Deb's Monthly Review

July 2008

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

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

Bringing you festivals and other fun since 1997!

Special Quotation "Loyalty to the country always. Loyalty to the government when it deserves it." --Mark Twain

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: Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program See the winner for 2008.		Handy Site Of The Month: SavingAdvice.com Forums Discuss everything from coupons to charitable gifts to college costs.
	Just Fun Site Of The Month: Hollywood Stock Exchange Try your hand at no-real-money movie stocks.		Scientific/Technical Site Of The Month: EETimes: Missing Link memrister created What's a memrister? Ask HP researchers.

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

July 2-5, 2008 National Tom Sawyer Days Historic Downtown, Hannibal, Missouri	Plans for this 53rd year include the Hannibal Cannibal 10K Run/5K Walk, musical entertainment, arts and crafts in Central Park, baby contest, pet show, parade on Broadway, beer tent, washer pitching tournament, Tom & Becky Contest, fireworks, car cruise-in, carnival, tricycle races, back seat driver contest, mud volleyball, frog jumping contest, Fence Painting Contest, raffle, horseshoe tournament, golf tournament, refreshment center. Learn More: Call 573-221-2477
July 2-6, 2008 Sawdust Days Menominee Park, Oshkosh, Wisconsin	Fish pond, festival foods, KidZone, carnival rides, parade, flea market, lucky button hunt, 4 stages of musical entertainment, fireworks on July 4 at 9:45pm, tiger/leopard exhibit and education. Details: Call 920-235-5584
July 3-5, 2008 Diller Picnic Downtown, Diller, Nebraska	Diller celebrates 112 years of fun with evening bingo, a carnival, fireworks July 3 at 10pm, pasture golf tournament, street dance on Saturday at 9pm, chicken BBQ, prizes, food stands, Nebraska Bush Pullers tractor pull, Mid-State Mud Drags, karaoke, musical entertainment, arts and crafts, parade (themed: "Holidays on Parade") on Saturday at 7pm, dance and beer garden following the parade. Further Information: Call 402-793-5991
	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 3-6, 2008 First Town Days Festival Tuscora Park, New Philadelphia, Ohio	Silver Sneakers Senior Workout demo, baby contest, men's legs contest, car show on Sunday, carnival, fishing derby, city vs. county softball tournament, band booster chicken BBQ, Grand Parade July 4 at 6:30pm, fireworks July 5 at 10pm, 5K run July 5 at 9am, plate auction, music and other entertainment, frog jumping contest, talent show (to pre-register for the show call 330-339-9840). July 4 is Family Day with turtle races, the frog jumping contest and Big Wheel races, along with a fishing derby for kids. It's the festival 31st year. Get The Facts: Call 330-343-6814
July 4, 2008 Ice Cream Festival Schrock Park, Tuttle, Oklahoma	The event is 17 years old and plans for this year include a parade down Main Street which then heads to the park for activities for kids, vendors, Braum's ice cream goodies, antique farm equipment on display, an ice cream eating contest, turtle races, music and probably fireworks that evening. More: Call 405-381-4600
July 5-12, 2008 National Cherry Festival Downtown, Traverse City, Michigan	The festival offers such fun as Teen volleyball tournament, teddy bear tea, senior bowling, cherry pit spitting contest, bingo, bubble gum blowing contest for kids, Cherries D'Vine, Million Dollar Hole-in-one, turtle races, Fire and Smoke by the Bay Grilling Contest, bed races, carnival, sand sculpting contest, Big Wheel Race, arts and crafts, diaper derby, Ultimate Air Dogs, senior euchre, Cherryopoly Tournament finals, fireworks July 12 at 10:30pm, Cherry Tart Tour (bike), beach volleyball, ice cream social, kid's cherry pie eating contest, teen golf outing, Cherry Pins & Pizza, Cherry Idol, bicycle rodeo, kiteboard demo, teen movie night, intergenerational picnic, DTE Energy Cherry Royal Parade July 12 at 11:15am, youth chalk art contest, 3 seatings for the Cherries Grand Buffet (for reservations, call the festival phone number), Cherry Classic Film Festival. Questions? Call 231-947-4230 or 800-968-3380
July 7-13, 2008 Spring Ho Festival W. M. Brook Park & other venues, Lampasas, Texas	Corn shucking contest, water sports at the pool, diaper derby, Kiwanis Club Dance, museum special exhibits, county fair exhibits, pet parade, carnival, arts and crafts, washing pitching tournament, kid's fishing derby, 10K and 1-mile run, BBQ cook-off, dance contest, pageant, entertainment, fireworks, activities for kids, local class reunions, Grand Parade at 11am on July 12, food concessions, LAFTA picnic, talent contest, duck races. Learn More: Call 512-556-5301
July 9-12, 2008 Wyandotte Street Art Fair Biddle Avenue area, Wyandotte, Michigan	More than 300 artisans showing and selling their wares, food court, non-profit booths, activities for kids, local merchant specials, festival merchandise, chalk art, staged musical entertainment on the riverfront and more. It's the event's 47th year. Further Details: Call 734-324-4506
Thanks for using these merchants' products and services Your purchases help make the next issue free to read
July 9-12, 2008 Ohio Hills Folk Festival Downtown, Quaker City, Ohio	Celebrate 104 years of festival fun with a car show, flea market, kiddie parade, arts and crafts, craft demonstrations, pet show, farm museum, kids' bike race, 5K run, festival foods, fireworks on Saturday night and plenty of entertainment. Additional Facts: Call 740-679-2704
Thanks for using these merchants' products and services Your purchases using these links help make issues free to read
July 10-12, 2008 Turkey Festival Various venues, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota	Fashion show, beard growing contest, pancake breakfast Saturday from 7:30-10am, youth street dance, turkey BBQ, firefighter water fight, kiddy parade, bingo, ice cream social, parade, library used book sale, focus on Pelican Rapid's 125th Anniversary Celebration. Learn More: Call 218-863-1221
July 10-12, 2008 Slugburger Festival Historic Downtown, Corinth, Mississippi	Enjoy this 21st year with arts and crafts, festival foods (including the famous slugburger, which is actually a concoction of grain or soybean meal and meat), carnival rides and games, festival merchandise, music and more. The only slug at the event is a big green mascot, so no worries about what goes in your slugburger. But if you want a hamburger, you'll have to ask for it. Otherwise, ordering a "burger" will get you a deep-fried slugburger patty, typically served with mustard, pickles and onion. Info: Call 662-287-1550 or 877-347-0545
July 10-13, 2008 Auburn Cornfest Community Park and Downtown on Main, Auburn, Ohio	Music from Jedi Mind Trip and others, fireworks at dusk on July 10, parade on Sunday at 1pm, festival foods, tractor pulls, BBQ, arts and crafts and more. Get The Facts: Call 989-225-4039 or 989-662-4001
July 10-13, 2008 Potsdam Summer Festival Market Street area downtown, Potsdam, New York	Vendors, sidewalk sales, musical entertainment, arts and crafts Tour de Potsdam 5K Run/Walk, classic cars, ducky race, white elephant sale, Outer Market Mania, plane rides (by reservation), merchant specials, plus a Family Day at Ives Park with a sing-along, picnic and a non-denominational church service on Sunday. Questions? Call 315-274-9000
July 10-13, 2008 People's Choice Festival Military Museum Grounds on Rt. 322, Boalsburg, Pennsylvania	Now in its 16th year, the festival offers more than 160 artisans plus art by young people ages 8-17. There will be music in 2 entertainment tents plus exhibits, bounce houses and other fun for the kids, activities for teens, rest area tents and dining tents with plenty of festival foods. General hours are 10am-8pm Thursday through Saturday and noon-5pm on Sunday. Details: Email info@peopleschoicefestival.com
July 10-13, 2008 Pioneer Days Downtown, Marlinton, West Virginia	Enjoy games, a parade, demonstrations, arts and crafts, festival foods, old-time music, classic cars. The festival celebrates 42 years in 2008. More: Call 920-786-7390 or 920-786-7380
July 11-13, 2008 Byron Fest Downtown, Byron, Illinois	It's the Fest's 21st anniversary. Plan to help celebrate with basketball, softball, carnival midway, beer garden, entertainment, GospelFest (one night earlier on July 10 at 6:30pm), activities for kids, parade on Sunday at 2pm, bed races, 5K run, classic cars at United Church of Byron, quilt show at the Byron Museum of History, Taste of Byron at Walnut & 2nd Street, carnival midway. Get The Facts: Call 815-234-5500
July 11-13, 2008 Moxie Festival Main Street area, Lisbon Falls, Maine	5K road race, food court, recipe contest, parade, canoe race, raffle, car shows, Art in the Park, fireman's muster, games and entertainment for kids, fireworks show. It's the festival's 25th year of fun. Info: Call 207-783-2249
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 11-13, 2008 River Raisin Festival Ellis Park & Bachmayer Park, Blissfield, Michigan	It's the 25th year for this one and plans include firefighter water games, a parade at 10:30am on Saturday, pancake breakfast Sunday from 8:30-11am in the beer tent, Idol contest, pageant, fireworks Friday night (rain date Saturday night), classic cars, entertainment, carnival rides (open 6:30am on July 10), pony rides, raft rides, chicken BBQ, K-9 demos, business expo tent, arts and crafts. Get Details: Call 517-266-8909 or 888-68-BLISS
July 11-13, 2008 Lagrange Street Polish Festival Lagrange Street, Toledo, Ohio	Fresh pierogies and kielbasa plus other festival foods, class reunion tent, activities for kids, pierogie eating contest Saturday at 6pm, crafts, polka bands, dancing and dance competitions, Polish and American beers. General hours are 5-11pm on Friday, noon-11pm on Saturday and noon-7pm on Sunday. There is an admission charge. It's the festival's 25th anniversary. Note: The African American Festival is also going on this weekend, in Nelson Grace Park, with food, rides, Gospel music and more (info at 419-255-9976). Further Facts: Call 419-255-8406 ext. 304
July 11-13, 2008 Catfish Days Central Park, Trempealeau, Wisconsin	Catfish 50 bike tour, motorcycle poker run, parade on Sunday, fishing tournament, flea market, arts and crafts, variety show, musical entertainment, food, family & class reunions and more. Find Out More: Call 608-534-6335
July 12, 2008 Parker County Peach Festival Historic Downtown, Weatherford, Texas	More than 200 arts and crafts vendors, Peach Pedal bike tour (may take place at a later date), activities for children, entertainment, plus a food court with peach smoothies, peach ice cream and other peachy treats. you can also buy fresh peaches. Hours are 8am-5pm. The festival is celebrating its 25th season of fun. Additional Information: Call 888-594-3801
July 12-13, 2008 Moose Dropping Festival Downtown, Talkeetna, Alaska	Now in its 36th year, the festival brings a lot of fun to this community. Enjoy the Moose Poop Raffle (think cow patty bingo with the droppings having been shellacked and dropped on a bullseye) at the VFW hall at 6pm on Saturday, KidZone, softball tournament, Mountain Mother Contest, Moose on Parade art auction, food vendors, music, 5K run/walk, festival merchandise, arts and crafts. Questions? Call 907-732-2487
July 12-13, 2008 Los Altos Art & Wine Festival Main & State Streets, Los Altos, California	More than 400 artisans show and sell their work, plus there are appearances by local media personalities, a special area for kids, entertainment on 3 stages and plenty of gourmet festival foods. Park at Los Altos High School on Almond Avenue and take a shuttle to the fun. Festival hours are 10am-8pm on Saturday and 10am-6pm on Sunday. Please leave pets safely at home. (Service animals are, of course, welcomed at festivals.) Find Out Details: Call 650-917-9799 or 650-949-5282 or 800-844-3507
July 12-13, 2008 Santa Barbara French Festival Oak Park, Santa Barbara, California	Tribute to Maurice Chevalier, cabaret performances, wandering mimes and other entertainers, replica of the Eiffel Tower, storytelling, arts and crafts, drawings for a trip for 2 on Air France, entertainment on 3 stages, Poodle Parade (Sunday at 5:30pm), perhaps a pirate or two amongst the crowd, jugglers, and you might spot Napolean or Marie Antoinette mingling here or there. Food is abundant with French-Vietnamese fusion dishes and goodies such as crepes, quiche, pastries, French beer, Alsatian sausages and kraut, baguette sandwiches. (Even your hot dog might come wrapped in a fancy baguette). This is a non-smoking event. There is no admission charge. Hours are 11am-7pm for this 21st year. Further Details: Call 805-897-PARIS(7274)
July 12-13, 2008 Taste of Buffalo Delware Avenue-Niagara Square, Buffalo, New York	Wine tasting, commercial booths, 2 stages of musical entertainment, activities for kids, cooking demos, and food. Expect tastes such as Cheddar-Jalapeno cornbread, artichokes gratinee, veggie croissants, Greek tomato salad, grilled peppercorn salmon, soft tacos, pasta fagioli, prime rib French dip, potato pancakes, veggie (or chicken) curry, sesame-crusted tuna salad, Cajun chicken, fried ravioli, BBQ beef, three-cheese tortellini, fried okra, Jerk chicken with rice and beans, Philly cheesesteak, veggie egg rolls, apple empanadas, chewy spice cookies, mango smoothies, peanut butter pie, rootbeer cheesecake, fresh fruit kabobs, cream cheese pound cake and more. You buy tickets for tasting and trade the tickets for whatever munchies appeal to you. And they will accept Visa or Mastercard to buy tickets! The festival celebrates 25 yummy years in 2008. Expect to mingle with more than 450,000 festival-goers. Info: Call 800-562-0134 or 800-283-3256
July 12-13, 2008 French Festival Downtown, Cape Vincent, New York	For this 40th year you can enjoy a pancake breakfast at St. John's Church (Saturday from 7-11am), a pageant, band performances and children's entertainment, merchant specials, arts and crafts French bread and pastries, a festival mass, fireworks, student soccer game, museum displays, a parade at 1pm on Saturday. Get Details: Call 315-854-2481
July 12-13, 2008 Cookson Jubilee TACO Community Building and grounds, Cookson, Oklahoma	It's the 31st year for this event. Enjoy hula dancing and music, BBQ and other festival foods, activities for children, arts and crafts, local talent, and more. This is an alcohol-free event. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the entertainment, but please do not bring in coolers or ice chests. There is an admission charge. Further Information: Call 918-457-3220
July 12-13, 2008 Choochokam Langley Festival of the Arts Whidbey Island Center, Langley, Washington	Celebrate this 33rd year with a digital film fest, activities for kids, arts and crafts, festival foods, street dance on Saturday night, a half marathon on Saturday at 8:30am, street performers and more. Learn More: Call 360-221-2010
July 12-13, 2008 Strawberry Festival Various venues, Vashon Island, Washington	Grand Parade July 12 at 11am, beer garden on 100th Avenue (with a cover charge), internet radio broadcasts, musical entertainment, Bill Burby/K2 Fun Run (5k & 10K), wine and jazz garden, Kiwanis pancake breakfast (with berries) 7-11am on Saturday and 8am-noon on Sunday, classic car parade. The festival celebrates 98 great years in 2008. Note: While roaming the area for food, you should know that The Hardware Store Restaurant has a rather unique atmosphere and includes vegetarian items plus a menu for kids. They're at 17601 Vashon Highway Southwest (at Bank Road). Call 206-463-1800 for hours and other info. Get The Festival Facts: Call 206-463-6217 or 206-408-8057
July 12-19, 2008 Maine Potato Blossom Festival Various venues downtown Fairfield, Maine	Chicken BBQ, duck races, potato picking contest, musical entertainment, fireworks over the river, mashed potato wrestling, parade on Saturday at 1pm, arts and crafts fair, industry dinner, barrel rolling contest, battle of the bands, human chess game, recipe contest, river regatta, classic cars, Civil War encampment, dance and social, pageant, baked bean supper, antique tractor pull, motorcycle show, multi-media exhibit, triathlon, golf tournament, baby parade (ages 0-4 years), hay bale toss, ladies' skillet toss, Farmer Olympics, vintage fashion show, youth baseball, bingo, household pet show, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, food court, 25-mile bike race. It's the event's 61st year of fun. Find Out Details: Call 207-472-3800
July 13-19, 2008 Sinclair Lewis Days Various venues, Sauk Centre, Minnesota	Pageant, school house tours, merchant specials, girl's basketball tournament, ice cream social, treasure hunt, street dance on Saturday night, Kids Concert in the Park, 5K walk/run, arts and crafts, Kiddie Parade at 7pm on Wednesday, softball tournament, church pie social, musical entertainment and more. Further Information: Call 320-352-5201
	If you enjoy this issue, please tell a friend about it!
July 15-19, 2008 National Baby Food Festival Downtown, Fremont, Michigan	Now in its 18th year, the festival offers fun such as a kiddie parade on Wednesday at 5:30pm, karaoke competition, petting zoo, arts and crafts (on Friday and Saturday), bike races, Grand Parade on Saturday at 10:30am, 10K & 5K run, turtle races, Hula Hoop Contests, baby crawl, Baby Food Cook-off, Baby Food Eating Contest for the grown-ups, bingo at Moose Lodge, Kids Expo (with some activities for older kids too). More than 100,000 people are expected to show up and celebrate the joys of baby food! Get The Facts: Call 800-592-2229
July 16-19, 2008 Durbin Days Various venues, Durbin, West Virginia	Enjoy old-time music (and a music jam), arts and crafts, train rides on the Durbin & Greenbriar Valley Railroad, parade, carnival, fireworks, classic cars, karaoke, food, Durbin Days Back Road 5K footrace on Saturday at 9am, car show. Questions? Call 800-336-7009
July 17-19, 2008 Bagelfest Peterson Park, Mattoon, Illinois	Run for the Bagel 5K & 10K run (plus a 1-mile fun run), arts and crafts, pageant, bagel breakfast with all the toppings you can imagine (Saturday from 8-10am), sporting events, musical entertainment, talent show, parade on Saturday at 10:30am, vendors and more. Learn Details: Call 217-258-6266 or 800-500-6286
July 17-19, 2008 Green River Festival Greenfield Community College, Greenfield, Massachusetts	Arts and crafts, activities for kids, dance tent, music on 2 stages, festival foods, hot air balloons, and more. Please do not bring pet dogs to the festival. Note that this is an alcohol-free event. It's the festival's 22nd year. Further Information: Call 413-773-5463
July 17-20, 2008 Venetian Festival Lakefront, St. Joseph, Missouri	Celebrate 30 years with boating events, classic cars, fireworks, arts and crafts (Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm at Lake Bluff Park), wine tasting, beer tent, sand sculpting contest, lighted boat parade on Saturday evening at 10:15pm, festival foods on Restaurant Row (on Lake Boulevard), Taste of Southwest Michigan, raffle, River Run/Walk, Blessing of the River, volleyball at Silver Beach Park, activities for kids, big band dance. Find Out Details: Call 259-983-7917
July 17-20, 2008 Festa Italiana Somerset grounds on the lakefront, Milwaukee, Wisconsin	This year marks the festival's 31st season. Plans include bingo, Italian mass and processional, arts and crafts, raffle, Italian Idol, cooking demos, bocce tournament, video arcade, pizza dough tossing, San Marco Venetian bell tower display (replica that stands 36-feet tall), religious exhibits, 40 local food vendors, St. John's Cathedral High School 50 year class reunion (on July 17), fireworks, Wheels & Heels Rush (5K), carnival. General hours are 2pm-midnight on Thursday, 11:30am-midnight on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Get The Facts: Call 414-223-2808
July 18-19, 2008 Mize Watermelon Festival City Park, Mize, Mississippi	This festival benefits the local fire department, so come and have fun with a watermelon eating contest, greased watermelon race, arts and crafts, entertainment, watermelon seed spitting contest, classic cars, motorcycles and festival foods. Further Information: Call 601-733-2775
July 18-19, 2008 Raspberry Festival Various venues, Lynden, Washington	Razz to Riches prize drawing, petting zoo, raspberry sundaes, Razz & Shine car cruise-in, Golf Fore Good benefit tournament, 3-0n-3 basketball tournament, farm tours, sidewalk sales, free throw competition, jazz, fresh berries for sale, arts and crafts, wine tasting, run/walk, street fair, pancake breakfast at the Community Center. Questions? Call 360-354-5995
July 18-20, 2008 Culver Lake Festival Beach front at Lake Maxinkuckee, Culver, Indiana	Pageant, activities for kids, arts and crafts, parade, pancake breakfast and more. It's the festival's 25th year. Learn More: Call 574-842-2899
July 13-15, 2008 Quietside Flamingo Festial Pemetic Field, Clark Point Road area, Southwest Harbor, Maine	Music and other entertainment, cocktail party, Coast Guard pancake breakfast Saturday morning, craft fair, kids' carnival, firefighter events, lots of pink plastic flamingos all over town. It's the festival's 51st year. Find Out Details: Call 207-244-3713
July 18-20, 2008 Yarmouth Clam Festival Various venues, Yarmouth, Maine	Artisans showing and selling their work, balloon zoo, Firefighters Muster, bluegrass (and jazz and blues and more) music, karaoke, festival merchandise, canoe and kayak races, 5-mile road race and 1-mile fun run for the kids, parade on Friday at 6pm, clam shucking competition, horse-drawn carriage rides, contra dancing, blueberry pancake breakfast Saturday and Sunday at Memorial Green, flapjack breakfast Saturday and Sunday at First Parish Church. Breakfasts are 7-10:30am both days, fireworks. Now, if you get hungry during the day, have no fear. You can munch on fruit salad, coleslaw, BBQ chicken sandwiches, onion rings, burgers, tuna salad rolls, veggie burgers, 3-bean salad, strawberry shortcake, cheesecake, muffins, peach shortcake and more. It's the festival's 43rd season. Further Information: Call 207-846-3984
July 18-20, 2008 Pirate Festival Krull Park, Olcott, New York	Witness a pirate war on Lake Ontario complete with bombs (water balloons) and plenty of drama. The losing captain walks the plank! Enjoy music, food, a parade on the 19th, games and rides. You can expect skirmishes to happen anywhere and swords may be drawn at any time, all in good fun. Scurvy dogs, wenches and other costumed visitors are welcomed. There will also be a radio-controlled aircraft demo on Saturday at noon. Hours are 6pm-midnight on Friday, noon-midnight on Saturday and noon-6pm on Sunday. Get The Facts: Call 716-778-8042 or 716-778-8531
July 18-20, 2008 Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival Fairgrounds, Berea, Ohio	Musical entertainment with Irish bands and step dancers, Irish historical exhibits, Irish poetry and stories, children's activities, exhibits highlighting the work of Irish actors and sports figures, tourist and travel info, Irish ale and Irish foods. It's the festival's 26th year of ethnic fun. Questions? Call 330-321-6174 or 800-485-8013
July 18-20, 2008 Blueberry Festival Burnside Plantation, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania	Celebrate 23 great years with a blueberry pie eating contest, music, family drum circle, farm tours, petting zoo, arts and crafts in the lower meadow, Moravian cooking demonstrations, classic cars, a pie sale, activities for kids. Learn More: Call 610-888-5044 or 610-882-0450
July 18-20, 2008 Somerfest 214 S. Harrison, Somerset, Pennsylvania	Magic shows, youth talent, teen area, roving entertainers, entertainment on 2 stages, a climbing wall and bounce houses (and other activities) for kids, arts and crafts. Sunday is Senior Day, with seniors getting in to the festival for a dollar. There is a general admission charge for those over age 4. It's the festival's 30th season. Find Out Details: Call 814-443-2433
July 18-20, 2008 Watermelon Festival Various venues, Pageland, South Carolina	In addition to the festival fun, Pageland is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Enjoy festival merchandise, a parade on Saturday at 11am, classic car cruise-in, music, arts and crafts, rodeo events, a pageant, plenty of festival foods. Further Information: Call 843-672-6400
July 18-20, 2008 Bite of Seattle Seattle Center, Seattle, Washington	More than 50 area restaurants and 30 food product companies provide treats at this festival. Offerings may include: Cajun blackened salmon filet sandwich with grilled onions and Cajun tartar sauce, Thai Crunch Salad, veggie crepes, pot stickers, edamame, hot fudge brownies, chocolate-covered fruit, berry shortcake, peach iced tea, mango slushes, whole wheat elephant ears with cinnamon-sugar (or other toppings). In addition to the munchies you'll have 6 outdoor stages of entertainment, cooking demos, wine tasting, kids' entertainment, comedy club (for those 21 and older) and more. Hours are 11am-9pm Friday and Saturday and 11am-8pm on Sunday. Questions? Call 425-283-5050
July 19, 2008 Lambtown USA Festival Hall Park at 600 East A Street, Dixon, California	More than 75 crafts and fiber booths, sheep shearing demonstration, wool and mohair (and alpaca) fleece show and sale, garment competition, spinning competition, livestock events, lamb ribs eating contest, workshops, musical entertainment, food vendors and more. It's the festival's 22nd anniversary. Learn More: Call 707-676-7386
July 19, 2008 Mollyockett Day Downtown on the Common, Bethel, Maine	Adirondack chair auction, fiddler contest, duck race at 5pm on the Sunday River, fireworks, frog jumping, parade, arts and crafts, festival foods, entertainment, race with a 5-mile plus a 3-mile plus a kids' 1-mile fun run. Info: Call 207-824-2282
July 19, 2008 Burgerfest Main Street, Hamburg, New York	The festival is on Main Street in spite of recent construction. Enjoy Animal Alley, games for children, arts and crafts, entertainment on 2 stages, beer tent, burger eating contest, community and commercial vendors, Taste of Hamburg food court, and back this year is the classic car show. Additional Details: Call 716-983-9861
July 19, 2008 North Carolina Peach Festival Fitzgerald Park, Candor, North Carolina	Bring lawn chairs to enjoy the entertainment. You can also get in on the peach eating contest, a parade at 10am, crafts, games, festival merchandise, peaches and ice cream, a pageant, festival foods. Find Out More: Call 910-974-4221
July 19, 2008 Peach Festival City Park, Stratford, Oklahoma	Games, auto show, festival foods, peach ice cream in the afternoon, arts and crafts, entertainment and more. Questions? Call 580-759-4455
July 19-20, 2008 California Peach Festival D Street in Historic Downtown, Marysville, California	Fresh peaches for sale, arts and crafts, music, merchant specials, activities for kids. Further Information: Call 757-299-7180
July 19-20, 2008 San Clemente Ocean Festival San Clemente Pier, San Clemente, California	Rubber duck race, fishing derby for kids, ocean art show, sand sculpture, California Waterman and Waterwoman Championships, children's pavilion, free bodysurfing and boarding clinics, surfing competitions, Woodie car show, music, commercial vendors, food vendors, pancake breakfast. Learn More: Call 949-440-6141
July 19-20, 2008 Ethnic Arts Festival Dawes Park, Evanston, Illinois	Art activities for children, basket making, face painting, henna demonstrations, origami, arts and crafts, folkdancing, poetry, music, fiber arts, theatre, art auction, food vendors and more. Hours are noon-7pm and there is no admission charge. You can park free at Northwestern University garage and take a shuttle to and from the fun. It's the festival's 23rd year. Get The Facts: Call 847-448-8058
July 19-20, 2008 Rosendale Street Festival Main Street, Rosendale, New York	Musical entertainment on 4 stages, kids' activity area, ethnic foods, face painting, arts and crafts, Among those scheduled to perform are The Virginia Wolves, Rented Mule, Llama Dollies, Sarah Perrotta, Catbox, plus Saints of Swing. Hours are noon-10pm on Saturday and noon-6pm on Sunday. More: Call 845-750-6168
July 19-20, 2008 Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival Downtown, Walla Walla, Washington	The festival moves from the fairgrounds to Downtown for this 24th year. Enjoy the Sweet Onion 5K Run at 8am on Saturday, music, arts and crafts, activities for kids, onion recipe contest, chef demos, the onion museum, motorcycle poker run, Saturday night street dance, martial arts demos, beer garden, farmers market, onion art, grower competitions, onion vendors, festival food vendors. Additional Details: Call 509-525-10311
July 22-26 2008 Plainfield Farmer's Fair Fairgrounds on Route 191, Plainfield, Pennsylvania	Watermelon eating contest, bingo, craft tent, BBQ chicken, 4-H projects, livestock, Barnyard Olympics, cookbooks and other festival merchandise, exhibits and commercial vendors, baking contest, food vendors, pie eating contest, pageant, antique equipment display, old-fashioned games, games for kids, kiddie pedal tractor pull, adult pedal tractor pull, demolition derby. Please, no pets, backpacks or coolers. There is an admission charge for those age 12 and older. Further Information: Call 610-863-6816
July 23-26, 2008 Paducah Summer Festival Various venues, Paducah, Kentucky	Sidewalk chalk contest, crafts, photo competition, FNB Kids Triathlon, Big Wheel race, competitive cross-river swim, doughnut eating contest, server race, hot air balloons, activities for children, Oreo Cookie stacking contest, greased pole contest, U.S. Army rock climbing wall, commercial vendors, food. Pets are allowed if on leash with open muzzle. Please, no rollerblades, skateboards or bikes on the Riverfront. More: Call 800-PADUCAH
July 23-26 2008 Violet Festival Victory Park, Pickerington, Ohio	Entertainment, arts and crafts on the 25th & 26th, 5K run/walk, fireworks at 10pm Sunday, car and bike show, parade Friday at 7pm, community vendors, Bring chairs and blankets to enjoy music by SLOW RIDE, Lo Cash Cowboys and others. Details: Call 614-834-2717 or Email info@violetfestival.org
July 24-26, 2008 Butch Cassidy Days Downtown, Montpelier, Idaho	Celebrate with a Friday evening dinner and entertainment, bed races, log cutting contest, shootout reenactment at noon, fireworks on Saturday night. Get The Facts: Call 206-945-3333 or 800-446-2327
July 24-26, 2008 Swiss Days Throughout downtown, Berne, Indiana	This one celebrates its 57th anniversary this year. Enjoy polka music and chicken dancing, antique engine and equipment display, pancake breakfast on Saturday at the fire station from 6-10am, tennis tournament, Agape Sports League ball game, games and rides, arts and crafts, baking contest, cheesemaking tour, food vendors, sand sculpture competition at Pine Lake, fireworks, Swiss Steintoss competition, Big Wheel race, quilt show, jazz, merchant specials, theatre. Learn More: Call 260-589-8080
July 24-26, 2008 Louisiana Watermelon Festival Downtown, Farmerville, Louisiana	Celebrate 45 years with a best-dressed watermelon contest, golf tournament, 5K run, tricycle races, bicycle races, treasure hunt, pageant, arts and crafts, parade, pet photo contest, arm wrestling, street dance, tennis tournament, melon growing competition, watermelon rolling contest, watermelon seed spitting contest, watermelon eating contest, Union Parish Voters League Banquet. Questions? Call 316-368-0044
July 24-26, 2008 Great Texas Mosquito Festival Municipal Park, Clute, Texas	Plans for this 28th year include the Mosquito Chase 5 Run, arts and crafts, BBQ & fajita cook-off, haystack dive, Dodge Ball Sting Tournament, horseshoe pitching tournament, Mr. & Mrs. Mosquito Legs Contest, washer pitching tournament, senior bingo, music from Sunny Sauceda and Intercoastal Pirates (among others), food, Mosquito Calling Contest. At this writing the bike tour has been cancelled. (Always check ahead for your favorite events at festivals so you aren't disappointed if plans change.) Additional Details: Call 979-265-8392 or 800-371-2971
July 24-27, 2008 Munger Potato Festival Community Park and Township Hall, Munger, Michigan	Pageant, bingo tent, children's pedal pull contest, parade Sunday at 1pm, potato sack races and other games for kids, demolition derby, Figure Eight Derby, music, teen dance, chicken BBQ, carnival rides and games, more. Further Information: Call 989-659-3471
July 24-27, 2008 Turkey Days Downtown, Frazee, Minnesota	Celebrate 34 years with a pre-festival pageant, turkey cook-off, parade on E. Main Sunday at 2pm, car show on Sunday 10am-1pm, greased pole climb, sand castle contest, Little League Baseball July 26, 5K run, turkey luncheon on Sunday at 11am (just before the parade), Mystery Gobbler Contest, golf scramble, coins in the straw, drawings for prizes, flower show, water fights, remote-controlled vehicle demo, Kids' Carnival July 25the from 4-6pm at the Events Center, salad luncheon on Saturday, inflatable houses and other activities for kids, teen dance Saturday night, demolition derby, festival merchandise, football. There's also a taco-in-a-bag dinner from 4-8pm at the Events Center on July 25 (with ice cream and pop). Tacos are three dollars or you can opt for a personal pizza. Questions? Call 800-407-2488
July 25-26, 2008 Hot Dog Festival Downtown, Frankfort, Indiana	Antiques, arts and crafts, Puppy Park for the kids, hot dogs with all the toppings, car show, flea market, sidewalk sales, entertainment, 5K Bun Walk/Run Saturday at 8am. General hours are 11am-10pm both days and there is no admission charge. It's the festival's 14th anniversary. Learn More: Call 765-654-4081
July 25-27, 2008 Gilroy Garlic Festival Christmas Hill Park, Gilroy, California	Come and celebrate 30 years of garlic fun with strolling entertainers, 3 stages of music (including Barry Kaufman, Garlic City Harmony, Key Lime Pie, Trusting Lucy and Sha-Boom), arts and crafts, festival merchandise, battle of the bands and plenty of garlic in stir-fry, pasta, breads and even desserts. Please, no coolers, pocket knives, outside beverage containers or pets. Do bring your wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen, because the sun does get warm as the day goes on. There is an admission charge. Get The Facts: Call 408-842-1625
July 25-27, 2008 Pierogi Fest 119th Street downtown, Whiting, Indiana	The Twirling Babushka Brigade and Mr. Pierogi and the Pieroguettes are a big draw at the parade, as are the Marching MBAs, the Lazy Boy Float and the Lawnmower Precision Drill Team. (The parade precedes down 119th Street at 7pm on Friday). Enjoy dowsing local personalities in the dunk tank, the pierogi toss on Sunday and the pierogi eating contest (also on Sunday). There will be arts and crafts and a beer garden. When you get the munchies, fill up on goodies such as fried green tomatoes, kraut, potato pancakes, piergois (of course), Polish sausages, cheese blintzes, hot dogs, stuffed cabbage, toffe, funnel cakes, corn dogs, Cajun dishes, turkey legs, root beer floats, shaved ice and lemonade. The Kids' Kourt will have slides, dinosaurs to bounce on, clowns and other entertainment and activities. More Details: Call 877-659-0292
July 25-27, 2008 Blueberry Art Festival Whiteside Park, Ely, Minnesota	Lions Club blueberry pancake breakfast Saturday & Sunday mornings, bounce houses and train rides and more for kids, more than 300 booths full of arts and crafts and festival foods. You might find a slice of fresh blueberry pie if you look! Rutka's Rangers are among those scheduled to provide musical entertainment. Hours are noon-7pm on Friday, 10am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. There is no admission charge. The festival celebrates its 28th anniversary in 2008. Questions? Call 218-365-6123
July 25-27, 2008 Blueberry Festival Various venues, Lake George, Minnesota	Kids' Sawdust Money Pit, horseshoe pitching tournament, blueberry pancake breakfast, pie sale, bed races, flea market, square dance, quilt show and raffle, bingo, Firemen's Bean Feed, arts and crafts, pedal tractor pull, children's carnival, festival foods. Come and help celebrate 25 years of fun. Further Information: Call 218-266-2995 or 218-256-3977
July 25-27, 2008 Bele Chere Downtown, Ashville, North Carolina	Purina Ultimate Air Dogs, festival merchandise, Bele Chere Urban Challenge, activities for kids, non-profit booths, arts and crafts, commercial booths, festival foods and a whopping 6 stages of entertainment, including music from Cowboy Mouth, Edwin McCain, The Wailers, Travis Tritt and The Grascals. Get The Facts: Call 828-259-5800
July 25-27, 2008 Black Gold Festival Various venues, Ardmore, Oklahoma	Celebrate Ardmore's oil history with an oil gusher (which is actually water, courtesy of the local fire department), music, sunrise services, pioneer days, pet parade, street dance, beer garden. Learn More: Call 580-226-6246
July 25-27, 2008 Covington Days 17700 SE 272nd Street, Covington, Washington	It's the 23rd year for this one. Enjoy a 5K run/walk, door prizes, music, skateboard events, commercial booths, classic cars, arts and crafts, non-profit booths, parade at 11am on Saturday, activities for kids, festival foods, fireworks, possibly a carnival. Questions? Call 425-432-9140
July 25-27, 2008 Aquafest Various venues, Lake Stevens, Washington	Boat parade, Aquafest Idol, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, Fifty-dollar boat races, water ski/wakeboard tournament, children's parade, Aquarun 10K/5K/kids fun run, Grand Parade on Sauturday at 11am, disc golf competition, photo contest, firefighter breakfast Saturday & Sunday 6am-noon at the downtown fire station on 21st Street NE, Rain Gutter Regatta, street soccer, classic car show, horse-drawn wagon rides, fireworks over the lake at 10pm Saturday night (bring blankets or lawn chairs). . Further Information: Call 425-397-2344
July 25-27, 2008 Tour de Terrace Festival 56th Avenue West between 220th & 224th, Mountain Terrace, Washington	Pancake breakfast Saturday & Sunday 8am-noon, arts and crafts, beer garden, music, food booths, parade Friday at 7pm, car show, carnival, fireworks Saturday at 10pm. Further Information: Call 425-776-7331
July 25-27, 2008 Upper Ohio Valley Italian Festival Heritage Park, Wheeling, West Virginia	Italian history and geography exhibits, golf scramble, pasta exhibit, carnival games, bocce tournament, musical entertainment, arts and crafts, Veterans Appreciation Ceremony, fireworks Saturday at 10pm, wine tasting, food. Questions? Call 304-233-1090
July 25-27, 2008 Derby Days Cory Park, Dousman, Wisconsin	This is the festival's 53rd season. Enjoy a teen battle of the bands, chicken BBQ, beer tent, softball tournament, Derby Dash, State Frog Jumping Championship, parade Sunday at 11am, carnival, bingo, entertainment. Additional Details: Call 262-965-3128 or 262-965-3043
July 25-27, 2008 Iron River Blueberry Festival Moon Lake Park and Downtown, Iron River, Wisconsin	Games and rides, Lions Club chicken BBQ, fresh blueberries for sale, food booths, beer tent, a dance, blueberry pie eating contest, pageant, polka mass, Ecumenical songfest Thursday (just before the main festival) at 7pm at the Community Center, pedal tractor pull for the kids, parade on Sunday at 12:15pm, drawings for prizes, arts and crafts, blueberry pie for sale (whole or by the slice). Get The Facts: Call 800-345-0716
July 25-August 3, 2008 Coast Guard Festival Waterfront area, Grand Haven, Michigan	10K/5K/1-mile run/walk, street dances, tennis open, kid's parade, tours of a Coast Guard cutter, arts and crafts, fireworks on August 2nd at dusk, quilt show, activities for kids, Coast Guard sporting events, battle of the bands, entertainment, bike tours, parade of ships, Cool Zone, cruise-in and car show, Grand Parade August 2 at 11:45am, tributes to the men and women of the U. S. Coast Guard, carnival midway and more. More Info: Call 616-846-5940 or 888-207-2434
July 25-August 4, 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival 2121 George Halas Drive Northwest, Canton, Ohio	Drum Corps International Competition, fashion show and luncheon, music, parade August 2, Enshrinees Dinner, 5-mile & 2-mile races, fireworks, Balloon Classic Invitational, Ribs Burnoff, Hall of Fame Game and more. Questions? Call 330-456-8207
July 26, 2008 West Union Fest 127 Historic Downtown, West Union, New York	Train on the Tracks 5K run/walk, Outhouse Float Contest, classic cars, arts and crafts booths, Liars' Contest, cake walk, Victorian era costume contest at 5pm on Main Street, Celabration Cake Contest, catfish fishing tournament at Ballfield Park between 8 and 11am, festival foods, parade the night before (July 25) at 7pm, historical items and reproductions walking tours, Civil War display, entertainment. Bring a blanket or lawn chair if you like! Further Information: Call 304-873-1400 or 304-873-3379
July 27-28, 2008 Hot Dog Daze Frisco Street, Clinton, Oklahoma	Car & motorcycle show, Weiner Nationals dachshund/weiner dog races, arts and crafts and other vendors, poker run, cruise on Old 66, museum exhibits, parade, hot dogs and more. Get Details: Call 580-323-2222
July 31-August 2, 2008 West Virginia Blackberry Festival Clarksburg City Park, Fort Nutter, West Virginia	Car parade, talent contest, carnival, music, 5K run (Saturday at 8am), blackberry baking contest, pet parade, arts and crafts, food vendors, fireworks. There is no admission charge. This is an alcohol-free event. Questions? Call 304-622-3206
July 31-August 3, 2008 Flambeau Rama 5th Street North, Park Falls, Wisconsin	Carnival, sidewalk sales and merchant specials, arts and crafts (Saturday & Sunday), chalk drawing contest, music, car show, parade, frog jumping, flea market, food court, youth casting contest. Learn More: Call 715-762-2703 or 800-762-2709
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.
Want more next month? Sign up here to be notified when the next Review is uploaded. You'll receive more news and festivals not listed online!
If you sign up, be sure to check your mailbox from time to time... Some Notify notes are bouncing because subscriber mailoxes are full or over quota.
July Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
July 1-2 Pancake Days, Various venues, Butte, Nebraska, 402-775-2426 July 3-5 Gallipolis River Recreational Festival, Riverfront, Gallipolis, Ohio, 740-446-0596 July 3-5 Dogpatch Reunion (35th), Sylvester, West Virginia, 304-854-0330 July 3-6 Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival (34th), 11am-8pm, Twin Lakes Park, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, 724-834-7474 July 3-6 Point Pleasant Sternwheel Regatta & River Festival, Point Pleasant, West Virginia, 304-675-8788 July 3-7 Roswell UFO Festival, Roswell, New Mexico, 888-ROS-FEST July 4 Americana Festival, Various venues, Centerville, Ohio, 937-433-5898 July 5 Hanover Tomato Festival (30th), 9am-4pm, Pole Green Park, Hanover, Virginia, 804-550-4705 July 9-13 Bear Paw Festival, Eagle River, Alaska, 907-694-4702 July 10-11 Truckers Jamboree (29th), Iowa 80 Truckstop, Walcott, Iowa, 563-284-6961 July 10-12 Dairy Festival, Elsie, Michigan, 989-862-5210 or 989-834-2132 July 10-12 Crazy Days, Various venues, Broken Bow, Nebraska, 308-872-5691 July 10-13 Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts (42nd),                    Penn State University campus & Downtown, State College, Pennsylvania, 814-237-3682 July 11 Come Home to Salamanca, High School on Iriquois Drive, Salamanca, New York, 716-945-2034 July 11-12 Batesville Summerfest/Berryfest, Downtown, Batesville, Indiana, 812-934-3101 or 812-933-6116 July 11-12 Michigan Elvisfest, Riverside Park, Ypsilanti, Michigan, 734-480-3974 ext. 2 July 11-12 Ice Cream Festival, Leitchfield, Kentucky, 270-259-3165 July 11-12 Chicken Show & Henoween, Bressler Park, Wayne, Nebraska, 402-375-2240 July 11-12 Benedum Festival (14th), City Park, Bridgeport, West Virginia, 800-368-4324 July 11-13 International Mango Festival, Fairchild Botanical Garden, Coral Gables, Florida, 305-667-1651 July 11-13 Greek Heritage Festival (11th), 186 Bradley, Saco, Maine, 207-284-5551 July 11-13 Stir-Up Days, Ashland, Nebraska, 402-944-3613 July 11-13 Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival, Stoweflake Resort, Stowe, Vermont, 800-253-2232 July 11-13 New Deal Festival, Arthurdale, West Virginia, 304-864-3959 July 11-13 Nabor Days, Riverview Park, Cadott, Wisconsin, 715-289-3338 July 12 North Carolina Blackberry Festival, Downtown, Lenoir, North Carolina, 828-726-0616 or 828-726-0323 July 12 Redmond Derby Days, City Hall Complex on 85th St., Redmond, Washington, 425-556-2299 July 12-13 Sugar Creek Arts Festival (25th), 10am-5pm, Uptown at North Street/Quad area, Normal, Illinois, 309-454-9557 July 12-13 July Jamboree, 10am-5pm, Zenith Park, Cloudcroft, New Mexico, 505-682-2733 July 12-13 Haddonfield Craft & Fine Art Festival (16th), Kings Highway Downtown, Haddonfield, New Jersey, 856-216-7253 July 12-13 Oatka Festival (20th), LeRoy, New York, 585-768-7433 July 12-13 Corn Hill Arts Festival, Rochester, New York, 585-262-3142 July 12-13 Meet Me in Mill Creek Festival, 11am-6pm, Main Street, Mill Creek, Washington, 425-745-1891 July 16-19 Crawford County Fair, Hood Park, Cuba, Missouri, 877-212-8429 July 16-20 Capital Lakefair, Downtown, Olympia, Washington, 360-943-7344 July 17-20 Polish Festival, Bronson, Michigan, 517-369-7334 or 800-968-9333 July 17-20 Sorrento Cheese Buffalo Italian Heritage Festival (31st), Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, New York, 716-674-6133 ext. 17 July 17-20 Iron Heritage Festival, Various venues, Danville, Pennsylvania, 570-275-6700 July 18-19 Riverfest, Haworth Riverfront Park, Bellevue, Nebraska, 402-898-3000 July 18-20 Cromwell Days, Downtown, Cromwell, Indiana July 18-20 Rib Fest, Dreamcatcher Park, Cass Lake, Minnesota 218-335-2250 or 800-356-8615 July 18-20 Downtown Hungry Days, Hungry Mother State Park & Marion downtown area, Marion, Virginia, 276-783-4190 July 18-20 Lavender Festival (11th), Sequim, Washington, 877-681-3035 July 19 Gold Digger Days (48th), Greenville, California, 530-284-6633 July 19 Oldham County Days, LaGrange, Kentucky, 502-222-4454 or 502-222-1635 July 19 Paw Paw Days, Downtown, Paw Paw, Michigan, 269-657-5395 July 19 Farmers Day Festival, Main Street, China Grove, North Carolina, 704-857-8811 July 19-20 Wheaton Fine Art Fair (6th), Downtown, Wheaton, Illinois, 630-682-0633 July 19-20 Main Street Festival, Main Street area, Polson, Montana, 406-883-5800 July 19-20 Grease Pole Festival, 261 Swan Street, Buffalo, New York, 716-852-1648 July 22-27 Feast of Lanterns, Various venues, Pacific Grove, California, 831-649-8737 July 24-27 Barre Homecoming Days, Various venues, Barre, Vermont, 802-476-1812 July 25-26 Altus Grape Festival, City Park, Altus, Arkansas, 479-468-4684 July 25-26 Wells Fargo Street Festival, 2nd Street area, Davenport, Iowa, 563-823-3694 July 25-27 Bologna Festival, Downtown, Yale, Michigan, 810-387-8253 July 25-27 Lebanese Festival (10th),                    St. John Marion Church at 2040 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville, New York, 716-634-0669 July 25-27 Town & Country, Jamboree City Park, Moulton, Texas, 361-596-7205 July 25-27 Whaling Days, Waterfront Park on Byron St., Silverdale, Washington, 360-692-1107 July 25-27 Jamboree Days, Lion's Memorial Park, New Auburn, Wisconsin, 715-237-2223 July 26 Blueberry Festival, Fruitland Township Park, Whitehall, Michigan, 231-766-3208 July 26 Dutch Festival, 8am-4pm, Center Square, Hanover, Pennsylvania, 717-637-6130 July 26-27 Salsa Festival, Plaza Park, Oxnard, California, 805-247-0197 July 26-27 Geneva Arts Fair, 10am-5pm, S. Third Street, Geneva, Illinois, 630-232-6060 July 26-27 Old Olcott Days, Lakeview Village Shoppes, Olcott, New York, 716-735-7489 July 27 Pear Fair, Downtown, Courtland, California, 916-775-2000 July 27 WWISCAA Food Festival & Hot Tamale Contest,                    County Convention Center, Greenville, Mississippi, 552-376-8663 or 800-820-8204 July 27 Watermelon Festival, Chapman Park, Stanley, Wisconsin, 715-644-5880 July 30-August 2 Onion Days, Township Park, Wolf Lake, Indiana, 260-635-1199 July 30-August 2 North Carolina Watermelon Festival (23rd), Murfreesboro, North Carolina, 252-398-5922 July 31-August 3 Amish Acres Arts & Crafts Festival (46th),                    Amish Acres on U.S. 6, Nappanee, Indiana, 574-773-4188 or 800-800-4942 July 31-August 3 Pig Gig, Veterans Memorial Park, Bay City, Michigan, 866-684-0450 July 31-August 3 Phelps Sauerkraut Festival, Downtown, Phelps, New York, 315-546-8017 July 31-August 3 Jack Pine Savage Days, Downtown, Spooner, Wisconsin, 715-635-2166 or 800-367-3306 July 31-August 3 Riverfest (22nd), Riverside Park, Watertown, Wisconsin, 920-261-6320
Other July 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
July 2 Teddy Bear Picnic,                    4-8pm, Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Garden at 2655 South Park Drive, Buffalo, New York, 716-884-0095 July 3-6 CONvergence 2008, Sheraton Bloomington Hotel on S. Normandale, Bloomington, Minnesota, 651-647-3487 July 5 International Worm Races, Austin Park, Clearlake, California, 707-994-3600 July 5 World's Largest Salmon Barbecue (37th), 11am-6pm, Fort Bragg, California, 707-964-1228 July 5 Burklyn Arts Council Summer Craft Fair, 10am-4pm, Village Green, Lyndonville, Vermont, 802-626-5836 July 6 Northeast Nebraska Toy Show (21st), Community College Learning Center, Norfolk, Nebraska, 402-329-6210 July 10-13 Crooksville-Roseville Pottery Festival (43rd), Village Park, Roseville, Ohio, 740-982-2712 July 11-12 Be Cool Car Show, Downtown, Bay City, Michigan, 989-892-2567 July 11-13 Shore Leave, Marriott's Hunt Valley Inn, Baltimore, Maryland, 410-496-4456 July 11-13 Art in the Park (28th), Kellogg Park, Plymouth, Michigan, 734-454-1314 July 11-13 Great Texas Balloon Race, County Airport, Longview, Texas, 903-237-4040 July 12-13 Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Festival, Telstar High School, Bethel, Maine, 207-824-3611 July 12-13 Charlevoix Arts & Crafts Show, Mason Street area, Charlevoix, Michigan, 231-547-2101 or 800-951-2101 July 12-13 Antique & Collectibles Show, Expo Center, Portland, Oregon, 503-282-0877 July 12-13 Bridal Show, 10am-5pm, Dallas Market Hall, Dallas, Texas, 972-713-9920 July 12-13 RAVE Car Show, State Fairgrounds on Rt. 7 South, Rutland, Vermont, 802-265-8026 July 16-19 Street Art Fair (49th), Ingalls Mall lawn, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 800-888-9497 July 17-20 California Rodeo Salinas (98th), Rodeo grounds, Salinas, California, 831-775-2100 or 800-771-8807 July 18-19 Pottery Lovers Show & Sale, Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center, Cambridge, Ohio, 800-933-5480 July 18-20 U.S. Grand Prix, Laguna Seca Raceway, Salinas, California, 831-242-8201 July 18-20 & 25-27 Summer Boat Show (23rd), Market Hall, Dallas, Texas, 469-549-0673 July 18-27 Cheyenne Frontier Days, Frontier Park, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 800-227-6336 July 19 Shipwreck Day, Downtown, Anacortes, Washington, 360-293-7911 July 19-20 Dayton Air Show, Dayton International Airport, Dayton, Ohio, 937-898-5901 July 19-20 Heirloom Rubber Stamp & Paper Arts Festival,                    10am-5pm & 11am-4pm, Convention Center, Grapevine, Texas, 817-410-3459 or 541-574-8000 July 24-26 Nebraska's Big Rodeo (87th), Junction of State Highways 11 & 91, Burwell, Nebraska, 308-346-5010 July 24-27 Comic-Con International (39th), Convention Center, San Diego, California, 619-491-2475 July 24-27 Maine Quilts Show (31st), Civic Center, Augusta, Maine, 207-577-0648 July 25-27 Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo, Fortuna, California, 707-725-3916 July 25-27 European Motorcycle Meet, Sunday River Ski Resort, Bethel, Maine, 800-282-0139 July 25-27 LibertyCon,                    Comfort Inn at 6710 Ringgold Rd. (East Ridge), Chattanooga, Tennessee, Email uncletimmy@libertycon.org July 25-27 North Kilsap Arts & Crafts Festival (49th), Port Gamble, Washington, 360-842-6100 or 360-297-2490 July 26 Henry County Harvest Showcase (9th),                    10am-4pm, County Fairgrounds, New Castle, Kentucky, 502-845-0806 or 502-845-5707 July 26-27 North Shore Art Festival, 10am-6pm, Westfield (Old Orchard Mall) parking lot, Skokie, Illinois, 847-673-0240 July 26-27 High Country Arts & Crafts Festival (26th), Eagle Nest, New Mexico, 505-377-2430 July 26-27 Pittsburgh Toy, Comic & Childhood Collectibles Show (also called Steel City Con),                    Expo Mart, Monroeville, Pennsylvania, 814-467-1500 July 26-27 Mountain Market Arts & Crafts Show (48th),                    16 Dixie Lee Ave. (near Hannah Pickett Memorial Park, Monteagle, Tennessee, 931-924-5530 or 931-924-2265 July 27 Moss Landing Antique Street Fair (38th), 7:30am-5pm, Moss Landing, California, 831-633-4501 July 27 Wharf-to-Wharf Race, Santa Cruz, California, 831-475-2196 July 27 Art in the Park (48th), City Park, Appleton, Wisconsin, 920-733-4089 July 31-August 3 Street Rod Nationals (39th), Kentucky Fair & Expo Center, Louisville, Kentucky, 901-452-4030
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: 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.

The weather is heating up for the summer. How about a salad? DC's Grill, 4151 Louisiana Hwy. 1 South, Port Allen, Louisiana, offers a Caribbean Spring Salad with fresh greens, apple, grapes, raisins, walnuts, grilled chicken, crumbled bleu cheese and a raspberry walnut balsamic vinaigrette. Phone: 225-749-2343 (In case you're on the weekend festival hunt, note that they're closed on Sundays. Web site: http://dcgrillwbr.com/ The Grotto, 3046 S. Kimbrough (in Battlfield Market Place), Springfield, Missouri, has an Asian salad with romain, broccoli, roma tomatos, cinnamon pecans, carrots, wontons and shredded cabbage in a sweet red wine vinaigrette. If that doesn't strike your fancy, how about the Enchiliso Salad with a romaine base, red onion, tomatoes, black olives, shredded Cheddar, jalapenos, tequila-lime chicken, tortilla strips and avocado ranch dressing? Phone 417-886-9600 (also closed Sundays). Web site: http://www.gogrotto.com/ Iraila Mediterranean Rustica has some great salads, including the Hazelnut Yogurt Beet Salad and the Lentil-Garbanzo Salad. they're at 2435 Hilyard in Eugene, Oregon and open on Sundays as well as other days. Phone 541-684-8400. Web site: http://www.iraila.com/index.cfm The Church Pew Works, 3525 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, open Saturdays until after midnight and also open Sundays noon-10pm. Try their Traditional Pittsburgh Style Salad with char-grilled chicken, mixed greens, french fries and jack cheese. Phone 412-588-8200. Web site: http://www.churchbrew.com/ Roly Poly is a chain, but you can get 4 of their sandwiches served to you in a bowl. It's called Rowly Bowly and the wrap is omitted for you low-carb diners. To see if there's a location near you or your traveling route, go to http://www.rolypoly.com/locations/
Check out Baltimore's Harbor Pass for discounts on several popular local destinations.		Minnesota's Twin Cities offer jazz concerts at various venues throughout the summer.
Free summer fun: Take a guided tour of New York's Grand Central Terminal. There's free music every Thursday at the National Zoo (3001 Connecticut Avenue NW) in Washington, D.C. Grant's Farm in St. Louis is free to roam, though there is a parking fee. It isn't free if you decide to buy something, but browsing is free at Wizard's Chest at Cherry Creek North (on Fillmore St.) in Denver, Colorado. Call 303-321-4304 (or 866-321-4304) to be sure they're open before you stop in. Wells Fargo History Museums in several cities. Tour Purity Dairies in Nashville.

Send Deb email: deb@lightpatch.com

Last Updated June 26, 2008

Deb's Monthly Review © copyright Deb Thompson