Deb's Monthly Review

May 2007

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

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

Special Quotation "If you want to catch something, running after it isn't always the best way." --Lois McMaster Bujold

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: American Society of Bookplate Collectors & Designers The art of ex libris: Designers, owners, collectors		Handy Site Of The Month: How Far Away is Lightning? (IRS Pub. 525) How to calculate approximate distance
	Just Fun Site Of The Month: Quadrix Challenging color puzzle		Scientific/Technical Site Of The Month: The Old Farmer's Almanac Radio Report Weather, gardening tips and more, including archived reports

 May 2007 Festivals and Events

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

May 1-6, 2007 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival Various venues, Winchester, Virginia	Tours of historic churches, golf tournament, apple pie baking contest, carnival, disco dance party, firefighter events, Cole Bros. Circus, drill team demonstrations, luncheons, 10K race, teen dance, parades, musical entertainment, arts and crafts, activities for kids, food vendors, breakfast walk on Rt. 522 North (May 3rd at 8am), car cruise-in. The festival celebrates an impressive 80 years this spring. Get the Facts: Call 540-662-3863
May 1-13, 2007 Contraband Days Civic Center (and other venues), Lake Charles, Louisiana	This is the festival's 50th year and big plans include a concerts, Zoo Dynamics, family night, sailboat regatta, golf tournament, fireworks, parade, classic cars, a vist from the Spam Mobile, helicopter rides, Blazing Bikes, pirate costume contest, food vendors. The festival opens with pirates who storm the local seawall and declare pirate rule. Arrh! Details: Call 337-436-5508
May 3-5, 2007 Tulip Time various venues, Pella, Iowa	Quilt show, Klompen Classic 5K Run/walk (on Wednesday of that week), staged entertainment, roving entertainers, Dutch cheese market, street scrubbers, Volks Parade, tractor rodeo, lighted Volks parade, tulip gardens and sculptures, activities for kids, antique window displays, Dutch marketplace, farm implement displays, free access to the Fire Station Museum, flower show, aiport open house and pancake breakfast. Learn More: Call 641-628-4311
May 3-6, 2007 Cherry Blossom Festival Lake Anna Park, Barberton, Ohio	Parade (10am on Sat.), fishing derby, concerts, exhibits, carnival rides, festival foods and more. The festival celebrates its 50th year of fun. Further Facts: Call 330-745-3733
May 3-6, 2007 Wild Turkey Festival Downtown, McArthur, Ohio	In its 23rd year the festival offers fun such as a car show, music, food vendors, carnival, pageant, quilt show and a parade on Saturday at 6pm. Additional Information: Call 740-596-8506 or 740-591-1118
May 3-6, 2007 Mayfest Trinity Park, Fort Worth, Texas	Laser shows, 10K/5K/1K fun run on Sat., artist demos, arts and crafts, children's area, a whopping 7 stages of entertainment, non-profit booths, paintball, mechanical bull, rock climbing wall, festival merchandise, food vendors, bass fishing demonstration, butterfly house, petting zoo, pony rides. There is an admission charge, but lucky you, if you're over 60 and you attend on Thursday, because that's Senior Day and seniors get in free. The festival is celebrating its 35th year. Questions? Call 817-332-1055
May 4-5, 2007 Brickfest Santa Fe Plaza, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma	Games, brick throwing contest, food vendors, non-profit booths, 3-on-3 basketball, car show, entertainment, arts and crafts, activities for kids. Details: Call 405-238-2555
May 4-6, 2007 Armadillo Festival Downtown Square, Hamburg, Arkansas	Pageant (earlier in the week), crawfish boil, armadillo weigh-in and armadillo races, arts and crafts, puppet shows, music, carnival, BBQ chicken, 5K run/1-mile walk, magic entertainment by Rocky Clements, dirty sneakers contest, bubblegum blowing contest, festival foods, frog jumping contest, lawn mower races, pancake breakfast (Sat. 6:30-9:30am), gospel singing. The festival is celebrating its 37th year. Further Information: Call 870-853-8345
May 4-6, 2007 Ozark Days Festival Old City Ballpark on Hwy. 106, Eminence, Missouri	National Wild Turkey Federation wild turkey calling contest, canoe races, activities for kids, music, arts and crafts, food, games, auction, carnival (opens a day early on Thur. night and closes Sat. night). More: Call 573-226-3318
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May 1-6, 2007 North Carolina Strawberry Festival Festival grounds (corner of Strawberry Blvd. & Brown St.), Chadbourn, North Carolina	Carnival rides and games, vendors, variety show, arts and crafts, hot air balloons, band concerts, food court, strawberry grower competitions, car show, festival parade (May 5 at 2pm), strawberry spitting contest, scholarship pageant and more. The carnival opens early and some other activities are held a bit earlier than the main weekend festival. Questions? Call 910-654-3518
May 4-5, 2007 Mushroom Festival Town Square and other venues, Richmond, Missouri	Celebrate with a Largest Morel Mushroom Contest, talent show, activities for kids, Christian music show, 3-on-3 basketball, fine arts show at the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, music, Hometown Bar-B-Q Cook Off, pedal tractor pull, quilt show, children's pageant, Mud Run, parade (1pm Sat.), more than 160 artisans showing and selling their wares, mobile aquarium exhibit, Shrine Club Dance Sat. evening. karate demonstration, Ray County Human Society's Wayward Waifs pet adoption, bike show, tractor show. There will also be a 5K fun run on Sunday of that weekend. Get The Facts: Call 816-776-6916
May 5, 2006 Turtle Days Street Fair Downtown, Joshua Tree, California	Pet parade at 10:30am, arts and crafts, activities for kids, musical entertainment, festival foods. Additional Details: Call 760-366-3723
May 5, 2007 Fried Onion Burger Day Festival Downtown area, El Reno, Oklahoma	A very large burger (weighing in at more than 750 lbs.) will be cooked that day, plus you can enjoy the Bun Run, a motorcycle show, classic cars, arts and crafts, entertainment, festival foods and plenty of games and rides. There's also a burger eating contest. The fun goes from 10am-5pm and there is no admission charge. It's the festival's 19th year. Questions? Call 405-262-8888
May 5, 2007 Prague Kolache Festival City Park & Main Street, Prague, Oklahoma	In its 48th year the festival offers fun such as a costume contest, special postal cancellation, food booths, music, 5K run, tractor show, wine making competition, bread making competition, a parade at 11am, carnival games and rides, quilt show, festival merchandise, arts and crafts, wine pavilion, Beseda dance, Christian music concert, kolache eating contest and plenty of kolache and other pastries. Info: Call 405-567-4866
May 5-6, 2007 Snellville Days Briscoe Park, Snellville, Georgia	Now in its 34th year, the festival will offer Dog & Disc Championships, a parade (Sat. at 10am), activities for kids, entertainment on 2 stages, 5K race, Orphan Vehicle Celebration (expect Packards, Kaisers, Fiats and more). Learn More: Call 770-985-3535
May 5-6, 2007 Apple Blossom Festival S. Mountain Fairgrounds on Rt. 234, Arendtsville, Pennsylvania	Now celebrating its 52nd year, the festival draws attention to the orchards and blossoms of the area, plus you can enjoy arts and crafts, entertainment, classic cars, activities for kids and festival foods. Get The Facts: Call 717-677-7444 or 717-334-6274
May 5-12, 2007 Tulip Time Festival Various venues, Holland, Michigan	Celebrate the festival's 78th year with tulip plantings througout town, tulip trolley tours, 3 themed parades, arts and crafts, fireworks, activities for kids, organ recitals, quilt show, storytelling, A Taste of Holland, flower show, street scrubbers, handbell concert, Dutch Trade Fair, Town Crier Contest. Entertainment is scheduled to include Tommy Vinton, Bruce Hornsby and Salvadore. When you get hungry there are area restaurants with sweet and sour cabbage, metwurst (smoked sausage), split pea soup, hutspot, Dutch-style French fries and rich pastries. There is no admission charge, but some activities may have a separate fee or may require reservations. Details: Call 616-396-4221 or 800-822-2770
May 6, 2007 Heart and Soul Festival Various area churches, Houston, Texas	For a 3rd year area churches will play host to visitors who come to see the architecture and listen to bell choirs, vocal choirs and organ concerts. At this writing, 16 churches were scheduled to participate in this one-of-a-kind event. Refreshments, tours and history talks are available at several locations. Enjoy the scenic churches from 10am-5pm and get a glimpse of the spiritual side of Houston's history. St. Paul's Methodist Church alone has almost 90 stained glass windows in its facility and there will be art on display in several locations. Find Out More: Call 713-526-9123
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.
May 6-12, 2007 West Tennessee Strawberry Festival Area parks and other venues, Humboldt, Tennessee	Kid's pedal tractor pull, antique tractor show, pet parade, horse show, antiques, checker tournament, Christian music concert, junior parade, grand parade, BBQ cook-off, strawberry recipe contest, golf tournament, car show, 5K & 10K run, kiddie carnival, arts and crafts and plenty of music, including some entertainment from Emerson Drive. It's the festival's 70th big year of fun. Questions? Call 318-435-7607
May 10-12, 2007 Strawberry Homefest Berry Sheds on Hwy. 367, Bald Knob, Arkansas	Pet show, arts and crafts, strawberry shortcake and fresh strawberries for sale, golf tournament, local class reunions, carnival, festival foods, Mr. Bald Knob Contest, classic cars, entertainment, pie eating contest. There will be plenty to do in the event's 20th year. Get Details: Call 501-724-3140
May 10-12, 2007 Poke Salad Festival Downtown, Blanchard, Louisiana	Music and dance, vendors, festival foods, arts and crafts, treasure hunt, parade, carnival. Info: Call 318-929-7574
May 10-13, 2007 Rooster Days Festival Central Park, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma	Festival foods, arts and crafts, entertainment, parade on Sat. at 10am, carnival, commercial vendors. Please, no outside coolers and no pets. The festival is celebrating its 76th year. Find Out More: Call 916-251-1518
May 10-13, 2007 Apple Blossom Festival Downtown on Wapato Way. Manson, Washington	With an impressive 87th year the festival features a pageant, Pig Jig run, Edible Apple Contest, pancake breakfast (Sat. 6-9am), parade on Sat. at 8am, car and Harley show, chicken noodle dinner, Nostalgia Night, student art display, arts and crafts, rock & mineral show, food vendors. Additional Details: Call 509-687-3833
May 11-12, 2007 Whistlestop Festival Downtown, Ashdown, Arkansas	Youth art show, museum exhibits, street dance, antique cars, motorcycle show, antiques, 5K run/walk, arts and crafts, chili cook-off, activities for kids, musical entertainment. The Little River Challenge Bike Race is just before the festival. The Whistlestop Festival celebrates its 11th year in 2007. Note: If you love birding, be sure to visit Millwood Lake. More than 300 species of birds have been spotted there. Questions? Call 318-435-7607
May 11-12, 2007 Free State of Yell Fest Riverfront Park, Dardenelle, Arkansas	Activities for kids, Ugly Dog Contest, festival foods, arts and crafts, Yell Fest Idol, carnival, yelling contest, horseshoe tournament, fireworks, Run Like Yell 5K run/walk on May 12 at 7am, classic cars. Find Out More: Call 479-229-3328
May 11-12, 2007 Rough & Ready Days Festival McCloy Park, Monticello, Arkansas	In its 11th year the festival will bring a fishing derby, quilt show, puppet shows, entertainment, fish fry, carnival rides (beginning Thur.), 5K run, activities for kids, chicken dinners, chicken races, egg drop, food vendors, bike ride, chicken cook-off, auction, car show, arts and crafts. Additional Facts: Call 870-367-6741
May 11-12, 2007 International Bar-B-Q Fest Riverfront, Owensboro, Kentucky	Carnival games and rides, pageant, festival merchandise, arts and crafts, 5K run/walk, 3 stages of musical entertainment, face painting, non-profit booths, cooking competitions, golf scramble, pie eating contest, car show, horseshoe pitching contest. Find Out More: Call 800-489-1131
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May 11-13, 2007 Taste Addison Addison Circle Park, Addison, Texas	Carnival, wine tasting, foods from more than 55 area restaurants, arts and crafts, cooking demos, music from Los Lonely Boys plus Blues Travelers and others. You may bring blankets to sit on and enjoy the music, but please do not bring lawn chairs, outside coolers or pets to the festival. As always, service animals are welcome. Info: Call 972-450-2851
May 12, 2007 Watermelon Festival Canterbury Equestrian Showplace, 23100 W. Newberry Rd., Newberry, Florida	Watermelon eating contest, hog calling contest, watermleon seed spitting contest, melon grower competition, entertainment, arts and crafts, parade, 5K run, baking contests, watermelon roll for kids age 5 and younger. More: Call 352-316-6628
May 12, 2007 Glennville Sweet Onion Festival Farmers Market, Glennville, Georgia	For more than 30 years sweet Vidalia onions have brought people running for fresh onion rings and other savory treats. Munch at the festival while you enjoy arts and crafts, a parade at 10am, activities for kids, food booths, staged entertainment, Onion Run (1-mile run and walk and 5K run). Learn More: Call 912-654-2515 or 912-654-3332
May 12, 2007 Nettie Davenport Day Main & Broadway area downtown, Davenport, Oklahoma	Now in its 31st year, the festival offers fun such as children's trike races, musical entertainment, class reunions, banquets, arts and crafts, prize drawings, and the very unusual parade that travels down the brick-lined Broadway Avenue. The parade makes a U-turn and goes down Broadway Avenue in the opposite direction, so you're sure to get a good look at things no matter which side of the street you're on. Additional Information: Call 918-377-2355
May 12, 2007 Strawberry Festival Downtown, Stilwell, Oklahoma	Now in its 60th year, the festival offers fun such as an all-school reunion, rodeo, entertainment, food vendors, growers' competition and auction, pageant, free strawberries and ice cream, arts and crafts, parade at 10am. Oklahoma celebrates its Centennial in 2007 so watch for special displays marking this historic year. Further Information: Call 918-696-7735 or 918-696-7845
May 12-13, 2007 Gum Tree Festival Courthouse Square, Tupelo, Mississippi	Cellular South Gum Ball Friday night (with silent auction), artists' demos, "Beauty and the Beast" presented by Tupelo Community Theatre, activities for kids, food, 10K run, juried art show, songwriting competition. The festival is celebrating its 36th year. Details: Call 662-844-2787
May 12-19, 2007 Strawberry Festival Downtown, Adairville, Kentucky	5K run/walk plus 1-mile fun run, car show (May 12), pancake breakfast, arts and crafts, food booths, strawberry shortcake, strawberry ice cream, street dance, parade, more. It's the 61st year for this one. Questions? Call 270-539-4341 or 270-847-7246
May 15-19, 2007 Strawberry Festival Downtown, Portland, Tennessee	In its 66th year the festival brings a carnival (at Portland Middle School), Martha White Bluegrass Bus Museum (May 19), drawings for prizes, parade, Strawberry Stride 5K/1-mile race (plus a Kids Fun Run), music, arts and crafts, festival foods, prayer breakfast, Choir Night, golf scramble, fireworks. The festival coincides with the Hwy. 52 yard sale, which features 80 miles of sale items. (For yard sale info only, call 931-243-3338.) Learn More: Call 615-325-9032
May 16-20, 2007 Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee Fairgrounds, Angels Camp, California	Children's Parade, destruction derby, all the fun of a county fair with a carnival plus livestock events and home arts contests, Tuff Truck Show, food concessions, frog-jumping competitions, entertainment, talent show and more. Additional Information: Call 209-736-2561 or 800-225-3764
May 16-20, 2007 Rabbit Fest City Park, Copperas Cove, Texas	The festival celebrates 27 years with a golf tournament, softball tournament, quilt raffle, historic reenactments, rabbit costume competition, car show, music, rabbit show, Fest Parade on Sat. at 10am, food vendors, carnival, arts and crafts, BBQ cook-off. Details: Call 254-547-7571
May 17-19, 2007 Mayhaw Festival Mayhaw Grounds at Hwy. 12 & 109, Starks, Louisiana	Arts and crafts, mayhaw jelly-making demonstrations and jelly-making contest, bike parade, talent show, Gospel music on Sat. at 2pm, food vendors, entertainment. If you aren't tempted yet, how does the taste of freshly churned butter and mayhaw jelly on hot biscuits sound? There is no admission charge to the festival and hours are 4-10pm on Thur., 4-10pm on Fri. and 9am-10pm on Sat. Get The Facts: Call 337-743-6297 or 800-456-7952
May 17-20, 2007 Festival of Greece St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church on Eldridge Parkway, Houston, Texas	Enjoy a Greek marketplace, gyro eating contest, activities for kids, Greek foods for sale, cooking demonstrations and music. Info: Call 281-679-5395
May 17-20, 2007 Chesapeake Jubilee Fairgrounds on Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, Texas	This is Chesapeake Jubilee's 25th year. Enjoy festival foods, 4-H events, volleyball tournament, BBQ cook-off, arts and crafts, Shrimp Feast on the 17th, carnival, fireworks (Sat. at 9pm), and musical entertainment (including The Temptations and Josh Kelley at this writing—always double-check these things before you travel, in order to avoid big disappointment.) Questions? Call 405-270-4848
May 18-19, 2007 Picklefest Downtown, Atkins, Arkansas	In its 16th year the festival offers a pickle eating contest, bingo, entertainment, pageant for children, petting zoo, rodeo, parade, 3-on-3 basketball, pickle juice drinking contest, activities for kids, horseshoe tournament, food vendors with treats such as fried dill pickles, arts and crafts, tractor pull. Additional Details: Call 479-641-1147
May 18-19, 2007 Magnolia Blossom Festival Downtown Square, Magnolia, Arkansas	Fishing tournament, sidewalk art show, parade Sat. at 10:30am, antique cars, dog show Sat. at 8:30am, motorcycle show, 5K race & 1-mile fun run, treasure hunt, festival merchandise, carnival, food court, arts and crafts, World Championship Steak Cook-Off, plus entertainment. Among those scheduled to perform at this writing are the Melody Boys Gospel Quartet and Sammy Kershaw. Further Information: Call 870-234-4352
May 18-19, 2007 Red Suspenders Day Downtown, Gridley, California	Have your favorite local official or community member "arrested" on Friday and make them raise money for charity with Un-Justice Court. Other festival fun includes arts and crafts, festival foods, bed races, pancake breakfast (7-11am in Daddow Park), activities for kids, parade, vendors, face painting, talent show, car show, youth games, fire department water game competition. Find Out More: Call 530-846-3142
May 18-19, 2007 Mike the Headless Chicken Festival Various venues, Fruita, Colorado	A chicken named Mike made a legend of himself years ago by supposedly surviving for some time after being beheaded. The community salutes poor old Mike with a festival each year. Activities include Lawn mower races, historic tours, Chick-Olympics, pancake breakfast (Sat. 7-10am at the IOOF Hall), food booths, chicken recipe contest, chicken dance contest, arts and crafts, a Mike Store, car show, the 5K Run Like a Headless Chicken, plus musical entertainment. There's also a Strut, Cluck and Crow Contest for the more gregarious types among the crowd. Questions? Call 970-858-3663
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May 18-19, 2007 Apple Blossom Festival Downtown, Elkhorn City, Kentucky	Carnival, parade, festival foods, arts and crafts, music. The festival runs from 10am-10pm. Further Details: Call 606-754-5810 or 606-754-5000
May 18-19, 2007 Stagecoach Days Various venues, Marshall, Texas	Parade, horseshoe tournament, Bull Plop, domino tournament, Cajun dance, food, car show and cruise-in on Friday night, arts and crafts, stagecoach and carriage rides, entertainment. The festival is celebrating its 35th year of fun. Questions? Call 903-935-7868
May 18-20, 2007 Swedish Festival Swedish Village, Kingsburg, California	Swedish pancakes, Swedish smorgasbord, Basset Waddle Parade on May 19, merchant specials, arts and crafts, food booths, entertainment. Learn More: Call 559-897-1111
May 18-20, 2007 Rhododendron Festival Various venues, Florence, Oregon	Celebrating an impressive 100 years, the festival presents floral displays, arts and crafts, a junior parade and the Grand Floral Parade. There are 5K and 10K runs, activities for kids, a carnival and a pageant on Friday evening. There is no admission charge. Further Details: Call 541-997-3128
May 18-20, 2007 Iris Festival River Road (between Clagett St. & Chemawa Rd.), Keizer, Oregon	1-mile walk for kids & pets, pancake breakfast, entertainment, garden tours, golf tournament, parade on Sat. at 10:30am, flower show, family bike ride, library book sale, soccer, Iris Fest 5K Run/Walk. Get The Facts: Call 888-218-4747
May 18-20, 2007 Live Oak Festival Courthouse Square, Columbus, Texas	Home tours, music and dance, sing-a-long for kids, classic cars, youth talent show, art activities for kids, arts and crafts Sat. and Sun., livestock show, rodeo performers, BBQ lunch. It's the 52nd year for this one. Additional Information: Call 979-732-8385
May 18-20, 2007 Main Street Days Main Street area downtown, Grapevine, Texas	Celebrate this 23rd year with scuba diving demos, street dances, rides on the Grapevine Village Railroad, Heritage Gunfighters show, arts and crafts, a carnival, rock climbing wall, entertainment, festival foods and more. Hours are 10am-11:30pm on Fri., 10am-11:30pm on Sat. and1am-6pm on Sun. There is an admission charge for those age 6 and older. More: Call 817-410-3185
May 18-20, 2007 Pasadena Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds on Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, Texas	The Strawberry Festival Parade is held early, on May 12, at 10am. Then the next weekend you can enjoy the World's Largest Strawberry Shortcake, BBQ cook-off, washer pitching tournament, arts and crafts, bike show, motorcyle show, activities for kids, food vendors, helicopter rides, Circus Ridiculous, Radio Disney, carnival rides and games, trick roper entertainment, music, petting zoo, pony rides, LaFamilia Day (May 20) plus plenty of strawberry treats. No pets and no outside coolers, please. There is an admission charge for those 5 and older. It's the 34th year for this event. Questions? Call 281-991-9500
May 19, 2007 Wash Pot Weekend Downtown, Garfield, Georgia	Arts and crafts, a parade in the morning, activities for the kids, lawn mower pull, evening street dance, lots of comfort food cooked in giant wash pots, car show. Info: Call 912-690-2719
May 19, 2007 Turkey Creek Festival Antioch Park, Merriam, Kansas	One Hill of a Run 5K race, pancake breakfast from 7-11am, nearly 100 arts and crafts booths, activities and rides for kids, petting zoo, parade at 11am, music, festival foods. This year the festival celebrates 22 seasons. Learn More: Call 913-322-5550
May 19, 2007 Albemarle Potato Festival Along the waterfront, Elizabeth City, North Carolina	Music, parade, arts and crafts, activities for kids, 5K spring, 3K walk, food vendors, music, potato-related contests and more. Festival hours are 10am-5pm and there is no admission charge. Additional Information: Call 252-338-4104
May 19, 2007 Foxtrot Festival Downtown, Marion, South Carolina	Arts and crafts, international food court, pony rides, camel rides, helicopter rides, parade at 10am, petting zoo, music and street dance, activities for kids, classic cars, tractor show, library book sale, pageant. Festival hours are 9am-10pm. Details: Call 843-423-6900
May 19, 2007 Moonlight Jubilee Downtown & Caldwell Park, Mt. Pleasant, Texas	Chili cook-off on the square, arts and crafts, activities for kids, food vendors, music, LiL Buns Fun Run, carnival, Texas Championship Outhouse Races, salsa making competition and more. Questions? Call 903-572-8567
May 19-20, 2007 Artichoke Festival Downtown, Castroville, California	In its 48th year the festival will offer a farmers market, Agro art contest and display, a parade (Sun. at 9:45am), tours of artichoke fields, cooking demonstrations, RV Jamboree, festival foods, ethnic specialty foods, artichoke-centered dishes, wine tasting. The week before there is a PAL 10K & 5K run/walk. Festival hours are 10am-6pm on Sat. and 9am-5pm on Sun. Admission is charged for those age 13 and older. Please do not bring pets to the festival. (Service animals are always welcome.) Get The Facts: Call 831-633-2465
May 19-20, 2007 Strawberry Festival Veteran's Field, Galt, California	Now in its 12th year, the festival is scheduled to have arts and crafts, a farmers market, Strawberry Jam 5K Run/Walk, a tribute to veterans, carnival, activities for kids, RV show, music and other entertainment, car show, non-profit and commercial booths, food booths, strawberry catapulting by students on Friday night, retail vendors, wine tasting and more. Hours are 10am-9pm on Sat. and 10am-5pm on Sun. Info: Call 209-745-2529
May 19-20, 2007 Fruit and Nut Festival Downtown, Hughson, California	4x4 tractor pull, arts and crafts, entertainment, car show, parade on Sat. at 11am, food booths, farmers market, non-profit and commercial booths. (A carnival opens one day early, on May 18.) There is no admission fee to the festival. Come and enjoy the 19th year of this alcohol-free event. More Information: Call 209-883-2800
May 19-20, 2007 Chocolate Festival Wood Park & Hershey Visitor Center at Hwy. 108 & 120, Oakdale, California	Festival foods, Old West reenactments, 5K/1 mile fun run on Sat., chef demonstrations, activities for kids, entertainment, agricultural displays, Chocolate Challenge competition, wine and chocolate trains (may require a separate fee and/or reservations), classic cars. Also presented for your enjoyment during this 15th year is Chocolate Avenue, which is lined with chocolate funnel cakes, chocolate cheesecake, chocolate ice cream and other treats. There is an admission charge for those 13 and older. Questions? Call 209-847-2344
May 19-20, 2007 California Strawberry Festival Strawberry Meadows of College Park (on Rose Avenue), Oxnard, California	Now in its 24th year, the festival offers 2 stages of entertainment, Jest in Time Theatre, 300-plus arts and crafts vendors, berry decorating, Star Berry Hunt, festival merchandise, Strawberryland for the kids, fresh berries for sale plus lots of strawberry treats and other traditional festival foods. Hours are 10am-6:30pm both days. There is an admission charge for those age 5 and older. Find Out More: Call 888-288-9242
May 19-20, 2007 Blue Crab Festival Waterfront, Little River, South Carolina	5k run, activities for kids, more than 175 artisans showing and selling their wares, festival merchandise, fishing tournament, motorcycle poker run, pageant, drawings for prizes, petting zoo, entertainment, commercial vendors. Hours are 9am-8pm on Sat. and 9am-6pm on Sun. The festival is celebrating 26 years of fun. Details: Call 843-385-3180
May 20, 2007 Oregon Fest Dustin Road, Oregon, Ohio	Civil War reenactments and encampment, parade at 3pm, classic cars, festival foods, carnival, arts and crafts, 1950s costume contest, non-profit exhibits, activities for kids, entertainment. The festival is held rain or shine and there is no admission fee. Hours are noon-6pm. Questions? Call 419-691-7060
May 20, 2007 Whitetop Mountain Ramp Festival Mount Rogers Fire Hall at 51 Firehouse Rd. (U.S. 58), Whitetop, Virginia	The main event seems to be food, which is never a bad thing, right? There is a big BBQ chicken dinner with fried potatoes and ramps. Don't be afraid of ramps. If you've ever eaten leeks, you've had something almost like ramps. If you already know you love ramps, you can get in on the ramp eating contest at 5pm. Other foods at the festival will include hot dogs and desserts. Enjoy bluegrass and mountain music, dancing, games, arts and crafts. The fun goes from 11am-6pm and there is no admission charge. Info: Call 276-733-3711 or 276-388-3422
May 24-27, 2007 Mudbug Madness Festival Plaza, Shreveport, Louisiana	Cajun and Zydeco music, Mudbug Madness 5K race, festival merchandise, activities for kids, Celebrity Crawfish Eating Contest, festival foods (including Creole and Cajun favorites). Come and have fun at the festival's 24th year. More: Call 318-222-7403
May 24-27, 2007 Festival of Flags Aetna Park, Oak Hill, Ohio	Veterans Parade Monday at 10am, main parade Sunday at 4pm, gospel music, activities for children, car show, dog show, pancake breakfast, carnival, arts and crafts, patriotic displays and banners throughout town, plus more than 2000 flags on display. Get the Facts: Call 740-682-7292 or 740-682-7057
May 24-27, 2007 Walleye Festival Waterworks Park, Port Clinton, Ohio	The festival celebrate its 27th year with arts and crafts, K-9 demos, carnival, archery presentations, petting zoo, fishing derby, educational programs, activities for kids, walleye and plenty of other festival foods, Memorial Day Parade at 10am. Get the Facts: Call 419-573-9370
May 24-27, 2007 Iris Festival Swan Lake area, Sumter, South Carolina	Kids Safety Fair, pet show, Taste at the Gardens, music, arts and crafts, quilt show, show and shine, chalk art competition, flower show, Swan Lake Diaper Parade & Derby, health checks, Shriner's Day Parade, boat exhibit, Italian street painting, food court, art activities for kids. Additional Details: Call 803-436-2640 or 800-688-4748
May 24-28, 2007 Crab Festival Various venues, Kodiak, Alaska	Seafood and other festival treats, table tennis tournament, poetry readings, fire training building open house, Crab Festival Marathon (26.2 miles), sourdough pancakes, fine art show, bed races, sawdust pile full of money for kids to dig into, kayak races, predicted mile run (estimate time with no watches allowed), arm wrestling competition, lampwork glass show, parade, buoy toss, street bowling, tribal-sponsored bingo, beer and bratwurst, frog jumping contest, fencing tournament, rubber duck races, Elks Sixtathlon Iron Person Contest, chess tournament, theatre, U.S. Coast Guard demo and fly-over, skateboard contest, bike relay, survival suit race, shrimp (kids) parade, Golden Hammer Triathlon, arts and crafts. Can these people party or what? Learn More: Call 907-486-4782
May 24-28, 2007 Moonshine Festival Main Street, New Straitsville, Ohio	Observe the working moonshine display, for educational purposes only, so you'll have no worries about a hangover or any other difficulty. Enjoy a little moonshine pie, which I'm told is a lot like a molasses pie. Try a moonshine burger or other festival treat. Enjoy carnival games and rides, music, a talent show, car and truck show, cruise-in, festival souvenirs and merchandise, "God Bless the USA Veterans Parade" on Thur. evening, Grand Parade on Memorial Day. Info: Call 740-394-2838 or 740-394-3425
May 25-26, 2007 Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival Festival Grounds at 4253 W. Ponkan Rd., Zellwood, Florida	Carnival, festival merchandise, arts and crafts, fresh corn for sale, festival foods, and many ears of corn cooked up by Big Bertha, which is a contraption that can produce more than 1600 tasty cobs every 9 minutes. Musical entertainment scheduled at this writing includes SheDaisy, Chris Cagle and Matthew West. You can bring blankets or chairs for listening to the music, but please do not bring pets or outside coolers. There is free parking for the festival and festival-goers under age 13 get in free when accompanied by a paying adult. Munch away and listen to the music at this 34th year. Questions? Call 407-886-0014
May 25-27, 2007 Camas Festival Mini Park, Weippe, Idaho	Arts and crafts on B Street, music, fun run/walk, horseshoe tournament, melodrama, silent auction, breakfast at Community Hall, food, vendors. Additional Details: Call 208-435-4362
May 25-27, 2007 Lilac Festival Main Street, Lisbon, New Hampshire	Carnival (opens a day early), golf tournament, parade, flea market, entertainment, fireworks and more. (The lilac is New Hampshire's state flower.) Enjoy the fun at this 26th year. Further Information: Call 603-838-6336 or 603-838-2862
May 25-27, 2007 Pound Heritage Days Main Street, Pound, Virginia	Car show, arts and crafts, street dance, carnival, entertainment, carnival, festival foods. Get the Facts: Call 276-679-0961 or 276-796-4941
May 25-28, 2007 Horned Toad Derby Olsen Park, Coalinga, California	Carnival, parade on Sat., arts and crafts, horned toad races, firefighter water fights, food vendors, softball tournament, deep pit beef BBQ and more at this 71st year of the festival. There is a small admission fee. Details: Call 559-935-2948 or 800-854-3885
May 25-28, 2007 Garden Grove Strawberry Festival Village Green, Garden Grove, California	Pageants, carnival rides and games, karaoke, entertainment, giant strawberry cake, food vendors, Red Head Roundup, celebrity parade and autograph signing. This year's Theme Grand Marshall is Linda Finnegan of "Kids With a Cause" and the celebrity Grand Marshalls are Mickey Rooney and Jan Rooney. Other special guests who plan to be there at this writing include Masiela Lusha from "The George Lopez Show", Tameka Jacobs from "Deal or No Deal" and Cameron Monaghan from "Malcolm in the Middle". (Schedules and guest lists can change, of course.) Info: Call 714-638-0981
May 25-28, 2007 Blue Crab Festival Downtown, Palatka, Florida	Musical entertainment (including Last Waltz Ensemble), antiques, activities for kids, arts and crafts, fine arts show, festival foods, Seafood Cook-off, fireworks and music on Friday night, Memorial Day Parade and ceremony on Monday. The festival is celebrating its 19th year. Questions? Call 386-325-4406
May 25-28, 2007 Chestertown Tea Party Downtown, Chestertown, Maryland	They do a reenactment of the 1774 dumping of British tea at this festival. In keeping with the period there are events and attractions such as the Colonial Dress-Up, Colonial Kitchen, Colonial craft demonstrations and the Colonial Parade on High Street. Enjoy walking tours, arts and crafts, 10-mile run, cocktail reception on Fri. night, portrayals of historic figures by actors, a cricket game in Wilmer Park and an ecumenical church service on Sunday. Learn More: Call 410-776-2662
May 25-28, 2007 Azalea Festival Various venues, Brookings, Oregon	Airport Day, BBQ, seafood luncheon, arts and crafts, themed parades, flowers, food, street fair. The theme of this 68th year is "Surfin' America's Wild Rivers Coast". Info: Call 541-469-3181
May 25-28, 2007 Chocolate Fest Maryland Avenue off Hwy. 36/83, Burlington, Wisconsin	Chocolate Olympics, Battle of the Chefs, chocolate carving contest, arts and crafts, pageant, parade, fireworks, entertainment, cooking demos, chocolate samples, baking contests, life-size Candy Land game, chocolate vendors. Further Details: Call 262-763-3300
May 26-27, 2007 Strawberry Festival Downtown, Arroyo Grande, California	In its 22nd year this festival lures us with a strawberry pancake breakfast, strawberry shortcake and many other strawberry treats. Enjoy a cooking contest, commercial vendors, fresh berries for sale, non-profit booths, games, arts and crafts and the popular Strawberry Blonde Contest. You can't get bored. There are a whopping 10 areas of entertainment. There's no admission charge. Get The Facts: Call 805-473-2250
May 26-27, 2007 Grubstake Days Various venues, Yucca Valley, California	Music, vendors, gold panning, parade (begins at Remembrance Park at 10am on Sat.), festival merchandise, activities for kids, 5k/10K race, carnival and more. This is the festival's 57th year. Additional Info: Call 760-365-6323
May 26-27, 2007 Delaplane Strawberry Festival Sky Meadows State Park on US Rt. 17, Delaplane, Virginia	Fresh strawberry sundaes, music, historical exhibits, bagpipes, clowns and puppets, petting zoo, face painting, raptor educational show, drawings for prizes, strawberry pies and other baked goods for sale, classic cars, quilt raffle, 27th Anna C. Ringer Memorial 5K Run/Walk, hayrides. The National Strawberry Eating Championship will be held May 26. Festival hours are 10am-5pm. Well-behaved, leashed pets are allowed in the festival but are not allowed in either the hayride area or the petting zoo area. Questions? Call 479-229-3328
May 26-27, 2007 Pungo Strawberry Festival Princess Anne & Indian River Roads, Virginia Beach, Virginia	Strawberry baking contest, pie eating contest, military display, parade, livestock show and sale, youth art show, arts and crafts, pig races, 3 stages of musical entertainment. Please leave Fido comfortably at home when you come to enjoy this 24th year. The festival is an alcohol-free event. Learn More: Call 757-721-6001
May 26-28, 2007 Wyatt Earp Days Allen Street area, Tombstone, Arizona	This Old West themed town lives to give tourists a good show with a festival full of gunfight reenactments, mock hangings, various Old West stunts and skits, 1880s fashion show, chili cook-off, Wyatt Earp Look-alike Contest, food and more. Further details: Call 520-457-3291
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May Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
May 2-6 Raisin Festival, Lincoln Park at McCall & Rose, Selma, California, 559-891-2235 May 3-5 Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival, Singing Brakeman Park, Meridian, Mississippi, 601-482-0166 or 601-482-8001 May 3-6 Springfest (24th), Cocoa Expo Sports Center, Cocoa Beach, Florida, 321-458-2200 May 3-6 Homecoming, Lexington, Texas, 979-773-4337 May 4-5 Emmett Kelly Days, Downtown, Houston, Missouri, 417-967-2220 May 4-5 Smokey Bear Days, Capitan, New Mexico, 505-354-2748 May 4-6 Toad Suck Days (26th), Downtown, Conway, Arkansas, 501-327-7788 May 4-6 Okeene Rattlesnake Roundup, Downtown, Okeene, Oklahoma, 580-822-3005 or 580-822-3101 May 5 Springtime Gala, City Park, Altus, Arkansas, 479-468-4684 May 5 Pine Tree Festival, Downtown, Swainsboro, Georgia, 478-237-6426 May 5 Apple Blossom Festival, various venues, St. Joseph, Missouri, 816-261-0422 May 5-6 Elk Grove Western Festival (50th), Regional Park, Elk Grove, California, 916-695-5475 May 5-6 Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival (44th), Fernandina Beach, Florida, 866-426-3542 or 904-261-3248 May 5-6 May-retta Daze, 10am-5pm, Glover Park, Marietta, Georgia, 770-794-5609 May 5-6 Azalea Festival, Fredericktown, Missouri, 573-783-3581 May 5-6 Frog Fest, City Park, Waynesville, Missouri, 573-774-6171 May 5-6 Ham & Yam Festival, Downtown, Smithfield, North Carolina, 919-934-0887 May 5-13 Irrigation Festival, Sequim, Washington, 360-683-6197 or info@irrigationfestival.com May 5-13 Feather Fiesta Days, (main day is May 12), Bird & Myers Street area, Oroville, California, 530-534-7690 May 10-12 Dogwood Festival, Mullens, West Virginia, 304-732-8000 May 10-13 Cochon de Lait Festival, Cochon de Lait Pavilion, Mansura, Louisiana, 318-964-2152 May 11-12 Perryville Mayfest, On the Square, Perryville, Missouri, 573-547-6062 May 11-12 Freer Rattlesnake Roundup (42nd), Freer, Texas, 361-394-6891 May 11-13 Ione Homecoming, Ione, California, 877-868-7262 May 11-13 Pan American Festival, Mayfair Park, Lakewood, California, 562-866-9771 May 11-13 Texas Crab Festival (22nd), Gregory Park, Crystal Beach, Texas, 409-684-5940 or 800-386-7863 May 12 May Daze, Plymouth, North Carolina, 252-797-4852 May 12 Cherry Blossom Festival, Logan Park, Cherryvale, Kansas, 620-891-0072 May 12 Piedmont Pie Festival (2nd), Piedmont, Oklahoma, 918-756-7845 May 12 Oak Street Festival, 9am-5pm, Downtown, Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, 570-339-2930 or 570-672-9450 May 12-13 Old Timer's Day, Main Street, Van Buren, Arkansas, 479-474-4392 May 12-13 Cotee River Seafood Festival & Boat Show, Downtown, New Richey, Florida, 727-842-8066 May 16-19 Homecoming Festival, Downtown, Dillsboro, Indiana, 812-432-5450 May 16-20 West Virginia Strawberry Festival (66th), Downtown, Buckhannon, West Virginia, 304-472-9036 May 17-20 Tulsa International Mayfest, Downtown, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 916-582-6435 May 18-19 Dermott Crawfish Festival, Dermott, Arkansas, 870-538-5656 May 18-19 Crawdad Days (17th), Main Street Square & Lake Harrison, Harrison, Arkansas, 870-741-2659 or 800-880-6265 May 18-19 Fountain Run Barbecue Festival, Main Street, Fountain Run, Kentucky, 270-434-2915 May 18-19 Little River Days, Little River Park, Hopkinsville, Kentucky, 270-987-4290 or 800-909-9016 May 18-20 Rhododendron Festival, Brow Park, Menton, Alabama, 256-634-8339 May 18-20 Greek Food Festival, 1100 Napa Valley Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas, 501-221-5300 May 18-20 Maifest, MainStrasse Village, Covington, Kentucky, 859-491-0458 May 18-20 KingKat Tournament & Festival, various venues, New Madrid, Missouri, 573-748-5300 May 18-20 Mayfest (25th), Strasburg, Virginia, 540-465-3187 May 19 Coyote Howl & Car Show, 9am-10pm, County Park on Hwy. 4, Coulterville, California, 209-878-3015 May 19 Luther Burbank Rose Parade & Festival, Parade 10am (begins at corner of Sonoma & Santa Rose Avenues),                    Festival at County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, California, 707-5422-7673 May 19 Fair on the Square, Town Square, Buchanan, Georgia, 770-646-3081 May 19 Pimiento Festival (2nd), Downtown, Zebulon, Georgia, 770-567-2029 May 19 Gold Dust Days, Courthouse lawn, Fredonia, Kansas, 620-378-3221 May 19 Riverboat Festival (16th), Downtown, Columbia, Louisiana, 318-649-0726 or 318-649-2138 May 19 Liberty Heritage Festival, Downtown, Liberty, Missouri, 816-580-1711 May 19 Spring Festival, Elementary School Grounds at 201 E. Third St., Peculiar, Missouri, 816-758-4388 May 19 Seafood Festival, Engelhard, North Carolina, 252-925-3719 May 19 Roanoke-Chowan Pork Fest, Murfreesboro, North Carolina May 19 Strawberry Festival, Stuart, Virginia, 276-694-3811 May 19 Local Colors Festival, Elmwood Park, Roanoke, Virginia, 540-342-2640 May 19-20 A La Carte and Art, Castro Street between Church & Evelyn, Mountain View, California, 650-964-3395 May 19-20 Spring Fair, Memorial Park, Berea, Kentucky, 859-986-3192 May 19-20 Italian Festival (37th), Expo & Fairgrounds, Mcalester, Oklahoma, 918-426-2066 May 19-20 Maize Days, Town Hall Campus, Santee, South Carolina, 866-272-6833 May 19-20 Iris Festival, Greenville, Tennessee, 423-638-4111 May 20 Street Faire, Downtown, Escondido, California, 760-745-8877 or 760-945-9288 May 20 Bay to Breakers (foot race), San Francisco, California May 24-28 Festival in the Park, Elmwood Park, Roanoke, Virginia, 540-342-2640 May 25-26 Diamond Festival, Courthouse Square, Murfreesboro, Arkansas, 870-285-3131 May 25-26 Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts, Market Street, Shamokin, Pennsylvania, 570-648-6772 May 25-27 Riverfest (30th), Riverfront Park, Little Rock, Arkansas, 501-255-3378 May 25-26 Buffalo Days, Town Square, Greenfield, Missouri, 417-637-2040 or 888-637-2040 May 25-27 Farmington Invitational Balloon Festival, Farmington, New Mexico, 800-448-1240 May 25-27 Gullah Festival, Waterfront Park, Beaufort, South Carolina, 843-525-0628 May 25-27 National Polka Festival, Ennis, Texas, 888-366-4748 May 25-28 Horse & Buggy Days, Tecumseh, Nebraska, 402-335-5900 May 25-28 Greek Festival, 12362 Spotswood Furnace Rd., Fredericksburg, Virginia, 540-898-3260 or 800-678-4748 May 26 Hillbilly Daze (20th), Community Park, Witts Springs, Arkansas, 870-496-2342 May 26 Yellow Brick Road Festival, Downtown, Sedan, Kansas, 620-725-4033 or 620-725-5797 May 26 Country Memories Day, Downtown, McVeytown, Pennsylvania, 717-899-7998 May 26 Plumb Alley Day 9am-4pm, Main & Valley St. Downtown, Abington, Virginia, 276-676-2282 or 800-435-3440 May 26-27 Santa Cruz Blues Festival (15th), Aptos Village Park, Aptos, California, info@santacruzbluesfestival.com May 26-27 Mushroom Mardi Gras (28th), Morgan Hill, California, 408-778-1786 May 26-27 Moab Arts Festival (15th), Swanny City Park, Moab, Utah, 435-259-2742 May 26-27 Virgilina Summerfest 11am-11pm, Virgilina, Virginia, 434-585-2657 May 26-28 Boulder Creek Art, Wine & Music Festival, Noon-6pm, Downtown, Boulder Creek, California, 831-338-2578 May 27 Wildquack Duck River Festival (18th), Village Park, Jackson, New Hampshire, 603-383-9356 May 30-June 2 Deercreek Dam Days Festival, along the banks, Williamsport, Ohio, 740-986-5863 or 740-986-5451 May 31-June 2 Magnolia Festival of Oklahoma, Durant, Oklahoma, 580-924-1550 or 580-924-0848 May 31-June 2 Memphis Italian Festival, Marquette Park, Memphis, Tennessee, 901-767-6949 May 31-June 3 Ithaca Festival, Stewart Park Ithaca, New York, 607-273-3646 May 31-June 3 Vermont Dairy Festival, Enosburg Falls, Vermont, 802-933-2513 May 31-June 4 Sun Fun Festival, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 843-916-7239 or 843-626-7444
Other May 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
May 5 Town-Wide Yard Sale, throughout town, Oriental, North Carolina, 252-249-7281 May 5-6 Planet Comicon, Kansas City, International Trade Center, Overland Park, Kansas, 913-345-1069 May 5-6 Coin & Currency Show, Moose Lodge on W. Ehringhaus, Elizabeth City, North Carolina, 919-855-8534 May 6 Love Affair Fine Arts Festival, 8am-5pm, Fulwood Park & downtown, Tifton, Georgia, 229-391-4820 May 6 Coin Show, City Auditorium, Fremont, Nebraska, 402-727-1531 May 11-13 Dogwood Festival (72nd),                    Greenfield Hill Congregational Church on Old Academy Rd., Fairfield, Connecticut, 203-259-5596 May 11-13 Gem & Mineral Show, 548 Marietta Parkway, Marietta, Georgia, 770-986-0822 May 12 Charlotte Comicon, Crowne Plaza on S. McDowell St., Charlotte, North Carolina, 704-424-3453 or 803-547-3995 May 12-13 Art in the Park, Hollywood Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, 501-321-6871 May 17-19 Salute to American Graffiti, Village Premium Outlets, Petaluma, California, 707-762-3394 May 18 Cruisin' in the Rock, River Market Pavilions, Little Rock, Arkansas, 501-370-3201 May 18-19 Greater York Antiques Show & Sale, 11am-7pm & 11am-5pm, Toyota Arena, York, Pennsylvania, 703-914-1268 May 18-19 Soul Food Festival (8th), La Villita Historic Arts Village, San Antonio, Texas, 210-207-8618 or 210-414-4394 May 18-20 Mobicon X, Best Western Ashbury Hotel, Mobile, Alabama, micsteel@comcast.net May 18-20 Gourd Festival/Art Show, Spencer County Elementary School, Taylorsville, Kentucky, 502-477-8543 . May 18-20 Motor City Comic Con,                    Rock Financial Showplace at 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi, Michigan, 248-426-8059 or info@motorcitycomics.com May 18-20 Monster-Mania Con 8, Crowne Plaza, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, monstermania@hotmail.com May 18-20 Middlecreek Valley Antique Association Antique Show,                    Show Ground on Old Colony Road, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, 570-837-1237 May 19 Community Yard Sale, 9am-4pm, throughout town, Meredith, New Hampshire, 603-279-6121 May 19 International Street Fair, Athens, Ohio, 740-593-4330 May 19 McLean Day, Lewinsville Park, McLean, Virginia, 703-790-0123 May 19 Spring Festival, 9am-4pm, Main Street, Warrenton, Virginia, 540-347-4414 May 19-20 Planes of Fame Air Show, Airport, Chino, California, 909-597-3722 May 19-20 Vintage Paper Fair, 10am-6pm & 10am-4pm, Centre Concord at 5298 Clayton Rd., Concord, California May 19-20 Strawberry Jubilee, Bishop's Farm, Wheatland, California, 530-633-4392 May 19-20 Tow Rodeo, Hampton Beach State Park, Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, 603-863-4206 May 25-27 Watsonville Fly-In & Air Show, Community Airport, Watsonville, California, 831-763-5600 May 25-27 MarCon, Hyatt Regency, Columbus, Ohio May 25-27 CONduit XVII, Radisson, Salt Lake City, Utah, info@conduit.sfcon.org May 25-27 Spring Bead, Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show (16th), Civic Center, Salem, Virginia, 540-364-6047 May 25-28 Sacramento Jazz Jubilee (34th), Oldtown plus Downtown & W. Sacramento, Sacramento, California, 916-372-5277 May 25-28 BayCon (25th), San Mateo Marriott (new venue for 2007), San Mateo, California, info@baycon.org May 25-28 Balticon 41, Marriott's Hunt Valley Inn, Baltimore, Maryland, 410-563-2737 May 25-28 MisCon, Ruby's Inn, Missoula, Montana, 406-544-7083 May 25-28 Memorial Day Arts & Crafts Show, River Walk Extension, San Antonio, Texas, 210-227-4262 May 26 Crimestoppers Band Concert, Martin Dies State Park, Jasper, Texas, 409-384-5231 May 26-27 Gem, Jewelry, Fossil & Mineral Show, County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, Illinois, 630-377-0197 May 26-27 Art in the Park, Gyspy Hill Park, Staunton, Virginia, 540-885-2028 May 26-28 Kinetic Sculpture Race (39th), Arcata to Ferndale, Arcata, California, 707-499-0643 May 26-28 Riverbend Art Fair (42nd), Downtown Mall, Atchison, Kansas, 913-367-4278 May 26-28 Taste of Cincinnati, Fifth St. Downtown, Cincinnati, Ohio, 513-579-3187 May 28 Antiques Fair, Lasdon Park & Arboretum on Rt. 35, Katonah, New York, 914-273-4667 May 29 Strawberry Festival, 9am-3pm, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Heathsville, Virginia, 804-580-4555 May 31-June 2 LB Coin, Stamp & Collectibles Expo, Convention Center, Long Beach, California, 805-962-9939
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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.

The great state of Oklahoma is celebrating its Centennial during 2007. If you're going to be in Oklahoma City this year you might want to think about a visit to the former Skirvin Hotel, which opened just four years after Oklahoma became a state. The Skirvin was the place to be when rail travel was first in vogue. The Skirvin was a little neglected for awhile and there was even talk of taking the old beauty down. But the grand hotel has been given new life as the Skirvin Hilton. The facility boasts 225 guest rooms, meeting space, 24-hour room service and a chance to pass through a bit of history. Doug Loudenback has a batch of great photos and sketches of the renovation work at Photobucket.
A few places to see big trees: Colorado Minnesota Oregon Georgia		A few of California's gardens: Lotusland in Santa Barbara Sunset Publishing in Menlo Park Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino. Fullerton Arboretum in Fullerton
Different ideas for a great Mother's Day gift—how about a Fresh Cut Flower of the Month Club or Ornament of the Month Club? You can sign Mom up for bracelet charms, science or craft kits and many other clubs that will send her something new each month. If you don't like the idea of a third-party doing the choosing you can always do a customized set of gift of the month items on your own.

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

Send Deb email: deb@lightpatch.com

Last Updated April 26, 2007

Deb's Monthly Review © copyright Deb Thompson