwell, Nebraska, 888-328-7935 July 29-August 2 Fenton Centennial, Williamstown, West Virginia, 304-375-6122 July 29-31 Flashback Weekend: Horro'Rama Drive-In and Convention,                                Crown Plaza Chicago O' Hare, Rosemont, Illinois, flashbackweekend@ameritech.net July 29-31 LibertyCon,                                Comfort Inn on Ringgold Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee, uncletimmy@libertycon.org July 30 Henry County Harvest Showcase, Fairgrounds, New Castle, Kentucky, 502-845-0806 July 30-31 Hollywood Collectors & Celebrities Show,                                Burbank Airport Hilton & Convention Center, Burbank, California, 818-843-6000 July 30-31 Pittsburgh Toy, Comic & Collectibles Show,                                Expomart, Monroeville, Pennsylvania, 814-467-1500 July 30-31 Daylily Festival & Sale, Devon Point Farm, Orwell, Vermont, 802-948-2398 July 30-August 1 State Craft Fair, Franklin & Marshall's Alumni Sports & Fitness Center,                                Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 215-579-5997 July 31 Art in the Park, City Park, Appleton, Wisconsin, 920-733-4089 July 31 Moss Landing Antique Street Fair, Moss Landing, California, 831-633-4501
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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!

Our Canadian neighbors love to have us come and visit, but it isn't always as simple as zooming across the border. If part of your summer travels include a hop into the provinces, here's a handy chart to see how well each border crossing location is flowing in either direction. The chart is updated frequently and the page includes a link to a wireless version of the information.
If your family has too much garden produce every summer and you decide to can some of it or make jams or preserves, you probably end up sharing some of your bounty with friends. Canon Print Planet has some great printable labels in .PDF format that you can use to jazz up those jars.		While the FBI probably has the most famous "most wanted" list, there are other lists around. If you spot some wanted individual and they are convicted of a crime you might even earn a reward. The United States Postal Service is particulary interested in information on these crimes and suspects.

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