Deb's Monthly Review

July 2011

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

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

Bringing you festivals and other fun since 1997!

Special Quotation "Next to knowing when to seize an opportunity, the most important thing in life is to know when to forego an advantage." --Benjamin Disraeli

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	The Artsy Site Of The Month: Sistine Chapel Once it loads you can roam all over it.		Handy Site Of The Month: Tips for Traveling Abroad Safety and common sense from the U.S. Department of State
	Just Fun Site Of The Month: Quick Flash Games: Flower Reaction Game One bloom leads to another, much as it does in life.		Scientific/Technical Sites Of The Month: Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics: Extreme Astrophysics Notes on black holes, pulsars and other marvels

 July 2011 Festivals and Events

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

June 30-July 4, 2011 Sawdust Days Menominee Park, Oshkosh, Wisconsin	Celebrate 40 great years with fireworks on July 3 (or July 4 if it rains), 5K run/walk, Historic Village displays and demonstrations, Veteran's Parade on July 4, flea market, festival foods, carnival rides, 4 stages of entertainment. Among those scheduled to perform at this writing: Leroy Thomas and the Zydeco Roadrunners, Purgatory Hill, Andy's Automatics, Harvey Scales and the 7 Sounds, plus a karaoke competition. Learn More: Call 920-235-5584
June 30-July 4, 2011 National Tom Sawyer Days Downtown near Tanyard Gardens, Hannibal, Missouri	Raft races, pancake breakfast at 7:30am on July 4 at the United Methodist Church, car cruise-in, karate demo, Hannibal's Got Talent, carnival, Tomboy Sawyer, Teen Night, raffle for a car, Tom and Becky Contest, fireworks at dusk on July 4, National Fence Painting Contest, baby contest, arts and crafts in Central Park (at 4th and Broadway) 10am-4pm Saturday and Sunday and 11-4 on Monday, Back Seat Driver Contest, pet show, Mark Twain Shows, mud volleyball, washer pitching tournament, beer tent, bicycle races, horseshoe pitching tournament. The festival celebrates 56 years in 2011. Details: Call 573-221-2477
June 30-July 4, 2011 First Town Days Festival Tuscora Park, New Philadelphia, Ohio	For a 34th year you can enjoy a frog jumping contest, talent show, car cruise-in, men's legs contest, senior bingo, festival foods, bocci tournament, parade July 1 at 6:30pm, pie eating contest, fireworks July 2 at 10pm, carnival, wiffle ball tournament, karate demo, turtle races, fishing derby for kids, Big Wheel races. Questions? Call 330-343-6814
July 2-9, 2011 National Cherry Festival Downtown, Traverse City, Michigan	Classic car show, Cherries Grand Buffet (and you need reservations to get in on one of the seatings), Million Dollar Hole-in-one, Cherry Classic Film Series, beer tent, senior breakfast, carnival midway, senior euchre tournament, Kids' Big Wheel races, Cherry Idol, teen volleyball tournament, art show, senior pinochle tournament, DTE Energy Cherry Royal Parade July 9 at 11:15am, Historical Walking Tour, cherry pit spitting contest, Cherrypoly Tournament finals, art activities for kids, diaper derby, arts and crafts, Princess Tea, Heritage Day picnic, Global Wine Pavilion, cherry pie eating contest, sand sculpture contest, festival merchandise, bed race, fireworks over the bay July 9 at 10:30pm, music from Brantley Gilbert, Kansas, Josh Grobin. Get The Facts: Call 231-947-4230 or 800-968-3380
July 4-10, 2011 Spring Ho Festival W. M. Brock Park and other venues, Lampasas, Texas	10K and 1-mile run, arts and crafts, dance contest, carnival, diaper derby, festival foods, grand parade July 9 at 11am, horseshoe tournament, museum special exhibits, kids' fishing derby, fair exhibits, pet parade, fireworks July 6 at 9:15pm, dance on Courthouse Square, entertainment from Lindsey Cox, The Kerley Girls and others. Further Information: Call 512-556-5301
July 6-9, 2011 Ohio Hills Folk Festival Downtown, Quaker City, Ohio	Kiddie parade, Mile Long Parade at 7pm on Friday, Queens Parade on July 9 at 4pm, entertainment on Saturday evening, fireworks Saturday night, kids' bike race, 5K run, arts and crafts plus craft demonstrations, car show. Questions? Call 740-679-2704
July 6-10, 2011 River Raisin Festival Ellis Park and Bachmayer Park, Blissfield, Michigan	It's the festival's 28th anniversary. Celebrate with a Big Rock Amusements carnival, a pageant, antique tractor pull, volleyball tournament, poker run, family movie night, beverage tent, food concessions, truck pulls, car and bike show, arts and crafts, softball marathon, activities for kids, entertainment on 3 stages from David Gerald, Expression Through Dance, Loyal To One, Madison Shea, Paragon and others. There will be a fireworks show Friday at dark and then Saturday at dark. You're invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets for viewing comfort. Details: Call 517-266-8909 or 888-68-BLISS
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July 6-10, 2011 Pioneer Days Downtown, Marlinton, West Virginia	Fun planned for this 45th year includes a parade July 8, arts and crafts, music, carnival, food concessions, Western comedy play, truck and tractor pull, mud bog, contests and horseshoe pitching, classic cars, Pioneer Village. Questions? Call 800-336-7009 or 304-799-4452
July 7-9, 2011 Diller Picnic Downtown, Diller, Nebraska	This event celebrates an impressive 115 years in 2011. Enjoy a beer garden and dance Friday night, Pasture Golf Tournament, KUTT 99.5 remote broadcast, karaoke Friday night, Nebraska Bush Pullers tractor pull, music and other entertainment, fireworks Thursday at 10pm, evening bingo, mud drags, parade on Saturday at 7pm, food concessions, chainsaw carving, kids' 1-mile fun run/walk, chicken BBQ. Learn More: Call 402-793-5991
July 7-10, 2011 Auburn Cornfest Community Park and Downtown on Main, Auburn, Ohio	Musical entertainment, quad racing, corn toss, parade on Sunday at 1pm, Corn Stalk 5K Thursday at 6:30pm, softball tournament, table games, festival foods, carnival rides and games, arts and crafts, mud bog, bingo, fireworks at dusk on July 7 (with a rain date of July 8), corn eating contest. It's the 41st year for this one. Get the Facts: Call 989-225-4039 or 989-225-1834
July 8-9, 2011 Turkey Festival Various venues, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota	2011 marks this event's 128th anniversary. Get ready for a used book sale, kiddie parade, street dance, ice cream social, bean bag tournament, farmers market, classic cars, flea market, pancake breakfast Saturday from 7:30-10:30am. Find Out More: Call 218-863-1221
July 8-10, 2011 ByronFest Downtown, Byron, Illinois	Truck and bike show at the United Church of Byron on Saturday from 6am-3pm, Taste of Byron, quilt show, 5K run on Saturday, Catfish Catch and Release, arts and crafts, carnival midway, Gospelfest. Enjoy music from Penny Mae Dixon Band, 7th Heaven, Mike and Joe, Your Villain My Hero. 2011 marks the festival's 24th year of fun. Details: Call 815-234-5500
July 8-10, 2011 Moxie Festival Main Street area, Lisbon Falls, Maine	Plans for this 28th season include Spirit of the Wolf Pow Wow, museum open house, fire department car wash, 5K road race, music and dance entertainment, Ridge School open house, river race, bounce houses and other activities for kids, library book sale, pony rides, parade Saturday at 10am, firefighter muster, fireworks show on Friday at 8:15pm. Learn More: Call 207-783-2249
July 8-10, 2011 LaGrange Street Polish Festival LaGrange Street between Central and Mettler, Toledo, Ohio	There's plenty of fun planned for this 28th year. Get ready for a polka dance contest, polka mass at 4pm on Saturday, Dancing With the Stars Polka Edition, area with activities for kids, pierogi eating contest, arts and crafts, Polish and American beers. There are plenty of tastes at this event. Try paczki, corn on the cob, BBQ chicken, pizza, hot dogs, funnel cakes, kielbasa. Additional Information: Call 419-255-8406
July 8-10, 2011 Catfish Days Central Park, Trempealeau, Wisconsin	Motorcycle poker run, bass and walleye fishing tournaments, rides and games, fireworks Sunday at 10pm, car show, activities for kids, parade on Sunday at 2pm, flea market, 5K/10K walk/run on Sunday, bike tour on Saturday (15, 20, 50-miles), softball tournament, egg toss, volleyball tournament, music from Redline Outlaw Band. Big Daddy Cade. Get the Facts: Call 608-534-6335
July 9, 2011 Parker County Peach Festival Historic Downtown, Weatherford, Texas	This 28th season brings with it peach ice cream, activities for kids, arts and crafts, festival foods, 42 domino tournament, Peach Pedal Bike Ride, peach smoothies, peach cobbler (and other peach treats), diaper derby, entertainment from Clear Fork, Texas Lace and Friends, Rocky Lott Band and others. Festival hours are 8am-5pm. Questions? Call 888-594-3801
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July 9-10, 2011 Los Altos Arts and Wine Festival Main and State Streets, Los Altos, California	It's the 32nd year for this evemt. Plans include more than 300 artisans showing and selling their work, special area for the kids, wine and microbrews, appearances by local media personalities, plus music from Fred McCarty, The Flying Calamari Brothers, Deb Thacker, Groove Kings (and others). You can take the parking shuttle to and from the Los Altos High School. Additional Info: Call 650-917-9799
July 9-10, 2011 Choochokam Festival of the Arts Whidbey Island Center, Langley, Washington	The festival celebrates 37 years in 2011. Enjoy a street dance on Saturday night, music and poetry (plus dance acts) on 3 stages, arts and crafts, activities for kids, street performers, festival foods, beer and wine garden. Details: Call 360-221-2010
July 9-17, 2011 Maine Potato Blossom Festival Downtown, Fort Fairfield, Maine	Pet show, spaghetti dinner at the VFW hall, mashed potato wrestling, food court, horseshoe tournament, industry dinner, potato picking contest, wagon rides, antique tractor display, street dance, 5-mile race, pancake breakfast at the corner of Depot and Brown Streets 6-10am on July 17, golf scramble, Class of 1961 30th Reunion, Class of 1991 20th Reunion, rubber duck races, fireworks at dusk on July 17, bike parade, craft demos, potato cooking contest, antique tractor pulls, chess tournament, town-wide yard sale, girls softball tournament, County Gospel Festival, pageant, swim meet for ages 18 and younger, canoe and kayak events on Monson Pond, Zumbafest, 3-on-3 basketball. Get the Facts: 207-472-3802
July 10-16, 2011 Sinclair Lewis Days Various venues, Sauk Centre, Minnesota	Parade July 16 at 7pm, disc golf tournament, Kiddie Parade at 7pm on July 13, fireworks on July 15, street dance, waffle breakfast, musical entertainment, softball tournament, girls basketball tournament, merchant specials, arts and crafts, pageant, food vendors, pie and ice cream social, turtle races July 13 at 4pm (please bring your own turtle). Learn More: Call 320-352-5201
July 13-16, 2011 Wyandotte Street Fair First Street and Biddle Avenue from Oak to Eureka, Wyandotte, Michigan	The festival celebrates 50 great years in 2011. Enjoy street entertainers, 250 artisans showing and selling their work, festival merchandise, a food court with treats such as deep-fried veggies, burgers, corn dogs, cheese fries, shaved ice, kabobs, BBQ, sweet potato fries, wraps. Among entertainment scheduled at this writing: Carolyn Striho, 50 Amp Fuse, Wysteria, Misty Blues. Questions? Call 734-324-4502
July 13-17, 2011 Durbin Days Heritage Festival Main Street area, Durbin, West Virginia	Arts and crafts, classic cars, fireworks, train rides, parade, music from D. C. Riggs Band and others. Further Information: Call 800-336-7009
July 14-16, 2011 Potsdam Summer Festival Market Street area downtown, Potsdam, New York	Antiques, classic cars, flea market, arts and crafts, parade Saturday, Posdam SUNY Reunion, fire department race, vendors, merchant specials, music from Potsdam Community Band on Friday at 6:30pm. The festival marks 44 years in 2011. Further Information: Call 608-269-4123
July 14-17, 2011 Venetian Festival Lakefront, St. Joseph, Michigan	Boat display, dinghy poker run, lighted boat parade Satuday at 10:30pm, festival foods, River Run/walk, sand sculpting, games for kids, arts and crafts, beach volleyball tournament, classic cars, Riverfront Praise, Taste of Southwest Michigan, marathon swim, fireworks Saturday at 10:30pm. Get The Facts: Call 259-963-7917
July 14-17, 2011 People's Choice Festival Pennsylvania Military Museum on Rt. 322, Boaldsburg, Pennsylvania	Human Kaleidoscope for kids, PVC pipe organ, bounce houses, student art, chinchilla exhibit, petting zoo, Nestle water, festival foods, activities for teens, art show and sale and more. General hours are 10am-8pm Thursday through Saturday and noon-5pm on Sunday. This is the festival's 19th season. Get Details: Email peopleschoiceinfo2011@gmail.com
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July 15-16, 2011 Marysville Peach Festival D Street in Historic Downtown, Marysville, California	The festival marks 11 years in 2011. Plans include fresh peaches for sale, peaches and pancake breakfast at The Silver Dollar Saturday from 7-11am, festival foods, 5K run/walk, carnival rides, arts and crafts, activities for kids, music from Chris Gardner plus Tijuana Taxi. Further Information: Call 530-749-3954
July 15-16, 2011 Mississippi Watermelon Festival City Park, Mize, Mississippi	Car/truck show, 5K run, festival foods, watermelon eating contest, free watermelon slices, watermelon seed spitting contest, biggest watermelon contest, plus music from Andy Griggs, Katie Arminger, H20. The festival turns 33 this year. Information: Call 601-733-5647
July 15-16, 2011 Cookson Jubilee Tenkiller Area Community Building and grounds, Cookson, Oklahoma	It's the festival's 36th season. Get ready for BBQ, pancake breakfast Saturday from 7:30-10:30am (at Tenkiller Lake Airport), arts and crafts, Texaco Country Showdown, festival foods, drawings for prizes, music from Ryan Turner and Jason Meadows, activities for kids, fire/rescue equipment on display. Get The Facts: Call 918-457-3220 or 918-457-3100
July 15-16, 2011 Watermelon Festival Various locations, Pageland, South Carolina	Parade Saturday at 11am, Watermelon Idol, car and motorcycle show, children's stage in Moore's Park, pageant (before main festival), arts and crafts, rodeo events, carnival, music, watermelon seed spitting contest, watermelon eating contest. Learn More: Call 843-673-6400
July 15-16, 2011 Northwest Raspberry Festival Various venues, Lynden, Washington	The festival celebrates 14 seasons in 2011. Enjoy a rock climbing wall, face painting, raspberry pancake breakfast at the Community Center, Berry Big Shot free throw competition, Razz and Shine car and truck cruise-in, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, jazz, raspberry sundaes, fresh berries for sale, arts and crafts. Most events take place in the Front Street area. Find Out Details: Call 360-354-5995
July 15-17, 2011 Culver Lake Fest Emerson High School area, Emerson, Arkansas	Plans this 28th year include a car show, golf cart decorating contest, bike tour, games for kids, arts and crafts, festival foods, burnout contest, 5-mile run/2-mile walk plus 1/2-mile fun run for the kids, bass fishing tournament, golf scramble, parade on Saturday at 10am. Questions? Call 574-842-2899
July 15-17, 2011 Yarmouth Clam Festival Various locations, Yarmouth, Maine	Firefighters muster, pink elephant sale, carnival, Ed Morris' Balloon Zoo, bike race, kids fun run, clam-shucking competition, fried mozzarella sticks, sweet potato fries, 5-mile road race, diaper derby, festival merchandise, parade on Friday at 6pm, pancake breakfasts Saturday and Sunday, Kids Zone on the library lawn, museum exhibits, plus festival foods. Try fresh cinnamon rolls, cornbread, chicken bites, tuna rolls, cole slaw, blueberry crisp, BBQ. There is a bake sale on Friday at Sacred Heart Church. It's the festival's 46th year of fun. Learn More: Call 207-846-3964
July 15-17, 2011 Kudzu Festival Town Square, Holly Springs, Mississippi	Celebrate with rodeo events, Kids Field Day, 5K run, talent show, beer tent, pet show, dunking booth, cooking contests, arts and crafts, carnival. And please participate, if you are able, in the local blood drive. Information: Call 662-252-2515 or 888-687-4765
July 15-17, 2011 Somerfest Philip Dressler Center for the Arts, Somerset, Pennsylvania	2011 marks the 33rd season for this event. Enjoy staged music and dance performances, activities for the kids, arts and crafts, roving entertainers, festival foods, teen area. Further Details: Call 814-443-2433
July 15-17, 2011 Covington Days Cedar Heights Middle School, Covington, Washington	Festival foods, parade at 10am on Saturday, watermelon eating contest on Saturday, arts and crafts, pancake breakfast Saturday at the Rotary from 8-11am, 5K walk/run at 7:30am on Saturday, activities for kids. General hours are 9am-1pm Friday, 9am-9pm Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday. Details: Call 425-432-9140
July 15-17, 2011 Comcast Bite of Seattle Seattle Center, Seattle, Washington	Dock Dogs, appearance by Foster Farms Imposter Chickens, beer and wine gardens, rib cooking competition, chef demos. Enjoy music from Block Party Crash, Strange Jerome, Notorious Sensation, Oncore, Kalimba, Doubleside, Ben Bruce, 2112, The Pendletons, Eric Tweed, Heartless, Furniture Girls and others. One whole stage is devoted to children's entertainment. Food is the real star, of course. You can sample treats such as deep-fried potatoes on a stick, soft tacos, salmon salad, chicken tikka masala, fried green beans, vegetable pot stickers, Thai dishes, lemon crepes and smoothies. Hours are 11am-9pm Friday, 11am-9pm Saturday and 11am-8pm Sunday. Learn More: Call 425-283-5050
July 15-17, 2011 Strawberry Festival Various locations, Vashon Island, Washington	Bill Burby Fun Run, classic car parade, Kiwanis pancake breakfast at Vashon Market (near the post office) 7-11am on Saturday and 8am-noon on Sunday, antique tractors, arts and crafts, street dance, carnival, beer garden, festival foods such as Hawaiian grill, tacos, Cajun and Creole specialties, root beer floats. Get The Facts: Call 206-483-8217 or 206-408-8057
July 15-18, 2011 Quietside Flamingo Festival Pemetic Field and Harbor House Community Center, Southwest Harbor, Maine	This year the festival celebrates 54 seasons. Plans include U.S. Coast Guard sponsored pancake breakfast on Saturday at 7am, activities for children, Grand Flamingo Parade Saturday at 10am, arts and crafts, music and other entertainment, lots of pink flamingos showing up all over town. Questions? Call 207-244-3713
July 16, 2011 Burgerfest Main Street, Hamburg, New York	Giant yard sale/flea market 9am-4pm at the United Methodist Church, Taste of Hamburg food court, games and activities for kids, community and commercial booths, arts and crafts, entertainment. Further Information: Call 716-983-9861
July 16, 2011 North Carolina Peach Festival Fitzgerald Park, Candor, North Carolina	Activities for kids, festival merchandise, festival foods, parade at 10am, classic cars, peaches and ice cream, peach eating contests, entertainment (and do bring low lawn chairs if you wish). 2011 marks the festival's 15th year. Additional Details: Call 910-974-4221
July 16-17, 2011 San Clemente Ocean Festival San Clemente Pier, San Clemente, California	Woody Car Show, surfing contest for kids 14 and younger, Dolphin Dash Kids Beach Run for ages 12 and younger, food vendors, sand sculpture, rubber duck race, Califorina Waterman and Waterwoman Championships, City Lifeguard pancake breakfast both days from 7:30-11am, fishing derby, music. Take a shuttle to and from the high school parking area. This event is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Get The Facts: Call 949-440-6141
July 16-17, 2011 Ethnic Arts Festival Dawes Park, Evanston, Illinois	Festival foods, arts and crafts, vendors, poetry and folk dancing, music. This festival is 26 years young in 2011. Learn More: Call 847-448-8058
July 16-17, 2011 Mollyockett Days Downtown on the Common, Bethel, Maine	For a 51st year the festival fun includes a frog jumping contest, 5-mile road race (and 3-mile walk), games, fireworks, arts and crafts Saturday 9am-4pm, jewelry auction, parade at 10am on Saturday, kids' 1-mile fun run, entertainment, festival foods, fiddler's contest. Further Information: Call 207-824-2282
July 16-17, 2011 Green River Festival Greenfield Community College, Greenfield, Massachusetts	Hot air balloons (weather permitting) with rides and evening illuminations, arts and crafts, activities for kids, festival foods such as fruit smoothies, egg rolls, spring rolls, burgers, burritos, pad thai, sesame noodles, BBQ, strawberry shortcake. Enjoy entertainment from Grupo Fantasma, Wanda Jackson, Rubblebucket, Toots and the Maytals, Emmylou Harris and others. Those age 12 and younger get in free. Please, no dogs except service dogs. This is an alcohol-free event. The festival marks 25 years in 2011. Questions? Call 413-773-5463
July 16-17, 2011 Blueberry Festival Burnside Plantation, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania	Farm tours, craft (and other) activities for children, Colonial games, horse drawn carousel, arts and crafts in the town meadow, blueberry pie eating contest, petting zoo, entertainment from Maggie Spike, Cracked Walnuts and others. Get the Facts: Call 610-888-5044 or 610-882-0450.
July 16-17, 2011 Walla Walla Sweet Onin Festival Downtown, Walla Walla, Washington	Plans for this 27th anniversary include the Sweet Onion 5K/10K Fun Run, Mr. and Mrs. Onion-head decorating, farmers market, onion sack races, onion bowling, Saturday night street dance, arts and crafts, farm equipment display, chef demos, games and other activities for kids, Sweet Skip walking tour (ticketed), musical entertainment Locust Street Taxi, Soul Status, Coca Durango and others. Details: Call 206-483-8217 or 206-408-8057
July 19-23, 2011 Plainfield Farmers' Fair Fairgrounds on Route 191, Plainfield, Pennsylvania	Home arts exhibits, BBQ chicken, face painting and other activities for kids, livestock display and judging, pie eating contest, drawings for prizes, adult pedal tractor pull, kiddie tractor pull, demolition derby, truck and tractor pull, entertainment from Mike Carr, Steel Creek County Band. Please, no pets, outside coolers or backpacks. Further Information: Call 610-963-6816
July 20-23, 2011 National Baby Food Festival Downtown, Fremont, Michigan	It's the festival's 21st season. Enjoy arts and crafts, frog jumping contest, bed races, water balloon toss, scavenger hunt, penny scramble, dunk tank, U.S. Army Strong Tour, carnival, library used book sale, pie eating contest, Hula Hoop contest, bingo, farmers market, sidewalk sales, firefighters water battle, 5K/10K run, Blessings of the Babies, 3-on-3 basketball, baby food eating contest (not for babies), baby photo contest, plus musical entertainment from Da Yoopers, Michael Maher, Mid-Life Crisis, Blue Oyster Cult. Details: Call 800-592-2229
July 21-23, 2011 Bagelest Peterson Park, Mattoon, Illinois	It's the festival's 26th season of fun. Enjoy a carnival (opens July 20), bingo, bagel breakfast with all sorts of toppings on July 22 (with free bagels from Lender's Bagels), beer tent with music, Bagel Bow wow Saturday at 2pm, Run for the Bagel 5K and 10K Run (plus a 5K walk and a 1-mile fun run), food vendors, arts and crafts, parade July 23 at 10:30am. This year's theme is Beach Blanket Bagelfest. Details: Call 217-258-6286 or 800-500-6286
July 22-23, 2011 West Union Fest Historic Downtown, West Union, West Virginia	Parade Friday at 7pm, Train on the Tracks 5K run/walk, walking tours, fishing contest, pancake breakfast at the Lions Club, cake walk, Victorian era costume contest, antique car show, bed races after the parade. They sell out of fried baloney sandwiches, so order early. You can also find treats such as hot dogs, cheese fries and deep-fried Twinkies. Take the covered wagon shuttle down the rail line. Come and celebrate 130 years of festival camaraderie. Details: Call 304-673-1400 or 304-873-3379
July 22-24, 2011 Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival Fairgrounds, Berea, Ohio	Celebrate the festival's 29th season with an Irish dog show, exhibits on well-known Irish-Americans, Irish historical exhibits, Irish tourist and travel info, petting zoo, entertainment on 2 outdoor and 7 indoor stages (Girsa, High Kings, Seven Nations, The Kreellers, Four Courts and others). Visit the Irish Coffee House. Munch on soda bread, Irish sausages, meat pies, corned beef sandwiches, boxty and Cheddar dip, cheese nachos, fish and chips, root beer floats. Are root beer floats Irish? Who knows, but go and enjoy! There is also an outdoor Irish mass planned. Questions? Call 330-231-6174 or 800-485-8013
July 23-24, 2011 Rosendale Street Festival Main Street, Rosendale, New York	Ethnic foods, activities for kids, face painting, arts and crafts, shuttle service available from local schools, more than 70 bands on 5 stages. Among those scheduled to perform: Amy Laber, Joey Eppard, Sabour Con Colour, Fuzzy Lollipop, Dean Batstone, Blue Coyote, Byer Switch Band. Questions? Call 845-750-6168
July 25-30, 2011 Butch Cassidy Days Downtown, Junction, Utah	Teen dance, home arts exhibits, hoedown and BBQ, passport contest, parade Saturday at 10am, Water Day at Junction Park, 4-H exhibits, rodeo events, 5K run/walk, carnival, cooking competition. Questions? Call 435-557-2029
July 23-24, 2011 Iron River Blueberry Festival Moon Lake Park and Downtown, Iron River, Wisconsin	Pageant coronation, arts and crafts, beer garden, blueberry pie eating contest, games and rides, polka mass, fresh blueberries for sale, Lions Club chicken BBQ, blueberry pie for sale whole or by the slice, food booths, drawings for prizes. Questions? Call 800-345-0716
July 27-30, 2011 Violet Festival Victory Park, Pickerington, Ohio	Parade, karaoke contest, 5K run, beer garden, carnival, car and bike show, arts and crafts, business showcase, plus music from Justin Billotte, The Staplers, Eddie Money. Additional Details: Call 614-834-2717
July 28-30, 2011 Louisiana Watermelon Festival Downtown, Farmerville, Louisiana	For a 48th year you can enjoy fun such as bicycle races, tricycle races, a treasure hunt, Louisiana Melon Run (5K), parade at 9am on Saturday, melon growing competitions, arts and crafts, arm wrestling, festival foods, watermelon seed spitting contest, watermelon auction, pageants, golf tournament, Best Dressed Watermelon Contest. It's the festival's 48th anniversary. Get the Facts: Call 316-368-0044
July 28-30, 2011 Swiss Days Throughout town, Berne, Indiana	Swiss Steinstoss competition on Saturday at 3pm, polka dance, baking contest, Big Wheel races, arts and crafts 3-on-3 basketball, old-fashioned craft demos, sand sculpture competition at Pine Lake, activities for kids, Weiner Dog Races on Saturday (viewing may require fee), parade at 6pm on Saturday, pancake breakfast Saturday at the fire station from 6-10am, tennis tournament, cheese making demos, luncheons at church halls, sidewalk sales, farmers market, food vendors, Agape Sports League ball game, horse pull, miniature horse pull, carnival games and rides, quilt show, fireworks Saturday at 9:30pm. 2011 marks 60 big years of fun at Swiss Days. Further Information: Call 260-589-8080
July 28-30, 2011 Great Texas Mosquito Festival Municipal Park, Clute, Texas	The festival celebrates its 31st anniversary this year. Plans include a carnival, BBQ and fajita cooking contests, Mosquito Calling Contest, festival foods, arts and crafts, Skeeter Beaters baby crawling contest, Mosquito Legs Contest, Mosquito Chase 5K Run, washer pitching tournament, haystack dive, horseshoe pitching, senor bingo, Radio Disney, plus music from Intercoastal Pirates, Casey Donahew Band, Beyond Derringer. Details: Call 979-265-8392 or 800-371-2971
July 28-31, 2011 Munger Potato Festival Community Park and Township Hall, Munger, Michigan	Carnival, chicken BBQ, kids' pedal pull, demolition derby, games and activities for children, teen dance, bingo, parade Sunday at 1pm, music, Figure Eight Derby, potato bratwurst and other festival foods. Questions? Call 989-659-3471
July 29-30, 2011 Hot Dog Festival Downtown, Frankfurt, Indiana	Wild West Show, child ID card program, hot dogs with all the trimmings, festival foods, Bun Run/Walk, arts and crafts, Dachshund, music and other entertainment, activities for kids, salute to our active military personnel, fun fire fighting training for kids, ABATE Bike Show and Rodeo, Bowser Bash Car Show. 2011 marks the 17th celebration of hot dogs and all the fun that goes with them. Learn More: Call 765-654-4081
July 29-31, 2011 Gilroy Garlic Festival Christmas Hill Park, Gilroy, California	Arts and crafts, festival merchandise, vendors, chef demos and cooking challenges. Scheduled to provide entertainment: Greg Chambers Group, Los High Tops, The Element, Barry Kaufman, JJ Hawg, The Rayburn Brothers Band (among others). Garlic is king during the weekend? Garlic bread is probably the most-sold treat, but you can also find garlic fried green tomatoes, smoked turkey drumsticks, steak tacos, roasted corn, kabobs, tamales, hot wings, garlic sausage, garlic almonds, strawberry shortcake, fruit dipped in chocolate and much more. The air reeks with garlic, in the very nicest kind of way. And speaking of air, take a big hat and wear your sunscreen. Gilroy can be very warm in the summer. The festival marks its 33rd anniversary in 2011. Questions? Call 408-842-7625
July 29-31, 2011 Pierogi Fest 119th Street Downtown, Whiting, Indiana	This festival celebrates 17 seasons in 2011. Plans include a pierogi toss, Barbie Busha Contest, Polka Dance Off, Lawnmower Brigade, Marching MBAs with their briefcases, Twirling Babushka Brigade, beer garden, pierogi eating contest, arts and crafts, pierogi sales with both savory and sweet fillings, entertainment from Touch of Class, Picadilly Players, Pearl Road, Take 5, White Sox Southpaw. General festival hours are 11am-10pm Friday and Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday. Learn More: Call 877-659-0292
July 29-31, 2011 Blueberry Art Festival Whiteside Park on Sheridan Street, Ely, Minnesota	Music from Conga Se Menne (and others), blueberry pancake breakfast Saturday and Sunday mornings, more than 300 exhibitors of arts and crafts and festival foods. Hours are noon-7pm on Friday, 10am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. Please, leave pets at home so they can be comfortable while you enjoy the festival. (Service animals are welcomed, of course.) This is the 31st year for blueberries to take the spotlight in Ely. Additional Information: Call 216-365-6123
July 29-31, 2011 Turkey Days Downtown, Frazee, Minnesota	Salad luncheon, Cowboy Lunch, Old Time Dance Saturday night, pet and doll parade, sandcastle building contest at Town Lake Beach, silent auction, food booths, two car shows, teen dance, flower show, parade on East Main Sunday at 2pm, road rally, activities for kids, demolition derby on Saturday, street dance Friday night in the Event Center parking lot. Questions? Call 800-407-2488 or 218-334-2124
July 29-31, 2011 Blueberry Festival Various venues, Lake George, Minnesota	Arts and crafts, Firemen's Bean Feed and raffle, pie and ice cream festival, outdoor gospel concert, bingo, medallion hunt, fish fry, parade Sunday at 1pm, music, quilt show and raffle, pedal tractor pull, pie sale, beer garden, blueberry pancake breakfast Sunday from 7-11am, children's carnival, Blueberry Ball. 2011 marks the event's 28th year. Info: Call 218-266-2995 or 218-256-3977
July 29-31, 2011 Bele Chere Downtown, Asheville, North Carolina	This is the festival's 33rd anniversary. Plans include non-profit and commercial booths, arts and crafts, food from local restaurants, festival merchandise, craft activities and rides for the kids, interactive dance and drumming, two food courts. Planned entertainment: The Protomen, Railroad Earth, Rebirth Brass Band, Deep Fried 5 (and others). Hours are noon-10pm Friday, 10am-10pm on Saturday and noon-6pm on Sunday. Expect to encounter more than 300,000 other blueberry seekers. Note that Sunday is an alcohol-free day for all. Get The Facts: Call 828-259-5800
July 29-31, 2011 Aquafest Various venues, Lake Stevens, Washington	Children's Parade Friday evening, arts and crafts, Movie in the Park, Fifty-dollar boat race, Aquafest Idol, diaper dash, 3-on-3 basketball, Aquarun on Saturday (10K/5K/Kids Fun Run), Proud Pet Show, food court, quadrathon, duck dash, pizza eating contest, Grand Parade down Main Street on Saturday at 1pm, dog pull competition, firefighter breakfast Saturday and Sunday from 8am-noon at the Downtown fire station on 21st Street NE, street soccer, softball tournament, tennis tournament, horse drawn wagon rides, classic cars, art show and sale, water ski/wakeboard tournament, carnival, fireworks over the lake at 10pm on Saturday (and you can bring blankets or lawn chairs if you like). 2011 marks 51 seasons for this event. Further Details: Call 425-397-2344
July 29-31, 2011 Tour de Terrace Festival 56th Avenue West between 220th and 224th, Mountain Terrace, Washington	For an 18th year locals and visitors will gather to enjoy a pancake breakfast Saturday 8am-noon at the Nile Shrine Center, arts and crafts, beer garden, parade Friday at 7pm, a carnival, car show (Saturday), food booths, music, fireworks Saturday at 10pm. Additional Info: Call 425-776-7331
July 29-31, 2011 Derby Days Cory Park, Dousman, Wisconsin	There's plenty of fun planned for this 56th year, including a bike show, softball tournament, chicken BBQ, beer tent, carnival, food tent, frog jumping (and you can usually rent a frog), entertainment. Questions? Call 262-965-3128 or 262-965-3043
July 30-August 7, 2011 Coast Guard Festival Waterfront, Grand Haven, Michigan	Pancake breakfast July 31 8am-noon, pickleball tournament, golf tournament, quilt show, fireworks at 10pm on August 6, arts and crafts, tributes to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Retirees Dinner, street dance, senior swim meet, ship tours, classic cars, carnival, bike tour (30/60/100 miles). The festival celebrates 87 impressive years in 2011. Details: 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.
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July Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
July 1-4 Roswell UFO Festival, Roswell, New Mexico, 888-ROSFEST July 1-4 Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival (36th), Twin Lakes Park, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, 724-834-7474 July 4 Americana Festival, various venues, Centerville, Ohio, 937-433-5898 July 4-15 Truckers Jamboree (32nd), Iowa 80 Truck Stop (East 294), Walcott, Iowa, 563-284-6961 July 6-10 Bear Paw Festival, Eagle River, Alaska, 907-694-4701 July 7-9 Dairy Festival, Elsie, Michigan, 989-862-5210 July 8-9 Batesville Summerfest/Berryfest, Downtown, Batesville, Indiana, 812-934-3101 or 812-933-6116 July 8-9 Michigan Elvisfest, Riverside Park, Ypsilanti, Michigan, 734-480-3974 ext. 1 July 8-9 Freedom Fest, Grayson County Middle School, Leitchfield, Kentucky, 270-259-6164 July 8-9 July Jamboree (14th), Downtown on Main, Cedar City, Utah, 435-586-3121 July 8-9 Redmond Derby Days (71st), 6-10pm/10am-10pm, City Hall Complex on 85th Street, Redmond, Washington, 425-556-2299 July 8-9 Benedum Festival (17th), City Park, Bridgeport, West Virginia, 800-368-4324 July 8-10 The Wayne Chicken Show, Bressler Park, Wayne, Nebraska, 402-375-2240 July 8-10 Grease Pole Festival, Community Center at 261 Swan Street, Buffalo, New York, 716-852-1648 or 716-578-6254 July 8-10 Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival (25th), Stoweflake Resort, Stowe, Vermont, 800-253-2232 July 8-10 Nabor Days, Riverview Park, Cadott, Wisconsin, 715-289-3338 July 9 North Carolina Blackberry Festival (10th), Downtown, Lenoir, North Carolina, 828-726-0616 July 9 Hanover Tomato Festival (33rd), 9-4, Pole Green Park, Mechanicsburg, Virginia, 804-550-4705 July 9 New Deal Festival, Arthurdale, West Virginia, 304-864-3959 July 9-10 International Mango Festival (19th), Fairchild Botanical Garden, Coral Gables, Florida, 305-667-1651 July 9-10 Sugar Creek Arts Festival (28th), 10-5/11-4, Uptown at North Street/Quad area, Normal, Illinois, 309-454-9557 July 9-10 July Jamboree, 10-6, Zenith Park, Cloudcroft, New Mexico, 505-682-2733 July 9-10 Haddonfield Crafts and Fine Art Festival (19th), Kings Highway Downtown, Haddonfield, New Jersey, 856-216-7253 July 9-10 Corn Hill Arts Festival (43rd), 10-6/10-5, Clinton Avenue area, Rochester, New York, 585-262-3142 July 12-16 Crawford County Fair (65th), Hood Park, Cuba, Missouri, 877-212-8429 July 13-17 Capital Lakefair, Downtown, Olympia, Washington, 360-943-7344 July 14-17 Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts,                    Penn State University campus & Downtown, State College, Pennsylvania, 814-237-3682 July 14-17 Sorrento Cheese Italian Heritage Festival (34th), Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, New York, 716-674-6133 ext. 17 July 15-16 Paw Paw Days, Downtown, Paw Paw, Michigan, 269-657-5395 July 15-17 Downtown Days & Hungry Mother Arts & Crafts Festival,                    Marion Downtown area and Hungry Mother State Park, Marion, Virginia, 276-763-4190 July 15-17 Lavender Festival (15th), various venues, Sequim, Washington, 877-681-3035 July 16 Oldham County Day, Main Street, LaGrange, Kentucky, 502-222-4454 or 502-222-1625 July 16 Farmers Day Festival, Main Street, China Grove, North Carolina, 704-857-8811 July 16-17 Oatka Festival (23rd), Leroy, New York, 585-768-7433 July 16-17 Mill Creek Festival, 11-6, Mill Creek Blvd., Mill Creek, Washington, 425-745-1891 July 16-24 North Carolina Watermelon Festival (26th), Murfreesboro, North Carolina, 252-398-5922 July 21-24 Polish Festival, Downtown, Bronson, Michigan, 517-369-7334 or 800-968-8333 July 21-24 Jamboree Days, Lion's Memorial Park, New Auburn, Wisconsin, 715-237-2223 July 22-24 Sir-Up Days, various venues, Ashland, Nebraska, 402-944-3813 July 23-24 Geneva Arts Fair, 10-5, South Third Street, Geneva, Illinois, 630-232-6060 July 24 WWISCAA Food Festival, County Convention Center, Greenville, Mississippi, 552-376-8663 or 800-820-8204 July 27-31 Barre Heritage Festival, Main Street, Barre, Vermont, 802-476-1812 July 29-30 Altus Grape Festival (28th), City Park, Altus, Arkansas, 479-468-4684 July 29-30 Feast of Lanterns, Lighthouse Avenue area, Pacific Grove, California, 831-649-8737 July 29-30 Street Festival (40th), 2nd Street area, Davenport, Iowa, 563-823-3694 or 800-732-3538 July 29-31 Bologna Festival, Downtown, Yale, Michigan, 810-387-8253 July 20-31 Town & Country Jamboree, City Park, Moulton, Texas, 361-596-7205 July 29-31 Kitsap Arts & Crafts Festival (53rd), Kola Kole Park, Port Gamble, Washington, 360-297-2490 July 29-31 Whaling Days (39th), Waterfront Park on Byron Street, Silverdale, Washington, 360-692-1107 July 30 Dutch Festival, 8-4, Center Square, Hanover, Pennsylvania, 717-637-6130 July 30-31 Salsa Festival (18th), 11-7, Plaza Park, Oxnard, California, 805-247-0197 July 30-31 Old Olcott Days, Lakeview Village Shoppes, Olcott, New York, 716-735-7489 July 31 Pear Fair (39th), 9-6, Downtown, Courtland, California, 916-775-2000 July 31 Watermelon Festival, Chapman Park, Stanley, Wisconsin, 715-644-5880
Other July 2011 Events You Might Enjoy
July 2 World's Largest Salmon Barbecue (39th), 11-6, Fort Bragg, California, 707-964-1228 July 2 Burklyn Arts Council Summer Craft Fair (41st), 10-4, Bandstand Park, Lyndonville, Vermont, 902-628-5836 July 8-9 Be Cool Car Show, Downtown, Bay City, Michigan, 989-892-2567 July 8-10 Shore Leave, Marriott's Hunt Valley Inn, Baltimore, Maryland, 410-496-4456 July 9-10 Western Maine Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show (50th),                    9-5/10-4, Telstar High School, Bethel, Maine, 207-836-2987 July 9-10 Art & Craft Show, 10-6/10-4, Mason Street area Downtown, Charlevoix, Michigan, 231-547-2102 or 800-951-2101 July 9-10 Antiques & Collectibles Show, Expo Center, Portland, Oregon, 503-282-0877 July 9-10 RAVE Car Show, Fairgrounds on Route 7 South, Rutland, Vermont, 802-265-8026 July 10 Arroyo Grande Centennial Parade, 6pm, begins at E. Grand and Halcyon Road, Arroyo Grande, California. July 10 Northeast Nebraska Toy Show (24th), Community College Learning Center, Norfolk, Nebraska, 402-329-6210 July 14-17 Crooksville-Roseville Pottery Festival (46th), Village Park, Roseville, Ohio, 743-982-2712 July 15-17, 22-24 Summer Boat Show (26th), Market Hall, Dallas, Texas, 469-549-0673 July 15-18 Liberty Con 24,                    Comfort Inn at 6710 Ringgold Rd., Chattanooga, Tennessee, 423-893-7979 or Email uncletimmy@libertycon.org July 16 Shipwreck Day, Downtown, Anacortes, Washington, 350-293-7911 July 16-17 Heirloom Rubber Stamp & Paper Arts Festival,                    10-5/11-4, Convention Center, Grapevine, Texas, 817-410-3459 or 541-574-8000 July 21-24 California Rodeo Salinas, Rodeo Grounds, Salinas, California, 831-775-3100 or 800-771-8807 July 21-24 Comic-Con International (42nd), Convention Center, San Diego, California, 619-491-2475 July 22-24 Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo (21st), Fortuna, California, 707-725-3916 July 22-24 U.S. Grand Prix, Laguna Seca Raceway, Salinas, California, 831-242-8201 July 22-24 Gem & Mineral Show, National Guard Armory on Hunting Hills Lane, Boone, North Carolina, 540-384-6047 July 22-30 Cheyenne Frontier Days (115th), various locations, Cheyenne, Wyoming, 800-227-6336 July 23-24 Dayton Air Show, Dayton International Airport, Dayton, Ohio, 937-898-5901 July 28-30 Nebraskaland Big Rodeo (90th), Junction of Hwy. 11 & Hwy. 91, Burwell, Nebraska, 308-346-5010 July 29-31 Maine Quilts Show (34th), Civic Center, Augusta, Maine, 207-677-0648 July 29-31 Great Texas Balloon Race, County Airport, Longview, Texas, 903-237-4040 July 30-31 Bridal Show, 10-5, Dallas Market Hall, Dallas, Texas, 972-713-9620 July 31 Art in the Park (45th), 9-4:30, City Park, Appleton, Wisconsin, 419-936-2986 or 920-733-4089
It's always best to call ahead to verify festival information. Please tell them you saw the listing in Deb's Monthly Review.

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!

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Seven Summer food ideas: Follow as written, mix them up, substitute ingredients you love more. Have fun! Grilled Chicken and Mango Kabobs Caesar Burgers Couscous Salad with Turkey Mediterranean Lentil Salad Summer Corn Salad Salmon Summer Rolls with Dipping Sauce Grilled Dessert Tacos

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Last Updated July 1, 2011

Deb's Monthly Review © copyright Deb Thompson