Deb's Monthly Review

May 2011

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

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

Bringing you festivals and other fun since 1997!

Special Quotation "A life lived in love, will never be dull." --Leo Buscaglia

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: How to Make a Dollar Lei Great gift for graduates, grooms and others.		Handy Site Of The Month: Nobel Prizes in Literature Since 1901
	Just Fun Site Of The Month: Where's my Cell Phone? (This could double as the handy site.)		Scientific/Technical Sites Of The Month: IQ Test Scores Influenced by Motivation Are we testing motivation more than we're testing IQ?.

 May 2011 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 1-7, 2011 West Tennessee Strawberry Festival Area parks and other venues, Humboldt, Tennessee	Celebrate this 74th year with a queen's revue, strawberry recipe contest, checker tournament, tractor show, BBQ cooking competition, Grand Floats Parade Friday (May 6) at 9:30am, horse show, pedal tractor pull, fireworks May 2 at 8pm (rain date May 3) at Barker's Memorial Stadium, 5K/10K run on Saturday, Christian concert, pet parade, art exhibit, prayer breakfast, arts and crafts. Learn More: Call 318-435-7607
May 5-7, 2011 Strawberry Homefest Berry Sheds on Hwy. 367, Bald Knob, Arkansas	Carnival, silent auction, arts and crafts, car show, school reunions, cake walk, festival foods (including plenty of strawberry shortcake), entertainment. It's the festival's 24th anniversary. Details: Call 501-724-3140
May 5-7, 2011 Pella Tulip Time Festival Various locations, Pella, Iowa	For a 76th year you can enjoy mill tours, arts and crafts, tractor rodeo, kids' fun run, Vermeer Museum tours, antique farm equipment display, tours of historic homes, theatre organ concert, Kids Corner, Klompen Classic 5K Run/Walk, fire station tours, pancake breakfast Sunday at the municipal airport from 7-10am, dense plantings of tulips and other flowers, flower show, quilt show, classic cars, musical entertainment, parade, lighted parade, Christian music concerts. Questions? Call 641-628-4311
May 5-8, 2011 Wild Turkey Festival Downtown, McArthur, Ohio	Turkey Calling Contest, food vendors, carnival, parade Saturday at 6pm, pageant, quilt show, car show. This event celebrates 27 great years in 2011. Get The Facts: Call 740-596-8506 or 740-596-5033
May 6-7, 2011 Free State of Yell Fest Riverfront Park, Dardenelle, Arkansas	It's the festival's 22nd season. Enjoy classic cars, commercial vendors, activities for kids, horseshoe tournaments, 5K run/walk, Yelling Contest, fireworks, carnival, Ugly Dog Contest. Further Information: Call 479-229-3328
May 7, 2011 Whistlestop Festival Downtown, Ashdown, Arkansas	For a 15th year Ashdown celebrates with a pancake breakfast, catfish and hush puppy cooking contests, tractor display, scavenger hunt, pageant (the night before the main festival), activities for kids, arts and crafts, music, catfish tournament, car show, 5K/10K run/walk, turtle race, train memorabilia. Questions? Call 870-898-2758 or 870-898-9080
May 7, 2011 Whistlestop Festival Downtown, Ashdown, Arkansas	Catfish and hush puppy cooking contests, pancake breakfast, arts and crafts, 5K/10K run/walk, train memorabilia. festival foods, car show, entertainment, catfish tournament, pageant (the night before the main festival), scavenger hunt, tractor display, turtle race. It's the festival's 15th anniversary. Details: Call 870-898-2758 or 870-898-9080
	Help me to help you! If you sign up for the Notify List and you have spam filters, remember to put deb@lightpatch.com on your list of approved email addresses.
LIcense Plate Puzzle from Camping World.
May 7, 2011 Turkey Creek Festival Grover Park and Main Street area, Byromville, Georgia	Bicycle races, parade at 10am, door prizes, Hula Hoop Contest, basketball shootout, Dessert Taste Off, entertainment from Dancing Dolls and John Penney. They also plan to hold a memorial service for local military personnel who have been killed serving their country. This is the festival's 15th year. Questions? Call 478-433-2791
May 7, 2011 Prague Kolache Festival City Park and Main Street, Prague, Oklahoma	Entertainment at several venues, merchant specials, Czech costume contest, festival cookbooks, evening street dance (complete with the Chicken Dance), food booths, wine pavilion, kolache eating contest (with lots more kolache treats for sale), carnival games and rides, two-hour parade at 11am, museum displays. Learn More: Call 405-567-4866
May 7, 2011 Fried Onion Burger Day Downtown area, El Reno, Oklahoma	Celebrate 23 seasons with a car and motorcycle show, arts and crafts, a huge burger cooked and served to the hungry crowd, burger eating contest, activities for kids, entertainment, games, fresh cinnamon rolls, beer garden, smoked turkey legs, cotton candy. One of the locals started adding onions to burgers during the Depression Era and found out that the onions not only stretched the burger, but that they were a hit with customers. Get in line for your share at the event, along with some 30,000 other festival-goers. Get the Facts: Call 405-262-8888
May 7-8, 2011 Snellville Days Briscoe Park, Snellville, Georgia	2011 marks this event's 38th anniversary. Get ready for entertainment on 2 stages, rides and other activities for kids, Dog & Disc Championships, parade on Saturday at 10am, food vendors, dance demos, martial arts demos, Saturday evening concert. General hours are 10-6 on Saturday and 10-5 on Sunday. There is no admission charge. Find Out More: Call 770-985-3535
May 7-14, 2011 Tulip Time Various locations, Holland, Michigan	Plans include a Holland Chorale performance, Tulip Time Run (5K and 1K plus kids run) on May 7, Dutch Markplaats, streetscrubbers, Wooden Shoe-Be-Doo, vintage baseball game, dense tulip plantings throughout town, Dutch Dance, Kinderparade, Tulip Doo-Wop, carnival, organ recitals, Salvation Army Band Concert, quilt show, arts and crafts, Dutch Heritage Show, Town Crier Competition, fireworks May 7, Taste of Holland Breakfast, Tulip Trolley Tours, festival foods, Dutch dancers. Details: Call 616-306-4221 or 800-822-2770
May 12-14, 2011 Poke Salad Festival Downtown, Blanchard, Louisiana	Plans for this 37th season include activities for kids, pageant, music, tail gate party, the Pokey Pet Parade Saturday at 2pm, karaoke, arts and crafts, festival parade on Saturday at 10am, carnival rides and games, treasure hunt, vendors. Learn More: Call 318-929-7674
May 12-14, 2011 Rooster Days Festival Central Park on South Main Street, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma	5K run, arts and crafts, parade on Saturday at 10am, carnival games and rides, entertainment, commercial vendors, festival foods such as corn dogs and fried ice cream. There's plenty of fun planned for this 80th year. Additional Information: Call 916-251-1518
May 13-14, 2011 International Bar-B-Q Fest Riverfront, Owensboro, Kentucky	Face painting, festival merchandise, carnival rides and games, Mutton Glutton, BBQ cooking competition, several stages of entertainment, keg toss competition, Burgoo Relay, arts and crafts, Cooking Team Balloon Toss, 5K run/walk, pie eating contest, corn hole tournament. Get the Facts: Call 270-926-6938
May 13-14, 2011 Apple Blossom Festival Downtown on Wapato Way, Manson, Washington	Celebrate 91 years with classic cars, arts and crafts, Kiwanis pancake breakfast, Manson Apple Idol, parade at 11am on Saturday, student art, chicken noodle dinner, food vendors, merchant specials, Nostalgia Night, Pig Jig run/walk, pageant. Questions? Call 509-667-3833
Thanks for using these merchants' products and services Your purchases help make the next issue free to read
May 13-15, 2011 Main Street Days Main Street area Downtown, Grapevine, Texas	It's the 27th year for this event. Plans include arts and crafts, carnival rides and games, activities for kids, gunfighter shows, merchante specials, market plaza, festival foods, wine pavilions, craft beers, winery tours, 5 stages of entertainment. Among those scheduled to perform: The Tu Tones, Back in Black, Dove Dynamic Drummers. Additional Info: Call 817-410-3185
May 14, 2011 Glenville Sweet Onion Festival Farmers Market, Glenville, Georgia	Festival foods and beverages, parade, Onion Run/Walk at 8am, arts and crafts, staged entertainment, activities for kids, gospel singing, turtle races at 2pm. The festival celebrates 35 years in 2011. Details: Call 912-654-25151 or 912-654-3332
May 14, 2011 Strawberry Festival Downtown, Stilwell, Oklahoma	For a 64th year people gather in Stilwell to enjoy a baking contest, recipe contest, berry auction, carnival (beginning earlier than main festival), arts and crafts, pageant, strawberries and ice cream, 5K fun run. Get the Facts: Call 918-696-7735 or 918-696-7845
May 14-15, 2011 Strawberry Festival Veteran's Field, Galt, California	It's the event's 16th anniversary. Get ready to enjoy custom bikes, BMX stunt shows, festival foods, entertainment, classic cars, arts and crafts, pageant, dog show, commercial vendors, music, 5K walk/run. Learn More: Call 209-745-2529
May 14-15, 2011 Blue Crab Festival Waterfront, Little River, South Carolina	Community booths, business booths, activities for kids, arts and crafts, festival foods, entertainment from The Fantastik Shakers, Tru Sol, The Catalinas and others. One week before the main festival there is a 5K run/1-mile walk and a classic car show. 2011 marks the festival's 30th anniversary. Questions? Call 643-385-3180
May 15, 2011 Texas Live Oak Festival Courthouse Square, Columbus, Texas	The event marks its 55th anniversary this year. Enjoy music and dance, canoeing and kayaking on the Colorado River, Texas Army Salute, arts and crafts, sidewalk sales, activities, for kids, food vendors. Get The Facts: Call 979-732-8385 or 979-732-0540
May 15, 2011 Oregon Fest Dustin Road, Oregon, Ohio	Parade at 4pm on Dustin Road, hourly firing of cannons, quality of life exhibits, not-for-profit booths, entertainment, rides and other activities for kids, arts and crafts, popcorn, cotton candy, pizza, burgers, Chinese dishes, ice cream floats. Further Information: Call 419-691-7060
Thanks for using these merchants' products and services Your purchases using these links help make issues free to read
May 15, 2011 Whitetop Mountain Ramp Festival Mount Rogers Fire Hall at 51 Firehouse Road (US 58), Whitetop, Virginia	BBQ chicken dinner with fried potatoes and ramps, ramp eating contest at 5pm, arts and crafts, music and dancing, games. (Ramps are a lot like leeks.) General festival hours are 11am-6pm. Get Details: Call 276-733-3711 or 276-388-3422
May 15-21, 2011 Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival Downtown, Portland, Tennessee	The festival celebrates 70 years of fun in 2011. Plans include a pancake breakfast May 21 at the Portland First Baptist Church from 7-11am, musicians' street jam, flag football tournament, (pre-festival) pageants, Choir Night May 18 at First Baptist Church, storytelling, festival foods, arts and crafts, Strawberry Stride Run (5K, 1-mile and kids fun run), games, Movie in the Park, strawberry eating contest, baking contest, Merchant Scavenger Hunt May 15, activities for kids, parade May 21 at 2pm. Most festival events take place on May 21. And remember that May 20-21 is also the Hwy. 52 Yard Sale with 80 miles of bargains. (For more into on the sale you can go to www.tn52.com/tn52_yard_sale.htm). Information: Call 615-325-9032
May 19-21, 2011 Strawberry Festival Downtown, Adairville, Kentucky	It's the festival's 65th anniversary. Get ready for a carnival, Crafts on the Square, entertainment, quilt show, festival foods, pageants, art show, Bike Night, strawberry shortcake. Get The Facts: Call 270-529-2080 or 279-847-7246
May 19-21, 2011 Apple Blossom Festival Main Street Downtown, Elkhorn City, Kentucky	Arts and crafts, festival foods, carnival, activities for kids, parade, gospel singing. More: Call 606-754-5810 or 606-438-5063
May 19-21, 2011 Mayhaw Festival Mayhaw Grounds at Hwy. 12 & Hwy. 109, Starks, Louisiana	Talent contest, mayhaw jelly contest, parade, activities for kids, pre-festival pageant, music, food vendors, carnival rides, mayhaw jelly made fresh and sold. Get there early on Saturday morning for mayhaw jelly, biscuits and freshly-churned butter. Questions? Call 337-743-6297 or 800-456-7952
May 19-22, 2011 Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee Fairgrounds, Angels Camp, California	The clever festival theme is "Pirates of the Carrots and Beans". Enjoy frog jumping competitions, a Junior Horse Show, Children's Parade at 10am on Thursday, carnival midway, Tom and Becky Costume Contest, home arts contests and exhibts, festival merchandise, activities for kids. Further Details: Call 209-736-2581 or 800-225-3754
May 19-22, 2011 Rabbit Festival City Park, Copperas Cove, Texas	Parade on Saturday at 10am, food vendors, arts and crafts, activities for kids, entertainment and there is usually a rabbit show. Plans were still being finalized at this writing. Get the Facts: Call 254-547-7571
May 19-22, 2011 Chesapeake Jubilee City Park on Greenbriar Parkway, Pasadena, Texas	Ballons and activities for children, festival foods, carnival, armed forces exhibits, music from 10,000 Maniacs, 4-H events, community booths and non-profit displays, BBQ cooking contest, shrimp feast, festival foods such as pizza, blooming onions, cole slaw and fries. Learn More: Call 405-270-4848
May 19-22, 2011 Iris Festival River Road between Clagett Street and Chernawa Road, Keizer, Oregon	Helicopter rides, pet parade, iris displays and sales, Iris Run 5K run/walk and kid's 3K run, festival foods, Biker Poker Run, library book sale, Civil War encampment, half-marathon and 10K run, family bike rally, golf tournament, BBQ chicken dinner, pancake breakfast at Lions Club, music. (There are festival events off and on throughout the month of May.) Find Out Details: Call 888-218-4747
May 20-21, 2011 Magnolia Blossom Festival Downtown Square, Magnolia, Arkansas	It's the event's 23rd celebration. Plans include a dog show, Sidewalk Art Show, music from Buddy Jewell, motorcycle show, 5K race/walk, puppet shows, festival merchandise, treasure hunt, craft show and sale, bass fishing tournament, World Championship Steak Cook-Off and steak dinners for sale, classic cars, gospel singing, food court. Questions? Call 870-234-4352
May 20-21, 2011 Mike the Headless Chicken Festival Various venues, Fruita, Colorado	The legend says that Mike, who we would suppose was a rooster rather than a chicken, was scheduled to be beheaded back in 1945. Mike supposedly survived this unfortunate event for some time and the town celebrates with a festival in honor of such spirit. Events include the Good Egg Awards for community service, a car show, food booths, wing eating contest, chicken dance contest, The Mike Store, lawn mower races. Among those scheduled to provide music: Pineapple Crackers and The Boys of Summer. General festival hours are 4-10pm on Friday and 9am-10pm on Saturday. Learn More: Call 970-858-3663
May 20-21, 2011 Swedish Festival Draper Street area, Kingsburg, California	Celebrate 46 years of fun with arts and crafts, a Swedish pancake breakfast at Coffee Pot Park, music and Maypole dancing, classic cars, merchant specials and more. Oh, and let's not forget the popular Viking Bed Races. Information: Call 559-897-1111
May 20-21, 2011 Foxtrot Festival Courthouse Square area Downtown, Marion, South Carolina	Parade Saturday at 10am, music and a street dance, Revolutionary War reenactors, pony rides and petting zoo, arts and crafts, international food court, festival merchandise, classic cars, music and a street dance, outdoor movie and fireworks Friday night. They might do some dancing, but the festival is actually named for the Swamp Fox, Revolutionary War general Francis Marion. 2011 marks the 19th year for this event. Further Details: Call 843-423-6900 or 843-423-9918
May 20-22, 2011 Camas Festival Mini Park, Weippe, Idaho	Enjoy this 11th year with the Idaho Spud Toss, Fire Sale, Nickel Dig for kids, Dutch Oven cooking contest at 3pm on Friday, silent auction, breakfast at the Community Center on Saturday from 7-10:30am, vintage crafts demonstrations, melodrama, food vendors, music and jam sessions, 3-mile walk/run and a 10K run at 8:30 on Saturday, arts and crafts on B Street, food vendors, craft activities for kids, mule rides, atatl throw. Details: Call 206-435-4362
May 20-22, 2011 Cherry Blossom Festival Block 7 Downtown and Lake Anna Park, Barberton, Ohio	Pancake breakfast at St. Augustine's Church 7am-noon, parade at 10am on Saturday with (cake and punch) Grand Marshall reception afterward, festival foods, carnival games and rides, activities for kids, pageant (earlier on May 7), sky diving show. It's the festival's 55th season. Learn More: Call 330-753-4093
May 20-22, 2011 Rhododendron Festival Various locations, Florence, Oregon	The festival celebrates an impressive 105 years with arts and crafts May 21-22 at Siuslaw Middle School Gym from 10am-4pm, classic cars, fun run, food, parade and more. Get The Facts: Call 541-997-3128
May 20-22, 2011 Taste Addison Addison Circle Park, Addison, Texas	Carnival rides and games, chef demos, bartending exhibitions, specialty food vendors, arts and crafts, entertainment for kids, food selections from more than 60 participating area restaurants. There will be music from Third Eye Blind, Tracy Lawrence, Chris Young and others. Questions? Call 972-450-2851
May 20-22, 2011 Pasadena Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds on Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, Texas	It's the festival's 38th anniversary. Plans include a mud volleyball tournament, arts and crafts, washer pitching tournament on Saturday, karaoke, teen karaoke, activities for kids, pre-festival parade a week earlier, helicopter rides, BBQ competition, carnival, Guitar Hero Competition, entertainment, beer gardens. Further Information: Call 261-991-9500
May 21, 2011 Red Suspenders Day Downtown, Gridley, California	Pancake breakfast 7-11am in Daddow Park, fire equipment display, car show, parade at 11am, bed races at 9am down Virginia Street, bounce houses and other activities for kids, games. Unjustice Court is held the day before the festival. Have your friends put in jail (where they'll be given food and drink to pass the time) and they'll have to find someone to bail them out. The fun comes complete with warrants and bail certificates. Additional Details: Call 530-846-3142
May 21, 2011 Watermelon Festival Canterbury Equestrian Showplace at 23100 W. Newberry Road, Newberry, Florida	The festival celebrates 66 seasons in 2011. Enjoy baking contests, hog calling competitions, watermelon eating contest, watermelon seed spitting contest, melon grower competitions, muisc, crafts and a carnival that usually opens the day before the main event. Get The Facts: Call 352-316-6826
May 21, 2011 Wash Pot Weekend Downtown, Garfield, Georgia	Help celebrate 13 years with a street dance, arts and crafts, activities for kids, lawn mower pull, parade at 10am, gospel singing. The food is served from huge wash pots that are like old-fashioned wash pots and you may get chicken and dumplings, beans, stew, creamed corn and sweet potatoes cooked in sweet syrup. Learn More: Call 478-763-2211 or 478-763-3264
May 21, 2011 Turkey Creek Festival Antioch Park, Merriam, Kansas	It's the festival's 26th anniversary. Plans include a pancake breakfast from 8-10am, vendors, petting zoo and pony rides for kids, 5K run/walk at 8am at Irene B. French Community Center, parade at 11am down Antioch Street, arts and crafts, festival foods, music. Further Information: Call 913-322-5557
May 21, 2011 North Carolina Potato Festival Along the Waterfront, Elizabeth City, North Carolina	Potato sack races, search and rescue demos by US Coast Guard, Anything But Fries Restaurant Challenge, arts and crafts, activities for kids, National Potato Peeling Contest at 10:30am at Main and Poindexter, festival foods, Lucky Duck Derby at 2pm, new musical entertainment every hour. Questions? Call 253-336-4104
May 21, 2011 Stagecoach Days Old Courthouse Square, Marshall, Texas	Transportation Parade, arts and crafts, potluck cooking contest, music from local artists, festival foods, activities for kids. Get the Facts: Call 903-835-7868
May 21, 2011 Moonlight Jubilee Downtown and Caldwell Park, Mt. Pleasant, Texas	Plans for this year include a night golf tournament (the evening before) with glowing golf balls, arts and crafts, carnival, Championship Outhouse Races, local dance teams, Hula Hoop Contest, sack races, activities for kids, festival foods. Details: Call 903-572-8567
May 21-22, 2011 Artichoke Festival Downtown, Castroville, California	Parade on Merritt Street Sunday at 9:45am, face painting and other activities for kids, bus tours of artichoke fields, wine tasting, arts and crafts, farmers market, classic cars, treats such as deep-fried artichokes, grilled artichokes and other festival foods, entertainment from The Bob Gonzalez Band, Salsa Rueda and others. (PAL 10K and 5K run/walk is held on May 8.) Further Information: Call 831-633-2465
May 21-22, 2011 Chocolate Festival Wood Park at Hwy. 120 and Hwy. 106, Oakdale, California	It's the festival's 19th season. Classic cars, commercial vendors, arts and crafts, chef demos, activities for kids, western-themed entertainment, festival foods and, of course, plenty of chocolate in the form of truffles, fudge, ice cream and cheesecake. It's the festival's 19th season. Details: Call 209-847-2244
May 21-22, 2011 California Strawberry Festival Strawberry Meadows of College Park (on Rose Avenue), Oxnard, California	Enjoy arts and crafts, fresh berries, chef demos, arts and crafts, recipe contest, Strawberry Tart Toss, activities for kids, entertainment from Blowin' Smoke, Bella Donna (tribute to Stevie Nicks), Bob Cowsill, Hammer Smith and others. You'll find plenty of festival foods and treats such as strawberry kabobs, strawberry nachos and strawberry cotton candy. It's the festival's 28th season of fun. Details: Call 888-288-9242
May 21-22, 2011 Western Days Front Street area in Old Town, Temecula, California	Bank robbery and gunfighter/shootout skits, blacksmith demos, calf roping demos, chili cooking competition, festival foods, pony rides for the kids, music from Older Than Dirt and others. Details: Call 903-572-8567
May 26-29, 2011 Mudbug Madness Festival Place, Shrevesport, Louisiana	Celebrate the festival's 28th season with storytelling, arts and crafts, festival merchandise, Celebrity Crawfish Calling Contest and then another calling contest for everyone else, festival foods (including Cajun and Creole specialties), karaoke for the kids. Acadian Cajun Band, Lakeside Gamblers, Cedryl Ballou, The Zydeco Trendsetters and others will offer music from 3 stages. Take a free shuttle from Mall St. Vincent or Pierre-Bossier Mall. Please, no outside ice chests/beverages/food/backpacks. Please do not bring pets to the event. (Service animals are welcome.) Questions? Call 316-222-7403
May 26-29, 2011 Festival of Flags Aetna Park, Oak Hill, Ohio	Patriotic parade, school homecomings, gospel singing, many American flags and patriotic banners througout town, festival foods, Elvis tribute from Dwight Icenhower, quilt show, carnival rides and games, youth fishing tournament, arts and crafts, activities for kids. Questions? Call 740-682-7292 or 740-682-7057
May 26-30, 2011 Crab Festival Various locations, Kodiak, Alaska	For a 54th year Kodiak celebrates with a parade on May 28 at 10am, chess tournament, kayak races, marathon, Shrimp Parade for kids, bike ride, art show, music, pancake breakfast, Retro Monday, museum exhibits, carnival, table tennis tournament, library book sale, poetry readings, drawings for prizes. The schedule was still being finalized at this writing. Questions? Call 907-486-4782
May 26-30, 2011 Moonshine Festival Main Street, New Straitsville, Vermont	Garden tractor pull, pedal pull, tractor demolition derby, cruise-in, talent show, working moonshine still for educational purposes only, festival souvenirs, moonshine burgers, moonshine pie, two parades, Grand Ole Opry Show, museum displays, music from Jason Scott Hook. Questions? Call 740-394-2838
May 27-29, 2011 Chesterton Tea Party Festival Downtown, Chesterton, Maryland	Celebrate with chorale music, a 100-voice choir, Toss the Tory in Wilmer Park, walking tours, theatre, Sneaker Creeper foot race for kids ages 2-11, animal exhibits, storytelling, arts and crafts, reenactments of the 1774 dumping of British tea, 10-mile run plus 5K walk/run at 8am on Saturday, Colonial craft demonstrations, Colonial sword skills demonstration, Punch and Judy puppet show, music, Memorial Day Parade at 10am on High Street. Additional Details: Call 410-776-2662
May 27-29, 2011 Lisbon Lilac Festival Main Street, Lisbon, Ohio	Parade on Saturday at 11am with a theme of "The Good Old Summertime", classic cars, arts and crafts, lilac shrubs for sale, festival foods, carnival (usually opening a day early). There are colorful flags and banners posted throughout Lisbon to add a festive air. Get the Facts: Call 603-838-2200
May 27-29, 2011 Iris Festival Swan Lake area, Sumter, South Carolina	Dance and jump rope entertainment, car show, flower show, gospel music, food court, diaper derby, Art in the Garden, activities for kids, magic show, arts and crafts, festival marketplace, music from The Joe Sanford Band, Abbie Geddings and others. Further Information: Call 803-346-2540 or 800-688-4748
May 27-30, 2011 Horned Toad Derby Olsen Park at Jayne Avenue and Garfield Street, Coalinga, California	Firemen's pancake breakfast and water fights, parade down Elm Street at 10am on Saturday, horned toad races, car show, pageant, softball tournament, carnival, BBQ, music from Trio Romance, Grupo Galope, Gold River Band and others. The event celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2011. Details: Call 559-935-2948
May 27-30, 2011 Garden Grove Strawberry Festival Village Green, Garden Grove, California	Serving of giant strawberry shortcake, karaoke contest, festival foods, Red Head Roundup Contest, carnival rides and games, parade at 10am on Saturday with autograph signing party afterwards from noon-1:30pm (with one of the guests being Kate Linder from Young and the Restless), pageants, talent contest. Questions? Call 714-638-0981
May 27-30, 2011 Blue Crab Festival Downtown, Palatka, Florida	This festival celebrates 23 seasons in 2011. Watch for a (pre-festival) pageant, Memorial Day Parade down St. John's Avenue at 10am with a ceremony following at the Amphitheatre, seafood cooking competition on Saturday at 10am, arts and crafts, festival foods, musical entertainment from Amy Dalley, Sauce Boss, Heroine, Blue Smoke and others. Learn More: Call 386-325-4406
May 27-30, 2011 Port Clinton Walleye Festival Waterworks Park, Port Clinton, Ohio	Walleye and other festival foods/beverages, city-wide garage sale May 27-28 from 9am-5pm, wood carvings, carnival (beginning the evening of May 26), kids fishing derby, parade at 1pm on Saturday, arts and crafts, helicopter rides, music from Nashville Crush. 2011 marks this one's 31st anniversary. Questions? Call 419-734-5502
May 27-30, 2011 Azalea Festival Various venues, Brookings, Oregon	This festival celebrates an impressive 72 seasons in 2011. Plans include Airport Day on Sunday (or a rain date of Monday), Memorial Day Services at The Port, children's carnival, street fair, flower show, car show, quilt show, seafood and other festival foods. Learn More: Call 541-469-3181 or 800-535-9469
May 27-30, 2011 Chocolate Festival 681 Maryland Avenue off Hwy. 36, Burlington, Wisconsin	Plans for this 25th anniversary include a carnival, Chocolate Indulgence, activities for kids, chef demos, wine events, chocolate sculpting, 4 stages of entertainment, parade. Additional Information: Call 262-763-3300
May 28-29, 2011 Strawberry Festival Downtown On The Green, Arroyo Grande, California	For a 28th year festival-goers gather in Arroya Grande to enjoy fresh berries, commercial vendors, arts and crafts, food booths, rides and games, Strawberry Stampede 5K/10K run and 5K walk on May 29 at 8am, strawberry funnel cakes, musical entertainment. (Arroyo Grande also celebrates its Centennial in 2011, so watch for fun related to this milestone.) Questions? Call 831-633-2465
May 28-29, 2011 Grubstake Days Various venues, Yucca Valley, California	20th annnual Grubstake Run (10K run), Home and Craft Show, games, beard contest (which a lot of guys have been religiously preparing for the past few months), festival merchandise, activities for kids, parade on Saturday at 10am, festival foods, music. The festival marks its 61st year in 2011. Info: Call 760-385-6323
May 28-29, 2011 Delaplane Strawberry Festival Sky Meadow State Park on US Route 17, Delaplane, Virginia	Strolling entertainment, 4-H petting zoo and pony rides, face painting, fresh berries for sale by the flat or pint, strawberry pies and other baked goods, puppet shows, sack races, raffles, raptor educational show, hay rides, activities for kids, 5K run/walk on Sunday, classic cars, exhibits, clowns, arts and crafts, staged entertainment. You may bring in outside food to this event. This is the festival's 18th anniversary. Get The Facts: Call 479-229-3328
May 28-29, 2011 Pungo Strawberry Festival Princess Anne and Indian River Roads, Virginia Beach, Virginia	Livestock show and sale, entertainment on 3 stages, military displays, pie eating contest, arts and crafts, youth art show, pig races, carnival, strawberry baking contest. General hours are 9am-7pm and the event is alcohol-free. There's plenty of fun planned for this 28th year. Further Details: Call 757-721-6001
May 28-30, 2011 Wyatt Earp Days Allen Street area, Tombstone, Arizona	Get all the atmosphere of an Old West themed town along with gunfighter reenactments, stunts and skits, chili cooking competition, 1880s fashion show, food and a Wyatt Earp Look-Alike Contest. Additional Info: Call 520-457-3291
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.
	If you enjoy this issue, please tell a friend about it!
Want more next month? Email deb@lightpatch.com to be notified when a new issue of Deb's Monthly Review has been published.
If you sign up, be sure to check your mailbox from time to time... Some Notify notes bounce because subscriber mailboxes are full or over quota.
May Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
May 1-6 Feather Fiesta Days, Bird & Meyers Street area, Oroville, California, 530-534-7690 or 530-538-2542 May 4-8 Raisin Festival, Lincoln Park, Selma, California, 559-891-2235 May 4-8 Dogwood Festival, Mullens, West Virginia, 304-732-6000 May 5-8 Mayfest, Trinity Park, Fort Worth, Texas, 817-332-1055 May 6-7 Perryville Mayfest (26th), On The Square, Perryville, Missouri, 573-547-6062 May 6-7 Mushroom Festival (31st), Downtown, Richmond, Missouri, 816-776-6916 May 6-7 Smokey Bear Days (8th), Capitan, New Mexico, 575-354-2748 May 6-7 Brickfest, Santa Fe Plaza, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, 405-238-2555 May 6-8 Pan American Festival (65th), Mayfair Park, Lakewood, California, 562-866-9771 May 6-15 Irrigation Festival (116th), Sequim, Washington, 360-683-6197 May 7 Springtime Gala (33rd), City Park, Altus, Arkansas, 470-468-4684 May 7 Maui Onion Festival, Whaler's Village, Lahaina, Hawaii, 808-661-4567 May 7 Cherry Blossom Festival, Logan Park, Cherryvale, Kansas, 620-891-0072 May 7 Apple Blossom Festival, various venues, St. Joseph, Missouri, 816-294-9517 May 7 Frog Fest, City Park on Olive Street, Waynesville, Missouri, 573-774-8171 or 573-774-3050 May 7 North Carolina Strawberry Festival, Various locations, Chadbourn, North Carolina, 910-654-3518 or 910-640-8034 Nay 7 Oak Festival (14th),                    9-5, Downtown, Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania, 579-339-2930 or 570-672-9450 May 7 Wein & Saengerfest (8th), Noon-10pm, Downtown, New Braunfels, Texas, 830-221-4000 or 830-221-4090 May 7-8 May-retta Daze, 10-6/11-5, Grover Park, Marietta, Georgia, 770-794-5609 May 7-8 Artfest, 10-5, Water Street, Henderson, Nevada, 888-278-3378 May 7-8 Albany Tulip Festival (63rd), Albany, New York, 518-434-2032 May 7-8 Ham & Yam Festival (27th), Downtown, Smithfield, North Carolina, 919-934-0887 May 12-15 Cochon de Lait Festival , Cochon de Lait Pavilion, Mansura, Louisiana, 310-964-2132 or 310-964-2887 May 13-14 Ione Homecoming (135th), Ione, California, 877-868-7268 May 13-15 Old Times Day, Main Street, Van Buren, Arkansas, 479-474-5155 May 13-15 Coffee River Seafood Festival & Boat Show, Downtown, New Richey, Florida, 727-842-8066 May 13-16 Maifest (32nd), Mainstrausse Village, Covington, Kentucky, 859-491-0458 May 13-22 Lilac Festival, Rochester, New York, 585-546-3070 or 800-677-7282 May 14 Dogwood Days, Diamond B Mall, Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, 870-670-5008 May 14 Spring Fair on the Square (6th), Town Square, Buchanon, Georgia, 770-646-3081 May 14 Roanoke-Chowan Pork Fest, Jefcoat Museum of Americana on High Street, Murfreesboro, North Carolina May 14-15 Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival (37th), Festival Grounds at 4253 N. Ponka Rd., Zellwood, Florida, 407-886-0014 May 18-22 West Virginia Strawberry Festival (70th), various venues, Buckhannon, West Virginia, 304-472-9036 May 19-21 Little River Days, Little River Park, Hopkinsville, Kentucky, 270-987-4290 or 800-909-9016 May 19-22 Tulsa International Mayfest, Downtown, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 916-582-6435 May 20-21 Jubilee CityFest, Riverfront area, Montgomery, Alabama, 870-285-3131 May 20-21 Dermott Crawfish Festival (28th), Dermott, Arkansas, 870-539-5656 May 20-21 Crawdad Days (21st), Main Street Square & Lake Harrison, Harrison, Arkansas, 870-741-2659 or 800-880-6295 May 20-21 Plumb Nellie Days (51st), Commercial Street, Branson, Missouri, 417-334-1548 May 20-21 Seafood Festival (24th), Engelhardt, North Carolina, 252-925-3719 May 20-22 Greek Food Festival (27th), 1100 Napa Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas, 501-221-6300 May 20-22 Greek Festival, 12326 Spotswood Furnace Rd., Fredericksburg, Virginia, 543-989-3250 or 800-678-4748 May 20-22 Mayfest (29th), Strasburg, Virginia, 540-465-3187 May 21 Pimiento Festival, 10-4, Downtown, Zebulon, Georgia, 770-567-2029 May 21 Riverboat Festival, 9-5, Downtown, Columbia, Louisiana, 318-649-0726 or 318-649-2138 May 21 Ice Cream Festival (20th), Downtown, Tuttle, Oklahoma, 405-381-4600 May 21 Local colors Festival (21st), 11-5, Elmwood Park, Roanoke, Virginia, 540-342-2640 May 21 Strawberry Festival, 10-4, The Depot on South Main, Stuart, Virginia, 276-694-3811 May 21-22 A La Carte and Art, 10-6, Castro Street between Evelyn & Church, Mountain View, California, 650-964-3395 May 21-22 Italian Festival (41st), Expo & Fairgrounds, Mcalester, Oklahoma, 918-426-2066 May 21-22 Iris Festival (17th), Greeneville, Tennessee, 423-638-4111 May 26-30 Dandelion Festival, Downtown, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, 304-536-5060 May 27-28 Anthracite Heritage Festival, Festival of the Arts, Market Street, Shamokin, Pennsylvania, 570-648-6772 May 27-29 Riverfest (34th), Riverfront Park, Little Rock, Arkansas, 501-255-3378 May 27-29 Hillbilly Daze (24th), Community Park, Witts Spring, Arkansas, 870-496-2342 May 27-29 Gullah Festival (25th), Waterfront Park, Beaufort, South Carolina, 843-525-0628 May 27-29 National Polka Festival (45th), Ennis, Texas, 888-366-4748 May 27-30 Festival in the Park, Elmwood Park, Roanoke, Virginia, 540-342-2640 May 28 Happy Valley Strawberry Festival, Happy Valley Elementary School, Anderson, California, 530-357-5449 May 28 Yellow Brick Road Festival, Downtown, Sedan, Kansas, 620-725-4022 or 620-725-5797 May 28 Country Memories Day (25th), Downtown, McVeytown, Pennsylvania, 717-899-7998 May 28 Plumb Alley Day (29th),                    9-3, Main & Valley Street, Abingdon, Virginia, 276-676-2282 or 800-435-3440 May 28-29 Santa Cruz Blues Festival (19th), Aptos Village Park, Aptos, California, Email info@santacruzbluesfestival.com May 28-29 Mushroom Mardi Gras (32nd), Outdoor Community Center, Morgan Hill , California, 408-778-1786 May 28-29 San Francisco Carnaval (30th), Harrison Street between 16th & 24th, San Francisco, Californai, 415-920-0122 May 28-29 Moab Arts Festival, 10-8/10-6, Swanny City Park, Moab, Utah, 435-259-2742 May 28-29 Jacksonport Maifest, Lakeside Park & Erskine Rest Area, Jacksonport, Wisconsin, 920-823-2800 May 29 Wildquack Duck River Festival (22nd), Village Park, Jackson, New Hampshire, 603-383-9356
Other May 2011 Events You Might Enjoy
May 6-8 Dogwood Festival (76th),                    Greenfield Hill Congregational Church on Old Academy Rd., Fairfield, Connecticut, 203-259-5596 May 6-8 Gem & Mineral Show, Country Civic Center, Marietta, Georgia, 770-986-0822 May 7 Endless Summer Classic Car Show, 10-3, Pier Avenue/Hermosa Avenue, Hermosa Beach, California, 213-952-3173 May 7 Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race,                    Canton Waterfront Park plus Patterson Park and American Visionary Art Musuem, Baltimore, Maryland, 410-244-1900 May 7 Town Wide Yard Sale, 8am-1pm, various locations, Oriental, North Carolina, 252-249-7281 May 7-8 Rummage Sale/Flea Market (2nd), Irvington Campground/RV Park on Cty. Road D, Menomonie, Wisconsin, 715-235-2267 May 13-15 Motor City Comic Con,                    Rock Financial Showplace on Grand River Ave., Novi, Michigan, Email jeff@motorcitycomics.com May 13-15 Middlecreek Valley Antique Association Antique Show,                    Show Grounds on Old Colony Rd., Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, 570-837-1237 May 14-15 Planes of Fame Chino Air Show, Airport, Chino, California, 909-597-3722 May 14-15 Wonderfest Convention (movie & model fans) (22nd), Crown Plaza Hotel, Louisville, Kentucky May 14-15 South Carolina Book Festival (15th), Metro Convention Center, Columbia, South Carolina, 803-771-2477 May 15 Bay to Breakers (12K foot race) (24th), San Francisco, California, 415-359-2800 May 15 Woofstock West (Spring Dog Festival) (10th), 9-3, Soquel High School, Soquel, California, 888-682-6972 May 19-21 Salute to American Graffiti (6th), Downtown, Petaluma, California, 707-762-3394 May 20-21 Greater York Antiques Show & Sale,                    11-7/11-5, Fairgrounds on Market Street, York, Pennsylvania, 703-914-1258 May 20-22 Mobicon (14th), Best Western Ashbury Hotel, Mobile, Alabama, Email secretary@mobicon.org May 21 Luther Burbank Rose Parade, 10am, E Street & Sonoma, Santa Rosa, California, 707-542-7873 May 21 Community Yard Sale, throughout town, Meredith, New Hampshire, 603-273-6121 May 21 International Street Fair, 10-4, Court Street, Athens, Ohio, 740-593-4330 May 21 McLean Day, 11-5, Lewinsville Park, McLean, Virginia, 703-790-0123 May 21 Old Town Spring Festival, 9-4, Main Street, Warrenton, Virginia, 540-347-4414 May 26-29 Phoenix Comicon, Convention Center & Hyatt Regency, Phoenix, Arizona May 27-29 MARCON (Multiple Alternate Realities Convention), Hyatt Regency, Columbus, Ohio May 27-29 Roanoke Valley Spring Bead, Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show (20th), Civic Center, Salem, Virginia, 540-372-5277 May 27-30 Sacramento Jazz Festival & Jubilee (38th), Oldtown/Downtown/West Sacramento. Sacramento, California, 916-372-6277 May 27-30 MisCon, Ruby's Inn, Missoula, Montana, 406-544-7083 May 28 Strawberry Festival, 9-3, St. Stephens Church, Heathsville, Virginia, 804-580-4555 May 28-29 Memorial Day Longboard Contest (27th), Steamer Lane, Santa Cruz, California, 831-234-2278 May 28-29 Gem, Jewelry, Fossil & Mineral Show, 10-6/10-5, County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, Illinois, 630-483-2363 May 28-29 Taste of Cincinnati (32nd), Fifth Street from Broadway to Race, Cincinnati, Ohio, 513-579-3187 May 28-29 Art in the Park, Gypsy Hill Park, Staunton, Virginia, 540-885-2028 May 29 Corralitos Padres Lumberjack Breakfast, 7am-noon, Community Center, Corralitos, California
It's always best to call ahead to verify festival information. Please tell them you saw the listing in Deb's Monthly Review.

Above: Metallic Choker Necklace Left: Feather Choker Necklace

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

Yearning to sing with a choir/chorale (or just want to go and listen? Baltimore Choral Arts Society open rehearsal May 9, 2011, 7:30pm Oratorio Chorale open rehearsal May 15, 2011, 6pm If those aren't close to you, no worries. Look around your area for churches and other groups and call them to find out how to get in on the fun. And don't forget to enjoy your local school students showcasing their musical work from the school year in spring concerts!
Google has a game that encourages looking up answers, A Google a Day.		The Popular Science Pavilion is coming.
Some ideas for new summer fun: Rent a movie projector and big screen for a back yard movie night. Serve a Watermelon Cake without any real cake. Pick a theme and scale it to fit your yard or house. How about pirates (with plenty of water-centric games), spies (with games that require hunting down information) or fire (with grills, tiki torches and candles), campout (with guests staying overnight in indoor or outdoor tents)? Have fun thinking of more!

Send Deb email: deb@lightpatch.com
Follow Deb on Twitter

Last Updated April 30, 2011

Deb's Monthly Review © copyright Deb Thompson