Deb's Monthly Review

May 2008

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

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

Bringing you festivals and other fun since 1997!

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	The Artsy Site Of The Month: Exhibitions: On View What's showing at Yale University Art Gallery		Handy Site Of The Month: Reader's Digest: Car Tips Why you should unload that heavy keychain
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 May 2008 Festivals and Events

Books to help you make more money for travel fun or make the most of the money you already have! Making Your Money Count Buy It, Sell It, Make Money The Naked Truth About Your Money Gold: The Once and Future Money Your Money After the Big 5-0 Show Me the Money Make Your Money Make Money For You

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

May 1-3, 2008 Pella Tulip Time Various venues, Pella, Iowa	Quilt show, historical home tours, organ concert, kids fun run, Klompen Klassic 5K Run/Walk, antique autos, Dutch craft market, flower show, tractor rodeo, Kids Corner, volks parade, cheese market, royal court, street scrubbers and Dutch dancers, lighted volks parade, children's art show, dense plantings of tulips on display, pancake breakfast on Saturday at the municipal airport from 7-10am, antique farm implements on display, festival foods. Questions? Call 641-628-4311
May 1-4, 2008 North Carolina Strawberry Festival Festival grounds (corner of Strawberry Blvd. & Brown St.), Chadbourn, North Carolina	Hot air balloons, arts and crafts, CBA Bike Show, entertainment, carnival rides and games, festival parade May 3 at 2pm, scholarship pageant, strawberry spitting contest. The carnival opens early and some other events are held prior to the main weekend festival. Further Information: Call 910-654-3518 or 910-640-8034
May 1-4, 2008 Wild Turkey Festival Downtown, McArthur, Ohio	Turkey calling contest, arts and crafts, music, car show, food vendors, carnival, pageant, quilt show, parade on Saturday at 6pm. The festival is celebrating its 24th year. Get Details: Call 740-596-8506 or 740-591-1118
May 1-4, 2008 Mayfest Trinity Park, Fort Worth, Texas	Celebrate this 36th year with laser shows, arts and crafts, Riverbank area with Aqua Golf (plus kayaks, canoes and paddleboats), a mechanical bull challenge, rock climbing wall, 10K/5K/1K run on Saturday, artist demonstrations, Tom Thumb Children's Area, a whopping 7 stages of entertainment, non-profit booths, Euro Bungee, H2 HippoSlide, food vendors, festival merchandise, paintball, petting zoo, pony rides, battle of the bands. There is an admission charge for those age 6 and older. Find Out More: Call 817-332-1055
May 2-3, 2008 Mushroom Festival Town Square (and other venues), Richmond, Missouri	Quilt show, games for kids, arts and crafts, parade, talent show, Mud Run, dance, 5K fun run, biggest morel contest, 3-on-3 basketball, golf tournament, carnival, Christian music show, bike/tractor show, Bar-B-Q cooking contest. The building where they usually do a bank robbery reenactment was gutted by fire in March, so that event will be altered, if not cancelled. Please call before traveling in hopes of enjoying any particular festival, because plans can change up to the last moment. In 2008 the festival celebrates its 28th year of fun. Get The Facts: Call 816-776-6916
May 2-3, 2008 Brickfest Santa Fe Plaza, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma	Activities for kids, 3-on-3 basketball, games, brick throwing contest, non-profit booths, food vendors, arts and crafts booths, car show, musical entertainment. Questions? Call 405-238-2555
May 2-4, 2008 Armadillo Festival Downtown Square, Hamburg, Arkansas	Pageant (earlier in the week), crawfish boil, armadillo weigh-in and armadillo races, pancake breakfast May 3 from 6:30-9:30am, arts & crafts, 5k run/1-mile walk, dirty sneakers contest, bubblegum blowing contest, festival foods, frog jumping contest, lawnmower races, commercial booths, pet show, flower show, gospel singing on Sunday. 2008 marks the festival's 38th year. Further Information: Call 870-853-8345
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May 2-4, 2008 Cherry Blossom Festival Block 7 area downtown plus Anna Park, Barberton, Ohio	Carnival rides, activities for kids, parade at 10am on Saturday, 5K run (plus Kids Romp) 8am on Saturday, festival foods. Additional Details: Call 330-753-4093
May 3, 2008 Turtle Days Street Fair Community Center downtown, Joshua Tree, California	Morning parade, food and beverage vendors, activities for kids, musical entertainment, Chaparral Artists Craft Fair. Hours are 10am-4pm. Learn More: Call 760-366-3723
May 3, 2008 Ozark Days Festival Main Street, Eminence, Missouri	It's the festival's 19th year. Enjoy a car show, chamber benefit auction, National Wild Turkey Hunters Federation wild turkey calling contest, canoe races, music, arts and crafts, activities for kids, games, festival foods. Information: Call 573-226-3318
May 3, 2008 Fried Onion Burger Day Downtown area, El Reno, Oklahoma	A burger weighing in at more than 759 pounds will be cooked and served during this 20th year. You can also enjoy other festival foods, a burger eating contest, motorcycle show, classic cars, arts and crafts, entertainment and the famous Bun Run. Hours are 10am-5pm and there is no admission charge. Further Details: Call 405-262-8888
May 3, 2008 Prague Kolache Festival City Park & Main Street, Prague, Oklahoma	Plans for this 49th year include a 2-hour parade at 11am, wine pavilion, merchant specials, street dance (complete with Chicken Dance), kolache baking contests, bread baking contests, wine making competition, carnival games and rides, food booths, tractor show, festival merchandise, arts and crafts, Beseda dance, Christian music concert, Czech costume contest, pageant, kolache eating contest, plus plenty of kolache pastries on hand to enjoy. Learn More: Call 405-567-4866
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May 3-4, 2008 Snellville Days Briscoe Park, Snellville, Georgia	For a 35th year you can enjoy music on 2 stages, arts and crafts, activities for kids, food vendors, Dog & Disc Championships, parade on Saturday at 10am, 1970s costume contest, 5K race, a dance contest, plus the popular Orphan Vehicle Celebration featuring Packards, Kaisers, Fiats and other oldies. Details: Call 770-985-3535
May 3-4, 2008 Spring Jamboree Bicentennial Park, Boulder City, Nevada	Bark in the Park, karate for kids, pageant, 5K run, music and dance, model car show, arts and crafs, face painting and temporary tattoos, carnival rides, business expo, Pan Draggers Rod Run Car Show, antiques, games for kids, festival foods and beverages. Further Information: Call 702-293-2034
May 3-4, 2008 Apple Blossom Festival S. Mountain Fairgounds on on Rt. 234, Arendtsville, Pennsylvania	The orchards are full of blossoms this time of year, so enjoy their show and check out arts and crafts, classic cars and festival foods. There are activities for kids plus entertainment for everyone. It's the festival's 53rd season. Get The Facts: Call 717-677-7444 or 717-334-6274
May 3-10, 2008 Tulip Time Various venues, Holland, Michigan	The festival offers such fun as Kinderplaats 3-on-3 basketball, Dutch storytelling, the Tulip time run on May 3, carnival, quilt show, arts and crafts, fireworks, Klompen dancers. Enjoy concerts from Jonny Lang, Tony Orlando and Ronnie Milsap, take the Tulip Trolley Tour, visit the Bier & Muziek Fest. There are 2 parades and the area is filled with museums, gift shops and cafes. Questions? Call 616-396-42221 or 800-822-2770
May 4-10, 2008 West Tennessee Strawberry Festival Area parks and other venues, Humboldt, Tennessee	Celebrate 71 years of festival fun with a junior parade, car show, horse show, kid's pedal tractor pull, antique tractor show, strawberry recipe contest, fireworks, checker tournament, arts and crafts, grand parade, BBQ cook-off, 5k & 10K run, musical entertainment. Learn More: Call 318-435-7607
May 8-10, 2008 Strawberry Homefest Berry Sheds on Hwy. 367, Bald Knob, Arkansas	Parade on Saturday at 10am, fresh strawberries for sale, strawberry shortcake, arts and crafts, carnival, entertainment, festival foods. This is the event's 21st year. Further Details: Call 501-724-3140
May 8-10, 2008 Poke Salad Festival Downtown, Blanchard, Louisiana	For a 34th year folks in Blanchard invite you to celebrate with a parade on Saturday, festival foods, arts and crafts, a treasure hunt, carnival rides and games, music and dance, vendors, kid's tent. (As an interesting aside, the pokeweed plant is being researched for its properties in the hope that it will lead to a cure for leukemia.) Additional Facts: Call 318-929-7574
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May 8-11, 2008 Rooster Days Festival Central Park, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma	Enjoy this 77th year with a Miss Chick Contest, parade on Saturday at 10am, carnival games and rides, Kit Car Show, petting zoo, entertainment on 2 stages, festival foods, arts and crafts, commercial vendors. 100,000 are expected to get in on the fun. Please do not bring outside coolers and do leave pets safely at home. Info: Call 916-251-1518
May 9-10, 2008 Whistlestop Festival Downtown, Ashdown, Arkansas	In its 12th year the festival will feature a street dance on Friday night. Enjoy the Hookers n Kookers Katfish Cookoff, a youth art show, antiques, museum exhibits, activities for children, music and more. Learn More: Call 318-435-7607
May 9-10, 2008 Free State of Yell Fest Riverfront Park, Dardenelle, Arkansas	Arts and crafts, festival foods, activities for kids, Ugly Dog Contest, yelling contest, carnival, horseshoe tournament, fireworks on Saturday night at 9:30, 5K run/walk, classic cars. Get The Facts: Call 479-229-3328
May 9-10, 2008 Rough & Ready Days McCloy Park, Monticello, Arkansas	ABATE bike show, egg drop and other activities for kids, fishing derby, entertainment, auction, car show, arts and crafts, carnival rides, 5K run, food vendors, chicken cook-off, festival foods and dinners, pancake breakfast. It's the festival's 12th season. Questions? Call 870-367-6741
May 9-10, 2008 Apple Blossom Festival Downtown, Elkhorn City, Kentucky	Gospel sing, arts and crafts, parade, festival foods, carnival, musical entertainment. Details: Call 606-754-5810 or 606-754-5000
May 9-10, 2008 International Bar-B-Q Fest Riverfront, Owensboro, Kentucky	Carnival (beginning at 5pm a day early on May 8), festival merchandise, pie eating contest, pageants, golf scramble, 5K run/walk, Mutton Glutton, cruise-in and sock hop, bench press competition, keg toss competition, horseshoe pitching, arts and crafts, several stages of entertainment, non-profit booths, face painting, Classic Cook-Off. More: Call 270-926-6938 or 800-489-1131
May 9-10, 2008 Apple Blossom Festival Downtown on Wapato Way, Manson, Washington	It's the festival's 88th anniversary. Plan to help celebrate with a pancake breakfast at the Grange Hall on Saturday from 6-9am, a parade on Saturday at 10am, merchant specials, pageant, chicken noodle dinner, festival merchandise, arts and crafts, Nostalgia Night on Friday evening, Manson Idol competition, food vendors and more. Get The Facts: Call 509-687-3833
May 9-11, 2008 Taste Addison Addison Circle Park, Addison, Texas	More than 50 area restaurants participate to bring you food and wine tasting plus cooking demos. Take a look at specialty food displays, listen to music on 3 stages, find out what happens when a girl eats too many cupcakes in Pinkalicious: The Musical. Hours are 5pm-midnight on Friday, noon-midnight on Saturday and noon-6pm on Sunday. There is free parking at the corner of Dallas Parkway and Arapo Road. You're free to bring blankets to the concerts, but please do not bring chairs, outside coolers or pets to the festival. (Service animals are welcome, of course.) Info: Call 972-450-2851
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May 9-17, 2008 Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival Downtown, Portland, Tennessee	It's the 67th year for this one, and though events take place over a number of days there is a crunch of activity on May 16-17. There is a golf tournament May 13 and a Church Choir Night on May 14 (at Portland High School). The carnival is May 13-17. The last two days of the festival you can enjoy drawings for prizes, the Strawberry Stride 5K/1-mile race (plus a Kids Fun Run), arts and crafts, festival foods, a pancake breakfast May 17 from 7-10am at Portland High School, a Kiddie Parade at 2pm on May 17. If you travel Hwy. 52 on May 16 and 17 you can get in on the Hwy. 52 sale with 80 miles of sale items. (For info on the yard sale only call 931-243-3338.) Get Details: Call 615-325-9032
May 10, 2008 Glennville Sweet Onion Festival Farmers Market, Glenville, Georgia	Staged entertainment, activities for kids, food booths, arts and crafts, parade at 10am, Onion Run (1-mile run and walk plus 5K run). There will be plenty of goodies such as onion rings and other onion dishes. Find Out More: Call 912-654-2515 or 912-654-3332
May 10, 2008 Nettie Davenport Day Main & Broadway area, Davenport, Oklahoma	The festival celebrates its 32nd year with high school class reunions, banquets, arts and crafts, children's trike races, music, recognition of oldest and youngest present (plus the couple married longest). They wil also have their traditional parade, which travels down brick-lined Broadway Avenue and then makes a U-turn and goes down the road in the opposite direction so that those in the parade get to see one another's entries. So don't run off after the parade passes by, because you can see it all again as it goes in the opposite direction! Further Facts: Call 918-377-2355
May 10, 2008 Strawberry Festival Downtown, Stilwell, Oklahoma	5K fun run at 7:30am, non-profit booths, growers' competition and auction, free strawberries and ice cream at 3pm, parade at 10am, entertainment. The festival is celebrating its 61st season. Additional Information: Call 918-696-7735 or 918-696-7845
May 10, 2008 Strawberry Festival Downtown, Adairville, Kentucky	In its 62nd year festival-goers can celebrate with a pancake breakfast on Saturday, a flower show, arts and crafts, quilt show, carnival rides, art show, activities for kids, food booths, strawberry shortcake, raffle, auction, 5K run/walk plus 1-mile fun run, entertainment. There is also a car, truck and tractor show on May 10. Questions? Call 270-529-2080 or 270-847-7246
May 14-18, 2008 Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee Fairgrounds, Angels Camp, California	Storytelling, carnival, livestock events and home arts contests, Idol competition, rodeo events, Children's Parade, Heritage Day (May 16), frog-jumping competitions. Further Details: Call 209-736-2561 or 800-225-3754
May 15-17, 2008 Mayhaw Festival Mayhaw Grounds at Hwy. 12 & Hwy. 109, Starks, Louisiana	Food vendors, arts and crafts, activities for kids, gospel music, country music. Watch the mayhaw jelly being made and see who wins the jelly-making contest Then get your fill of fresh jelly and other treats. Info: Call 337-743-6297 or 800-456-7952
May 15-18, 2008 Rabbit Fest City Park, Copperas Cove, Texas	Petting zoo, mechanical bull challenge, food vendors, arts and crafts, activities for kids, rabbit costume competition, entertainment, rabbit show, Fest Parade on Saturday, BBQ cook-off. The festival is celebrating its 28th year and more than 100,000 people are expected to attend. More: Call 254-547-7571
May 15-18, 2008 Festival of Greece St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church on Eldridge Parkway, Houston, Texas	For a 13th year you can enjoy a Greek marketplace, gyro eating contest, activities for kids, Greek foods for sale, cooking demonstrations, music, wine, carnival games. Get Details: Call 281-679-5395
May 15-18, 2008 Chesapeake Jubilee City Park on Greenbrier Parkway, Pasadena, Texas	Carnival, musical entertainment, shrimp fest, arts and crafts in 3 tents, BBQ cook-off, volleyball tournament, 4-H events, festival foods, fireworks at 9pm on Saturday, community and non-profit displays. Lawn chairs are OK to bring, but please don't bring backpacks, coolers, bicycles or pets to the event. It's the festival's 26th year. Further Information: Call 405-270-4848
May 16-17, 2008 Picklefest Downtown, Atkins, Alabama	Celebrate this 17th year with a parade, rodeo, activities for kids, petting zoon, pony rides, arts and crafts, tractor pull, pickle juice drinking contest, pickle eating contest, entertainment, games, food vendors with treats such as deep-fried dill pickles. Learn More: Call 479-641-1147 or 479-641-1993
May 16-17, 2008 Magnolia Blossom Festival Downtown Square, Magnolia, Arkansas	Parade on Saturday at 10am, dog show Saturday at 8:30am, sidewalk art show, fishing tournament, motorcycle show, 5K race plus 1-mile fun run, festival merchandise, arts and crafts, food court, carnival, World Championship Steak Cook-Off, plus music from Mark Chestnut, Ed Crawford & the Mystery Men and more. It's the event's 20th anniversary. Get The Facts: Call 870-234-4352
May 16-17, 2008 Mike the Headless Chicken Festival Various venues, Fruita, Colorado	Most of you know the story by know. Mike supposedly survived a beheading for some time after the incident, so the community fondly remembers Mike with a festival. There's a Mike Movie Tent, egg drop contest, arts and crafts, car show, 5K Run Like a Headless Chicken, music, lawn mower races, food booths, pancake breakfast (Sat. 7-10am at the IOOF Hall), chicken recipe contest, chicken dance contest, the Mike Store and more. Find Out Details: Call 970-858-3663
May 16-18, 2008 Strawberry Festival Veteran's Field, Galt, California	Arts and crafts, Strawberry Jam 5K Run/Walk, food booths, wine tasting, retail vendors, car show, music and other entertainment, activities for kids, fresh produce. The festival is 3 days long this year and celebrates its 13th season. Further Information: Call 209-745-2529
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May 16-18, 2008 Swedish Festival Swedish Village, Kingsburg, California	Now in its 43rd year, the festival offers fun such as Horse Trot 10K plus 2-mile run, Swedish pancakes Saturday 7-10am at Coffee Pot Park, Swedish pancake eating contest (also on Saturday in Coffee Pot Park at 9:30am), parade, arts and crafts, food booths, entertainment and more. Get The Facts: Call 559-897-1111
May 16-18, 2008 Rhododendron Festival Various venues, Florence, Oregon	Flower show, arts and crafts, Show & Shine with classic cars, carnival, floral parade and more. The festival celebrates an impressive 101 years in 2008. Questions? Call 541-997-3128
May 16-18, 2008 Iris Festival River Road (between Clagett Street. & Chernawa Road), Keizer, Oregon	Parade on Saturday at 10:30am, golf tournament, fashion show, library book sale, Iris Fest 5K Run/Walk, food, garden tours, music, Fun Center with carnival, Cascade Surge Soccer Game, Parrot Head Tent Party, dance for youth ages 12-15, Kids & Pets One Mile Walk, family bike ride. Learn Details: Call 888-218-4747
May 16-18, 2008 Pasadena Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds on Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, Texas	The Strawberry Festival Parade is held one week earlier, on May 10. Then the main weekend of May 16-18 you can enjoy Zoo Dynamics, Strawberry Idol, Star Family Circus, arts and crafts, BMX stunt show, BBQ cook-off, racing pigs, clowns, pageant, activities for kids, State Mud Volleyball Championship, trick rope entertainment, carnival games and rides, washer pitching tournament, helicopter rides, petting zoo, music. There is an admission charge for those age 5 and older. Please leave Fido safely at home and do not bring outside coolers to this event. It's the festival's 34th year. Further Information: Call 261-991-9500
May 16-18, 2008 Main Street Days Main Street area Downtown, Grapevine, Texas	Fishing tank, BMX stunt bike show, 10K trail walk, arts and crafts, kayaking, scuba diving demonstrations, Heritage Gunfighters show, street dances, rides on the Grapevine Village Railroad, four stages of musical entertainment, festival foods. Hours are 10am-11:30pm on Friday, 10am-11:30pm on Saturday and 10am-6pm on Sunday. There is an admission charge for those age 6 and older, but I'm told that if you come between 10am and 5pm on Friday you get in free at any age! The festival celebrates 24 great years in 2008. Find Out Details: Call 817-410-3185
May 17, 2008 Red Suspenders Day Downtown, Gridley, California	Entertainment, Clown Alley, trike races, pine wood derby, festival foods, arts and crafts, bed races, pancake breakfast (7-11am in Daddow Park), parade at 11am, activities for kids, vendors, pie baking contest, face painting, talent show, pie eating contest, fire department water games. And Gridley has one more bit of fundraising fun on May 16, the day before the festival. That day is Unjustice Day, when you can have your favorite local official or community member "arrested" and held to make them raise money for charity in Unjustice Court. Court this year will be in the Rite Aid parking lot on Hwy. 39. Get The Facts: Call 530-846-3142
May 17, 2008 Watermelon Festival Canterbury Equestrian Showplace, 23100 W. Newberry Rd. Newberry, Florida	Before the main day, the carnival is open 6-10pm on both Thursday and Friday. Then on Saturday you can enjoy food vendors, a watermelon eating contest, watermelon seed spitting contest, melon grower competition and auction, arts and crafts, entertainment, hog calling contest, parade at 9am, baking contests, watermelon roll for children age 5 and younger. Help celebrate 63 great seasons of fun this year. Further Information: Call 352-316-6628
May 17, 2008 Wash Pot Weekend Downtown, Garfield, Georgia	Music and dance, a parade in the morning, activities for the kids, lawn mower pull, arts and crafts, plenty of comfort food cooked up in giant cast iron pots. Questions? Call 478-763-2211
May 17, 2008 Turkey Creek Festival Antioch Park, Merriam, Kansas	Pony rides and other activities for children, petting zoo, parade at 11am, pancake breakfast frm 7am-noon, arts and crafts booths, One Hill of a Run 5K run/walk, music, festival foods. It's the festival's 23rd year. Learn More: Call 913-322-5550
May 17, 2008 Albemarle Potato Festival Along the Waterfront, Elizabeth City, North Carolina	The schedule is being finalized at this writing, but plan on a parade, potato peeling contests, potato sack races, festival foods, arts and crafts, music, activities for kids. Find Out Details: Call 252-338-4104
May 17, 2008 Foxtrot Festival Downtown, Marion, South Carolina	Celebrate 16 years of festival fun with a horse show, helicopter rides, fireworks, festival merchandise, movie showing, international food court, arts and crafts, pony rides and camel rides, music and a street dance, activities for kids, classic cars, tractor show, pageant and more. Further Information: Call 843-423-6900
May 17, 2008 Stagecoach Days Various venues, Marshall, Texas	Car show and cruise-in the night before, parade, stagecoach and carriage rides, arts and crafts, entertainment, food, activities for kids. Get The Facts: Call 903-835-7868
May 17, 2008 Moonlight Jubilee Downtown & Caldwell Park, Mt. Pleasant, Texas	Golf tournament, tamale cook-off, pancake breakfast from 6-10am, arts and crafts, Lil' Buns Fun Run and other activities for kids, lots of music, motorcycle poker run, 5K run/walk/roll at 7:30am, Howl at the Moon Contest, Championship Outhouse Races at 6pm, salsa making competition, food vendors and more. Questions? Call 903-572-8567
May 17-18 2008 Artichoke Festival Downtown, Castroville, California	Farmers market, classic cars, arts and crafts, festival merchandise, Agro art contest and display, parade on Sunday at 9:45am, tours of artichoke fields, cooking demos, ethnic specialty foods, festival foods, wine tasting, entertainment (including the Marshall Tucker Band). Enjoy creamed artichoke soup, deep-fried artichokes, grilled artichokes, pickled artichokes and other treats. (The week before the PAL 10K & 5K run/walk is held.) Please do not bring pets to the festival. Hours are 10am-6pm Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday. It's the event's 49th year. Learn More: Call 831-633-2465
May 17-18, 2008 Fruit & Nut Festival Downtown, Hughson, California	Toy Drive Car Show and Canned Food Drive, breakfast 7am-1pm on Sunday, festival merchandise, 4x4 tractor pull, arts and crafts, entertainment, activities for kids, farmers market, non-profit and commercial booths, food, parade on Saturday at 11am, carnival (opens a day early most festival years). Celebrate 20 seasons of fun this spring. Find Out Details: Call 209-883-2800
May 17-18, 2008 Chocolate Festival Wood Park, Oakdale, California	Hershey may not be keeping a presence in Oakdale, but the folks there still love chocolate and they're still celebrating. This year's theme is Cowboys N' Chocolate. Enjoy arts and crafts, a Western area and be sure to hit Chocolate Avenue, lined with chocolate funnel cakes, chocolate cheesecake, chocolate ice cream and other treats. There's a 5K/1-mile fun run on Saturday, chef demonstrations, activities for kids, entertainment, agricultural displays. Choose from among more than 50 food booths, each of which contains at least one item featuring chocolate. Classic cars will be on display. There is an admission charge for those 13 and older. You'll have a great time at this 16th year of chocolate fun. Get The Facts: Call 209-647-2344
May 17-18, 2008 California Strawberry Festival Strawberry Meadows of College Park (on Rose Avenue), Oxnard, California	Now in its 25th year, the festival offers fun such as strawberry-centered games, strawberry pie eating contest, berry cooking exhibit, Strawberryland for the kids, entertainment, 300-plus arts and crafts vendors, Star Berry Hunt, festival merchandise, recipe contest, climbing wall, fresh berries for sale and treats such as strawberry nachos, strawberry flan, chocolate-dipped strawberries and a build-your-own-strawberry-shortcake station. Hours are 10am-7pm on Saturday and 10am-6:30pm on Sunday. Please, no pets, bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, chairs, tables, coolers or non-festival food and drinks. There is an admission charge for those age 5 and older. Further Information: Call 888-288-9242
May 17-18, 2008 Blue Crab Festival Waterfront, Little River, South Carolina	Celebrate 27 years of fun with festival foods, business booths, community booths, festival merchandise, arts and crafts, activities for kids, plus music from Sea Cruz, Coastline Band and others. (There's a 5K run the Saturday before the main festival.) Questions? Call 643-385-3180
May 17-18, 2008 Live Oak Festival Courthouse Square, Columbus, Texas	Parade, hot air balloons, sidewalk sales, food vendors, home tours, music and dance, arts and crafts, activities for kids and more. 2008 marks the event's 53rd year. Learn More: Call 979-732-8385
May 18, 2008 Oregon Fest Dustin Road, Oregon, Ohio	Mud Hen mascots visiting, softball speed pitch contest, parade at 3pm, Civil War reenactments and encampments, festival foods, arts and crafts, activities for kids, non-profit booths, entertainment. There is no admission fee and events are held rain or shine. Info: Call 419-691-7060
May 18, 2008 Whitetop Mountain Ramp Festival Mount Rogers Fire Hall at 51 Firehouse Rd. (U.S. 58), Whitetop, Virginia	Bluegrass and mountain music, BBQ chicken dinner with fried potatoes and ramps, ramp eating contest (they taste a lot like leeks) at 5pm, dancing, games, arts and crafts. Hours are 11am-6pm and there is no admission charge. Additional Details: Call 276-733-3711 or 276-388-3422
May 22-25, 2008 Mudbug Madness Festival Plaza, Shreveport, Louisiana	Blues, jazz, rock Cajun and country music (on 3 stages), doughnut eating contest for kids, Mudbug Madness 5K race, festival merchandise, storytelling, Crawfish Eating Contest, festival foods (including Cajun and Creole favorites). Admission is free from 11am-6pm on the 22nd. (under age 12 always free with a paying adult). It's the festival's 25th year. Find Out More: Call 316-222-7403
May 22-25, 2008 Festival of Flags Aetna Park, Oak Hill, Ohio	Quilt show, food concessions, corn toss tournament, karaoke contest, gospel music, parade, classic car show, dog show, activities for children, carnival, arts and crafts, tribute artists, steak dinner Sunday at Oak Hill Elementary School on SR 93, pageant, 5K run on the 24th, plus colorful flags and banners throughout town. Questions? Call 740-682-7292 or 740-682-7057
May 22-25, 2008 Iris Festival Swan Lake area, Sumter, South Carolina	Golf tournament, Shriner's Day Parade May 24 at 10am, children's art, chalk art competition, flower show, arts and crafts, pet show, Taste of the Gardens, Swan Lake Diaper Parade & Derby, Italian street painting, food court, gospel music, commercial vendors. Further Information: Call 803-346-2540 or 800-688-4748
May 22-25, 2008 Pound Heritage Days Town Hall and its parking lot, Pound, Virginia	The venue was changed due to bridge construction, but the fun goes on! Enjoy a car show on May 24, arts and crafts, Kid's Night May 22, festival foods, carnival, entertainment, street dance. Learn More: Call 276-679-0961 or 276-796-4941
May 22-26, 2008 Crab Festival Various venues, Kodiak, Alaska	Parade, food, games and contests, arts and crafts, fire fighter events, arm wrestling competition and much more. It's the festival's 50th anniversary. Get The Facts: Call 907-486-4782
May 22-26, 2008 Moonshine Festival Main Street, New Straitsville, Ohio	No servings will be forthcoming, but you can view a working moonshine display for educational putposes. There will be carnival games and rides, a cruise-in, music, festival souvenirs and merchandise, flea market, car and truck show, Grand Parade on Memorial Day, plus plenty of festival treats such as moonshine burgers and even moonshine pie (with no alcohol, the pie is actually a lot like old-fashioned molasses pie.) Additional Details: Call 740-394-2838 or 740-394-3425
May 22-26 2008 Walleye Festival Waterworks Park, Port Clinton, Ohio	Kids' fishing derby, parade at 1pm on Saturday, educational programs, arts and crafts, carnival, activities for kids, walleye and plenty of other festival foods. It's the event's 28th year. The festival will be in honor of John Blatt, who passed away earlier this year. Mr. Blatt gave heart and soul, time and money, to the festival and to the kids' activities in particular. So go and have fun and enjoy Mr. Blatt's legacy to the community. Further Information: Call 419-573-9370 or 419-734-7600
May 23-25, 2008 Camais Festival Mini Park, Weippe, Idaho	Now in its 8th season, the festival offers fun such as breakfast at the Community Center Hall on Sunday from 7-10am, a silent auction, horseshoe tournament, music, fun run/walk, arts and crafts on B Street, music, Dutch Oven cook-off, Native American stories, sand art demos, buffalo chip throw, atlatl throw, vendors. More: Call 208-435-4362 or 208-435-4406
May 23-25 2008 Lilac Festival Main Street, Lisbon, New Hampshire	It's the event's 27th year and plans include fireworks, carnival rides and games (carnival usually opens a day early), flea market, entertainment, golf tournament, vendors. Details: Call 603-838-6336 or 603-838-2362
May 23-26, 2008 Horned Toad Derby Olsen Park, Coalinga, California	Pageant, horned toad races, softball tournament, Fireman's Club Pancake Breakfast at 7am on Saturday (food will be served at Fire House, 300 W. Elm.) In addition, enjoy the Derby Parade at 10am on Saturday, musical entertainment, 4-H livestock events, karate demos, celebrity goat milking, tricycle races for the grown-ups. Hours are 3-11pm on Friday, noon-11pm on Thursday, noon-11pm on Sunday and 9am-4pm on Monday. It's the event's 72nd year. Get The Facts: Call 559-935-2948 or 800-854-3885
May 23-26 2008 Garden Grove Strawberry Festival Village Green, Garden Grove, California	This one celebrates its Golden Anniversary this year. Enjoy a giant strawberry cake, carnival rides and games, Mexican folk dancing and other entertainment, Strawberry Idol Karaoke Contest, Red Head Roundup Contest, pageants, food vendors, drawings for prizes. There is a parade at 10am on Saturday, with Grand Marshall Martin Landau, plus other celebrities on hand for both the parade and a follow-up autograph signing party from 11:30am-2:30pm. Scheduled guests at this writing include Kate Linder from The Young and The Restless, Alison Arngrim from Little House on the Prairie and Masiela Lusha and Luis Armand Garcia from The George Lopez Show. Learn More: Call 714-638-0981
May 23-26, 2008 Chestertown Tea Party Downtown, Chestertown, Maryland	Colonial Parade on High Street Monday at 10am, Sneaker Creeper foot races for kids ages 2-11, a reenactment of the 1774 dumping of British tea, Colonial craft demonstrations, activities for kids, cocktail reception on Friday night, 10-mile run plus 5K walk/run at 8am on Saturday, portrayals of historic figures by actors, walking tours, arts and crafts, Colonial swordmasters demonstrations and lessons, puppet show, storytelling, Colonial medical and surgical demonstrations, food, plus Celtic (and other folk) music by choirs and other entertainers. Questions? Call 410-776-2662
May 23-26, 2008 Azalea Festival Various venues, Brookings, Oregon	Celebrate 69 years with this year's theme, "Seasons by the Sea". Arts and crafts, parade, flowers, seafood and other festival foods, more. Additional Details: Call 541-469-3181
May 23-26 2008 Chocolate Festival Maryland Avenue off Hwy. 35/83, Burlington, Wisconsin	Chocolate Festival Geocache treasure hunt, farmers market, antique tractor show, Project Your-Way Candy Wrapper Fashion Design Contest. Entertainment includes Bob Hamm's Wild West Show, Granpa Cratchett, Katie Todd, The Toys. There will be chocolate baking contests, a candy bar eating contest (sponsored by a local dentist!), demonstrations on making White Chocolate Cheesecake and a Valrhona Intense Chocolate Brownie, BMX bikes, kiddie parade, Chocolate Olympics, chocolate carving contest, arts and crafts, festival parade, chocolate vendors, chocolate samples, chocolate chip cookies. Further Information: Call 262-763-3300
May 24-25, 2008 Strawberry Festival Downtown, On the Green, Arroyo Grande, California	Celebrate 25 years with juried arts and crafts, festival T-shirts, strawberry funnel cakes and other strawberry treats, petting zoo, pony rides, fresh berries for sale, non-profit booths, strawberry pancake breakfast Saturday and Sunday from 8am-noon, cooking contest, commercial vendors, Kiddie Carnival and other activities for kids, Strawberry Stampede 5K/10K run and 5K walk Sunday morning. Questions? Call 831-633-2465
May 24-25 2008 Grubsteak Days Various venues, Yucca Valley, California	Parade (Deer Tail to Hwy. 274 at 10am on Saturday), festival merchandise, music, vendors, activities for kids, 10K/5K/2K run on Sunday and more. It's the festival's 58th year. Learn More: Call 760-365-6323
May 24-25, 2008 Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival Festival Grounds at 4253 W. Ponkan Road, Zellwood, Florida	Corn husking contest on Saturday, corn eating contest on Sunday, antique tractor show, lots of fresh corn cooked in the big old cooker they call Big Bertha, arts and crafts, festival merchandise, fresh corn for sale to take home, festival foods, music. Among those scheduled to perform at this writing: Blake Shelton, Steven Curtis Chapman, Margo Rochelle and Rodeo Drive. Lawn chairs and blankets can be brought in, but please do not bring outside coolers or pets to the festival. There is free parking for this event and festival-goers under age 13 get in free when accompanied by a paying adult. The festival is 35 years young in 2008. Get The Facts: Call 407-886-0014
May 24-25 2008 Delaplane Strawberry Festival Sky Meadows State Park on U.S. Rt. 17, Delaplane, Virginia	4-H petting zoo, face painting and other activities for kids (and kids at heart), raptor educational show, quilt raffle, strawberry pies and other baked goods for sale, music, historical exhibits, bagpipes, calssic cars, drawings for prizes, 5K run/walk, hayrides, National Strawberry Eating Championship May 24. Well-behaved, leashed pets are allowed at the festival but are not permitted in either the hayride area or the petting zoo. More Details: Call 479-229-3328
May 24-25 2008 Pungo Strawberry Festival Princess Anne & Indian River Roads, Virginia Beach, Virginia	Pie eating contest, strawberry baking contest, carnival, youth art show, parade, arts and crafts, pig races, 3 stages of musical entertainment, livestock show and sale. Please leave pets comfortably at home while you come to enjoy this 25th year of fun. Note that the festival is an alcohol-free event. Questions? Call 757-721-6001
May 24-26 2008 Wyatt Earp Days Allen Street area, Tombstone, Arizona	Just remember that this is a Western-themed town with a show kind of attitude and you'll have a great time with gunfight reenactments, various Old West stunts and skits, a Wyatt Earp Look-alike Contest, food and more. Further Information: Call 520-457-3291
May 24-26, 2008 Blue Crab Festival Downtown, Palatka, Florida	Arts and crafts, Memorial Day Parade (10am) and Ceremony (11am) on Monday, festival foods, entertainment, antiques, Seafood Cook-off and more. The festival celebrates 20 seasons this spring. Learn More: Call 386-325-4406
May 29-June 8, 2008 Portland Rose Festival Various venues, Portland, Oregon	The festival is celebrating an impressive 101 years in 2008. Enjoy the Keybank Grand Floral Parade, rose show, Fleet Week (June 4-8), Grand Floral Walk, Character Clown Corps, Daddy of all Dance-offs, junior parade on June 4 at 1pm, Starlight Parade and Starlight Run, dragon boat races, fireworks, Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain tall ships in harbor on display. Get The Facts: Call 503-227-2681
May 30-June 1, 2008 Apricot Fiesta Various venues, Patterson, California	It's the 38th year for this one. Enjoy student art, games and other activities for kids, BBQ and other festival foods, parade, Poetry and Prose writing Contest, bike ride, hot air balloons. Questions? Call 209-892-3118
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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May Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
May 1-4 Raisin Festival, Lincoln Park at McCall & Rose, Selma, California, 559-891-2235 May 1-4 Thibodaux Fireman's Fair, Fireman's Fairgounds, Thibodaux, Louisiana, 985-447-1966 May 1-4 Homecoming, Lexington, Texas, 979-773-4337 May 2-3 Smokey Bear Days, Capitan, New Mexico, 505-354-2748 May 2-4 Toad Suck Days (27th), Downtown, Conway, Arkansas, 501-327-7788 May 2-4 Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival (45th), Fernandina Beach, Florida, 866-426-3542 or 904-261-3248 May 2-4 Azalea Festival, Fredericktown, Missouri, 573-783-3581 May 2-4 Okeene Rattlesnake Roundup, Downtown, Okeene, Oklahoma, 580-822-3005 or 580-822-3101 May 3 Springtime Gala (30th), City Park, Altus, Arkansas, 479-468-4684 May 3 Basque Festival, Madera, California, 559-226-7499 May 3 Apple Blossom Festival, Various venues, St. Joseph, Missouri, 816-261-0422 May 3 Wein & Saengerfest, Noon-10pm, Downtown, New Braunfels, Texas, 830-221-4000 or 830-221-4090 May 3-4 Elk Grove Western Festival (51st), Regional Park, Elk Grove, California, 916-695-5475 May 3-4 May-retta Daze, 10am-5pm, Glover Park, Marietta, Georgia, 770-794-5609 May 3-4 Emmett Kelly Days, Downtown, Houston, Missouri, 417-967-2220 May 3-4 Frog Fest, City Park, Waynesville, Missouri, 573-774-8171 May 3-4 Ham & Yam Festival, Downtown, Smithfield, North Carolina, 919-934-0887 May 3-11 Irrigation Festival (113th), Sequim, Washington, 360-683-6197 or Email info@irrigationfestival.com May 4-14 Feather Fiesta Days (main day is May 13), Bird & Meyers St. area, Oroville, California, 530-534-7690 May 7-10 Perryville Mayfest, On the Square, Perryville, Missouri, 573-547-6062 May 7-11 Dogwood Festival, Mullens, West Virginia, 304-732-8000 May 8-11 Cochon de Lait Festival, Cochon de Lait Pavilion, Mansura, Louisiana, 318-964-2152 May 9-11 Ione Homecoming, Ione, California, 877-868-7262 May 9-11 Coffee River Seafood Festival & Boat Show, Downtown, New Richey, Florida, 727-842-8066 May 9-11 Texas Crab Festival (23rd), Gregory Park, Crystal Beach, Texas, 409-684-5940 or 800-386-7863 May 10 Pine Tree Festival, Downtown, Swainsboro, Georgia, 478-237-6426 May 10 Cherry Blossom Festival (26th), Logan Park, Cherryvale, Kansas, 620-891-0072 May 10 May Daze, Downtown, Plymouth, North Carolina, 252-797-4852 May 10 Oak Street Festival (11th), 9am-5pm, Downtown, Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, 570-339-2930 or 570-672-9450 May 10-11 Pan American Fiesta, Mayfair Park, Lakewood, California, 562-866-9771 May 10-11 Old Timer's Day, Main Street, Van Buren, Arkansas, 479-474-4392 May 10-11 Artfest, Water Street, Henderson, Nevada, 888-278-3378 May 14-17 Homecoming Festival, Downtown, Dillsboro, Indiana, 812-432-5450 May 14-18 West Virginia Strawberry Festival (67th), Downtown, Buckhannon, West Virginia, 304-472-9036 May 15-18 Tulsa International Mayfest, Downtown, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 916-582-6435 May 16-17 Dermott Crawfish Festival (25th), Dermott, Arkansas, 870-538-5656 May 16-17 Little River Days, Little River Park, Hopkinsville, Kentucky, 270-987-4290 or 800-909-9016 May 16-17 Seafood Festival (21st), Engelhard, North Carolina, 252-925-3719 May 16-17 Italian Festival (38th), Expo & Fairgrounds, Mcalester, Oklahoma, 918-426-2066 May 16-18 Crawdad Days (18th), Main Street Square & Lake Harrison, Harrison, Arkansas, 870-741-2659 or 800-880-6295 May 16-18 Greek Food Festival, 1100 Napa Valley Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas, 501-221-5300 May 16-18 Maifest (29th), MainStrasse Village, Covinton, Kentucky, 859-491-0458 May 16-18 Plumb Nellie Days, Downtown parking lot on Commercial Street, Branson, Missouri, 417-334-1548 May 16-18 Mayfest (26th), Strasburg, Virginia, 540-465-3187 May 16-18 Maize Days, Town Hall Campus, Santee, South Carolina, 866-272-6833 May 17 Coyote Howl & Car Show (23rd),                    9am-10pm, Main Street & County Park on Hwy. 4, Coulterville, California, 209-878-3015 May 17 Luther Burbank Rose Parade & Festival Parade 10am (begins at corner of Sonoma & Santa Rosa Avenues),                    Festival at Downtown Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, California, 707-542-7673 May 17 Fair on the Square, Town Square, Buchanan, Georgia, 770-646-3081 May 17 Pimiento Festival (3rd), Downtown, Zebulon, Georgia, 770-567-2029 May 17 Riverbend Festival (17th), Downtown, Columbia, Louisiana, 318-649-0726 or 318-649-2138 May 17 Liberty Heritage Festival, Downtown, Liberty, Missouri, 816-580-1711 May 17 Spring Festival, 10am-9pm, Elementary School grounds at 201 E. Third St., Peculiar, Missouri, 816-758-4388 May 17 Roanoke-Chowan Pork Fest, Jefcoat Museum of Americana on High St., Murfreesboro, North Carolina May 17 Strawberry Festival, 10-4, The Depot on S. Main, Stuart, Virginia, 276-694-3811 May 17 Local Colors Festival, Elmwood Park, Roanoke, Virginia, 540-342-2640 May 17-18 Rhododendron Festival, 9-5, Brow Park, Mentone, Alabama, 256-634-8339 May 17-18 A La Carte and Art, Castro Street (between Church & Evelyn), Mountain View, California, 650-964-3395 May 17-June 14 Moose Mania, Various venues, Greenville, Maine, 207-695-2702 or 888-876-2778 May 18 Street Faire, Downtown, Escondido, California, 760-745-8877 or 760-945-9288 May 22-26 Festival in the Park, Elmwood Park, Roanoke, Virginia, 540-342-2640 May 23-24 Jubilee CityFest, Riverfront area, Montgomery, Alabama, Email cityfest@jubileecityfest.org May 23-24 Diamond Festival (35th), Courthouse Square, Murfreesboro, Arkansas, 870-648-6772 May 23-24 Buffalo Days, Town Square, Greenfield, Missouri, 417-637-2040 or 888-637-2040 May 23-25 Riverfest (31st), Riverfront Park, Little Rock, Arkansas, 501-255-3378 May 23-25 Farmington Invitational Balloon Festival, Farmington, New Mexico, 800-448-1240 May 23-25 Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts, Market Street, Shamokin, Pennsylvania, 570-648-6772 May 23-25 Gullah Festival, Waterfront Park, Beaufort, South Carolina, 843-525-0628 May 23-25 Iris Festival, Greenville, Tennessee, 423-638-4111 May 23-25 National Polka Festival (42nd), Ennis, Texas, 888-366-4748 May 23-26 Horse & Buggy Days, Tecumseh, Nebraska, 402-335-5900 May 23-26 Greek Festival, 12362 Spotswood Furnace Rd., Fredericksburg, Virginia, 540-898-3250 or 800-678-4748 May 24 Happy Valley Strawberry Festival, Happy Valley Elementary School, Anderson, California, 530-357-5449 May 24 Yellow Brick Road Festival, Downtown, Sedan, Kansas, 620-725-4022 or 620-725-5797 May 24 Country Memories Day, Downtown, McVeytown, Pennsylvania, 717-899-7998 May 24 Plumb Alley Day, 9-4, Main & Valley St. downtown, Abingdon, Virginia, 276-676-2282 or 800-435-3440 May 24 Virgilina Summerfest, 11am-11pm, Virgilina, Virginia, 434-585-2657 May 24-25 Carnaval San Francisco, Harrison Street between 16th & 24th streets, San Francisco, California, 415-920-01222 May 24-25 Santa Cruz Blues Festival (16th), Aptos Village Park, Aptos, California, Email info@santacruzbluesfestival.com May 24-25 Mushroom Mardi Gras (29th), Morgan Hill, California, 408-778-1786 May 24-25 Moab Arts Festival (15th), Swanny City Park, Moab, Utah, 435-259-2742 May 24-26 Boulder Creek Art, Wine & Music Festival, Noon-6pm, Downtown, Boulder Creek, California, 831-338-2578 May 25 Wildquack Duck Festival (19th), Village Park, Jackson, New Hampshire, 603-383-9356 May 29-31 Memphis Italian Festival, Marquette Park, Memphis, Texas, 901-767-6949 May 29-June 1 Aztec Fiesta Days, Miriam Park & Downtown, Aztec, New Mexico, 505-334-9551 May 30-31 KingKat Tournament & Festival, Various venues, New Madrid, Missouri, 573-748-5300 May 30-31 Magnolia Festival of Oklahoma, Durant, Oklahoma, 580-924-1550 or 580-924-0848 May 30-31 Haskell Fest, Haskell, Oklahoma, 918-482-1245 May 31 Hillbilly Daze (21st), Community Park, Witts Springs, Arkansas, 870-496-2342 May 31-June 3 Deercreek Dam Days Festival, along the banks, Williamsport, Ohio, 740-986-5863 or 740-986-5451
Other May 2008 Events You Might Enjoy Events in this section may also be called festivals but are generally less multi-dimensional than events in the above category
May 3 Classic Car Show, 10am, Pier Plaza, Hermosa Beach, California, 310-318-0280 May 3 Town-Wide Yard Sale, throughout town, Oriental, North Carolina, 252-249-7281 May 3 Carolina Virginia Coin Show, 10am-6pm, 223 S. Seales St., Reidsville, North Carolina, 336-342-6770 May 3-4 Art in the Park, Fulwood Park, Tifton, Georgia, 229-391-4820 May 4 Coin Show (49th), 9am-4pm, City Auditorium, Fremont, Nebraska, 402-737-1531 May 9-11 Dogwood Festival (73rd),                    Greenfield Hill Congregational Church on Old Academy Road, Fairfield, Connecticut, 203-259-5596 May 9-11 Gem & Mineral Show, County Civic Center, Marietta, Georgia, 770-986-0822 May 10 Charlotte Comicon,                    10am-4pm, Crowne Plaza on S. McDowell St., Charlotte, North Carolina, 704-424-3453 or 805-547-3995 May 10-11 Art in the Park, Hollywood Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, 501-321-6871 May 15-17 Salute to American Graffiti (3rd), Downtown, Petaluma, California, 707-762-3394 May 16-17 Soul Food Festival (9th), La Villita Historic Arts Village, San Antonio, Texas, 210-207-8618 or 210-414-4394 May 16-18 Mobicon XI, Best Western Ashbury Hotel, Mobile, Alabama, Email micsteel@comcast.net May 16-18 Gourd Festival/Art Show, Spencer County Elementary School, Taylorsville, Kentucky, 502-477-8543 May 16-18 Motor City Comic Con,                    Rock Financial Showplace at 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi, Michigan, 248-426-8059 or Email info@motorcitycomics.com May 16-18 Middlecreek Valley Antique Association Antique Show,                    Show Ground on Old Colony Road, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, 570-837-1237 May 17 Community Yard Sale, 9-4, throughout town, Meredith, New Hampshire, 603-279-6121 May 17 International Street Fair, 10-4, Court Street, Athens, Ohio, 740-593-4330 May 17 McLean Day, Lewinsville Park, McLean, Virginia, 703-790-0123 May 17 Spring Festival, 9-4, Main Street, Warrenton, Virginia, 540-347-4414 May 17-18 Planes of Fame Air Show, Airport, Chino, California, 909-597-3722 May 17-18 Vintage Paper Fair (30th), 10-6 & 10-4, Centre Concord at 5298 Clayton Rd., Concord, California May 17-18 Super-Con South Hall of San Jose Convention Center, San Jose, California, Email supercon@super-con.com May 17-18 Tow Rodeo, Hampton Beach State Park, Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, 603-863-4206 May 18 Bay to Breakers (foot race), San Francisco, California May 19 History Meets the Arts, Various venues, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 717-337-3491 or 800-237-5015 May 23-25 Sacramento Jazz Jubilee (35th),                    Oldtown plus Downtown & West Sacramento, Sacramento, California, 916-372-5277 May 23-25 Watsonville Fly-In & Air Show, Community Airport, Watsonville, California, 831-763-5600 May 23-25 Marcon, Hyatt Regency, Columbus, Ohio May 23-25 CONduit XVIII, Radisson, Salt Lake City, Utah, Email info@conduit.sfcon.org May 23-25 Spring Bead, Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show (17th), Civic Center, Salem, Virginia, 540-372-5277 May 23-26 BayCon V2008, San Mateo Marriott, San Mateo, California, Eail info@baycon.org May 23-26 Balticon 42, Marriott's Hunt Valley Inn, Baltimore, Maryland, 410-563-2737 May 23-26 MisCon 22, Ruby's Inn, Missoula, Montana, 406-544-7083 May 23-26 Memorial Day Arts & Crafts Show, River Walk Extension, San Antonio, Texas, 210-227-4262 May 24-25 Grass Valley Llama Show, Nevada County Fairgrounds, Grass Valley, California, 530-432-5246 May 24-25 Gem, Jewelry, Fossil & Mineral Show, County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, Illinois, 630-377-0197 May 24-25 Riverbend Art Fair (43rd), Downtown Mall, Atchinson, Kansas, 913-367-4278 May 24-25 Art in the Park, Gypsy Hill Park, Staunton, Virginia, 540-885-2028 May 24-26 Kinetic Sculpture Race (40th), Arcata to Ferndale, Arcata, California, 707-499-0643 May 24-26 Taste of Cincinnati, Fifth Street Downtown, Cincinnati, Ohio, 5113-579-3187 May 25 Antiques Fair (23rd), 10-5, Lasdon Park & Arboretum on Rt. 35, Katonah, New York, 914-273-4667 May 26 Crimestoppers Band Concert, Martin Dies State Park, Jasper, Texas, 409-364-5231 May 29-31 LB Coin, Stamp & Collectibles Expo, Convention Center, Long Beach, California, 805-962-9636 May 30-31 Greater York Antiques Show & Sale, 11am-7pm & 11am-5pm, Toyota Arena, York, Pennsylvania, 703-914-1258 May 31 Strawberry Festival, 9-3, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Heathsville, Virginia, 804-580-4555
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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: Feather Choker Necklace

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

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

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

Cajun and soul food in Fresno, California? Why not. Check out Marsol, 3075 Maroa Avenue. Dip into goodies such as collard greens and candied sweet potatoes. Call ahead to make sure they're open: 866-684-2524 The Old Homestead Steakhouse just opened a new location at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City. They've alreay been serving at 56 Ninth Avenue (Manhattan) in New York (212-242-9040). Their specialty is beef, but they're upscale in their prices. The Classic Homestead Burger ran about fifteen dollars when I last checked. A Kobe Beef Burger will run you more than forty dollars. If you're a vegetarian, this is not the place for you in Manhattan. If you want to try upscale vegetarin cuisine you might try Blossom for goodies such as Dancing Curry with tofu and roasted root veggies or the Stuffed Portabello stuffed and served with a Cashew sauce. Add a side of mashed potatoes or save room for for the Chocolate Ganache. They're at 187 Ninth Avenue. Give them a call at 212-627-1144. (There's also the new Cafe Blossom at 466 Columbus Avenue.) You might not expect to find great falafel in Kansas, but you'll get it if you go to Holy Land Cafe. They have kabobs, shawarma plates, gyros, and combo plates. They're at 12275 W. 87 Parkway in Lenexa. You can reach them by phone at 913-310-9911. I'm told they don't do breakfast though, so if you're in the mood for an early meal, maybe La Peep at 7936 Quivera Road can satisfy you. It's popular. so watch out for a wait, but you can get everything from Eggs Benedict to Biscuits and Gravy to light omelettes to a bagel selection called a Breakfast Banana Split. The hazelnut coffee is a local favorite. They open at 6:30am on weekdays and at 7am on weekends. Call them at 913-492-6644. And one last note on Lenexa must include a mention of the Pie Lady Coffeehouse. Reviews on their coffee are mixed, but everyone says the pies are perfection. They're at 13408 Santa Fe Trail Drive and their phone number is 913-438-7200.
There are a zillion places for brides to get information and ideas. How about one for the future husband? Check out Groom and Best Man Wedding Information.		Print and assemble papercraft Rare Animals of the World from Yamaha Motor's web site.
Have you seen the information on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? Here's hoping we find ways to make plastic less abundant in our oceans.

Send Deb email: deb@lightpatch.com

Last Updated April 24, 2008

Deb's Monthly Review © copyright Deb Thompson