November 2003

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

Festivals for Travelers, Sites of the Month, Archives, Opinions, Rants, Praises.

What Do Writers Do All Day?       (Deb's Writer Cam)

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The Artsy Site Of The Month: Quiltart Staples Challenge Not your grandma's traditional piecings.		Handy Site Of The Month: Build Your Own PC How to collect the parts and connect them.
Just Fun Site Of The Month: Free Online Games Some use Java, some use Shockwave.		Scientific Site Of The Month: Whoops! Scientific mistakes in media, advertising and even money.

Buy great spices at great prices

November Events

For November Travelers

November 1, 2003 Chocolate Festival Tahoe Biltmore Lodge, Crystal Bay, Nevada.	In its 15th year, this event is a fund-raiser, and very popular one, with wine tasting, silent auction, samplings of chocolate desserts, chef presentations, prizes, raffle, plus entertainment. As a fund-raiser, the Chocolate Festival charges for entry, but proceeds go to help those who have been affected by sexual assault and domestic violence. Ticket Information: Call 775-298-0010.
November 1, 2003 Granite City Fall Festival On The Square, Elberton, Georgia.	Arts and crafts, rides for kids, face painting, music and food. Find Out More: Call 706-283-5651.
November 1-2, 2003 Halifax Art Festival Beach Street downtown, Daytona Beach, Florida.	Some 250 artisans show and sell their work, plus there is entertainment and food. Details: Call 800-854-1234.
November 1-2, 2003 The Great Southwest Rubber Stamp Fall Fiesta Community Center, Mesa, Arizona.	Rubber stamping demonstrations, classes in technique, door prizes, rubber stamp (and accessories) vendors. Further Information: Call 480-649-3566.
November 1-2, 2003 Picayune Street Fair Canal Street, Picayune, Mississippi.	More than 250 arts and crafts booths, plus collectibles and antiques, entertainment and food vendors in two separate courts. Find Out Details: Call 601-799-3070.
November 1-2, 2003 Giant Omelette Celebration Magdalen Square, Abbeville, Louisiana.	5000 eggs and 50 pounds of chopped onion are among the ingredients for this treat. They cook it in a 12-foot skillet and serve it to the waiting crowd. In addition, there is a Poker run, tours of historic area homes, an antique car show, Kid's World, parade, arts and crafts, food vendors, a Napoleon look-a-like contest, jam session for musicians and more. If you can only make it to one day of the celebration, go on Sunday, because that's the day they make the omelette! Further Information: 337-893-0013 or 337-898-5884.
November 1-2, 2003 Litchfield Park Arts Festival Downtown, Litchfield Park, Arizona.	Wine tasting, arts and crafts, specialty foods, artists' demonstrations, entertainment. More Information: Call 623-393-5338.
November 1-2, 2003 Lake Tahoe Autumn Food & Wine Festival unknown venue(s), Olympic Valley, California.	Cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, lifestyle seminars, wine auction, celebrity chefs' competition. Further Details: 800-824-6348.
November 2, 2003 World's Championship Shrimp Cookoff Downtown, Port Isabel, Texas.	State Lumberjack Championship, avehicle show. In addition to the cooking contest, there are other foods for sale and a folk art festival, plus a street dance. More: Call 800-527-6102.
Sorry, folks. I'm unable to fulfill requests for personalized festival lists. (Unless you want to hire me for personal research!)
November 6-9, 2003 Spinach Festival Downtown, Crystal City, Texas.	Spinach cooking contest, carnival, pageant, parade, sports tournaments, art and crafts. Additional Details: Call 830-374-3161.
November 7-9, 2003 Louisiana Pecan Festival Front Street, Colfax, Louisiana.	Parade, Kids' Day (Friday), music, arts and crafts, festival recipes and food. Further Information: Call 318-627-5196.
November 7-9, 2003 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Fall Festival Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania.	More than a thousand athletes (and nearly 350 coaches) converge on the campus and participate in everything from powerlifting to roller hockey to volleyball. More than 2000 people came last year to volunteer, and spectators and friends cheered on athletes. Everyone is welcome to come and be supportive. Find Out More: Call 610-519-7244 or 800-235-9058.
November 7-9, 2003 St. Rita Pecan Festival St. Rita Church/School, Harahan, Louisiana.	Games, crafts, lots of pecan treats. Further Details: Call 504-737-2920.
November 7-9, 2003 Flapjack Festival Land O' Lakes Community Center, Pasco, Florida	Flapjack breakfast, parade, children's events, arts and crafts, carnival midway, vendors, entertainment, non-profit and business displays, Mr. Legs Contest, flapjack eating contest, Flapjack Motorcyle Ride on Sunday. Additional Information: Call 813-909-2722-.
November 7-9, 2003 Thibodeauxville Fall Fest Downtown, Thibodeaux, Louisiana.	Crafts, Cajun music, and plenty of Cajun foods. Further Details: Call 985-446-1187.
November 7-9, 2003 Sunshine Festival near Crescent Park, Donaldsonville, Louisiana.	Games, rides, arts and crafts, wild game cooking contest, music. Find Out Details: Call 225-473-4814.
November 7-16, 2003 Kona Coffee Cultural Festival various venue(s), Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.	Celebrated on the Big Island, this festival is now in its 33rd year. There is a coffee picking contest, recipe contest, and a lei contest, plus you can take coffee farm tours, enjoy a coffee cupping workshop, view coffee art, attend festival talent night, and enjoy much more. Some events may require reservations and/or separate tickets/admission. More: Call 808-326-7820.
November 8, 2003 Heritage Syrup Festival various venues, Henderson, Texas.	Crushed sugar cane is cooked down into a rich syrup while you enjoy arts and crafts, a display of antique tractors, entertainment and food. There is a special section for kids. Further Information: Call 866-650-5529.
November 8, 2003 Kentwood Dairy Festival Downtown, Kentwood, Louisiana.	Kentwood celebrates the local dairy industry with arts and crafts, a talent contest, pageant, and plenty of food. Details: Call 985-229-6400.
November 8-9, 2003 Pheasant Phestival various venues, Sharon Springs, Kansas.	Hunter's Breakfast, arts and crafts, tractor pulls, 5K Phun Run, 2 mile walk, antique car and bike show, Chili cooking contest, quilt show, Mexican supper, and more. This event caters especially to the pheasant hunters and their families, but is open to everyone. Further Information: Sorry--unknown contact number.
November 8-9, 2003 Depot Days unknown venue(s), Milton, Florida.	Children's rides, arts and crafts, entertainment, antiques, exhibits and food. For More Information: Call 850-623-2507 or 800-480-7263.
November 8-9, 2003 Old Homosassa Arts, Crafts & Seafood Festival Mason Creek Road, Homosassa, Florida.	In its 28th year, the festival offers more than 150 artisans, plus seafood and barbecued foods, boat tours and emtertainment. Additional Details: Call 352-628-2666.
November 9, 2003 Fall Fest Street Fair unknown venue(s), Elk Falls, Kansas.	Almost 250 vendors with arts and crafts, commercial products and services, and food. There is a Kid's Fun Zone and plenty of entertainment. More: Call 858-748-0016.
November 9, 2003 52nd Street Tourist Expo 52nd Street, from Lexington Avenue to 7th Avenue, New York, New York.	Merchandise, restaurant specials, arts and crafts, antiques and street performers. Further Information: Call 212-809-4900.
Colorful festivals are great for taking pictures. Please ask permission before taking photos of arts and crafts items at a festival booth.
November 14-16, 2003 Fountain Festival Of Arts And Crafts Community Center, Fountain Hills, Arizona.	Almost 500 artisans show and sell their wares in the event's 29th year. There will also be music and treats to munch (such as kettle corn and roasted almonds). Get Details: Call 480-837-1654.
November 15, 2003 Macaroni Fest Riverside Park, Victoria, Texas.	MacKaraoke Contest, Italian Railroad historical re-enactments, antique car show, arts and crafts, historic displays, macaroni cooking contest, poker run, 5K Run/2 Mile Walk, commercial booths, evening concert. More Information: Call 361-573-5277.
November 15, 2003 Heritage Festival Downtown, Ailey, Georgia.	Street dance, music and entertainment, fireworks, arts and crafts and food. Learn More: Call 912-538-8687.
November 15-16, 2003 Three Rivers Art Festival North Columbia Street, Covington, Louisiana.	Celebrating 7 years, the festival includes 150 artisans showing and selling their work, a children's area, music, and traditional festival foods (such as hot dogs and Kettle Korn). Details: Call 985-871-4141.
November 15-16, 2003 Fall Harvest Fest unknown venue(s), San Dimas, California.	Food Court, Kidz Zone, music and arts and crafts. Additional Information: Call 714-206-1838.
November 15-16, 2003 Festival Noir John B. Hynes Convention Center, Boston, Massachusetts.	A showcase of juried art featuring African-American artisans, plus a holiday toy collection. They ask for toys to be brought new and unwrapped. There is a special need for gifts for children 12-17 years old. Further Details: Call 508-877-8601.
November 16, 2003 An Elegant Evening Downtown 12th & Park Street area, Paso Robles, California.	Merchants hold a downtown open house with beverages and hors d'oevures, plus you can enjoy carriage rides and music. Live mannequins portray holiday characters in store windows. More: Call 805-238-4103.
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November 21-22, 2003 Broadmoor Arts & Crafts Festival Broadmoor High School, 19100 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge, Louisiana.	Approximately 200 arts and crafts booths, with music by school groups and food for sale. It's the 30th year for this event. Further Information: Call 225-926-1420.
The ABC Art & Craft Event Directory: 2003 National Edition by Mary Reed	Carnival Secrets by Matthew L. Gryczan
November 21-22, 2003 Elk Falls Annual Open House various venues, Elk Falls, Kansas.	Flea market, baking contest, walking tours, merchant specials, outhouse tour and contest, crafts demonstrations, food. Additional Details: Call 316-329-4433.
November 22-23, 2003 Mountain Mandarin Festival Fairgrounds, Auburn, California.	In its 10th year, this event includes a recipe contest, treats using mandarins (such as salads, ice cream, marinades and syrups), fresh mandarins for sale, arts and crafts, crafts and contests for children, Thanksgiving centerpiece contest, cooking demonstrations, music and dance, more than 150 vendors. Learn More: Call 916-663-3723.
November 22-23, 2003 Pasadena Fall Fine Art And Craft Festival Central Park, Old Pasadena, Pasadena, California.	Entertainment on two stages, exotic petting zoo, children's rides, games, food court, and more than 100 artisans and craftspeople. Additional Details: Call 626-797-6803.
November 22-29, 2003 Wings Over The Prairie Festival unknown venue(s), Suttgart, Arkansas.	Duck calling, carnival, sportman's dinner and dance, Duck Gumbo Cook-Off, trap-shooting contest, and more. Learn More: Call 870-673-1602.
November 23, 2003 Poinsettia Festival Downtown, Encinitas, California.	Three entertainment stages, 400 vendors (with non-profit information, commercial services and products, and arts and crafts), food at nearby restaurants, and the Flower Capital Pavilion with its floral arrangements, gardening items and gifts. Further Information: Call 760-943-1977.
November 27 - December 7, 2003 Pirates In Paradise various venues, Key West, Florida.	Enjoy pirate "invasions" of Tall Ships, swordplay for kids, storytelling, costume contests, Pirates Tea Dance, historic lectures, walking tours of Old Town, displays of maritime art, music, arts and crafts, Pub Stroll, lighted holiday parade, and many other events. Some activities are ticketed but many are free. Learn More: Call 305-296-9694.
November 29, 2003 Olde Fashioned Christmas At Home unknown venue(s), Gustine, California.	Lighted truck and tractor parade, arts and crafts, fire engine rides for kids, tree lighting and more. Further Information: Call 209-854-2384.
November 29, 2003 Christmas in Olde Ballinger Court House Lawn, Ballinger, Texas.	Parade, Miss Merry Christmas pageant, arts and crafts, food, visit by Santa. Learn Details: Call 325-365-2333 or 325-365-5611.
November 29, 2003 Chitlin' Strut Civic Center & Fairgrounds, Salley, South Carolina.	Some 50,000 people show up to feast on chitterlings. If you don't wish to partake, there are also arts and crafts vendors, fireworks, a beauty pageant and a Hawg Call Contest. A carnival and classic car show are also planned for this year, plus musical entertainment. Further Details: Call 800-258-3485.
November 29-30, 2003 The Birthplace Of Speed various venues, Ormond Beach, Florida.	Antique car show, Gaslight Parade, block party, Antique Beach Auto Races, musical entertainment, food and more. Information: Call 386-677-3454.
November 29-30, 2003 Victorian Christmas on 6th Street Historic 6th Street, Austin, Texas.	An eclectic mix of activities will bring some 85,000 people to the area, where you can enjoy photos with Santa, a children's choir, pony rides, carolers, falconry shows, mountainmen and Indian gatherings, cloggers, highland dancers, gunfighting reenactments, jugglers, rope tricks, Victorian costumes and decorations, festival foods, and 150 arts and crafts booths. More: Call 512-441-9015.
November Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
November 1 Fall Festival Of Arts & Crafts, San Jacinto, California, 909-487-9234 or 909-654-1505 November 1-2 Clinton Fine Arts & Crafts Festival, Clinton High School, Clinton, New York, 315-853-5574 November 6-8 Cracklin' Festival, Veterans Memorial Park, Port Barre, Louisiana, 337-948-6613 November 7-9 Scottish Gathering & Highland Games, Salado, Texas, 254-947-5232 November 7-9 New England Craft & Specialty Food Fair, Salem, New Hampshire, 603-755-2166 November 8-9 Ramble - A Garden Festival, Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Miami, Florida, 305-667-1651 November 11-23 Wine and Mushroom Fest, Mendocino Village, California, 866-466-3636 or 707-462-7417 November 12-16 Alaska Bald Eagle Festival, Haine, Alaska, 907-766-2202 November 15-16 Downtown Festival & Art Show, Gainesville, Florida, 352-334-5064 November 21-23 Paradise City Arts Festival, Royal Plaza Trade Center, Marlborough, Pennsylvania, 413-587-0772 November 21-23 Festival of Trees, Vicksburg Convention Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 601-630-2929 November 21-23 Capitol City Arts & Craft Show, Civic Center, Charleston, West Virginia, 304-345-1500 November 28 Festival of Lights, Yountville, California, 707-944-0904 November 29 Christmas Festival & Electric Light Parade, Belen, New Mexico, 505-864-8091 November 29-30 Space Coast Art Festival, Downtown, Cocoa Beach, Florida, 321-784-3344
Other November 2003 Events You Might Enjoy
November 1 Bookworm Bash (library sale), Esplanade Park, Addison, Texas, 972-450-6237 November 1-2 Midwestern Woodcarvers Show, Belle-Clair Expo Hall, Bellville, Illinois, 618-235-1003 November 1-2 Gem & Mineral Show, Performing Arts & Convention Center, Oxnard, California, 805-483-6871 November 1-2 Art's Alive, Mill Creek Country Club, Mill Creek, Washington, 425-337-1316 November 1-2 Simsbury Antiques Show, Henry James Memorial School, Simsbury, Connecticut, 860-658-2500 November 2 Golf Cart Parade, Palm Desert, California, 800-873-2428 or 760-346-6111 November 6-8 Mistletoe Mart, Church of the Ascension, Westminster, Maryland, 410-848-3251 November 7-9 National Farm Toy Show, Dyersville, Iowa, 800-533-8293 November 8 French Market, 624 N. Pershing, Liberal, Kansas, 620-624-2810 November 8 Chili Cook-Off, Exeter, California, 559-592-1648 November 8 Creative Arts Fall Craft Show, Burnet, Texas, 512-756-0834 November 8-9 Flamingo Follies Art Show, Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, 386-424-2175 November 8-9 Herkimer County Arts & Crafts Fair, Community College, Herkimer, New York, 3115-866-0300 x259 November 9 Sing-a-Long Wizard Of Oz, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 573-882-3781 November 12-16 Western Music Awards Show, Century II Convention Hall, Wichita, Kansas, 877-588-3747 November 13-16, Weems Artfest, State Fairgrounds, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 505-293-6133 November 14-16 Country Folk Art Craft Show, Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, California, 925-426-7599 November 15-16 Ideal Home Interior Show, Convention Center at Oncenter, Syracuse, New York, 315-426-8741 November 15-16 Kinsley Carnival Daze, 200 E. Sixth, Kinsley, Kansas, 620-659-2711 November 15-16 Kansas City ComiCon, Shawnee Civic Center, Shawnee, Kansas, 913-631-5200 November 15-16 Deer Widows Weekend, Saginaw, Michigan, 989-624-6226 November 16 Dragonfest, Glendale Civic Auditorium, Glendale, California, 800-332-3330 ext 112 November 21-23 Gingerbread Village, 250 W. Douglas, Wichita, Kansas, 620-683-4788 November 21-23 Zia Arts & Crafts Show, State Fairgrounds, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 505-265-1791 November 22 Pfall Pfest Arts & Crafts Show, Rec Center on Immanuel Road, Pflugerville, Texas, 512-251-5082 November 23 Tejano Super Car Show, Odessa, Texas, 432-337-2189 November 28-29 Winter Art & Craft Fair, The Seasons Conference Center, Nashville, Indiana, 812-587-5068 November 28-29 Christmas in the Spruce Craft Show, State Fairgrounds, Hutchinson, Kansas, 620-669-1247 November 28-30 America's Largest Christmas Bazaar, State Fairgrounds, Sacramento, California, 503-282-0974 November 29 Homemade For The Holidays, Cico Park, Manhattan, Kansas, 913-776-8829 November 29 Twinkle Light Parade, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 505-768-3555 November 29-30 Ice Carving & Competition, Lahaina Cannery Mall, Maui, Hawaii, 808-661-5304 November 29-30 Winter Fest, Gig Harbor, Washington, 253-857-3530 November 29-30 Holiday Craft Fair, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 215-579-5997 or 800-684-7440
It's always best to call ahead to verify festival information. Please tell them you saw the listing in Deb's Monthly Review.

You know how to barter--all you do is trade Something you have for something you want! Keep more of your cash-- And barter! Check out Santa Cruz Barter!

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 Scott played a camouflage wrestler in the highly successful film Spiderman Meet Scott in person at Dragonfest on Sunday, November 16, 2003.

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

Above: Metallic Choker Necklace Left: Dreamcatcher Earrings

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

This time of year I always seem to look around for more space, because I want places to put holiday decorations. There always seems to be the continuing problem of what to do with all the "stuff" we tend to accumulate in our homes. I ran across a good article on making storage space count by making use of small spaces.
Who might Thomas Lanier Williams, Josephine Esther Mentzer and Joyce Penelope Wilhemina Frankenberg be? Well, you might recognize them better as Tennesse Williams, Estee Lauder and Jane Seymour. You can find similar switches at Famous Name Changes.		Thinking of looking into a mountain bike, or getting your mountain bike out of the garage more? The International Mountain Biking Association is a great place to look for resources, clubs and new trails to try, plus it includes club news and opportunities to volunteer.
When you want to splurge on something special, but you don't want to use your life savings to have that special thing, sometimes all it takes is a little flexibility and a little detective work. I found a bed and breakfast deal in Etna, California marked down to $29.00 a night. Some of the deals have a short window in which to take advantage, but if you're the type who likes spontaneity, you might really enjoy browsing at BedandBreakfast.com. Click on the Hot Deals button to see who's giving a discount to coax you to their inn.

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