Deb's Monthly Review

November 2005

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

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

Special Quotation "We see through others only when we see through ourselves." --Eric Hoffer

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: Hidden Gags from Looney Tunes Cartoons Warmer Brothers, Chaste Bank, Merlin Monroe and others		Handy Site Of The Month: How To Fold A T-Shirt (Flash presentation) It almost looks like a magic trick!
	Just Fun Site Of The Month: Flickr Toys Use Flickr (or other public) images to create trading cards, movie posters and magazine covers.		Scientific/Technical Site Of The Month: MetroNaps Power Napping in the Empire State Building and Vancouver International Airport—soon perhaps, in other locations?

November 2005 Festivals and Events

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

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

Please Note: Because of recent hurricanes affecting our coastal areas, it is especially important right now that you verify all festival or event information. Even areas that were not in the direct path of major storms may have strained local resources in their attempts to assist displaced people. Some typically available festival or event venues may have become temporary evacuation centers. Travel in some areas may still be difficult or restricted. Once there has been more restoration to affected areas your attendance and support at local events and festivals will be a great way to help the local economy and our national economy in general.

November 3-6, 2005 Indy's International Festival State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, Indiana	Entertainment, cultural displays, ethnic foods, global bazaar. School groups are invited at special times. The general public is welcome from 3-9pm on Friday, 10am-9pm on Saturday and from noon-6pm on Sunday. Further Details: Call 317-236-6615 ext. 106
November 3-6, 2005 First Coast Ham Jam Reynolds Park Yacht Center, Green Cove Springs, Florida	Entertainment, carnival, BBQ cooking competition, arts and crafts, exhibits, vendors, petting zoo, talent showcase. At this writing Tracy Lawrence and Lorrie Morgan are among those scheduled to perform. There is a charge for parking and there is also an admission charge. Further Details: Call 904-276-4746
November 4-6, 2005 Louisiana Pecan Festival Front Street, Colfax, Louisiana	Parade, entertainment, food, festival merchandise, carnival, pageant, arts and crafts booths, fireworks. The festival is celebrating its 37th year. Information: Call 318-627-5196
November 4-6, 2005 Sabine Free State Festival Toleda Bend Lake area, Florien, Louisiana	The area was a Free State from 1806-1822 and the festival looks back on that time with old craft demonstrations, trail rides, a parade, food and more. Verify this one before you go. Parts of the South have been hard hit by the 2005 hurricane season. Learn More: Call 318-586-7655
November 4-6, 2005 Florida Seafood Festival Battery Park, Apalachicola, Florida	Parade, maritime and fishing industry exhibits, oyster shucking contest, activities for kids, 5K Redfish Run, arts and crafts, food (and especially seafood), entertainment, blessing of the fleet. Further Details: Call 888-653-8100.
November 4-6, 2005 Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival Seville Square, Pensacola, Florida	Heritage arts and craft demonstrations, more than 200 artisans showing and selling their work, food and beverage vendors, entertainment, art projects for kids, student art display. The event runs from 9am-5pm and admission is free. The festival had to be cancelled in 2004 after the hurricane season, but is in full swing for 2005. Questions: Call 800-874-1234
November 4-6, 2005 Alabama Pecan Festival Tillman's Corner Community Center (5055 Carol Plantation Road), Mobile, Alabama	Activities for kids, carnival, entertainment, games, pecan pie and other pecan goodies, arts and crafts, more. Additional Details: Call 251-401-5555
November 4-6, 2005 Flapjack Festival Land O' Lakes Community Center, Pasco, Florida	Flapjack breakfast, 5K run, entertainment, flapjack eating contest, free flapjacks from 8-10am on Saturday, Mr. Legs Contest, arts and crafts, talent show, magic show, parade. More: Call 813-909-2722
November 5, 2005 Smicksburg Fall Festival various venues, Smicksburg, Pennsylvania	Amish farmers market, arts and crafts, craft demonstrations, quilt displays, local produce displays, entertainment, food. Questions: Call 724-463-7505 or 814-257-8035
November 5, 2005 Chocolate Festival (Passport to Chocolate) The Chateau, Incline Village, Nevada	The event is a fundraiser and includes a raffle, entertainment, samplings of chocolate desserts, wine tasting and a silent auction. Further Information: Call 775-298-0010
November 5, 2005 Sweetwater Festival Historic downtown (200 S. Hancock Street area), Milledgeville, Georgia	BBQ cookoff, KidZone, 2 stages of entertainment, arts and crafts, EndZone sports lounge, classic cars, festival foods and more. Learn More: Call 800-653-1804
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.
November 5, 2005 Cotton Gin Festival Downtown, Bostwick, Georgia	In its 16th year the festival offers a parade, 4-mile and 1-mile fun runs, entertainment, tours of cotton gin, arts and crafts, food and more. The fun goes from 9am-5pm. Additional Details: Call 706-342-0182
November 5, 2005 Granite City Fall Festival On The Square, Elberton, Georgia	Activities and rides for kids, arts and crafts, entertainment, festival foods. Further Information: Call 706-213-0626
November 5, 2005 Monticello-Jasper County Deer Festival On The Square, Monticello, Georgia	5K and 1-mile runs, entertainment, parade, arts and crafts and more. Questions: Call 706-468-8994.
November 5-6, 2005 Giant Omelette Celebration Magdalen Square, Abbeville, Louisiana	5000 eggs go into a gigantic omelette, which is cooked in a 12-foot skillet. Enjoy a poker run, antique cars, Kids World, arts and crafts, food vendors, entertainment and more. If you can only attend one day of the event, note that Sunday is the day they make and serve the giant omelette. Questions: Call 337-893-0013 or 337-898-5884
November 5-6, 2005 Toccoa Harvest Festival Doyle Street area, downtown, Toccoa, Georgia	More than 200 vendors (a mix of food, arts and crafts, produce and baked goods), activities for kids, activities for teens, entertainment, classic cars, 5K run and walk. Get Details: Call 706-282-3269
November 5-6, 2005 Picayune Street Fair Canal Street, Picayune, Mississippi	In spite of the 2005 hurricane season, the folks in Picayune are planning to carry on with the fair. Do call to confirm events, just to be on the safe side. Plans at this writing include festival foods, entertainment, antiques and crafts. More Information: Call 601-799-3070 or 601-749-0701
November 5-6, 2005 Litchfield Park Festival of the Arts 101 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park, Arizona	Entertainment, wine tasting, international foods, artist demonstrations, more than 300 arts and crafts booths, activities for kids. It's the 35th year for this event. The fun runs from 10am-5pm and there is no admission charge. Further Details: Call 623-393-5338.
November 10-13, 2005 Cracklin' Festival Veterans Park, Port Barre, Louisiana	Carnival rides, arts and crafts, cracklin' cooking contest, entertainment, parade, pageant. Thursday is family night. Additional Details: Call 337-585-6251 or 337-585-6673
November 10-13, 2005 Spinach Festival Downtown, Crystal City, Texas	Food, spinach cooking contest, arts and crafts, beer booths, bingo. Among entertainment scheduled at this writing: Grupo Meetal, Eddie Gonzalez, Dyamante. Questions: Call 830-374-3161
November 10-15, 2005 Wine and Mushroom Fest various venues Mendocino, California	Information on edible mushrooms, demonstrations and cooking classes, walks with experts to identify wild mushrooms, music, wine tasting, winemaker dinners, crafts, olive oil tasting, quilt exhibit and more. Some events may require reservations or have limited enrollment, and some may require separate ticketing or an extra fee. Further Details: Call 843-524-3163 or 800-638-3525
November 11-13, 2005 Special Olympics Fall Festival Villanova University Villanova, Pennsylvania	This is one of the largest Special Olympic gatherings in the country. 44 countries are represented by more than a thousand atheletes and 400 coaches who come to participate in this student-run festival. Athletes participate in power lifting, bocce, soccer, volleyball and more. The events are held rain or shine and volunteers and still needed. It's also a wonderful event to attend and just be part of the cheering section. Learn More: Call 610-519-7244
November 11-13, 2005 St. Rita Pecan Festival St. Rita Church/School, Harahan, Louisiana	Carnival rides and games, arts and crafts, entertainment and festival foods such as tamales, pizza, seafood gumbo, nachos, pecan pie and more. There is no admission charge. Find Out Details: Call 504-737-2915
November 11-13, 2005 Fountain Festival of Arts & Crafts Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, Arizona	Nearly 500 artisans show and sell their work, plus you can enjoy music and food in shaded seating areas. The event runs from 10am-5pm with no admission charge. Additional Information: Call 480-837-1654
November 12, 2005 Down Home Days High School Track Complex, Trenton, Florida	Games, entertainment, food, more than 175 arts and crafts booths. Questions: Call 352-463-3467.
November 12, 2005 Thibodeauxville Fall Festival Downtown, Thibodeauville, Louisiana	Car show, more than 150 arts and crafts booths, rubber duck race, entertainment, Cajun (and other) festival foods. Learn More: Call 985-446-1187
November 12-13, 2005 Three Rivers Art Festival North Columbia Street, Covington, Louisiana	150 juried artisans, art area for kids, entertainment, craft demonstrations, food court. The event is from 10am-5pm and there is no admission charge. Questions: Call 985-871-4141 or 985-705-7968.
November 12-13, 2005 Homosassa Arts, Crafts & Seafood Festival Mason Creek Road, Homosassa, Florida	In its 31st year the festival features work by 175 artisans. There will also be exhibits, a raffle, entertainment and plenty of seafood plus Cajun specialties and BBQ dishes. The festival runs from 9am-5pm on Saturday and from 9am-4pm on Sunday. Proceeds from the requested two-dollar entry donation will go to charity. Further Details: Call 352-628-2666
November 13, 2005 Elegant Evening Downtown Downtown area, Paso Robles, California	Local downtown merchants play hosts with munchies and beverages. The sidewalks are lined with luminaries for a soft glow and strolling minstrels bring music to the area. Enjoy a carriage ride through the streets. And take note: the shop windows will have a little something extra this evening. A local dance studio provides costumed live mannequins for your entertainment. The fun is from 5pm-8pm. Information: Call 805-238-4103
November 18-19, 2005 Elk Falls Annual Open House various venues, Elk Falls, Kansas	Arts and crafts, food, pottery sale, merchant specials, baking contest, flea market and the yearly outhouse tour and contest for decorated outhouses. Further Details: Call 620-329-4433
November 19, 2005 Pecan Fest Walnut Street, Chetopa, Kansas	In its 5th year the festival offers games, arts and crafts, pecan harvesting demonstrations, vendors, entertainment pecan pie and more. Hours are from 9am-4pm. Get Information: Call 620-236-7511
November 19, 2005 Society Hill Catfish Festival St. David's Academy, Hartsville, South Carolina	Games, parade, activities for kids, car show, arts and crafts, food court, entertainment and more. Questions: Call 843-339-9511
November 19-20, 2005 Mountain Mandarin Festival Gold Country Fairgrounds, Auburn, California	It's the 12th year for this festival. Enjoy contests, foods with mandarin oranges and juice as ingredients, activities for kids, displays, mandarine orange cookbook, centerpiece contest, festival foods and more. Hours are from 9am-4pm. There is a parking fee but no admission charge. Get The Facts: Call 916-663-1918
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November 19-20, 2005 Pasadena Fall Fine Art And Craft Festival Central Park, Pasadena, California	Entertainment, activities for kids, arts and crafts, international food court. Hours are from 10am-5pm. Additional Information: Call 626-797-6803
November 19-20, 2005 Ramble-A Garden Festival Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Miami, Florida	Large number of plants on display and for sale, plus old and rare books, raffle, collectibles, farmers market, antiques, entertainment, artist marketplace, exhibits. There will be plant valets who will help you load your plant purchases in exchange for a tip (for charity). Enjoy corn on the cob, Chinese dishes and treats such as Key lime custard. The event is open to the public from 9:30am-4:30pm. There is an admissin charge to those age 13 and older. Further Details: Call 305-667-1651
November 20, 2005 Pickle Festival Community Center on Route 32, Rosendale, New York	Pickle juice drinking contest, German and Irish music and dancers, the pickle toss (contestants try to toss pickle chips into a partner's mouth), judging of canned pickled produce, pickle product vendors, pickle soup and other foods. Learn More: Call 845-658-9649
November 20, 2005 Poinsettia Festival Downtown, Encinitas, California	400 vendor booths (a mix of non-profit, commercial, antiques and arts and crafts), 2 stages of entertainment, rides for kids, poinsettias at the Flower Capital Pavilion displays. Food is nearby at area restaurants. The event runs from 9am-4pm. More: Call 760-945-9288
November 25-December 4, 2005 Pirates in Paradise Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Key West, Florida	Walk the Plank Championship, snorkeling trips, museum displays, pirate film fest, lighted boat parade, Pirate Tavern with stories and sea chanteys, Thieves' Market, holiday parade and more. As the ships sail and you wander the area you can expect to view and interact with more than 100 costumed actors and stunt performers. Periodic skirmishes and confrontations may break out amongst the crowd, so be ready for the fun at any time! Some activities may fill available seats, etc., so do check ahead. Questions: Call 305-296-9694.
November 26, 2005 Swine Time Festival Swine Time Grounds on US Hwy. 84, Climax, Georgia	Swine Time Parade, soap making demonstrations, pig racing, quilt making demonstrations, Best Dressed Pig Contest, festival foods, arts and crafts, quilt auction, greased pig race. Additional Information: Call 229-246-0910
November 26, 2005 Olde Fashion Christmas at Home various venues, Gustine, California	Community breakfast at Veterans Hall, lighted truck and tractor parade down 5th Street, Christmas tree lighting, music, arts and crafts and more. Learn More: Call 209-854-2384 or 209-854-2003
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November 26, 2005 Christmas in Olde Ballinger County Court House lawn, Ballinger, Texas	Tree lighting, festival foods, arts and crafts, visit from Santa, games for kids, pageant, parade. Additional Information: Call 325-365-2333 or 325-365-5611
November 26, 2005 Cracker Christmas Festival Cadwell Park, Umatilla, Florida	Christmas parade, dog jog, visit from Santa, displays, arts and crafts and more. The festival is celebrating its 30th year. Further Details: Call 352-669-3511
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.
November 26, 2005 Chitlin' Strut 258 Pine Street, Salley, South Carolina	In its 40th year this popular festival offers, once again, the chance to indulge in one of the more exotic foods, which is served deep-fried. If you don't care to partake you can go for a carnival, entertainment, arts and crafts, a Hawg Call Contest, activities for kids and the Chitlin' Strut Parade. Further Details: Call 803-258-3485
November 26-27, 2005 Victorian Christmas on 6th Street Historic 6th Street, Austin, Texas	Christmas caroling by choirs and other groups, handbell choirs, petting zoo, 150 arts and crafts booths, food, Mountainmen and American Indian encampments, rope tricks, gunfighter shows, barbershop quartets, wild west shows with costumed action actors, a falconry demonstration and more. Get The Facts: Call 512-441-9015
November 26-27, 2005 Space Coast Art Festival Downtown, Cocoa Beach, Florida	In its 42nd year the festival offers a student art show, activities for kids, more than 250 arts and crafts booths, entertainment and a food court. Park at the high school and take the shuttle. There is no admission charge. The festival runs from 9am-5pm. (If you're in town early, on Thansgiving morning at 7:30am you can get in on the 5K Turkey Trot.) Additional Information: Call 321-784-3322
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November Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
Nov. 4-5 Pig on the Ridge, Ridgeway, South Carolina, 803-337-8880 Nov. 4-6 Greek Fest, 50 S. Ann Street, Mobile, Alabama, 251-438-9888 Nov. 4-6 Louisiana Swine Festival, Town Park, Basile, Louisiana, 337-432-6807 Nov. 4-6 Bridge City Gumbo Festival, Bridge City, Louisiana, 504-436-4712 Nov. 4-6 Greek Festival, Ball St., Galveston, Texas, 490-762-7591 Nov. 4-12 National Peanut Festival, Dothan, Alabama Nov. 4-13 Wurstfest, Landa Park, New Braunfels, Texas, 800-221-4369 Nov. 5 Mule Day, Calvary, Georgia, 229-377-3663 Nov. 5 Harvest Festival, County Park, Johns Island, South Carolina, 843-795-4FUN Nov. 5-6 Festival of the Arts, Inverness, Florida, 352-746-7606 or 352-726-3913 or 800-451-2542 Nov. 5-6 Silver Springs Fall Festival, Silver Springs, Florida, 352-236-2121 Nov. 5-6 Seafood & Arts Festival, E.G. Simmons Park, Ruskin, Florida, 813-645-3808 Nov. 5-6 Halifax Art Festival, Beach Street downtown, Daytona Beach, Florida, 800-854-1234 Nov. 5-12 American Indian Film Festival, San Francisco, California, 415-554-0525 Nov. 7 World's Championship Shrimp Cookoff, Port Isabel, Texas, 800-527-6102 Nov. 9-13 Bald Eagle Festival, Haine, Alaska, 907-766-2202 Nov. 10-12 Founder's Day, Kissimmee, Florida, 800-859-1550 Nov. 11-13 Greek Festival, 2020 NW 21st St., Fort Worth, Texas, 817-626-5578 Nov. 11-13 Roanoke Bluegrass Weekend, Roanoke, Virginia Nov. 12 Great Day in the Country, Lawton Grove Park, Oviedo, Florida, 407-365-9420 Nov. 12 Heritage Syrup Festival, 514 N. High, Henderson, Texas, 903-657-4303 Nov. 12-13 Scottish Gathering, Salado, Texas, 254-947-5232 Nov. 12-13 Down Festival & Art Show, Gainesville, Florida, 352-334-5064 Nov. 12-13 Art & Craft Festival, Main Street, Leesburg, Florida, 352-728-1482 Nov. 12-13 Crestview Music Fest, Old Spanish Trail Park, Crestview, Florida, 850-682-6132 Nov. 18-20 Hudson Seafest, Hudson, Florida, 727-847-8887 Nov. 18-20 Wasatch Gun Show, County Fairgrounds, Buffalo, Wyoming, 307-684-7872 Nov. 18-20 Festival of Trees, Convention Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 601-630-2929 Nov. 19 Holiday Lights Festival, Valparaiso, Indiana, 219-405-2542 Nov. 19-20, 23-26 Wings Over The Prairie Festival, Main Street, Stuttgart, Arkansas, 870-673-1620 Nov. 19-20 ArtFest, Civic Center Plaza, Scottsdale, Arizona, 480-968-5353 Nov. 19-22 Ozark Mountain Christmas Arts & Crafts Festival, Joplin, Missouri, 479-273-7478 Nov. 25 Christmas on the Square, Courtyard Square, Belleville, Kansas, 785-527-2310 Nov. 25 Festival of Lights, Main Street, Placerville, California, 530-672-3436 Nov. 25 Festival of Lights, Yountville, California, 707-944-0904 Nov. 25 Cowboy Country Christmas Parade & Festival of Lights, Thermopolis, Wyoming Nov. 27 Jingle Bellevue Winterfest, Mission Avenue, Bellevue, Nebraska Nov. 27-Dec. 3 Christmas on the River, Demopolis, Alabama, 334-289-0270
Other November 2005 Events You Might Enjoy Events in this section may be called festivals but are generally less multi-dimensional than events in the above category
Nov. 2-6 NAS Jax Air Show, Oceanfront/Downtown Riverfront, Jacksonville, Florida, 904-542-0931 Nov. 3-6 Mistletoe Marketplace, Jackson, Mississippi, 601-948-2357 Nov. 4-5 MacFair, 10am-5:30pm, Cerritos College, Norwalk, California, 949-721-9280 Nov. 4-6 Telfair Art Fair, Telfair Square, Savannah, Georgia, 912-232-1177 ext. 15 Nov. 4-6 Paradise City Arts Festival, Royal Plaza Trading Center, Marlborough, Massachusetts, 800-511-9725 or 413-587-0772 Nov. 4-6 KFOR Arts & Crafts Show, State Fair Park, Lincoln, Nebraska, 402-489-5001 Nov. 4-6 Weems Artfest, State Fairgrounds, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 505-293-6133 Nov. 4-6 Scrap Dakota, State Fairgrounds, Huron, South Dakota, 800-529-0900 Nov. 4-6 Great Las Vegas Craft Festival, Cashman Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, 805-481-7100 Nov. 4-6 National Farm Toy Show, Beckman High School, Dyersville, Iowa, 563-875-2311 Nov. 4-6 Bookworm Bash, Addison Circle Park, Addison, Texas, 800-233-4766 Nov. 4-6 Antique & Collectibles Show, South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach, Florida, 800-640-FAIR Nov. 5 Harvest Pumpkin Craft Festival, 9am-4pm, 1200 Lakeshore Drive, Yukon, Oklahoma, 405-350-8937 Nov. 5 Harvest Artwalk, Downtown, Ventura, California, 805-648-2075 Nov. 5 Holiday Craft Sale, High School, Lancaster, Wisconsin, 608-7232-2173 ext. 354 Nov. 5-6 Gem & Mineral Show, Performing Arts Center, Oxnard, California, 805-486-2424 Nov. 5-6 Intertribal Marketplace, Southwest Museum, Los Angeles, California, 323-221-2164 Nov. 5-6 Gun & Knife Show, State Fairgrounds, Hutchinson, Kansas, 563-927-8176 Nov. 5-6 Paso Gathering (Western Art & Cowboy Gear), Pioneer Museum, Paso Robles, California, 805-239-4556 Nov. 5-6 Midwestern Woodcarvers Show, Belle-Clair Expo Hall, Bellville, Illinois, 618-235-1003 Nov. 5-6 Simsbury Antiques Show, Henry James School on Firetown Road, Simsbury, Connecticut, 860-658-2500 Nov. 5-6 Gun Show, Seaside Park, Ventura, California, 805-648-3376 ext. 2 Nov. 5-6 Wurstcraft Show & Sale in Texas, NBU Parking Lot (E. Main Plaza), New Branufels, Texas, 830-629-3727 Nov. 5-6 Great Southwest Rubber Stamp Fall Fiesta, Mesa Centennial Center, Mesa, Arizona, 417-443-2231 Nov. 5-6 Clinton Fine Arts & Crafts Festival, High School, Clinton, New York, 315-853-5574 Nov. 5-6 Arts & Crafts Fair, Reeder Thornton Ag Building, Heavener, Oklahoma, 918-653-4303 Nov. 6 Taste of the Town, Centennial Park, Fort Myers, Florida, 239-277-1197 Nov. 6-7 Christmas in New Orleans Crafts Fest, Ponchartrain Center (4545 Williams Blvd.), Kenner, Louisiana, 504-796-5853 Nov. 8-10 Wichita Farm Show, Kansas Coliseum, Wichita, Kansas, 316-755-1243 Nov. 8-10 YMCA Christmas Market, Convention Center, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 423-265-8834 Nov. 9-13 Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, 302-645-9095 Nov. 9-13 American Sandsculpting Championship, near Outrigger Beach Resort, Fort Myers Beach, Florida866-916-7263 Nov. 10-12 Mistletoe Mart, Church of the Ascension (on Court St.), Westminster, Maryland, 410-848-3251 Nov. 10-13 Miami Book Fair International, 300 NE Second Avenue, Miami, Florida, 305-237-3258 Nov. 10-13 Fall Festival Craft Show, Canterbury Park, Shakopee, Minnesota 952-445-7223 Nov. 10-13 Chocolate Show, 125 W. 18th Street, New York, New York, 866-246-2692 Nov. 10-13 Dickens Christmas Show, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 843-448-9483 Nov. 10-13 Sacramento International Auto Show, State Fairgrounds, Sacramento, California Nov. 11-12 Sound The Alarm Christmas Bazaar, New Castle, Indiana, 765-521-4965 Nov. 11-12 Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show, Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, 850-452-2583 Nov. 12 Meadowcrest Arts & Crafts, Green County High School, Greensboro, Georgia, 800-886-5253 Nov. 11-13 New England Craft & Specialty Food Fair, Rockingham Park Racetrack, Salem, New Hampshire, 603-332-2616 Nov. 11-13 Festival of Trees, Riverfront Community Center, Leavenworth, Kansas, 913-682-7557 Nov. 11-13 Southern Colorado Holiday Food & Gift Show, Expo Center (1515 Auto Mall Loop), Colorado Springs, Colorado, 503-526-1080 Nov. 12 Fall Art & Craft Show, 10am-5pm, Community Center, Burnet, Texas, 512-756-0834 Nov. 12 Holiday Craft Fair, St. Stanislaus Hall, Nashua, New Hampshire, 603-528-4014 Nov. 12 Homemade Holidays Craft Show, Middle School, Ottawa, Kansas, 785-242-8618 Nov. 12 Norton County Arts Council Arts & Crafts Fair, National Guard Armory & 4-H Building, Norton, Kansas, 785-877-2501 Nov. 12 Great Hartford Craft Exposition, Hartford Union High School, Hartford, Wisconsin, 262-673-5033 Nov. 12-13 Deer Widows Weekend, Outlets on Beyer Rd., Saginaw, Michigan, 989-624-6226 Nov. 12-13 Gingerbread House Festival, 10am-9pm, Show Barn at Thansgiving Point, Orem, Utah, 801-437-6219 or 801-473-9465 Nov. 12-13 Best Friend of Charleston Train Show, 865 Brownswood Rd., Johns Island, South Carolina, 843-760-7405 Nov. 12-13 Flamingo Follies Art Show, Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, 386-424-2175 Nov. 12-13 Herkimer County Arts & Crafts Fair, Community College, Herkimer, New York, 315-866-0300 Nov. 12-13 Friends of Library Book Sale, 4000 Middlefied Rd., Palo Alto, California, 650-213-8755 Nov. 15-16 Christmas Boutique & Angel Street Cafe, 601 Claymont Drive, Ballwin, Missouri, 636-394-2233 Nov. 16-19 Yuletide Treasures, Tointon Gallery, Greeley, Colorado, 970-350-9491 Nov. 17 Taste of the Holidays, 5-8pm, Community Center, Arcata, California, email Nov. 17-20 Autumn Arts & Crafts Show, Odeum Expo Center, Villa Park, Illinois, 630-941-9292 Nov. 17-20 Comedy Festival, Las Vegas, Nevada, 310-382-3595 Nov. 17-Dec. 26 St. Francis Hospital Festival of Trees, Greenville, South Carolina, 864-255-1199 Nov. 18 Holiday Lighted Parade, 6:30pm, Northville, Michigan, 248-349-7640 Nov. 18 Window Wonderland, Downtown, Wooster, Ohio, 330-262-6222 Nov. 18 Eaton Canyon Moonlight Hike, Pasadena, California, 626-398-5420 Nov. 18-19 Broadmoor Art & Crafts Show, Broadmoor High School, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 225-926-1420 Nov. 18-19 Arts & Crafts Fair, Courthouse Complex, Allendale, South Carolina, 803-584-4207 Nov. 18-20 Zia Arts & Crafts Festival, State Fairgrounds, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 505-823-1092 Nov. 18-20 Capital City Art & Craft Show, Civic Center, Charleston, West Virginia, 304-345-1500 Nov. 18-20 Louisiana Highland Games, Jackson, Louisiana, 225-344-7228 Nov. 19 Car Show & Chili Cookoff, Flowery Branch, Georgia, 770-967-2934 Nov. 19 Holiday Lighted Parade, Downtown, Leavenworth, Kansas, 913-682-2313 Nov. 19 Adult Handbell Festival Conference Concert, 7pm, New Windsor Middle School, New Windsor, Maryland, 410-751-9584 Nov. 19 Pfall Pfest Arts & Crafts Show, Rec Center on Immanuel Rd., Pflugerville, Texas, 512-251-5082 Nov. 19 Arts and Crafts Fair, Recreation Center/Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas, 620-364-8484 Nov. 18 Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade, 4:30pm, Owensboro, Kentucky, 270-691-1288 Nov. 19-20 Japan Expo 2005, Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, California, 213-617-0868 Nov. 19-20 Holiday Spirit Craft Fair, Parkway South High School, Manchester, Missouri, 314-415-7766 Nov. 19-20 Craft Festival, Stephen O' Connell Center, Gainesville, Florida, 352-392-7238 Nov. 19-20 Christmas Arts & Crafts Extravaganza, Show Me Center & Osage Centre, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 573-334-9233 Nov. 19-20 Holly Berry Arts & Show, Armory on Canal St., Manchester, New Hampshire, 603-528-4014 Nov. 19-20 WCTC Craft Fair, 800 Main St., Pewaukee, Wisconsin, 262-691-5470 Nov. 20 Carson Camera Show, 90 E. Carson Street, Carson, California, 925-253-0466 Nov. 20 Tejano Super Car Show, County Coliseum, Odessa, Texas, 432-337-2189 Nov. 20 Cycle Show & Swap Meet, Fairplex, Pomona, California, 800-875-0068 Nov. 20 Night of Nativities, 3-8pm, Yoder, Kansas, 620-465-3613 Nov. 20-21 Gingerbread Village, Church of the Magdalen (12626 e. 21st North), Wichita, Kansas, 620-683-4788 Nov. 23 Christmas in the Sky, Longview Lake Park, Blue Springs, Missouri, 816-503-4830 Nov. 25 Lighted Christmas Parade, 6pm, 13th & Main, Clarinda, Iowa, 712-542-2166 Nov. 25 Christmas Light Parade, Center Avenue, Oakley, Kansas, 785-672-4862 Nov. 25 Art Walk, 4-9pm, Canandaigua, New York Nov. 25 Gazette Holiday Parade, 7pm, State Street to Erie Blvd., Schenectady, New York Nov. 25 Parade of Lights, Huron, South Dakota Nov. 25 Sundance Square Parade of Lights, Downtown, Fort Worth, Texas, 817-255-5700 Nov. 25-26 Winter Art & Craft Fair, Seasons Conference Center, Nashville, Indiana, 812-587-5068 Nov. 25-27 Gingerbread Showcases, 10am-4pm, Canterbury Shaker Village, Concord, New Hampshire, 603-783-9511 Nov. 25-27 Christmas Classic Arts & Crafts Show, County Fairgrounds, Henrietta, New York, 315-686-5789 Nov. 25-27 Pioneer Christmas Arts & Crafts Expo, 225 W. Douglas, Wichita, Kansas, 620-729-9443 Nov. 25-27 Holiday Craft & Gift Show, State Fair Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 414-321-2100 Nov. 26 Rockets Over The Red, River View Park, Shreveport, Louisiana, 318-222-7403 Nov. 26 Evening of Lights Christmas Parade, 6:30pm, Town Square, Garnett, Kansas, 785-448-6767 Nov. 26 Homemade for the Holidays, CiCo Park, Manhattan, Kansas, 913-776-8829 Nov. 26 Lighted Christmas Parade, 7:15pm, Main Street, Russell, Kansas, 785-483-2897 Nov. 26 Jacksonville Light Parade Downtown Waterfront, Jacksonville, Florida, 904-630-3690 Nov. 26 Twinkle Light Parade, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 505-768-3555 Nov. 26-27 Lakes Region Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, Expo Center on Elm, Winnepesaukee, New Hampshire, 603-528-4014 Nov. 26-27 Holiday Craft Fair, Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 215-579-5997 Nov. 26-27 Christmas Showcase of Arts & Crafts, Civic Center, New Braunfels, Texas, 210-698-0811 Nov. 26-27 Gig Harbor Winterfest Arts & Crafts Fair, Peninsula High School, Gig Harbor, Washington, 253-857-3530 Nov. 27 Mid-America Train & Toy Show, Kansas City, Missouri, 913-651-5864 Nov. 29 Christmas Parade, Emporia, Kansas, 620-342-1600 Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Farm & Ranch Show, Civic Center, Amarillo, Texas, 806-378-4297 Nov. 30-Dec. 4 Christmas & Gift Show,                 Pennsyvlania Farm Show Complex (at Cameron & MaClay), Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 717-233-5100
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It's always best to call ahead to verify festival information. Please tell them you saw the listing in Deb's Monthly Review.

     

Look at this guy!

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

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

Above: Metallic Choker Necklace Left: Dreamcatcher Earrings

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

Roadmaster Inc. has a helpful informational page on state laws regarding towing without auxiliary brakes. It's a nice place to do a quick check before you head out on a multi-state trip with a vehicle or trailer in tow. Things can certainly change on a local basis, but a quick glance at this page will give you a general guideline for most areas.
Looking for some different lighting this year for the holiday season? Consider luminarias. If you live in an area with a lot of wind or storms, you might try Simple Luminaries. You can get electric ones, candle ones, clear bag style and paper bag style. The wooden bases make them safer and more reliable than sand in windy conditions.		If you plan to be on the road at Thanksgiving time you might end up transporting turkey sandwiches or other turkey treats. Remember the cautions on handling and reheating cooked turkey. If you still have doubts about what to do with turkey before, during or after cooking you call always turn to the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line at 1-800-BUTTERBALL.

Send Deb email: deb@lightpatch.com

Last Updated October 26, 2005

Deb's Monthly Review © copyright Deb Thompson