Deb's Monthly Review

July 2006

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

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

Special Quotation "I have learned to use the word 'impossible' with the greatest caution." --Hal Borland

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!

Important Message Just For Kids: If someone (even someone you love) has touched you in a way that didn't seem right or made you feel bad, you can talk about it with someone. There are really nice people at this number who will listen and let you talk about what you might want to do next to stay safe.

Call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) and push 1 to talk to someone. Nobody has the right to hurt you and then tell you not to tell. It's important to talk about it. Tell someone!

	The Artsy Site Of The Month: LILEKS: Motels Postcard images from a few decades ago		Handy Site Of The Month: OPEC Crude oil prices, policies and politics
	Just Fun Site Of The Month: 5-Pointed Star Impress your friends, just in time for the 4th of July.		Scientific/Technical Site Of The Month: Exercise and Belly Fat Even without much change in diet, exercise has its merits

 July 2006 Festivals and Events

Need a place to stay? Days Inn - Great San Francisco rates! Wingate Inns - Great Columbia, SC rates! Ramada - Great Washington D.C. rates! Howard Johnson - Great Anaheim rates! Travelodge - Great Las Vegas rates! Super 8 - Great NYC rates! Knights Inn - Great value on the road.

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

Please Note: Because of the effects of the hurricane season of 2005, some festivals have been scaled back or cancelled. As affected areas are restored and events resume, your support of festivals will be a great way to help the local economy and also our national economy.

July 1-4, 2006 Fair of Life Festival of Arts & Crafts Extraordinaire Wheeler Park, Flagstaff, Arizona	The festival is a fundraising event for Northland Hospice and celebrates its 16th year in 2006. Enjoy storytelling, musical (and other) entertainment, Kids Zone, drawings for prizes, more than 100 artists showing and selling their work, 10K race, 2-mile run/walk and plenty of festival foods. Learn More: Call 928-779-1227
July 1-4, 2006 Summer Motion Riverfront & Central Park, Ashland, Kentucky	Now in its 18th year, the festival offers a classic car show, arts and crafts, a parade on July 4, food court, air show, health screenings, activities for kids, a carnival, fireworks on July 4, 10K race on July 1 and musical entertainment. Those scheduled to perform at this writing include Oak Ridge Boys, Poco and SheDaisy. Get the Facts: Call 606-329-1007
July 1-4, 2006 Green River Catfish Festival City Park, Morgantown, Kentucky	Tennis tournament, games for kids, arts and crafts, festival foods, carnival, fishing tournament, dancing, entertainment, pageant, fireworks. The festival is celebrating its 26th year. Additional Details: Call 270-526-6827
July 1-4, 2006 Fair St. Louis Riverfront, St. Louis, Missouri	Veiled Prophet Parade, musical entertainment, food, activities for children, rides, fireworks and more. Questions? Call 314-982-1410
July 1-4, 2006 Lone Tree Days various venues, Central City, Nebraska	Teddy bear picnic, pancake breakfast, entertainment, parade, arts and crafts, merchant specials, fireworks. Information: Call 308-946-3897
July 1-8, 2006 National Cherry Festival Downtown, Traverse City, Michigan	Cherry pie eating contest, bubble gum blowing contest, pet show, carnival, cherry pit spitting contest, hole-in-one competition, parades, turtle races, car show, bed races, Ultimate Air Dogs, seniors golf tournament, picnic, cherry pancake breakfast, ice cream social, Big Wheel race, wine tasting, orchard tours, volleyball, swing dance lessons, arts and crafts, Blue Angels Air Show plus Meet & Greet time, musical entertainment. Among those scheduled to appear at this 80th anniversary event are Average White Band and Grand Funk Railroad. Information: Call 231-947-4230
July 1-9, 2006 Kutztown Festival Fairgrounds, Kutztown, Pennsylvania	More than 2500 quilts will be on sale plus there is a quilt auction. Enjoy a petting zoo, folklore and crafts displays, cake walk, activities for kids, Pennsylvania Dutch foods. (Shoofly Pie, anyone?) On a darker historical note, the festival includes a reenactment of a 19th century hanging. Further Details: Call 888-674-6136
July 3-8, 2006 Blackberry Festival Courthouse Square, Carlisle, Kenutcky	Carnival, dance, parade, food, fireworks (July 7), musical entertainment, pageant. Learn More: Call 859-289-2384
July 3-9, 2006 Spring Ho Festival W.M. Brook Park, Lampasas, Texas	Sulphur Springs may be a fountain of youth and folks in the area aren't taking that for granted. They're going to celebrate their community's resources with a grand parade, local high school reunions, dancing, a washer pitching tournament, pageant, pet parade, water sports, BBQ cook-off, pageant, fireworks, activities for kids, a carnival, arts and crafts, food, a talent contest and more. Questions? Call 512-556-5301
July 4, 2006 Americana Festival various venues, Centerville, Ohio	Pancake breakfast (7:30-10am), 5K run (pre-registration required), parade at 10am, dunking booth, petting zoo, games, classic and custom cars and trucks, street fair with 300 booths full of crafts and food, staged entertainment, roving entertainment, theatre, fireworks. Questions? Call 937-433-5898
July 5-9, 2006 Pioneer Days Downtown, Marlinton, West Virginia	Arts and crafts, classic cars, old-time music, parade, games and food. Come and enjoy this 40th year of the festival. Additional Information: Call 800-336-7009
July 6-8, 2006 Slugburger Festival Historic downtown, Corinth, Mississippi	Deep-fried and crunchy, slugburgers have a proud place in history and in Corinth. The festival mascot is a cute little green crawlie fellow, but you won't get any slugs in your slugburger. The treat is made from meat that has extenders such as soybean meal or cornmeal, and once it's been fried and placed on a bun with mustard, pickles and onion, a slugburger wins out over a regular hamburger in this part of the world. Enjoy arts and crafts, a pageant, entertainment, carnival rides and games and plenty of food. The festival is celebrating its 19th year. Get The Facts: Call 662-287-1550 or 877-347-0545
July 6-8, 2006 Pancake Days various venues, Butte, Nebraska	Crafts, parade, entertainment, tours of the old jail, pancakes and sausage and more. It's the 58th year for this event. Further Details: Call 402-775-2426
July 6-8, 2006 Diller Picnic Downtown, Diller, Nebraska	The festival celebrates 110 years with bingo, arts and crafts, a carnival, parade, pasture golf, a dance, karaoke, 3rd Annual Mud Drags, fireworks (July 6), tractor pull and a beer garden. Additional Details: Call 402-793-5991
July 6-8, 2006 Ohio Hills Folk Festival unknown venue(s), Quaker City, Ohio	It's the 102nd year for this event. Enjoy a mile-long parade, a kiddie parade, arts and crafts, car show, flea market, fireworks on Saturday night, carnival rides, 5K run, pet show and plenty of festival foods. Questions? Call 740-679-2704
Thanks for using these merchants' products and services Your purchases help make the next issue free to read
July 6-9, 2006 Moxie Festival Main Street area, Lisbon Falls, Maine	Car show, Canoe race, raffle, bake sale, tag sale, turkey dinner at Eastern Star Masonic Hall, fireworks Friday night, parade, 5K road race, pancake breakfast and more. Just in case the sit-down meals don't provide enough food for you, try the Kettle corn, cheeseburgers, sausage subs and other items available from local vendors. This year's theme is "Moxie-gras". Get the facts: Call 207-783-2249
July 7-9, 2006 Byron Fest various venues, Byron, Illinois	Basketball, softball, arts and crafts, quilt show, 3 stages of entertainment, Taste of Byron, gospel music, car show, activities for kids, fun run, parade (Sunday at 1pm) and more. Learn More: Call 815-234-5500
July 7-9, 2006 Pirate Festival Krull Park, Olcott, New York	Pirate-themed entertainment (with a pirate "war" on Lake Ontario), bike race, food, parade, games and rides. Enjoy the fun Friday from 6pm-midnight, Saturday from noon-midnight and Sunday from noon-6pm. Information: Call 716-778-8042
July 7-9, 2006 Lagrange Street Polish Festival Lagrange Street, Toledo, Ohio	Polka bands, dance contests, activities for kids, crafts, food vendors with Polish specialties like fresh pastries and sausages. Further Details: Call 419-255-8406
July 7-9, 2006 Strawberry Festival various venues, Vashon Island, Washington	Celebrating its 89th year, the festival will include a grand parade, wine and jazz garden, pancake breakfast with berries, classic car parade, beer garden, music, Bill Burby Fun Run and more. The parade is not to be missed if you want to see the Thriftway Shopping Cart Drill Team in action. Get The Facts: Call 206-463-6217
July 7-9, 2006 Catfish Days Central Park, Trempealeau, Wisconsin	Come and have some fun at this 34th year of the festival with fireworks, a parade, breakfasts, fishing tournament, arts and crafts, music, the Catfish 50 Bike Tour, motorcycle poker run and the flea market. If you still have energy you can get in on the 5K and 10K races or try your luck at the carnival. Find Out Details: Call 608-534-6335 or 608-534-6780
July 8, 2006 Parker County Peach Festival Historic downtown, Weatherford, Texas	Fresh peaches for sale, more than 200 arts and crafts vendors, activities for children, food court, entertainment and plenty of treats such as peach ice cream and peach cobbler. It's the 23rd year for this event and the fun runs from 8am-5pm. Learn More: Call 888-594-3801
July 8-9, 2006 Los Altos Art & Wine Festival Main & State Streets, Los Altos, California	Entertainment on 3 stages, more than 30 food booths, beer and wine, special area for children, almost 450 artisans showing and selling their work. The festival runs from 10am-6pm. Get Info: Call 650-917-9799
July 8-9, 2006 Taste of Buffalo Delaware Avenue area, Buffalo, New York	More than 55 restaurants participate, with each establishment offering at least 3 dishes for tastings. There are special activities for kids and 4 stages of musical entertainment. Some of the foods you can expect to find at this event include: chilled melon soup, corn sticks with cheese, seared ahi tuna, roast beef sandwiches, German potato salad, sweet potato fries, falafel, three berry cobbler, key lime pie and apple pecan salad. The event hours are from 11am-9pm on Saturday and from 11am-7pm on Sunday. Half a million visitors are expected to attend. Questions? Call 716-685-9888
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 8-9, 2006 Heritage Days Old Constitution House, Windsor, Vermont	In its 8th year the festival features, a pancake breakfast, bake sale, antiques, old-fashioned games, Victorian tea party, horse and wagon rides, pony rides for the kids, historic encampments and reenactments, tours of local homes, free ice cream, used library book sale, open museums, train rides, carriage rides, storytelling, food vendors and arts and crafts. You are encouraged to come in period costume if you like. Further Info: Call 802-674-5910
July 8-9, 2006 Choochokam Langley Festival of the Arts Whidbey Island Center, Langley, Washington	Now in its 30th year, the festival offers poetry, music, dance and other entertainment. You can also enjoy festival foods and lots of arts and crafts. There is no admission charge. Learn More: Call 360-221-0765 or 360-221-7494
July 9, 2006 Catsup Bottle Summerfest Downtown on Main, Collinsville, Illinois	It's the 8th year for this festival, but the giant catsup bottle is turning 57 and it gets its own birthday cake. Come and enjoy the C.I.A. Car, Truck and Bike Show or get in on the Big Bottle Bike Ride. There will also be crafts, a patriotic opening ceremony, a catsup bottle drawing contest, ice carving demos, entertainment, festival foods and old-fashioned party games. There's a talent competition and you might also catch an appearance by the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. The fun goes from 10am-5pm. Questions? Call 618-345-5598
July 9-16, 2006 Sinclair Lewis Days various venues, Sauk Centre, Minnesota	Pageant, battle of the bands, kiddie parade, music, flea market, raffle, street dance, church pie social, fireworks, 5-mile walk/run, Tae Kwon Do demos, turtle races, treasure hunt. Get Information: Call 320-352-5201
July 12-15, 2006 Wyandotte Street Art Fair Biddle Avenue area, Wyandotte, Michigan	It's the 45th year for this festival. Enjoy the works of more than 350 artisans, plus music, local merchant specials, beer and wine, garden art, activities for kids and food from more than 30 vendors. Learn More: Call 734-324-4505
July 12-16, 2006 Maine Potato Blossom Festival Downtown, Fort Fairfield, Maine	Parade, musical entertainment, industry dinner, arts and crafts, potato picking contests, pancake breakfast, pageant, antique farm equipment displays, mashed potato wrestling, fireworks and more. The festival is celebrating 59 years of fun. Further Details: Call 903-237-4040
July 13-16, 2006 Auburn Cornfest Downtown on Main, Auburn, Michigan	Flea market, carnival, softball tournament, volleyball tournament, entertainment, dancing, tractor pull, horseshoe pitching tournament, arts and crafts, BBQ, road race and festival foods (including fresh, sweet corn). Find Out More: Call 989-662-4001
Thanks for using these merchants' products and services Your purchases using these links help make issues free to read
July 13-16, 2006 Venetian Festival Lakefront, St. Joseph, Michigan	Classic cars, arts and crafts, wine tasting, boating events, carnival, volleyball, raffle, fishing tournament, sand sculpting contest, activities for kids, River Run & Fitness Walk, and music from Styx and other entertainers. When you get hungry, choose from treats such as the seafood medley, cheese fries and fresh fruit kabobs. Information: Call 269-983-7917
July 13-16, 2006 People's Choice Festival of Arts & Crafts Military Museum grounds on Rt. 322, Boalsburg, Pennsylvania	Arts and crafts, art by young people ages 8-17, activities for kids, activities for teens, music, appearance by the Hershey's Kissmobile. Enjoy festival foods such as gyros, stuffed cabbage, cheese steaks, salads, hot apple dumplings, strawberry shortcake and baklava. It's the 14th year for this event. Additional Details: Email
July 14-15, 2006 Raspberry Festival various venues, Lynden, Washington	Fresh berries for sale, arts and crafts, petting zoo, pancake breakfast, Raspberry Run/walk, sidewalk sale, 3-on3 basketball, wagon rides, farm tours, wine tasting. Get The Facts: Call 360-354-5995
July 14-16, 2006 Culver Lake Fest Beach front at Lake Maxinkuckee, Culver, Indiana	Car show, cheerleading competition, arts and crafts, fireworks, bass tournament, horseshoe pitching tournament, Kiss the Pig Contest, KidsFest, Lake Fest Run, parade, volleyball tournament, pancake breakfast, commercial booths, tricycle race, quilt show, burnout contest. Learn More: Call 574-842-2899
July 14-16, 2006 River Raisin Festival Ellis & Bachmayer Parks, Blissfield, Michigan	Now in its 23rd year, the festival offers sports tournaments, a pageant, parade (Saturday morning), a carnival, food booths, beverage tent, the Un-Boat Race, tractor pull, fireworks Friday night, classic cars, arts and crafts and entertainment on 3 stages. This year's theme is "Jingle Bells in July". Get The Facts: Call 517-486-3642 or 888-68-BLISS
July 14-16, 2006 Somerfest Downtown, Somerset, Pennsylvania	Entertainment, festival foods, local class reunions, arts and crafts, activities for kids and more. Learn More: Call 814-443-2433
July 14-16, 2006 Hempstead Watermelon Festival Downtown, Hempstead, Texas	BBQ, watermelon carving competition, seed spitting contest, watermelon ice cream freeze-off, street dance, watermelon eating contest, car show, arts and crafts, food booths, parade, pageant, talent show, commercial vendors. The festival is celebrating its 18th year. Get Details: Call 979-826-8217
July 14-16, 2006 Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival County Fairgrounds, Walla Walla, Washington	The festival celebrates its 22nd year with a pancake breakfast (8-10am on Sunday), indoor art show, chef demonstrations, arts and crafts, information on the history of onions, car and truck poker runs, motorcycle poker run, wine tasting, beer garden, food vendors, Hells Canyon Paint Horse Show, photo exhibit, fun run, onion recipe contest, activities for kids, musical entertainment. Questions? Call 509-525-1031 (Note: That weekend the local Rotary Club is sponsoring a Salmon Bake at Fort Walla Walla Park, July 15, from 3-7pm. For info on the Salmon Bake, please call 509-529-2613.)
July 15, 2006 Mollyockett Day Downtown, Bethel, Maine	This event celebrates a Pequawket woman who lived among early European settlers in the region. Enjoy a parade (the theme this year is "Yard Art"), 5-mile Key Bank Classic road race, a pageant, duck race, arts and crafts, fiddler contest, frog jumping, fireworks, entertainment, festival foods. Details: Call 207-824-3575
July 15, 2006 Turkey Days various venues, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota	Pageant, quilt raffle, Art in the Park, parade, street dance, used library book sale, flea market, classic cars, entertainment, ice cream social, bingo, BBQ. More Information: Call 218-863-1221
July 15, 2006 Burgerfest Main Street area, Hamburg, New York	Taste of Hamburg food court, Hula Hoop contest, arts and crafts, entertainment, burger eating contest, beer tent, games for children. Learn More: Call 716-649-7917
July 15, 2006 North Carolina Peach Festival Fitzgerald Park, Candor, North Carolina	Parade (10am), pageant, pie eating contest, crafts, peaches and ice cream, fresh peaches for sale, games and rides, and entertainment (bring your lawn chairs). Questions? Call 910-974-4221
July 15-16, 2006 California Peach Festival Historic downtown, Marysville, California	The fun runs from 11am-11pm and includes a peaches and pancake breakfast (8-11am only), 5k run/walk, fresh peaches for sale, arts and crafts, activities for children, peach pies and other peach treats, 4 stages of entertainment. There is no admission charge. Further Info: Call 530-671-9600
July 15-16, 2006 San Clemente Ocean Festival San Clemente Pier, San Clemente, California	Now celebrating its 30th year, this festival brings you all the beach activities of sand sculpture, surfing competitions, lifesaving demonstrations, the California Waterman and Waterwoman Championships, an ocean art show and a beach BBQ. Get in on the 14th annual rubber duck race or the fishing derby. There will also be a children's pavilion, a Woodie car show, music and commercial vendors. Additional Details: Call 949-440-6141
July 15-16, 2006 Santa Barbara French Festival Oak Park, Santa Barbara, California	Poodle Parade (Sunday at 5:30pm), wandering mimes and other entertainers, entertainment on 3 stages, a tribute to Maurice Chevalier, beer and wine areas, arts and crafts, puppet shows, replica of Eiffel Tower, storytelling. When you get hungry you can have some savory or sweet crepes or try a French hot dog in a baguette. The festival is a non-smoking event and there is no admission charge. Hours are from 11am-7pm. Learn More: Call 805-897-PARIS(7274)
July 15-16, 2006 Ethnic Arts Festival Dawes Park, Evanston, Illinois	Enjoy the 21st year of this festival, which presents a "global village" atmosphere. More than 100 country flags fly as visitors experience arts, crafts, dance, food, poetry and music. Learn a folkdance and be part of the entertainment itself. The festival goes from noon until 7pm. Thre is no admission charge. Questions? Call 847-448-8058
	If you enjoy this issue, please tell a friend about it!
July 15-16, 2006 Festa Italiana Crown Center, Kansas City, Missouri	Cooking demonstrations, activities for kids, wine tasting, Italian food, beer garden, music. Actors portray famous Italians from history and mingle with the crowd, so be ready for their appearance. The festival runs from 5-10pm on Friday, 11am-10pm on Saturday and 11am-4pm on Sunday. There is an admission charge for those 13 and older. Further Information: Call 816-274-8444
July 18-22, 2006 National Baby Food Festival Downtown, Fremont, Michigan	This year's theme is "A Salute to America's Heroes". Enjoy a car show, petting zoo, arts and crafts, Baby Food Cook-off, baby photo contest, baby crawl, carnival, Kids Expo (with some activities included for older kids too), kiddie parade, grand parade, Baby Food Eating Contest for the grown-ups, karaoke, a Rock and Rest Contest. Details: Call 800-592-2229
July 18-22, 2006 Plainfield Farmer's Fair Fairgrounds on Route 191, Plainfield, Pennsylvania	It's the 58th year for this event. Come and have some fun with bingo, Barnyard Olympics, truck and tractor pulls, pageant, antique equipment display, livestock and 4-H events, baking contest, watermelon eating contest, food vendors, entertainment, craft tent, pie eating contest. Please do not bring pets, coolers or backpacks to the fair. There is an admission charge for those over age 12. Questions? Call 610-863-6816
July 19-22, 2006 Bagelfest Peterson Park, Mattoon, Illinois	Pageant, bingo, carnival, vendors, beer tent, entertainment, girls' softball tournament, parade (Saturday at 10am), bagel breakfast with all the toppings (Saturday 8-10am). It's the festival's 19th year. Further Information: Call 217-258-6286 or 800-500-6286
July 19-22, 2006 Durbin Days various venues, Durbin, West Virginia	In its 18th year the festival offers train rides, a 5K run/walk, karaoke, pet show, bingo, flea market, cake walk, BBQ chicken, classic cars, fireworks, exhibits, entertainment, Fireman's Parade, carnival, horseshoe tournament. Additional Details: Call 800-336-7009
July 20-23, 2006 Festa Italiana Somerfest grounds on lakefront, Milwaukee, Wisconsin	Enjoy this 29th year with an Italian dog show, the San Gemini Flag Throwers, vintage photos on exhibit, a mass and processional, cooking demonstrations, nightly fireworks, plenty of food and appearances by Fabian and Bobby Rydell. Questions? Call 414-223-2808
July 21-22, 2006 Green River Festival Greenfield Community College, Greenfield, Massachusetts	Fireworks, hot air balloons, musical entertainment, activities for the kids, arts and crafts, festival foods. Get Details: Call 413-773-5463
July 21-22, 2006 Mize Watermelon Festival City Park, Mize, Mississippi	Greased watermelon race, watermelon seed spitting contest, arts and crafts, entertainment.. Learn More: Call 601-733-2221
July 21-23, 2006 Yarmouth Clam Festival various venues, Yarmouth, Maine	Parade (Friday evening), activities for kids, 5-mile road race and fun run for kids, blueberry pancake breakfast, carnival, fireworks, celebrity clam shucking competition, diaper derby, canoe and kayak races, entertainment, arts and crafts booths, firefighters muster, Jeopardy game, antiques, horse-drawn carriage rides. Keep up your energy level with pizza, corn bread, cole slaw, burgers, seafood, fajitas and blueberry crisp. Further Information: Call 207-846-3984
July 21-23, 2006 Watermelon Festival various venues, Pageland, South Carolina	Classic car cruise-in, pageant, rodeo events, pony rides for the kids, carnival rides, commercial vendors, entertainment, arts and crafts, cooking contest and more. Get the Facts: Call 843-672-6400
July 21-23, 2006 Aquafest varous venues, Lake Stevens, Washington	Water ski tournament, Fifty-Dollar Boat Races, 3-on-3 basketball, children's parade, grand parade, used library book sale, pizza eating contest, photo contest, firefighter breakfast (Sat. and Sun. 6am-noon), Bite of Lake Stevens, talent competition, wakeboard competition, Rain Gutter Regatta, diaper dash, motorcycle show, Aquarun, duck dash, fireworks, teen dance. Plan to park at Lake Stevens High School and take the shuttle. The festival is celebrating its 40th year. Questions? Call 425-397-2344
July 21-23, 2006 Bite of Seattle Seattle Center, Seattle, Washington	In its 25th year the event will feature more than 50 area restaurants and more than 30 food product companies. There is a special area of fun just for the kids in the crowd and everyone can enjoy 5 stages of musical entertainment. Check out the commercial vendors on the site and be sure to find out who wins the 25th Anniversary Cake Contest. Tastes you might find at this event include cilantro salmon, gyros, heirloom tomato salad, eggroll lumpia, mango chicken, sushi, raspberry shortcake, chocolate-dipped bananas and apple-cinnamon piroshky. Learn More: Call 425-283-5050
July 21-23, 2006 Upper Ohio Valley Italian Festival Heritage Point, Wheeling, West Virginia	The 24th year of this festival brings a pasta exhibit, wine competition and tasting, Italian dance bands, carnival games, FunZone for kids, puppet show, bocce tournament, arts and crafts and more. The proceeds help provide scholarships and more than a quarter of a million people are expected to attend the festival. Additional Details: Call 304-233-1090
July 21-23, 2006 Iron River Blueberry Festival Moon Lake Park & Downtown, Iron River, Wisconsin	Blueberry pie eating contest, flea market, horseshoe tournament, pageant, pony rides, parade, polka mass, arts and crafts, chicken BBQ, kids' blueberry muffin contest, pedal tractor pull for the kids, games and rides, music, drawings for prizes, blueberry cheesecake, blueberry pie for sale whole or by the slice. Information: Call 800-345-0716
July 22, 2006 West Union Fest 125 various venues, West Union, West Virginia	Farmers Market, music, patriotic activities, arts and crafts, petting zoo, locally produced honey for sale, chain saw carving demos, pony rides for the kids, Liars' Contest, festival food and more. The town is celebrating 125 years as a community and the first 2000 visitors to the festival will get free birthday cake. Get Details: Call 304-873-1400 or 304-873-3379
July 22-23, 2006 Rosendale Street Festival Main Street, Rosendale, New York	More than 80 bands/artists perform on 5 stages. There is also an activity area for kids, face painting, ethnic foods, BBQ, arts and crafts and more. The festival runs from noon-10pm on Saturday and from noon-6pm on Sunday. Additional Details: Call 845-750-6168
July 22-23, 2006 Blueberry Festival Burnside Plantation, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania	Blueberry bushes for sale, blueberry pie baking contest, pony rides, farm tours, blueberry desserts, old-fashioned craft demonstrations and sales, historic presentations, stories, folk music, baby farm animals, food. Hours are from 10am-6pm. Find Out More: Call 610-888-5044 or 610-882-0450
July 22-30, 2006 Medina Apple Festival Downtown, Medina, Texas	Apple picking, arts and crafts, games for the kids, agricultural displays, petting zoo, entertainment, cooking demos, auction, cold apple cider and fresh apple pie. Get Details: Call 830-589-7224 or 800-596-9484
July 26-29, 2006 Paducah Summer Festival unknown venue(s), Paducah, Kentucky	Photo and art exhibits, photo competition, crafts, entertainment, food vendors, flea market, hot air balloon glow, parade, activities for kids, talent show, Big Wheel Race, greased pole contest, doughnut eating contest, Oreo stacking contest, library book sale, fireworks, sidewalk chalk art contest and more. Learn More: Call 800-PADUCAH
July 26-29, 2006 Violet Festival Victory Park, Pickerington, Ohio	Parade (Friday at 7pm), 5K run/walk, arts and crafts, pageant, car show, bike show, carnival, community vendors. Lou Gramm is among those on the entertainment schedule. Bring chairs and blankets to help you enjoy the music in comfort. It's the 9th year for this festival. Information: Call 614-834-2717 or Email
July 27-29, 2006 Great Texas Mosquito Festival Municipal Park, Clute, Texas	Mr. & Mrs. Mosquito Legs Contest, horseshoe pitching tournament, washer pitching tournament, haystack dive, Mosquito Chase 5K Run, arts and crafts, goat roping competition, senior bingo, Mosquito Calling Contest, BBQ & fajita cook-off, carnival, food, entertainment. Among those scheduled to perform are Tracy Lawrence and Badlandz. It's the 26th year for this festival. Questions? Call 979-265-8392 or 800-371-2971
July 27-30, 2006 Munger Potato Festival Community Park, Munger, Michigan	Parade, potato sack races, entertainment, demolition derby, food, bingo, Mr. Potato Head Contest, children's pedal pull contest, pancake breakfast, teen dance, free potatoes. Get The Facts: Call 989-659-2571 or 989-659-2496
	Help me to help you! If you sign up for the Notify List and you have spam filters, remember to put deb@lightpatch.com on your list of approved email addresses.
July 27-30, 2006 Turkey Days unknown venue(s), Frazee, Minnesota	This is the festival's 52nd year, and plans include a parade on Sunday at 2pm, flea market, crafts, food vendors, turkey luncheon on Sunday, activities for kids, street dance, pageant, demolition derby and more. This is a year of transition for the festival's focus, so it's a great time to go and let them know what you enjoy about current activities. Details: Call 800-407-2488
July 28-29, 2006 Louisiana Watermelon Festival unknown venue(s), Farmerville, Louisiana	Celebrate this 43rd year of the festival with watermelon grower contests, arts and crafts, a treasure hunt, pageant, parade and more. Further Information: Call 318-368-0044
July 28-29, 2006 Covington Days various venues, Covington, Washington	Fireworks, arts and crafts, classic cars, parade (10am on Saturday), watermelon seed spitting contest, food booths, carnival, quilt show, entertainment. The festival is celebrating its 21st year. Questions? Call 253-639-6666 or 253-372-7081
July 28-30, 2006 Gilroy Garlic Festival Christmas Hill Park, Gilroy, California	The 28th year of this festival will feature more than 100 arts and crafts booths, a pageant, activities for kids, a recipe contest, festival merchandise and music from Sha-Boom, Los High Tops, Joint Chiefs and Silver Spurs. Gourmet Alley gives you the chance to munch garlic-stuffed mushrooms, garlic chicken stir-fry, garlic bread, veggie wraps, garlic and Parmesan potato chips and much more. There is an admission charge. If you go, plan for the climate's probably high temperatures and take your sunscreen and hats. And go with a hearty appetitie. All that heat makes good garlic even better. Learn More: Call 408-842-1625
July 28-30, 2006 Pierogi Fest 119th Street area downtown, Whiting, Indiana	Pierogi eating contest, polka bands, Kids Kourt, arts and crafts, beer garden, pierogi toss competition, pageant, polka parade. Enjoy entertainment from the Babushka Brigade and the Pieroguettes—a precision song and dance team. When hunger hits you can indulge in fried green tomatoes, stuffed peppers and lots of pierogi. Get Details: Call 877-659-0292
July 28-30, 2006 Hot Dog Festival Downtown, Frankfort, Indiana	Arts and crafts, 5K Bun Walk and Run, Bowser Bash Auto Extravaganza, Puppy Park (for the kids), entertainment, sidewalk sales and more. Additional Details: Call 765-654-4081
July 28-30, 2006 Blueberry Art Festival Whiteside Park, Ely, Minnesota	More than 300 total booths with arts and crafts and festival foods will be at this 26th festival. Mingle with more than 40,000 visitors, attend the pancake breakfasts, listen to music and let the kids enjoy their own area. Chromatones and Blue Drifters are among those scheduled to perform. There is no admission charge. Hours are noon-7pm on Friday, 10am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. Information: Call 218-365-6123
July 28-30, 2006 Blueberry Festival various venues, Lake George, Minnesota	Blueberry pancake breakfast, gospel music, and more. Events were still being finalized at this writing. It's the 23rd year for the festival. Learn More: Call 218-256-3977 or 218-266-2915
July 28-30, 2006 Bele Chere Downtown, Ashville, North Carolina	Two food courts, 6 stages of entertainment with more than 80 bands participating, the return of Bele Chere Urban Boot Camp Challenge, some 200 arts and crafts and commercial booths, non-profit booths, activities for children. Among those scheduled to perform at this writing: The Sigmon Stringers, Mystic Vibrations, Strut, Ann Rabson, Lee Whitaker, Steep Canyon Rangers and Hollywood Red. Get Info: Call 828-259-5800
July 28-30, 2006 Tour de Terrace Festival 56th Avenue between 220th and 224th, Mountlake Terrace, Washington	Parade, pancake breakfast, car show, arts and crafts, beer garden, carnival, miniature golf, music, fireworks. Get Details: Call 425-776-7331
July 28-30, 2006 Derby Days Cory Park, Dousman, Wisconsin	This event celebrates its 51st year in 2006. Enjoy a softball tournament, fireworks, Derby Dash, bingo, State Championship Frog Jump, Firefighter Olympics, a parade, chicken BBQ, carnival, entertainment. Details: Call 262-965-3128
July 28-August 6, 2006 Coast Guard Festival Waterfront area, Grand Haven, Michigan	Pancake breakfast, Coast Guard sporting events, kids' parade, street dance, arts and crafts, grand parade, teen movie night, pet expo, quilt show, fireworks, entertainment, tributes to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard. Get Info: Call 616-846-5940 or 888-207-2434
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 29, 2006 Lambtown USA Festival May Fair grounds, Dixon, California	Cooking contest, raffle, livestock shows, arts and crafts, sheepdog demonstrations, sheepdog trials, petting zoo, pony rides, shearing competition, fiber booths, food vendors. Festival hours are from 9am-10pm. Further Details: Call 707-678-7386
July 29, 2006 Blueberry Festival Fruitland Township Park, Whitehall, Michigan	Blueberry pancake breakfast, tours of White River Light Station, arts and crafts, activities for kids and more. Questions? Call 231-766-3208
July 29, 2006 Blackberry Festival Downtown, Lenoir, North Carolina	Fresh blackberries, music, activities for kids, arts and crafts, festival foods. The event is from 10am-3pm. Get Details: Call 828-728-06116
July 29-30, 2006 Salsa Festival Plaza Park, Oxnard, California	In its 13th year the festival offers Latin and Salsa music, the Great Oxnard Salsa Challenge, salsa tasting tent, salsa dance lessons, dance contests, 2 food courts, arts and crafts, commercial vendors, activities for kids. There is no admission charge. Please—no pets or coolers. More Information: Call 805-247-0197
July 30, 2006 Pear Fair Downtown, Courtland, California	Activities for kids, music and other entertainment, classic cars, parade at noon, pear smoothies and fritters and other pear treats. There will also be a beer and wine garden. A portion of the proceeds form this event benefit the Courtland Volunteer Fire Department and help provide educational scholarships. Hours for this 34th year are from 9am-7pm. Get the facts: Call 916-775-2000
Want more? Sign up here to be notified when the next Review is uploaded. You'll receive more news and festivals not listed online!
July Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
July 1 Sweetcorn Festival, Downtown, East Prairie, Missouri, 573-649-5243 July 1-2 Rockland Harborfest, 9am-6pm, Buoy Park, Rockland, Maine, 207-596-0376 July 1-4 Smokey Bear Stampede, Capitan, New Mexico, 505-354-2273 July 2-8 Punxsutawney Groundhog Festival, Barclay Square, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, 800-752-PHIL July 6-9 Caribou Fest, Downtown, Caribou, Maine, 800-722-7648 July 7-8 Batesville BerryFest, Batesville, Indiana, 812-934-3101 July 7-8 Michigan Elvisfest, Riverside Park, Ypsilanti, Michigan, 734-480-3974 ext. 2 July 7-8 Chicken Show & Henoween, State College Campus, Wayne, Nebraska, 402-375-2240 July 7-9 Louisiana Catfish Festival, St. Gertrude Catholic Church, Des Allemands, Louisiana, 985-758-0249 July 7-9 Greek Heritage Festival, 186 Bradley, Saco, Maine, 207-284-5651 July 7-9 Dairy Festival, Elsie, Michigan, 989-862-5210 July 7-9 Italian-American Festival,                    County Fairgrounds, Canton, Ohio, 330-494-0886 July 8 Hanover Tomato Festival, 8:30am-4pm, Pole Green Park, Hanover, Virginia, 804-365-4695 July 8-9 Moose Dropping Festival, Talkeetna, Alaska, 907-733-2487 July 8-9 International Mango Festival,                    9:30am-4:40pm, 10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables, Florida, 305-667-1651 July 8-9 Sugar Creek Arts Festival, Downtown, Normal, Illinois, 309-454-9557 July 8-9 Wheaton Fine Art Fair, Downtown, Wheaton, Illinois, 630-682-0633 July 8-9 Haddonfield Crafts & Fine Arts Festival, Haddonfield, New Jersey, 856-216-7253 July 8-9 Come Home to Salamanca, various venues, Salamanca, New York, 716-945-2034 July 8-9 Meet Me in Mill Creek Festival, 11am-6pm, Main Street, Mill Creek, Washington, 425-745-1891 July 12-15 Crawford County Fair, Hood Park, Cuba, Missouri, 573-885-4141 July 12-16 Bear Paw Festival, Eagle River, Alaska, 907-694-47022 July 12-16 Central Pennsylvania Festival of the arts,                    Penn State University Campus & Downtown, State College, Pennsylvania, 814-237-3682 July 13-14 Truckers Jamboree, Iowa 80 Truckstop, Walcott, Iowa July 13-16 Sorrento Cheese Buffalo Italian Heritage Festival,                    Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, New York, 716-874-6133 ext. 17 July 14-15 Paw Paw Days, Downtown, Paw Paw, Michigan, 269-657-5395 July 14-16 Flamingo Festival, Southwest Harbor, Maine, 207-244-3713 July 14-16 Grease Pole Festival, 261 Swan Street, Buffalo, New York, 716-852-1648 July 14-16 Machias Summerfest, various venues, Machias, New York, 716-353-8109 July 14-16 (Visitors: Call to confirm dates) Westmoreland Rib, Wing & Funfest,                    Fairgrounds, Mt. Pleasant (near Greenburg), Pennsylvania, 724-373-3860 or 800-864-9190 July 14-16 Lavender Festival, Sequim, Washington, 877-681-3035 July 15 Gold Digger Days, Greenville, California, 530-284-6633 July 15 Farmers Day Festival, Main Street, China Grove, North Carolina, 704-857-8811 July 15-16 Oatka Festival, Main Street, LeRoy, New York, 585-768-7433 July 20-22 Polish Festival, Bronson, Michigan, 517-369-7334 or 800-968-9333 July 20-23 Iron Heritage Festival, various venues, Danville, Pennsylvania, 570-275-6700 July 21-22 Riverfest, Haworth Park, Bellevue, Nebraska, 402-898-3000 July 21-23 Rib Fest, Dreamcatcher Park, Cass Lake, Minnesota, 218-335-2250 or 800-356-8615 July 21-23 Stir-Up Days, Ashland, Nebraska, 402-944-3613 July 21-23 Downtown Days Festival, Marion, Virginia, 276-783-4190 July 22-23 Geneva Arts Fair, S. Third St., Geneva, Ilinois July 22-23 Centennial Days, Klamath Falls, Oregon, 541-882-1501 or 800-445-6728 July 23 WWISSCA Food Festival, County Convention Center, Greenville, Mississippi, 662-378-8663 or 800-820-8204 July 25-30 Feast of Lanterns, Pacific Grove, California, 831-649-8737 July 26-29 East Rochester Fire Department Carnival, High School Grounds, East Rochester, New York July 27-29 Swiss Days, Berne, Indiana, 260-589-8080 July 27-30 Barre Homecoming Days, various venues, Barre, Vermont, 802-476-1812 July 27-30 Washburn Homecoming Washburn, Wisconsin, 715-373-5017 or 800-253-4495 July 28-29 Altus Grape Festival, City Park, Altus, Arkansas, 479-468-4684 July 28-29 Wells Fargo Street Festival 2nd Street area, Davenport, Iowa, 563-823-3694 July 28-29 Dutch Festival, Hanover, Pennsylvania, 717-637-6130 July 28-30 Bologna Festival, Downtown, Yale, Michigan, 810-387-9253 July 28-30 Lebanese Festival, 2040 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville, New York, 716-634-0669 July 28-30 Italian Festival, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, 412-829-7397 July 29-30 Old Olcott Days, Lakeview Village Shoppes, Olcott, New York, 716-735-7489 July 29-30 Town & Country Jamboree, City Park, Moulton, Texas, 361-596-7205 July 30 Watermelon Festival, Chapman Park, Stanley, Wisconsin, 715-644-5880
Other July 2006 Events You Might Enjoy Events in this section may be called festivals but are generally less multi-dimensional than events in the above category
July 1 World's Largest Salmon Barbecue, 11am-6pm, Fort Bragg, California, 707-964-1228 July 1 Burklyn Arts Council Summer Craft Fair, 10am-4pm, Bandstand Park, Lyndonville, Vermont, 802-626-5836 July 1-4 International Food Festival, Lower Harbor Park, Marquette, Michigan, 906-475-5945 July 1-4 Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, Harrison County Fairgrounds, Lyman, Mississippi, 228-863-2713 July 3 High Sierra Beard & Mustache Championships, Olympic Valley, California, 530-581-3940 July 7-9 Monclair Village Fine Arts Sidewalk Festival, Mountain Blvd., Oakland, California, 510-339-1000 July 7-9 Shore Leave, Marriott's Hunt Valley Inn, Baltimore, Maryland, 410-496-4456 July 7-9 Art in the Park, Kellogg Park, Plymouth, Michigan, 734-454-1314 July 7-9 CONvergence 2006, Sheraton South Hotel, Bloomington, Minnesota, 651-647-3487 July 8 Be Cool Car Show, Downtown, Bay City, Michigan, 989-892-2567 July 8 Charlevoix Craft Show, East Park, Charlvoix, Michigan July 8-9 California Extreme (pinball/classic video games show), Parkside Hall, San Jose, California, 408-390-PINS July 8-9 Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Festival, Crescent Park School, Bethel, Maine, 207-743-8729 July 8-9 Bridal Show, 10am-5pm, Dallas Market, Dallas, Texas July 8-9 RAVE Car Show State Fairgrounds, Rutland, Vermont, 802-265-8026 July 9 Northeast Nebraska Toy Show, Lifelong Learning Center, San Diego, California, 619-491-2475 July 13-16 Crooksville-Roseville Pottery Sale, Roseville, Ohio, 740-697-7021 or 800-752-2604 July 14-16 ConMisterio, Austin, Texas, lillian@conmisterio.org July 14-16 Great Texas Balloon Race, County Airport, Longview, Texas, 903-237-4000 July 14-16, 21-23 Summer Boat Show, Market Hall, Dallas, Texas, 469-549-0673 July 15 Wings & Strings Buffalo Wing Cookoff, Pack Square, Asheville, North Carolina, 828-627-1461 July 15 Shipwreck Day, Downtown, Anacortes, Washington, 360-293-7911 July 15-16 Hollywood Collectors & Celebrities Show,                    Burbank Airport Hilton & Convention Center, Burbank, California, 818-843-6000 July 15-16 North Shore Art Festival, Westfield (Old Orchard Mall), Skokie, Illinois, 847-673-0240 July 16 Daylily Festival & Sale, 9am-3pm, Devon Point Farm, Orwell, Vermont, 802-948-2398 July 20 House & Garden Tour Day, Camden, Maine, 207-236-6375 July 19-22 Street Art Fair, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 800-888-9497 July 20-23 California Rodeo Salinas, Salinas, California, 831-775-3100 or 800-771-8807 July 20-23 Comic-Con International, Convention Center, San Diego, California, 619-491-2475 July 21-23 Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo, Fortuna, California, 707-725-3916 July 21-23 U.S. Grand Prix, Laguna Seca, Salinas, California, 831-242-8201 July 21-30 Cheyenne Frontier Days, Frontier Park, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 800-227-6336 July 22 Rose Parade (It's back!), 2pm, Newark, New York, 315-573-4067 July 22 Mutt Strutt, Jackson Arena, Stowe Village, Vermont, 802-888-5065 ext. 110 July 22-August 6 Art on the Mountain, Dover, Vermont, 802-464-2110 July 23 Wharf-to-Wharf Race, Santa Cruz, California, 831-475-2196 July 27-29 Nebraska's Big Sky Rodeo, Junction of Hwys. 91 & 11, Burwell, Nebraska, 308-346-5010 or 888-328-7935 July 27-30 Maine Quilts 2006 Show, Civic Center, Augusta, Maine, 207-577-0648 July 28-30 Grand Prix, Downtown, San Jose, California, 408-277-9470 July 28-30 Flashback Weekend, Crown Plaza Chicago O' Hare, Rosemont, Illinois, flashbackweekend@ameritech.net July 28-30 European Motorcycle Meet, Jordan Grand Hotel, Bethel, Maine, 207-836-2208 July 28-30 State Craft Fair,                    Franklin & Marshall College: Alumni Sports & Fitness Center, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 215-579-5997 July 28-30 LibertyCon, Comfort Inn at 6710 Ringgold Rd., Chattanooga, Tennessee, uncletimmy@libertycon.org July 28-30 North Kitsap Arts & Crafts Festival, Port Gamble, Washington, 360-842-6100 or 360-297-3555 July 29 Henry County Harvest Showcase, Fairgrounds, New Castle, Kentucky, 502-845-0806 July 29 Fun in the Sun Car & Truck Show, Madison, North Carolina, 336-427-8543 July 29-30 High Country Arts & Crafts Festival, Taos, New Mexico July 29-30 Pittsburgh Toy, Comic & Childhood Collectibles Show , Expo Mart, Monroeville, Pennsylvania, 814-467-1500 July 29-30 Mountain Market for Arts & Crafts, Hannah Pickett Memorial Park, Monteagle, Tennessee July 30 Moss Landing Antique Street Fair, 8am-5pm, Moss Landing, California, 831-633-4501 July 30 Art in the Park, City Park, Appleton, Wisconsin, 920-733-4089
Subscribers to the Notify List receive extra information, including a heads-up on other events. If you'd like to get the extras via email each month, sign up here.
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.

Vegetarian food in Kansas City, one of the barbecue capitals of the world? Of course! How about a sweet potato burrito or egg salad bruschetta at Eden Alley Cafe? They have a kids' menu too. Cafe Rumi has plenty of Middle Eastern specialties without meat. McCoy's has vegan wraps and Black Bean Veggie Burgers and a colorful Moroccan Veggie Stir-Fry. For more meatless choices, try Thai Place, Thai Orchid, Waldo Pizza, Chipotle and P.F. Chang's China Bistro.
You could spend a lot of the summer just exploring all the South Central Texas ghost towns.		Not all interesting places are in plain sight. If you ever get to Cincinnati you might want to find out more about its abandoned subway tunnel.

Send Deb email: deb@lightpatch.com

Last Updated June 23, 2006

Deb's Monthly Review © copyright Deb Thompson