Deb's Monthly Review

March 2007

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

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

Special Quotation "Nobody's ever insulted to be invited." --Mrs. Leonard Lyons

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	The Artsy Site Of The Month: Open Clip Art Library Growing collection of Public Domain clip art		Handy Site Of The Month: Taxable and Nontaxable Income (IRS Pub. 525) Did you know that free Tupperware you got for hosting a party was taxable?
	Just Fun Site Of The Month: Bloomin' Gardens game Click on their link to open the gardening game in a new window		Scientific/Technical Site Of The Month: International Polar Year Officially begins March 1, 2007

 March 2007 Festivals and Events

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

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

March 1-4, 2007 Oysterfest Navigation Park, Fulton, Texas	The festival is celebrating its 28th year with carnival games and rides, arts and crafts, an oyster eating contest, oyster shucking contest, decorated oyster contest, vendors, entertainment. If oysters are not your cup of tea you can enjoy many other festival foods on the site. Details: Call 361-729-5533
March 1-4, 2007 BorderFest Dodge Arena, Hidalgo, Texas	Pageants, arts and crafts, music, festival foods, many stages of entertainment, cultural displays, drawings for prizes and more. The theme centers on Ireland as the festival celebrates its 30th year. Get the Facts: Call 956-843-2302 or 956-843-2734
March 2-11, 2007 Tahoe Snow Festival Various venues, Tahoe City, California	Polar Bear Swim, dog agility events, children's theatre, Irish stew feed, dog pull, battle of the bands, fastest server contest, broomball, tricycle races, sumo suit wrestling, pancake breakfasts on Mar. 3, snow sculpture contest, fireworks, ski events, parades, ice cream eating contest, sushi eating contest, wasabi eating contest, school science expo and more. This is the festival's 26th year. Find Out More: Call 530-583-7167
March 3, 2007 Blossom Days Festival 7th & N Streets, Sanger, California	Sanger celebrates a 19th year of blooms with a full day of arts and crafts, entertainment, activities for kids, food, 10K run and 2-mile walk, car show and more. The fun goes from 9am-4pm. Additional Details: Call 559-875-4575
March 3-4, 2007 Floral City Strawberry Festival Floral Park on US Hwy 41, Floral City, Florida	Classic cars, pageant, activities for kids, pie eating contests, flats of berries for sale, berry shortcake, chocolate-covered strawberries, more than 120 arts and crafts booths, more than 20 food booths, entertainment. The festival is in its 20th year. You can park at the County Fairgrounds and take the free shuttle to and from Floral Park. There is an admission charge for those age 12 and older. Festival hours are 9am-5pm on Saturday and 9am-4pm on Sunday. Questions? Call 352-726-2801 or 352-795-3149
March 3-4, 2007 Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire Interstate Fairgrounds, Pensacola, Florida	Arabian dancers, medieval foods, games, crafts, jousting and swordfighting, drawings for prizes, falconry demonstrations, fire breathers, medieval merchants and more. You are encouraged to come in period costume but it's not required. There is an admission charge for those age 5 and older. The event runs from 10am-5pm and is strictly alcohol-free. Period weapons must be peace-tied. Please, no pets and no outside food or beverages. Further Information: Call 877-429-8462 or 850-470-8420
March 3-4, 2007 Mussel Fest Coupeville Recreation Hall & Wharf, Coupeville, Washington	Recipe Contest, cooking demonstrations, activities for kids, crafts, festival foods, entertainment. More: Call 360-678-1100
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March 9-10, 2007 Camden Daffodil Festival Various venues, Camden, Arkansas	Now in its 14th year, the festival includes fun such as martial arts demonstrations, activities for kids, a Civil War encampment, cemetery walk with actors portraying historical figures, merchant specials, steak cook-off, yard and garden vendors, an art show and sale, pageant, Daffodil Poker run, petting zoo, motorcycle show, Kiwanis pancake breakfast at the high school, Westside United Methodist Church lunch, home and museum tours, music, quilt show, garden tours, food vendors, 5K run/walk. Additional Details: Call 870-836-0023
March 9-11, 2007 Ostrich Festival Tumbleweed Park, Chandler, Arizona	Carnival, strolling and staged entertainment, arts and crafts, Purina Incredible Dog Challenge, Kids Zone, exhibits, commercial vendors, festival foods, ostrich races, parade. The festival is in its 19th year. Learn More: Call 480-963-4571
March 10, 2006 Redbud Festival Buna Schools on Hwy. 62, Buna, Texas	Parade on Main Street before the fun moves to the schools. Enjoy games and rides, 2 stages of entertainment, activities for kids, vendors, more than 200 arts and crafts booths, festival foods. There's no admission charge. The fun goes from 10am-5pm. Get The Facts: Call 409-994-5586
March 10-11, 2007 Chatanika Days Chatanika Lodge, Chatanika, Alaska	This former mining town uses the festival to look back at their history with fun in the great outdoors. Expect wacky outhouse races, a snowmachine tug of war, human bowling on ice, snowshoe races and other events. Questions? Call 907-389-2164
March 10-11, 2007 Irish Fair & Music Festival Fairplex, Pomona, Los Angeles	Sheepherding demonstrations, genealogy information, Irish dog demonstrations, games and rides for the kids, Irish clan gatherings, Irish sporting competitions and games, Irish music and dances, storytelling, an Irish elephant appearance, corned beef sandwiches, Irish stew, other Irish treats. It's the festival's 5th year. Info: Call 213-305-8618
March 10-11, 2007 Almond Blossom Festival George Lane Park, Quartz Hill, California	The festival celebrates its 58th year with games and rides, contests, parade, entertainment, pancake breakfast (in the community room), arts and crafts, raffle, festival foods, pet parade. Get The Facts: Call 661-722-4811
March 10-11, 2007 Hebron Maple Festival Various venues, Hebron, Connecticut	Dog sled competition, pancake breakfasts, bounce houses and pony rides for the kids, tours of the sugar houses, ice cream eating contest, softball speed pitching, arts and crafts, sales of Girl Scout Cookies, library book sale, blacksmith demonstrations, rescue/search dog demonstrations, maple cotton candy and other maple treats, gymnastics demos, quilt appraisals and exhibition, teacup auction, birds of prey exhibit, festival merchandise, bake sale. It's the 17th year for this event. Find Out More: Call 860-228-9317
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.
March 10-11, 2007 Rattlesnake Roundup Downtown, Claxton, Georgia	Parade at 10am on Saturday, turkey calling contest, activities for kids, rattlesnake and wildlife information, pageant, music, food vendors, arts and crafts, festival merchandise. It's the festival's 40th year. Questions? Call 912-739-3820
Marchy 10-11, 2007 Forsythia Festival Courthouse Square area, Forsyth, Georgia	Yellow Dessert Contest, art show, pancake breakfast Saturday (6:30am at the United Methodist Church), 5K run, arts and crafts, used book sale, health fair, treasure hunt, horseshoe tournament, entertainment, activities for kids, street dance. A few events take place prior to the main weekend. Get Details: Call 478-994-9239
March 10-11, 2007 Valdosta-Lowndes Azalea Festival Drexel Park, Valdosta, Georgia	From 10am-5pm you can enjoy arts and crafts, azalea displays, food, a Kid Zone and more. Park in Valdosta State University parking lots for convenience. There is no admission charge to the festival. Further Information: Call 229-333-1861 or 229-259-3500
March 10-11 & 17-18, 2007 Highland Maple Festival Various venues, Monterey (and McDowell), Virginia	Pancake breakfasts (with tasty maple syrup, of course), maple syrup making demonstrations and exhibits, music and other entertainment, sugar camp tours, arts and crafts, vendors, festival dance, chicken dinners, baked goods for sale, trout dinners, maple doughnuts and other maple treats. The festival is celebrating its 49th year. Find Out More: Call 540-468-2550
March 11, 2007 Calle Ocho Festival SW 8th Street, Miami, Florida	This event, also known as Carnaval Miani, is a really big block part that actually takes place over about 23 city blocks in Little Havana. Enjoy Latin music and dance, lots of costumed entertainment and folklore, ethnic foods, activities for kids and more. Hours are 11am-7pm. Questions? Call 305-644-8888
March 16-18, 2007 Irish Spring Festival Community Building, Ireland, West Virginia	(If you can get there a bit earl you can enjoy the Gospel Sing.) Plans for the festival include a car show, Irish road bowling, a snake chase, Irish jig and Irish harp workshops, arts and crafts, games, a parade, festival foods. Find Out More: Call 304-452-8962
March 13-18, 2007 Nederland Heritage Festival Boston Avenue at 17th, Nederland, Texas	Zoo dynamics display, Chamber of Commerce members coffee session, motorcycle and car show, treasure hunt, art and photography show, washer tournament, carnival, pageants, golf tournament, parade at 10am on Saturday, talent show, chili cooking contest, Cuisine Walk, collectibles, music in many genres. There is no admission charge. Details: Call 409-724-2269
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March 15-18, 2007 Ocean Arts Festival Banyan Tree Park (and Campbell Park), Lahaina, Hawaii	Kids Ocean Art Contest, whale photo displays, hula demonstrations and Hawaiian music, ocean-themed art sale, Creature Feature touch pool exhibit, marine-themed movies, marine biologist presentations. Additional Information: Call 808-667-9193
March 15-18, 2007 Catfish Festival Downtown, Washington, Louisiana	Now in its 7th year, the festival offers a flower show, games and rides, a pageant, Farmers' Parade, activities for kids, catfish cooking contest, Cajun and other festival foods, Cajun and Zydeco music, antiques. Learn More: Call 377-826-3627
March 16-18, 2007 Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival Downtown streets, Fairhope, Alabama	Now in its 55th year, the festival will feature entertainment, festival foods, more than 230 arts and crafts exhibitors, festival merchandise, a model train show (Sat. and Sun. at the Kindergarten Center in Fairhope at 100 S. Church St.) and more. Some 200,000 people are expected to enjoy this event. The festival is from 10am-5pm and there is no admission charge. Shuttles are available at nearby shopping centers. Further Information: Call 251-621-8222
March 16-18, 2007 Amite Oyster Festival Tangipahoa Parish Fairgrounds, Amite, Louisiana	Rodeo, fireman's challenge, carnival, music, scavenger hunt at Spitale's Restaurant (preceding the festival), arts and crafts, chili cookoff, parade on Saturday, brunches, pageant. Get The Facts: Call 985-748-7156
March 16-18, 2007 Rabbit Festival City Park, Iowa, Louisiana	Arts and crafts, festival foods, vendors, carnival, Cajun and other music, rabbit cooking compettion. There is an admission charge. Hours are 5pm-midnight on Friday, 10am-12am Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday. Info: Call 337-582-3044 or 800-456-7952
March 16-18, 2007 St. Patrick's Day Celebration Various venues, Shamrock, Texas	Pageant, dance for those age 21 and older, parade (10:30am on Sauturday), lawnmower races, Youth Night, arts and crafts, Donegal Beard Contest, carnival, Irish Stew and other festival foods, classic cars (and other vehicles). The event is celebrating its 61st year. Questions? Call 806-256-2501
March 16-25, 2007 International Cherry Blossom Festival Central City Park and other downtown venues Macon, Georgia	300,000 cherry trees should be blooming this month in the Macon area, so the community throws in a lot more fun in with the showy blossoms. Enjoy this 25th year of the festival with pink pancakes, a cherry market, model railroad display, Bengal Tigers demo and viewing, amesaiku-shaped candy making demos, gospel concert, tours of local homes, lantern tours of Ocmulgee National Monument, the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, marathon race, Balloon Fest & Air Show, Cherry Blossom Riding Tours, more than 200 arts and crafts booths, ikebana and other floral displays, activities for kids, sales of cherry trees, international food fair, high school girls' soccer, Mustang & Ford Show, fireworks, Special Olympics Summer Games, Cherry Blossom Gala & Ball, musical tribute to Elvis, pet fashion show, Family Day, organ concerts, Latino Night, cherries & ice cream, Casino Night, a health fair, bed races, environmental presentations, the Dixie Disco Dog Championships, College Night, fashion show, golf tournament and lots of pink around town. Get some cherry blossoms painted on your car windows. Additional Details: Call 478-751-7429
March 17, 2007 Azalea Festival Courthouse Square, Jasper, Texas	In its 18th year the festival will feature entertainment, food, games for the kids, the Annual Azalea Trail tour of blooms, arts and crafts, cake decorating contest and more. Further Information: Call 409-384-2762
March 17-18, 2007 St. Patrick's Day Festival Civic Center, Dublin, California	Pancake breakfast 7-10am on Saturday, Shamrock 5k Fun Run (7am on Sunday), Green & White Gala, parade Saturday at 9am, rides for kids, roaming entertainers, storytelling, music and dance, arts and crafts. Most of the events run from 10am-5pm. Find Out More: Call 925-556-4500
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March 17-18, 2007 Potomac Highlands Maplefest New Creek Elementary School on Rt. 972, New Creek, West Virginia	5K run, buckwheat pancakes and sausage breakfast, maple syrup making, arts and crafts, music, petting zoo. There is no fee to park and no admission charge. Questions? Call 304-788-1831
March 17-18, 2007 West Virginia Maple Syrup Festival Main Street, Pickens, West Virginia	Pancakes and maple syrup will be available all day long. Enjoy an art and photo show, 5K run/1-mile fun run, tours of a maple syrup camp, activities for kids, maple syrup items for sale, festival merchandise, muzzle loading contest, dances, crafts, festival foods, quilt show and sale, music, antiques, soapmaking demos. Hours are 9am-11pm Saturday and 9am-4pm Sunday. Further Details: Call 304-924-6288
March 21-25, 2007 Festival of Flowers Providence Hospital campus, Mobile, Alabama	The festival celebrates its 14th year with the World of Flowers landscaped gardens, Designer Tablescapes, Floral Design Showcase, activities for kids, floral artworks, seminars, an amateur horticultural exhibit, winemaker dinner, wine tasting and more. Info: Call 251-639-2050 or 877-777-0529
March 22-April 1, 2007 Chasco Fiesta Various venues, Port Richey, Florida	Most events take place the weekend of March 30-April 1. Enjoy a 5K & 10K run, 8K off-road run, 11 mile run/walk, parade, Lions Club breakfast, 10K in-line skate, Noche Latina, poker run, BBQ, golf tournament, kayak race, talent search, musical concerts, flea market, Native American arts and crafts, softball tournament, antiques. Many events are held at Sims Park on Bank Street. Get The Facts: Call 727-842-7651
March 23-24, 2007 Fire Ant Festival Heritage Park, Ashburn, Georgia	Art show, Fire Ant Walk & 5K Run, fireworks, lip sync contest, pet parade, car and bike show, entertainment, health fair, carnival, arts and crafts, poker run, Fire Ant Calling Contest, food vendors, strawberry cooking contest. Questions? Call 229-567-9696
March 23-24, 2006 Liberty Jubilee On the Square, Liberty, Texas	Library book sale, parade, photo contest, craft demonstrations, activities for the kids, art and crafts sale, festival foods, entertainment on 3 stages, sporting events, BBQ cookoff, strolling entertainers. Additional Details: Call 936-336-3684
March 24, 2007 Texas Rio Grande Valley Onion Festival City Park on N. Airport Dr., Weslaco, Texas	It's the 18th year for this one. Onion recipe contest, pageant, arts and crafts, food vendors, commercial vendors, activities for kids, 4 areas of entertainment (including the impressive Andalusian horses), music, Onion Eating Contest, Le Gran Cebolla Cookoff. There is a parking fee but there is no admission charged to the festival. Learn More: Call 956-968-2102
March 24-25, 2007 Santa Barbara Whale Festival Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, California	This is the festival's 12th year. Enjoy whale watching tours, marine education information and displays, festival foods, arts and crafts, activities for kids, diving demonstrations, rubber duck race, and more. Hours are 10am-4pm and there is no admission charge. Get the Facts: Call 800-793-7666 or 805-897-3187
March 24-25, 2007 Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival Georgia International Horse Park, Conyers, Georgia	For its 26th year festival organizers have planned fun such as entertainment on 3 different stages, commerical vendors, activities for kids, a golf tournament, croquet tournament, civic and nonprofit displays, arts and crafts, cherry pie and more. Hours are 10am-5pm. Questions? Call 770-929-4270
March 24-25 and 28-April 1, 2007 Pennsylvania Maple Festival Various venues, Meyersdale, Pennsylvania	Pageant, pancake breakfasts, street rod and classic car show, historical drama, 8K run/5K walk, car cruise, parade, antique tractor display, horse pulling contest, tractor contest, model railroad display, quilt show, arts and crafts, storytelling, living historical village with demonstrations and displays, maple syrup making and demonstrations, more. The festival celebrates its 60th year in 2007. Further Information: Call 814-634-0213
March 29-April 1, 2007 Windfest 2007 Community Center, Portland, Texas	Bike stunt team performance, Wild West Shootout Shows, petting zoo, clowns, activities for kids, helicopter demonstration, fireworks, music, arts and crafts, festival foods, chili cookoff, horseshoe tournament, washer pitching tournament, parade, dachshund dash. Details: Call 361-643-2475 or 877-643-2475
March 30-April 1, 2007 Cypress Sawmill Festival Kemper Williams Park/Campground, Patterson, Louisiana	Passe partout (2-person saw competition) by festival queens, softball tournament, sawmill display, festival merchandise, carnival games and rides, Fun Walk, fireworks, bass tournament, petting zoo, classic vehicles, horseshoe tournament, antique engine display, entertainment, festival foods, arts and crafts. Questions? Call 985-395-4905 or 800-256-2931
March 31, 2007 German Sausage Festival Town Park, Elberta, Alabama	German foods (including sausage and sauerkraut), rides and games for the kids, arts and crafts booths, polka and other German music. The festival runs from 8am-5pm—but if you want to buy sausage you should get there as early as possible. They often sell out by mid-afternoon. Get the Facts: Call 251-986-5805
March 31-April 15, 2007 National Cherry Blossom Festival Various venues, Washington, D.C.	Kite festival, sushi and saki tasting, Family Day, Go tournament, art show, parade, soccer, music, flea market, paddleboat photo excursions, Blossoms by Bike, walking tours, kimono exhibit, Japanese garden photo exhibit, sailing regatta, cherry tree lantern tours, Junior Ranger programs, Freedom Walk, 10-mile run, lantern lighting ceremony, anime presentations, golf tournament, fireworks, much more. Find Out More: Call 202-661-7584
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March Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
Mar. 2-4 Greek Festival, St. Catherine's at 110 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach, Florida, 561-833-6387 Mar. 2-4 Danville Heritage Festival, High School, Danville, Kentucky, 859-238-6223 or 800-755-0076 Mar. 3 Rosenberg Railroad Festival, 11am-9pm, Rosenberg, Texas, 281-633-2848 Mar. 3-4 Oregon Chocolate Festival, Ashland Springs Hotel, Ashland, Oregon, 541-488-1700 Mar. 3-4 Winthrop Hot Air Balloon Festival, Winthrop, Washington, 888-463-8469 Mar. 9-11 World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup (46th),                    Nolan County Coliseum, Sweetwater, Texas, 325-235-8938 or 325-235-5488 Mar. 10-11 Apollo Beach Manatee Arts Festival, 10am-5pm & 10am-4pm, Hwy. 41, Apollo Beach, Florida, 813-645-1366 Mar. 11 Maple Sugaring Fest (rain date Mar. 18), Beaver Brook Maple Hill Farm, Hollis, New Hampshire, 603-465-7787 Mar. 16-18 Arts & Crafts Festival (55th), Downtown, Fairhope, Alabama, 251-621-8222 or 251-928-6387 Mar. 16-18 Jonquil Festival, 9am-5pm, Old Washington Historic State Park, Washington, Arkansas, 870-983-2684 Mar. 16-18 Taste of Solvang, Downtown, Solvang, California, 800-468-6765 Mar. 17 Festival of Live Oaks, 9am-5pm, City Park, New Iberia, Louisiana, 337-369-2337 Mar. 17 Wild Hog Explosion, Mansfield Park, Bandera, Texas, 830-796-4447 Mar. 17-18 Fort Bragg Whale Festival, Fort Bragg, California, 707-961-6300 Mar. 17-18 Dandelion Days, 8am-5pm, Downtown, Jackson, California, 209-223-1706 Mar. 17-18 Maple Sugar Festival, Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 269-381-1574 Mar. 21-25 Festival of Flowers,                    Providence Hospital Campus, Mobile, Alabama, 251-639-2050 or 877-777-0529 Mar. 23-25 Sugarloaf Crafts Festival, Connecticut Expo Center, Hartford, Connecticut, 301-990-1400 Mar. 23-25 South Texas Polka & Sausage Festival                    Knights of Columbus Hall, Hallettsville, Texas, 361-798-2311 Mar. 24-25 Maple Harvest Festival,                    10am-4pm, Shaver's Creek Environmental Center, Petersburg, Pennsylvania, 814-667-3424 or 814-863-2000 Mar. 24-25 Wild Hog Festival & Craft Fair (16th), City Park, Sabinal, Texas, 830-988-2709 Mar. 24-25 Whitingham Maple Festival, Whitingham School on Rt. 100 S., Whitingham, Vermont moehog@msn.com Mar. 25 Wistaria Festival, 9am-5pm, Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, California, 626-306-1150 or 626-355-7135 Mar. 29-Apr. 1 Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival, New Orleans, Louisiana, 504-581-1144 Mar. 30-Apr. 1 Creole Festival, City Park, Jeanerette, Louisiana, 337-276-3615 Mar. 31 Egg Celebration, 8am-2pm, Civic Center, West Covina, California, 626-939-8430 Mar. 31 Attapulgus Dogwood Festival, Attapulgus, Georgia, 229-465-3482 Mar. 31 Daffodil Festival, Main Street, Fremont, North Carolina, 919-242-6011 or 919-242-2149 Mar. 31-Apr. 1 Texas SandFest (11th), 9am-5pm, Beach Markers 9 & 10, Port Aransas. Texas, 800-452-6278
Other March 2007 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
Mar. 1-4 Colorado RV, Sports, Boat & Travel Show, National Western Complex, Denver, Colorado, 800-457-2434 Mar. 1-4 Reno Boat Show, Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Reno, Nevada Mar. 1-4 Lawn & Garden Show, State Fairgrounds, Nashville, Tennessee, 615-876-7680 Mar. 2-4 Arkansas Flower and Garden Show, Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock, Arkansas, 501-821-4000 Mar. 2-4 Gem Faire, County Fair & Expo Center, Costa Mesa, California, 760-747-9215 Mar. 2-4 WonderCon 2007, Moscone Center South, San Francisco, California, 619-491-2475 Mar. 2-4 Central Illinois Recreational Show, Civic Center, Peoria, Illinois, 309-692-6465 Mar. 2-4 Rhode Island RV, Camping Show, Convention Center, Providence, Rhode Island, 800-332-3976 Mar. 2-4 Houston Sci-Fi Expo, Sheraton North Houston, Houston, Texas Mar. 2-4 Hostlers Model Railroad Festival, Union Station, Ogden, Utah, 801-394-4952 Mar. 2-5 Skinny Tire Festival, Moab Valley Inn, Moab, Utah, 435-259-2698 Mar. 3 Arizona State Open Chili Championship, Ed Hooper Park, Casa Grande, Arizona, 520-792-0005 Mar. 3 Chinese New Year Parade, begins at Market & Second, San Francisco, California, 415-391-9680 or 415-982-3071 Mar. 3 Conch Shell Blowing Contest, 1:30pm, Key West, Florida, 305-294-9501 Mar. 3 Staple! Independent Media Expo, Red Oak Ballroom, Austin, Texas, info@staple-austin.org Mar. 3-4 Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show (44th), 400 Staton-Christiana Rd., Newark, Delaware, 302-234-4488 Mar. 3-4 Meet Me Arts & Crafts Festival,                    North Federal Hwy. between Palmetto Park Rd. & Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, Florida, 561-999-1997 Mar. 3-4 Antiques & Vintage Collectibles Show, The Centre, Evansville, Indiana, 812-471-9419 Mar. 3-4 Woodcarvers Show, 10am-5pm & 12:30pm-5pm, 700 S. Marshall Rd., Middletown, Ohio Mar. 3-4 Mid-State Gun & Knife Show, Ag Complex, Sparta, Tennessee, 931-738-8675 Mar. 3-4 Buffalo Gun Show, Civic Center, Buffalo, Texas, 903-322-4298 Mar. 3-4 Sports Show, Caroline Community Services Center on 301 S., Bowling Green, Virginia Mar. 3-11 Home & Garden Show, Convention Center, Buffalo, New York, 716-631-2266 Mar. 4 Winter Antiques Show, 10am-5pm, 60 N. Salem Rd. (Rt. 121), Cross River, New York, 914-273-4667 Mar. 8-9 Community Garage Sale, Magnolia Park, Kirbyville, Texas, 409-423-6500 Mar. 8-10 Book Bazaar (31st), LSU Campus, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 225-578-5925 Mar. 9-11 Storytelling Festival, Mariposa, California, 800-903-9936 Mar. 9-11 Antiques & Garden Show, Keene Barn, Lexington, Kentucky, 859-253-0362 Mar. 9-11 Campers World RV Show, Expo Center, York, Pennsylvania Mar. 10 Wrestling Show, Convention Center on N. High St., Columbus, Ohio, 614-827-2540 Mar. 10 Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast (57th), 7am-2pm, VFW Hall on W. Crawford, Salina, Kansas, 785-827-4461 Mar. 10-11 Texas Guitar Show, Crockett Center, Mansfield, Texas, 817-473-6059 Mar. 10-11 Gem & Mineral Show, Armory, Sussex, Wisconsin, 262-246-6684 Mar. 10-Apr. 15 Dallas Blooms, 9am-5pm, Arboretum, Dallas, Texas, 214-515-2006 Mar. 11 Ugly Dog Contest, 11:15am-3pm, Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, California, 858-755-5913 Mar. 11 Crash Test Dummies Race, Cannon Mtn. Ski Area, Franconia, New Hampshire, 603-823-8800 Mar. 11 Philadelphia Comic-Con, 10am-4pm, Ramada Philadelphia Airport, Essington, Pennsylvania, 856-782-0817 Mar. 11 Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist, 10:30am, Gruene Hall, New Braunfels, Texas, 830-606-1601 Mar. 14-16 Deep South Con, Radisson on S. Main, High Point, North Carolina Mar. 15-18 Friends of Jefferson Public Library Book Sale,                    Ponchartrain Center on Williams Blvd., Kenner, Louisiana, 504-455-2665 or 800-884-3247 Mar. 16-18 Wizard World, Convention Center, Los Angeles, California, conventions@wizarduniverse.com Mar. 16-18 Sidewalk Art Festival (48th), Central Park, Winter Park, Florida, 407-672-6390 Mar. 16-18 Dallas All-Con 2007,                    North Crowne Plaza Hotel, Addison, Texas, 817-472-6368 or info@all-con.org Mar. 17 Homeland Security Expo, Centennial Square, West Palm Beach, Florida, 561-832-2364 Mar. 17 Daffodil Day, 10am-2pm, Town Hall, Bell Buckle, Tennessee, 931-389-9663 Mar. 17-18 Calico Arts & Crafts Show, 9am-5pm & 9am-4pm, Spence Field, Moultrie, Georgia, 229-985-1968 Mar. 17-18 Home & Garden Show, Riverfront Convention Center, New Bern, North Carolina, 252-637-1551 Mar. 17-18 Bay Area Anarchist Bookfair (12th),                    10-6 & 11-5, County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, info@bayareaanarchistbookfair.org Mar. 18 Chocolate & Coffee Festival,                    10:30am-3pm, Adirondack Community College Auditorium, Queensbury, New York, 518-743-1348 Mar. 18 Greater Rhode Island Model Train Show,                    10am-4pm, Civic Center, West Warwick, Rhode Island, lrd_shows@yahoo.com Mar. 21-25 Bryn Mawr-Wellesley Book Sale, Princeton Day School, Princeton, New Jersey, 609-921-7479 Mar. 22-24 Kona Chocolate Festival, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 808-324-4606 Mar. 22-25 Aggie Con, Texas A&M U, College Station, Texas Mar. 23-25 Fear Fest, Hampton Inn on Rodeo Dr., Mesquite, Texas, 800-722-1891 Mar. 23-26 Winter Craft Fair, South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm, Florida Mar. 24 Arizona Burn Center Chili Cookoff, Western Trails Ranch on NW Grand Ave., Morristown, Arizona, 623-388-9748 Mar. 24 Toy, Doll & Collectible Show, County Fairgrounds, San Jose, California, 408-298-1709 Mar. 24-25 Gun & Knife Show, Old Hardy Gym, Hardy, Arkansas, 875-856-3571 Mar. 24-25 Gun Show, County Fair & Expo Center, Costa Mesa, California, 801-544-9125 Mar. 24-25 DeLand Outdoor Art Festival (42nd),                    Earl Brown Park on S. Alabama Ave., DeLand, Florida, 386-734-3243 or 386-740-5800 Mar. 24-25 Asian Food & Cultural Show, Old School Square, Delray Beach, Florida, 561-243-7922 Mar. 24-25 Annual Herb & Garden Fest, Marshall Park, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 228-875-4424 Mar. 24-25 Steel City Con (a.k.a. Pittsburgh Toy, Comic and Childhood Collectibles Show,                    Expo Mart on Business Rt. 22, Monroeville, Pennsylvania, 814-467-1500 Mar. 24-25 Spring Spectacular Arts & Crafts Extravaganza,                    10am-4pm, Fire Department on University Ave., Star City (suburb of Morgantown), West Virginia, 304-276-9380 Mar. 30-31 Home, Garden & Sports Show, County Fairgrounds, Ash Flat, Arkansas, 870-994-2311 Mar. 30-31 Home & Garden Show, County Fairgrounds, Chickasha, Oklahoma, 405-244-0787 Mar. 30-Apr. 1 Boom Design show, Barker Hangar at the Airport, Santa Monica, California, 310-394-8600 Mar. 31 Jell-O A Go-Go Art Show, 5-8pm, Maude Kerns Art Center on E. 15th Ave., Eugene, Oregon, 541-345-1571 Mar. 31 Rose City Chili Cookoff, Gander Mountain Store on Hwy. 69 S., Tyler, Texas, 903-372-2818 Mar. 31-Apr. 1 Southeast Idaho Gem & Mineral Society Show County Fairgrounds, Pocatello, Idaho, 208-233-2438 Mar. 31-Apr. 1 Emerald City ComiCon, Qwest Field Event Center, Seattle, Washington, info@emeraldcitycomicon.com
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It's always best to call ahead to verify festival information. Please tell them you saw the listing in Deb's Monthly Review.

Look at this guy!

This is Scott L. Schwartz. If you ever get into trouble, you'll want him on your side. This guy means business. And his business is playing big and bad. Big may come easy, because he's 6'10" and weighs about 300 pounds. I'm not sure how he pulls off the bad part though, because he actually seems to be very... Well, never mind. Just click on the banner and get ready for some action. www.ultimatebadguy.com

Once upon a time there was a man with a gentle voice and quiet charm. He made several movies and worked in a TV show playing a character who rode a motorcycle from town to town, touching lives, and singing a little here and there. Then some of us didn't hear much of him for awhile. We wondered if he would ever come to sing for us again.
Michael Parks is singing, and he recorded 17 songs for us to enjoy, including: I'll Never Be Free Basin Street Blues Don't Go To Strangers Easy Street This CD was a long time coming, but it was worth waiting for. Take a trip to Listen Recordings where you can order your copy.

Above: Metallic Choker Necklace Left: Dreamcatcher Earrings

Joan Garnand creates from her home in Tennessee. Her design styles range from simple elegance to whimsical fun. Joan does hand-painted stationery, uses spare moments at festivals to paint faces, and entertains children at private parties. A sample of her work is illustrated online. Talk to her about what you're looking for!

Ever since William Malmskog and I began a dialogue I've been impressed by his willingness to share openly the details of his life. Most of us hide a lot of our lives from others and present only the parts we can polish and make look acceptable. He isn't afraid to talk about how his difficulties, including physical challenges, have guided him to an increased sense of abilities and possibilities.

I have a special place in my heart for people who allow themselves to be vulnerable enough to show us their pain. But this isn't about being a victim. It's about using adversity as a stepping stone to new challenges and then helping the rest of us do the same. When he sends me welcome updates of what he's been doing I know he's going to bring me something I can bite into and use in my own daily challenges. Please take time to visit his web site and explore the man who calls himself the Crazy Viking.

So, who is it who takes the throne if, for whatever reason, Prince William of Wales can not take the position someday? Discover the rules for the Line of Succession on the web site of the Royal Family. And if you're having trouble remembering what the Line of Succession is for U.S. President you can renew your old civics notes here.
Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame, Baseball Hall of Fame—did you know there is also a Bicycle Hall of Fame?		No passport is required to visit the San Juan Islands of Washington state. Want to stay on a 60-acre ranch? Check out States Inn & Ranch of Friday Harbor. No TV, but they do have WiFi!
A little different way to grab a sandwich on your travels: When in Atlanta, try a sandwich at Which Wich. You pick up a paper bag and mark on the bag what you want on your sandwich. They also have shops in several Texas locations (maybe Oklahoma too?) and more are coming soon. When in the St. Louis area, be sure to get to Blueberry Hill for a Sweetheart hot dog (with Swiss cheese and onions). Zingerman's Deli (in Ann Arbor, Michigan) has corned beef and other favorites, but veggie lovers can get a sandwich filled with marinated grilled portabello mushrooms and tomato spread and another veggie one of roasted eggplant, cheese and peppers. Other sandwich stops worth a visit include Capriotti's in Vegas. (They may have opened a shop back East too.) Hopkins Eatery in Tallahassee, Florida sounds great and also child-friendly for travelers with kids. And I keep hearing about a "double-dipped" sandwich at Johnny's Pastrami in Los Angeles. If you've found other great sandwich stops on your travels, please let me know!

(Link broken—Zinos.com is up for sale.)

Send Deb email: deb@lightpatch.com

Last Updated February 26, 2007

Deb's Monthly Review © copyright Deb Thompson