Deb's Monthly Review

November 2006

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

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

Special Quotation "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." --Jim Elliott

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	The Artsy Site Of The Month: Kids of Widney High Musicians from Special Ed class write and sing		Handy Site Of The Month: Online Alarm Clock Try setting it in an extra browser window.
	Just Fun Site Of The Month: Beans Around The World Take a can of S&W black beans and a camera on your next trip.		Scientific/Technical Site Of The Month: Indoor Air Quality in Homes When securing your house for winter, be sure you aren't also closing in toxins.

 November 2006 Festivals and Events

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

November 2, 2006 Christmas Honey Festival Downtown, Minco, Oklahoma	Now in its 16th year, the festival gives a nod to both a season of giving and local industry. Plans include a pancake breakfast and a quilt show (last year there were more than 40 quilts). Tour the local honey plant and browse for gift baskets of honey products, check out the honey baking contest, enter the 5K road run, cheer for the kiddie tractor pull, enjoy arts and crafts, find festival foods to tempt your palate. The fun is from 9am-4pm and there is no admission charge. Additional Details: Call 405-352-4274
November 2-4, 2006 Main Street Festival Historic downtown, Laurel, Mississippi	Cooking contests, arts and crafts, 5K race, carnival, festival foods, musical entertainment. Hours are 6-10pm on Thursday, 5-11:30pm on Friday and 9am-6pm on Saturday. Find Out More: Call 601-428-6142 or 601-428-7044
November 2-5, 2006 First Coast Ham Jam Reynolds Park Yacht Center at 1063 Bulkhead Rd., Green Cove Springs, Florida	Kids' talent contest, pony rides, exhibits, carnival, BBQ cooking competition, arts and crafts, entertainment. At this writing Mark Chestnut and the Artimus Pyle Band were among those scheduled to perform. It's the festival's 19th year. Get the Facts: Call 904-276-4746
November 3-4, 2006 Louisiana Pecan Festival Front Street, Colfax, Louisiana	In its 38th year the festival offers a pageant, carnival. festival merchandise, fireworks, arts and crafts, contests, food parade, musical entertainment. Questions? Call 318-627-5196
November 3-4, 2006 Florida Seafood Festival Battery Park, Apalachicola, Florida	Oyster shucking contest, parade, maritime and fishing industry exhibits, oyster eating contest, activities for kids, Redfish Run, seafood and other treats, arts and crafts, blessing of the fleet, music. Details: Call 888-653-8011
November 3-4, 2006 Alabama Pecan Festival Tillman's Corner Community Center (5055 Plantation Road), Mobile, Alabama	Enjoy a talent contest, talent contest just for kids, gospel music, activities for kids, carnival, pecan pie and other pecan goodies, arts and crafts, food vendors, pageant, entertainment. Try the fried okra. If that doesn't appeal to you, there are always familiar favorites such as nachos and pizza. Further Information: Call 251-401-5555
November 3-4, 2006 Urbanna Oyster Festival Downtown, Urabanna, Virginia	There is an Oyster Festival Parade on Saturday, an oyster shucking contest, pageants, music, arts and crafts, activities for kids, rides for kids, Fireman's Parade with more than 80 engines off all types, merchant specials. It's the 49th year for this celebration. Questions? Call 804-758-0368
November 3-5, 2006 Heritage Harbor Days Heritage Park, Foley, Alabama	Now in its 6th year, this event will feature cultural exchange with sister city Lafayette, Louisiana. Enjoy a Friday night concert, fireworks, Cajun foods and cultural information, stories, food and music. There is no admission charge. Hours are 9am-5pm. Get The Facts: Call 251-943-1200
November 3-5, 2006 Flapjack Festival Land O' Lakes Community Center on Hwy. 41, Pasco, Florida	Parade (11am on Saturday), flapjack eating contest, free flapjacks from 8-10am on Saturday, Mr. Legs Contest, flapjack breakfast 8-10am on Sunday, talent show, arts and crafts, magic show. It's the festival's 29th year. Further Information: Call 813-909-2722
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November 3-5, 2006 Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival Seville Square, Pensacola, Florida	Heritage art and craft demonstrations from days gone by, balloons, face painting, music on 2 stages, art projects for kids, more than 200 artisans showing and selling their work. The event runs from 9am-5pm. There is no admission charge. Please leave pets comfortably at home while you enjoy the festivities. Details: Call 800-874-1234
November 3-5, 2006 Savannah Seafood Festival & ChampBoat Race Rousakis Plaze/River Street area, Savannah, Georgia	Tours aboard fishing vessels, Zydeco and Reggae (and more) music, roving entertainers, juried arts and crafts, games, seafood and other festival treats. Learn More: Call 912-234-0295
November 3-5, 2006 Louisiana Swine Festival various venues, Basile, Louisiana	Carnival & games, pageant, activities for kids, entertainment by Bayou Kats and others, greasy pig contest, barbecue competitions, boudin eating contest, parade (1pm on Sunday), Swine Festival Mass at At. Augustine Church. Info: Call 337-230-1479 or email
November 3-5, 2006 Special Olympics Fall Festival Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania	This is a festival of the human spirit. It's the 18th year for this gathering of athletes from 44 countries. More than a thousand athletes participate, along with 400 coaches. Students handle the festival as athletes try their skills at power lifting, bocce, soccer, volleyball, long distance running, roller skating and roller hockey. (Note that some events are held at the Shipley School in Bryn Mawr and at Skate 309 in Hatfield.) All events are held rain or shine. Volunteers are welcome to help and that includes being there as part of a cheering team. You may not find carnival rides and such things at this event, but you'll come away very happy that you took time to attend. Get The Facts: Call 610-519-7244
November 3-12, 2006 National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds on Hwy. 231 S., Dothan, Alabama	It's the festival's 63rd year. Expect fun such as the Sea Lion Splash show, a demolition derby, pageants, carnival, parades (one at 2pm on Nov. 4 & main parade at 9:30am on Nov. 11), antique tractor display, special days for military and veteran visitors, Senior Day on Nov. 9, music by Steven Curtis Chapman plus Joe Nichols and others, and a wedding on the midway Nov. 4. Find Out More: Call 334-793-4323 or 866-277-3962
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 4, 2006 Jackson Fall Festival Commerce Street area downtown, Jackson, Alabama	Lumberjack competition, car show, arts and crafts, more than 20 food vendors, entertainment. Questions? Call 251-246-3251
November 4, 2006 Georgia Pecan Festival Rylander Park, Americus, Georgia	The festival is back for a 3rd year with a parade at 11am, a 5K run/1-mile walk, arts and crafts, pecan baking contest, pumpkin carving and a pumpkin seed spitting contest, food vendors, music. Get Details: Call 229-924-2646
November 4, 2006 Cotton Gin Festival Downtown, Bostwick, Georgia	Parade, 4-mile & 1-mile fun runs, entertainment (bring chairs and blankets), tours of cotton gin, festival merchandise, arts and crafts, festival foods. The fun goes from 9am-5pm for this 17th year. Further Information: Call 706-342-0182
November 4, 2006 Mule Day Mule Grounds, Calvary, Georgia	Mingle with a crowd of more than 60,000 festival-goers at the 34th year of this celebration. Events are held for Best Jackass, Best Mule Team Driving and much more. See costumed mules, barrel-racing mules and log-pulling mules, but don't forget to fortify yourself with the sunrise breakfast. You'll also need energy to peruse the 500-600 booths of arts and crafts, flea market items and other merchandise. Food vendors will be on hand to keep you going with barbecue specialties and other festival foods. A mule-powered cane grinder will produce fresh cane juice. Enjoy a parade late in the morning and see how can syrup is made, check out the clogging and singing entertainment and get some freshly-ground meal or some of that great cane syrup for your own enjoyment later at home. And be sure to stop by the Mule Museum for a look back at the days when mules were invaluable in helping farmers get their work done. Find Out More: Call 229-377-3663 or 229-377-6859
November 4, 2006 Granite City Fall Festival On the Square, Elberton, Georgia	Festival foods, arts and crafts, activities & rides for kids, entertainment. Questions? Call 706-213-0626
November 4, 2006 Sweetwater Festival Historic downtown (200 S. Hancock Street area), Milledgeville, Georgia	The event is back for its 3rd year with 2 stages of entertainment, KidZone, antique car show, EndZone sports lounge, festival foods, BBQ cookoff, arts and crafts. Hours are from 10am-11pm. Details: Call 478-414-4014
November 4, 2006 Monticello-Jasper County Deer Festival Downtown, Monticello, Georgia	5K & 1-mile Deer Dash, parade, arts and crafts, entertainment. Events are from 8am-5pm. Come and enjoy this 40th year of fun. Additional Information: Call 706-468-8994
November 4, 2006 Crossroads Pumpkin Fest Historic downtown, Statesville, North Carolina	More than 80 arts and crafts booths, 3 stages of entertainment, food vendors, Pumpkin Fest 5K Run, Pumpkin Chunkin' Catapult Competition, pumpkin pie eating contest, games and rides, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin smashing, downhill skateboard races, Food Lion Kid Zone. Hours are 10am-5pm. This is the event's 4th year. Get The Facts: Call 877-531-1819 or 704-878-3436
November 4, 2006 Manassas Chocolate Festival NextFlight Hanger at Manassas Airport, Manassas, Virginia	This one is back for a second year, starting the day with a chocolate chip pancake breakfast (complete will chocolate-flavored coffees). Enjoy silent auctions, games, chocolate sculptures, tastings and more. Grown-ups can end the day with a chocolate buffet. Events run from 8am-10pm. Info: Call 703-257-8237 (recording) or 703-257-8313
November 4-5, 2006 Litchfield Park Festival of the Arts 214 Wigwwam Blvd., Litchfield Park, Arizona	In this 36th year the festival offers more than 300 arts and crafts booths, wine tasting, entertainment, activities for kids, artist demonstrations, international foods. The event is from 9am-5pm. There is no admission charge. Questions? Call 623-585-6673
November 4-5, 2006 Toccoa Harvest Festival Doyle Street area, Toccoa, Georgia	A mix of food, arts and crafts, produce and baked goods mean more than 200 vendors will be at this festival. You can also enjoy a classic car cruise-in, activities for kids, activities for teens, entertainment and a 5K run/walk. Find Out More: Call 706-282-3269
November 4-5, 2006 Giant Omelette Celebration Magdalen Square, Abbeville, Louisiana	Antique farm implements on display, antique cars, 3-mile walk (a fundraiser for the March of Dimes), tractor egg cracking competition, food vendors, arts and crafts, entertainment, and a 5000-egg omelette cooked in a 12-foot diameter skillet on Sunday, which will then be served to festival-goers. Get The Facts: Call 337-893-0013
November 4-5, 2006 Picayune Street Fair Canal Street area downtown, Picayune, Mississippi	Antiques and crafts, helicopter rides, antique cars, rock climbing wall, Tung Blossom 5K run/walk, collectibles, entertainment. Enjoy festival foods such as roasted corn, barbecued meats, Greek and Chinese dishes, and seafood specialties. Information: Call 601-799-3070
November 9-12, 2006 Cracklin' Festival Veterans Park, Port Barre, Louisiana	Cracklin' cooking contest, parade on Saturday, Cajun food, carnival rides, arts and crafts, pageant, entertainment. Thursday is family night. This is the festival's 21st year. Questions? Call 337-585-6673 or 337-585-6251
November 9-12, 2006 Spinach Festival Downtown, Crystal City, Texas	With all the recent talk about spinach safety, Crystal City residents want us to know their spinach is fine and they invite us to join the fun of this festival with arts and crafts, cooking contests, games and more. There will be music from LaMafia and others and you'll have to see the Popeye Statue in person in order to really appreciate it. Additional Details: Call 830-374-3161
November 10-12, 2006 Fountain Festival of Arts & Crafts Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills, Arizona	Almost 150,000 festival-goers are expected at this event. Nearly 500 artisans show and sell their work and the event is held rain or shine. You can also enjoy music and the festival foods can be enjoyed in shaded seating areas. Enjoy the fun from 10am-5pm with no admission charge. Please leave pets comfortably at home while you enjoy the festival. Learn More: Call 480-337-1654
November 10-12, 2006 St. Rita Pecan Festival St. Rita Church/School at 7100 Jefferson Hwy., Harahan, Louisiana	In its 114th year, the festival features carnival games and rides, arts and crafts, musical entertainment, plus festival foods such as tamales, seafood gumbo, pizza, pecan pie and fudge. Hours are 6pm-midnight on Friday, noon-midnight on Saturday and noon-11pm on Sunday. There is no admission charge. Get The Facts: Call 504-737-2915
November 11, 2006 Down Home Days High School Track Complex off NW 11th Avenue, Trenton, Florida	Now in its 22nd year, the festival is scheduled to have games, more than 150 arts and crafts booths, plus food vendors and lots of music. Festival hours are 9am-3pm. There is an admission charge for those age 12 and older. Questions? Call 352-463-3467
November 11, 2006 Thibodeauville Fall Festival Downtown, Thibodeauville, Louisiana	The festival fun goes from 8:30am until dark. Enjoy a rubber duck race, 150 arts and crafts booths, Cajun and other festival foods, musical entertainment and a car show. There is no admission charge. Information: Call 985-446-1187
November 11-12, 2006 Annual Loxley Arts & Crafts Festival Municipal Park & Civic Center, Loxley, Alabama	Arts and crafts, heritage crafts, activities for children, art for children, music, food vendors, antique trucks and tractors on display. Hours are 10am-5pm both days. Get The Facts: Call 251-964-7733
November 11-12, 2006 Homosassa Arts, Crafts & Seafood Festival Mason Creek Road at Yulee Drive, Homosassa, Florida	These folks are back for a 32nd year with 175 artisans, music, a raffle for a boat plus nautical art and golf packages, special postal cancellation and more than 30 food vendors with treats such as fried green tomatoes, fried eggplant, chicken tenders, Cajun and barbecue specialties, cream puffs, cannolis, caramel apples, chocolate-covered strawberries and hot fudge cake. All military personnel who arrive in uniform will be admitted free of charge. Those under age 12 are also admitted free of charge. The small Two-dollar donation everyone else is asked to bring for admittance will go to charity. Festival hours are 8:30am-5pm on Saturday and 8:30am-4pm on Sunday. No pets at this event, please. Questions? Call 352-628-2666
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November 11-12, 2006 Ramble-A-Garden Festival Fairchild Tropical Gardens, Miami, Florida	Antiques and collectibles, large number of plants on display and for sale, artist demos, old and rare books on sale, raffle, entertainment, farmers market, artist marketplace. Plant valets will be on hand to help you load any plant purchases in exchange for a tip, which will be donated to charity. The kids will have face painting, a Honey Taste Test and more. When you get the munchies you can enjoy corn on the cob, Chinese dishes, mango salsa and more. Hours are 9:30am-4:30pm and there is an admission charge for those 13 and older. The festival is celebrating its 66th year. Learn More: Call 305-667-1651
November 11-12, 2006 Three Rivers Art Festival North Columbia Street area, Covington, Louisiana	The festival is back for its 10th year with craft demonstrations, 150 juried artisans, an art area for the kids, music, a food court. The festival is from 10am-5pm and there is no admission charge. Info: Call 985-871-4141 or 985-705-7968
November 12, 2006 Elegant Evening Downtown Downtown area, Paso Robles, California	From 5-8pm you can take a carriage ride through the streets, enjoy luminaries along the sidewalks and enjoy strolling minstrels along the way. Local downtown merchants host open shops with beverages and appetizers. As you pass the shop windows you might notice something a little unusual. Costumed live mannequins who are from the local dance studio will entertain and delight you and your companions Further Details: Call 805-238-4103
November 17-18, 2006 Elk Falls Annual Open House 7th & Osage Streets, Elk Falls, Kansas	Arts and crafts, food, baking contest, merchant specials and open houses, train rides, quilt show, more. Get The Facts: Call 820-329-4433 or 620-329-4425
November 17-19, 2006 Rock Falls Hometown Holidays Various locations, Rock Falls, Illinois	Christmas Walk, living windows displays, wagon rides, live reindeer, crafts, tree lighting, activities for kids, Santa Claus Parade. Further Details: Call 815-625-4500
November 17-19, 2006 Folk Fair International Wisconsin State Fair Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin	African, Russian, Scottish, Spanish—the entertainment is from many lands and cultures. An international bazaar will have arts and crafts for display and sale and you can dance to waltz music, discover world customs through interactive exhibits and explore the tastes of the planet at the World Cafe. A 5K run will be held on Sunday morning. Wheelchair entries are accepted, but please call first. Festival merchandise is available ahead of time by calling the first phone number listed below. Event hours are 3-10pm on Friday, 10am-10pm on Saturday and 10am-7pm on Sunday. Questions? Call 414-225-6225 or 800-FAIR-INTL
November 18, 2006 Peterman Station Arts & Crafts Festival Main Street along railroad tracks, Peterman, Alabama	The festival is held about 5 miles north of Monroeville and features more than 100 arts & crafts booths, activities for kids, musical entertainment and foods such as Brunswick stew, collards and cracklin' bread. The event is from 9am-4pm and there is no admission charge. It's the 23rd year for this festival. Additional Information: Call 251-564-2260
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November 18, 2006 Pecan Fest Walnut Street at 5th Street, Chetopa, Kansas	The festival is back for a 6th year with a pecan cooking contest, talent contest, games, arts and crafts, pecan harvesting demonstrations, community lunch, vendors, pecan pies, music, 5K run (City Park at 10am on Sunday) and more. Find Out More: Call 620-236-7511 or 620-236-7541
November 18, 2006 Society Hill Catfish Festival St. David's Academy on S. Main, Hartsville, South Carolina	Enjoy a car, truck and motorcycle show. Browse arts and crafts, watch the parade at 11am. There will also be games, activities for kids, musical entertainment, a 5K run/walk at 8am and a food court. Hours are 9am-9pm. Info: Call 843-378-4681 or 888-427-8720
November 18-19, 2006 Mountain Mandarin Festival Gold Country Fairgrounds, Auburn, California	Now celebrating its 13th year, the festival offers a Thanksgiving centerpiece contest, mandarin bowling, mandarin bowling, mandarin shot put, activities for kids, displays, mandarin orange cookbook, foods with mandarin oranges and mandarin orange juice in the ingredients, chocolate-dipped mandarins, arts and crafts, music. Hours are 9am-5pm on Saturday and 9am-4pm on Sunday. Get The Facts: Call 916-663-1918
November 18-19, 2006 Mission West Autumn Art Festival Mission Street, Pasadena, California	Arts and crafts, music, activities for kids, international food court. This one may seem a bit more commercial without a small, hometown atmosphere, but has been popular in recent years. Go and give it a try. Further Details: Call 626-797-6803
November 19, 2006 Poinsettia Festival Downtown, Encinitas, California	A mix of non-profit, commercial, antique and arts and crafts booths add up to an impressive 400 pausing places at this festival. There will also be activities for the kids, poinsettias (and other flowers) on display at the Capital Flower Pavilion, 3 stages of entertainment and great food at nearby restaurants. The event is from 9am-4pm. Questions? Call 760-943-1950
November 19, 2006 Pickle Festival Community Center on Route 32, Rosendale, New York	There will be much dancing—German, Irish and other ethnic groups will perform. You can grab a partner and get in on the Pickle Toss, in which one contestant tries to toss as many pickle chips as possible into a partner's mouth. There is also a pickle juice drinking contest, judging of canned pickled produce, pickle product vendors, pickle soup and other festival foods. Enjoy the fun from 10am-5pm. This is the event's 9th year. Get Information: Call 845-658-9649
November 24, 2006 Holidays Happen Reston Town Center, Reston, Virginia	The Reston Mile is run as a benefit for Neediest Kids at 7:30am. There is a holiday parade later in the morning, fun and photos with Santa, a holiday tree lighting that evening with songs (and help from the Reston Chorale and a brass quintet), plus carriage rides until 10pm. Younger children ride free of charge with accompanying adults. Questions? Call 202-263-5843
November 24-26, 2006 Rockland Festival of Lights various venues, Rockland, Maine	Santa arrives via Coast Guard vessel at the Public Landing. The town will light the lobster trap holiday tree Friday night—cookies and refreshments will be served. Other activities that weekend include Santa's Workshop, historic inn tours with craft and home decor workshops and demonstrations, horse-drawn carriage rides, Parade of Lights (Saturday evening), merchant specials and a craft market, Eat Drink and Be Merry on Main, and a great pancake breakfast with Santa on Sunday morning. Enjoy a variety of pancakes and go-alongs, have the kids' picture taken with Santa and play holiday games for prizes. (The breakfast is usually a great bargain. Last year the ticket price for a whole family was only ten dollars. Information: Call 207-596-0376 or 800-562-2529
November 25, 2006 Olde Fashion Christmas at Home various venues, Gustine, California	(I keep wanting to tell you that this is the Olde Fashioned Christmas at Home, but their official name is correct in the header!) Community breakfast, fire truck rides, lighted truck & tractor parade down 5th street, fun with Santa, Christmas tree lighting, arts and crafts, music. Find Out More: Call 209-854-2384 or 209-854-2003
November 25, 2006 Swine Time Festival Swine Time Grounds on US Hwy 84, Climax, Georgia	5K run, Swine Time Parade at 10am, quilt making demonstrations, 3 stages of entertainment, quilt auction, Best Dressed Pig Contest, historic log cabin on display, activities for kids, festival foods, arts and crafts, greased pig race. Further Details: Call 229-246-0910
November 25, 2006 Chitlin' Strut 258 Pine Street, Salley, South Carolina	Pageant, antique tractor show, Hawg Call Contest, arts and crafts, carnival, activities for kids, music, Chitlin' Strut Parade. Expect to rub elbows with up to 24,999 other festival-goers. Questions? Call 803-258-3485
November 25, 2006 Christmas in Olde Ballinger County Courthouse lawn, Ballinger, Texas	Arts and crafts, festival foods, games for kids, parade, tree lighting and a visit from Santa. Get The Facts: Call 325-365-2333 or 325-365-5611
November 25-26, 2006 Space Coast Art Festival Downtown (along A1A & Minuteman Causeway), Cocoa Beach, Florida	Your best bet for this 43rd year is to park at Cocoa Beach High School and take the shuttle to the festival. Enjoy arts and crafts, activities for kids, student art show, musical entertainment, a food court. There is no admission charge. The festival runs from 10am-5pm. If you happen to get into town early and are there for Thanksgiving morning you can get in on the 5K Turkey Trot at 7:30am. Find Out More: Call 321-784-3322
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November 25-26, 2006 Victorian Christmas on 6th Street Historic 6th Street, Austin, Texas	Enjoy this 12th year with roving magicians, 150 arts and crafts booths, snow area for kids, caroling by choirs and other ensembles, plus gunfighter shows and maybe even a few peppy bar room brawls for your entertainment. Additional Details: Call 512-441-9015
November 30-December 3, 2006 Pirates in Paradise Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Key West, Florida	If it's a pirate's life for you, you'll have a great time at this event. In addition to a historic reenactment of a Pyrate Tryal, there will be museum displays, pirate film fest, lighted boats, costumed actors and stunt performers livening up the crowd. Be prepared for your stroll to be interrupted by a few rowdy types and maybe a skirmish or two taking place as you make your way from one event to another. The Pirate Tavern will serve ale and mead and will be filled with the sounds of stories and sea chanteys. There will also be a Thieves' Market and possibly a few people who walk the plank. Some activities may have limited seating. Oh, and on November 30 you can get in on the special celebration that marks the Official end of America's Hurricane Season. I think we can all cheer for that one! Further Info: Call 305-296-9694
Sorry, festival-goers. I am unable to fulfill requests for personalized festival lists free of charge. You may hire me by the hour for personal research.
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November Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
November 2-4 Greek Fest, 50 S. Ann Street, Mobile, Alabama, 251-438-9888 November 2-5 Indy's International Festival, State Fairgrounds on E. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana November 3-4 Pig on the Ridge, downtown, Ridgeway, South Carolina, 803-337-8880 or 803-337-2213 November 3-5 World Championship Punkin Chunkin, intersection of 305 & 306, Millsboro, Delaware, 302-684-8196 November 3-11 American Indian Film Festival, San Francisco, California, 415-554-0525 November 3-12 Wurstfest, Landa Park, New Braunfels, Texas, 830-625-9167 or 800-221-4369 November 4 Harvest Festival, County Park, Johns Island, South Carolina, 843-795-4FUN November 4-5 Halifax Art Festival, Beach Street downtown, Daytona Beach, Florida, 386-441-2776 or 800-854-1234 November 4-5 Downtown Festival & Art Show (25th), 10am-5pm, downtown, Gainesville, Florida, 352-334-5064 November 4-5 Festival of the Arts (35th), 9:30am-4:30pm, Inverness, Florida, 352-726-3913 November 4-5 Seafood & Arts Festival, E.G. Simmons Park, Ruskin, Florida, 813-645-3808 November 5 World's Championship Shrimp Cookoff, Port Isabel, Texas, 800-527-6102 November 8-12 Bald Eagle Festival, Haine, Alaska, 907-766-2202 or 907-766-3094 November 10-11 Turkey Trot, Collinsville, Alabama November 10-12 LA Tamale Festival, 7th Street between Parkview & Alvarado, Los Angeles, California November 10-12 Art & Craft Festival (10th), Main Street, Leesburg, Florida, 352-728-1482 November 10-12 Greek Festival (43rd), Pensacola, Florida, 800-874-1234 November 10-12 Irish Festival, State Fairgrounds, Baltimore, Maryland, email November 10-12 Greek Festival, 2020 NW 21st Street, Fort Worth, Texas, 817-626-5578 November 10-12 Scottish Clan Gathering & Highland Games, Salado, Texas, 254-947-5232 November 11 Great Day in the Country, Lawton Grove Park, Oviedo, Florida, 407-365-9420 November 11 Heritage Syrup Festival, 9am-5pm, 514 N. High, Henderson, Texas, 903-657-4303 or 866-650-5529 November 17-18 Festival of Trees, Convention Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 601-630-2929 November 17-19 Hudson Seafest, USA Flea Market, Hudson, Florida, 727-847-8887 or 800-842-1873 November 18-19 ArtFest, 10am-5pm, Civic Center Plaza, Scottsdale, Arizona, 480-968-5353 or 888-278-3378 November 18-25 World's Championship Duck Calling Contest & Wings Over the Prairie festival,                    Main Street, Stuttgart, Arkansas, 870-673-1602 November 24 Festival of Lights, 5:30-8:30pm, Main Street, Placerville, California, 530-672-3436 November 24 Festival of Lights, downtown, Yountville, California, 707-944-0904 November 24 Christmas on the Square, Courtyard Square, Belleville, Kansas, 785-527-2310 or 785-527-5524 November 26-December 3 Christmas on the River, Demopolis, Alabama, 334-289-0270
Other November 2006 Events You Might Enjoy Events in this section may be called festivals but are generally less multi-dimensional than events in the above category
November 1-4 Mistletoe Marketplace, Mississippi Trade Mart, Jackson, Mississippi, 601-948-2357 or 888-324-0027 November 3-4 Arkansas Valley Arts & Crafts Fair, Pope County Fairgrounds, Russellville, Arkansas, 479-229-4200 November 3-4 MacFair, 10am-5:30pm, Cerritos College, Norwalk, California, 949-721-8280 November 3-4 Southern Colorado Holiday Food & Gift Festival,                    Expo Center at 1515 Auto Mall Loop, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 888-412-5015 November 3-4 Antique & Collectibles Show, South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach, Florida, 561-640-3433 or 800-640-FAIR November 3-4 Bake, Rattle & Roll, Riverfront Community Center, Leavenworth, Kansas, 913-651-2424 November 3-4 YWCA Arts & Crafts Fair, High School, Green River, Wyoming November 3-5 Farscape Convention, Burbank Hilton & Towers, Burbank, California, 818-409-0960 November 3-5 Old Farmhouse Christmas Arts, Crafts & Antiques Show, 9615 N. Loop Rd., Pensacola, Florida, 850-492-7502 November 3-5 West Palm Beach Antique & Collectibles Show,                    S. Florida Expo Center, West Palm Beach, Florida, 561-640-3433 November 3-5 Telfair Art Fair (12th), Telfair Square, Savannah, Georgia, 912-790-8800 November 3-5 National Farm Toy Show,                    Beckman High School & National Farm Toy Museum, Dyersville, Iowa, 563-875-2311 or 800-533-8293 November 3-5 Fall Home Show, Bartle Hall, Kansas City, Missouri, 816-924-8800 November 3-5 KFOR Arts & Crafts Show, State Fair Park, Lincoln, Nebraska, 402-489-5001 November 3-5 Weems Artfest, State Fairgrounds, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 505-293-6133 November 3-5 Stargate SG-1 & Stargate; Atlantis Convention,                    Crown Plaza Meadowlands Hotel, Secaucus, New Jersey, 818-409-0960 November 3-5 Bookworm Bash, Addison Circle Park Pavilion, Addison, Texas, 800-233-4766 November 3-5 Craftsmen's Christmas Classic Arts & Crafts Festival, Raceway Complex, Richmond, Virginia, 336-282-5550 November 4 Harvest Artwalk, downtown, Ventura, California, 805-648-2075 or 805-658-4760 November 4 Jasper Craft Show, Jasper High School at 201 W. Mercer, Jasper, Missouri, 471-394-2511 November 4 Harvest Pumpkin Craft Festival, 9am-4pm, 1200 Lakeshore Drive, Yukon, Oklahoma, 405-350-8937 November 4 Holiday Craft Sale, 9am-3pm, High School, Lancaster, Wisconsin, 608-723-2173 Ext. 354 November 4-5 Great Rubber Stamp Fall Fiesta, Convention Center, Mesa, Arizona, 417-443-2231 November 4-5 Intertribal Marketplace, Southwest Museum, Los Angeles, California, 323-221-2164 November 4-5 Vintage Computer Festival 9.0, Computer History Museum, Mountain View, California, 925-294-5900 November 4-5 Paso Gathering, Pioneer Museum, Paso Robles, California, 805-239-4556 November 4-5 Simsbury Antiques Show,                    Henry James Jr. High School on Firetown Rd., Simsbury, Connecticut, 860-658-2500 or 978-888-2732 November 4-5 Midwestern Woodcarvers Show, Belle-Clair Expo Hall, Belleville, Illinois, 618-235-1003 November 4-5 Christmas in New Orleans Crafts Expo,                    Ponchartrain Center at 4545 Williams Blvd., Kenner, Louisiana, 504-796-5853 November 4-5 Clinton Fine Arts & Crafts Festival, High School, Clinton, New York, 315-853-5574 November 4-5 Gun Show, Western Washington Fairgrounds, Puyallup, Washington November 5 Carson Camera Show, 801 Carson Street, Carson, California, 925-253-0466 November 5 Taste of the Town, Centennial Park, Fort Myers, Florida, 239-277-1197 November 7-9 Wichita Farm & Ranch Show Kansas Coliseum, Wichita, Kansas, 316-755-1243 November 7-9 YMCA Christmsa Market, Convention Center, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 423-265-8834 November 8-12 Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, 302-645-9095 November 8-12 American Sandsculpting Championship,                    near Outrigger Beach Resort, Fort Myers Beach, Florida, 866-916-7263 November 9-11 Mistletoe Mart, Church of the Ascension on Court St., Westminster, Maryland, 410-848-3251 November 9-12 Sacramento International Auto Show, State Fairgrounds, Sacramento, California, 916-635-2728 November 9-12 Fall AutoFest, Festival Park, Zephyrhills, Florida, 813-258-6726 November 9-12 Fall Festival Craft Show, Canterbury Park, Shakopee, Minnesota, 952-445-7223 November 9-12 Dickens Christmas Show, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, 843-448-9483 November 9-13 Gingerbread House Festival,                    10am-9pm, Show Barn at Thanksgiving Point, Lehi, Utah, 801-437-6219 or 801-473-9465 November 10-11 Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show,                    Pensacola Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida, 850-452-2583 or 800-874-1234 November 10-11 St. Benedict's Church Christmas Bazaar, 2020 Chestnut Hill Rd., Mohnton, Pennsylvania, 610-856-1006 November 10-12 Memories Scrapbooking Expo, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida, 740-452-4541 November 10-12 Sound The Alarm Christmas Bazaar, New Castle, Indiana, 765-521-4965 or 765-529-8122 November 10-12 United Fan Con, Springfield Marriott, Springfield, Massachusetts, 781-986-8735 or email November 10-12 New England Craft & Specialty Food Fair, Rockingham Park Racetrack, Salem, New Hampshire, 603-332-2616 November 10-12 NYST40 New York Area 40th Anniversary Star Trek Convention,                    Crowne Plaza Meadowlands Hotel, Secaucus, New Jersey, 818-409-0960 November 10-12 Chocolate Show, 125 W. 18th Street, New York, New York, 866-246-2692 November 10-12 Astronomicon 10, Clarion Riverside Hotel at 120 E. Main, Rochester, New York, 585-342-4697 or email November 10-12 Greater Pittsburgh Arts & Crafts Holiday Spectacular, Northern Lights Shopping Center, Baden, Pennsylvania November 10-12 Wizard World Texas, Convention Center on Ballpark Way, Arlington, Texas, email November 10-12 YMCA Crafts Fair, University Mall, Blacksburg, Virginia, 540-552-9686 November 10-12 Northern Virginia Christmas Market, Dulles Expo & Convention Center, Chantilly, Virginia November 11 Salute to America Concert, Sugden Regional Park, Naples, Florida, 239-254-4000 November 11 Meadowcrest Arts & Crafts, Green County High School, Greensboro, Georgia, 800-886-5253 November 11 Homemade Holidays Craft Show, Middle School, Ottawa, Kansas, 785-242-8618 November 11 Norton County Arts Council Arts & Crafts Fair,                    National Guard Armory & 4-H Building, Norton, Kansas, 785-877-2501 November 11 Holiday Craft Fair, St. Stanislaus Hall on Pine Hill Road, Nashua, New Hampsire, 603-528-4014 November 11 Fall Art & Craft Show, 10am-5pm, Community Center, Burnet, Texas, 512-756-0834 November 11 Great Hartford Craft Exposition,                    9am-4pm, Hartford Union High School, Hartford, Wisconsin, 262-673-5033 or 262-670-0117 November 11-12 Gun Show, Seaside Park at County Fairgrounds, Ventura, California, 805-648-3376 Ext. 2 November 11-12 Flamingo Follies Art Show, 9am-5pm, Flagler Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, 386-424-2175 November 11-12 Deer Widows Weekend, Outlets on Beyer Road, Saginaw, Michigan, 989-624-6226 November 11-12 Twin Cities Chocolate Extravaganza,                    11am-5pm, 275 Market Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 612-306-4026 or email November 11-12 Herkimer County Arts & Crafts Fair, Community College, Herkimer, New York, 315-866-0300 November 11-12 Autumn Art & Craft Festival,                    10am-6pm/10am-5pm, University Sports Complex Arena, Stony Brook, New York, November 11-12 Best Friends of Charleston Train Show,                    Armory at 5000 Lackawanna Blvd., North Charleston, South Carolina, 843-760-7405 November 11-18 Merritt Pottery Show & Sale, Knoxville, Georgia, 478-474-7833 November 12 Great Midwest Train Show, 9:30am-3pm, County Fairgrounds, Wheaton, Illinois, 630-290-1962 November 12 Hudson Valley Railroad Society 35th Annual Railroad Exposition,                    10am-3pm, Mid-Hudson Civic Center, Poughkeepsie, New York, 845-297-0901 November 12-19 Miami Book Fair International, 300 NE Second Avenue, Miami, Florida, 305-237-3258 November 14-15 Christmas Boutique & Angel Street Cafe, 601 Claymont Drive, Ballwin, Missouri, 636-394-2233 November 15-19 Yuletide Treasures, Tointon Gallery, Greeley, Colorado, 970-350-9491 November 16-18 St. Petersburg Boat Show, Marina, St. Petersburg, Florida, 800-940-7642 November 17 Holiday Lighted Parade, 6:30pm, Northville, Michigan, 248-349-7640 November 17 Art Walk, 2-9pm, Canandaigua, New York November 17 Window Wonderland, 7-9:30pm, Downtown, Wooster, Ohio, 330-262-6222 November 17 Arts & Antiques Open House in Olde Towne, Portsmouth, Virginia November 17-18 Gingerbread Village, Church of the Magadalen at 12626 E. 1st North, Wichita, Kansas, 620-683-4788 November 17-18 Broadmoor High Art & Craft Festival, Broadmoor High School, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 225-926-1420 November 17-19 Stargate SG-1 & Stargate: Atlantis Convention, Burbank Hilton & Towers, Burbank, California, 818-409-0960 November 17-19 Louisiana Highland Games, Jackson, Louisiana, 225-927-2944 November 17-19 Paradise City Arts Festival,                    Royal Plaza Trading Center, Marlborough, Massachusetts, 413-587-0772 or 800-511-9725 November 17-19 Zia Arts & Crafts Festival, State Fairgrounds, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 505-823-1092 November 17-19 Capital City Art & Craft Show, Civic Center, Charleston, West Virginia, 304-345-7469 or 304-345-1500 November 17-19 Wasatch Gun Show, CAM-PLEX, Gillette, Wyoming, 801-466-7556 November 18 Arts & Crafts Fair, Rec Center/Burlington High School, Burlington, Kansas, 620-364-8484 November 18 Hainesport Train & Railroadiana Show,                    10am-3pm, Hainesport Public School on Broad Street, Hainesport, New Jersey, 856-816-8802 November 18 Craft Show, Linton Middle School, Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, 412-244-9440 or 412-798-2147 November 18 Pfall Pfest Arts & Crafts Show, Rec Center on Immanuel Rd., Pflugerville, Texas, 512-2251-5082 November 18 WCTC Craft Fair, 800 Main St., Pewaukee, Wisconsin, 262-691-5470 November 18 Jaycees Arts & Crafts Fair, Richland Middle School on Hwy. 80 S., Richland Center, Wisconsin, 608-647-5501 November 18 Holiday Marketplace, County Fair Park, West Bend, Wisconsin, 262-334-2402 November 18-19 Japan Expo 2006, Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, California, 213-617-0868 November 18-19 Gem & Mineral Show, Community Center on Hobson Way, Oxnard, California, 805-644-6450 November 18-19 Christmas on Vinegar Hill (18th), Mt. Pulaski, Illinois, 217-792-5698 November 18-19 Boston Super Megafest, Framingham Sheraton, Framington, Massachusetts, 800-505-8697 November 18-19 Christmas Arts & Crafts Extravaganza (35th),                    Show Me Center & Osage Center, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 573-334-9233 November 18-19 Holiday Spirit Craft Fair, Parkway South High School on Hanna Road, Manchester, Missouri, 314-415-7766 November 18-19 Gun Show, Cashman Center, Las Vegas, Nevada November 18-19 Holly Berry Arts & Crafts Show, Armory on Canal St., Manchester, New Hampshire, 603-528-4014 November 18-19 Holiday Craft Show, Fairfax High School on Old Lee Hwy., Fairfax, Virginia, 703-246-6321 November 18-19 Capital of the Confederacy Civil War Show, 9am-3pm, Raceway Complex, Richmond, Virginia, 804-928-1006 November 19 Tejano Super Car Show, County Coliseum, Odessa, Texas, 432-337-2189 November 22 Christmas in the Sky, Longview Lake Beach, Blue Springs, Missouri, 816-503-4830 November 24 Lighted Christmas Parade, 6pm, 13th & Main, Clarinda, Iowa, 712-542-2166 November 24 Christmas Light Parade, Center Avenue, Oakley, Kansas, 785-672-4862 November 24 Gazette Parade of Lights, 7pm, State Street & Erie Blvd., Schenectady, New York, 518-372-5656 November 24 Sundance Square Parade of Lights, 6pm, downtown, Fort Worth, Texas, 817-255-5700 November 24-25 Winter Art & Craft Fair, Seasons Convention Center, Nashville, Indiana, 812-587-5068 November 24-26 Loscon 33, Los Angeles Airport Marriot, Los Angeles, California, 818-760-9234 or email November 24-26 Christmas Classic Arts & Crafts Show,                    10am-5pm, Dome Center, Henrietta, New York, 315-686-5789 or 585-334-4000 November 24-26 Holiday Craft & Gift Show, Wisconsin Expo Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 414-321-2100 or 717-796-2380 November 25 Jacksonville Light Parade, downtown waterfront, Jacksonville, Florida, 904-630-3690 November 25 Rockets Over the Red, 4-9pm, River View Park, Shreveport, Louisiana, 318-222-7403 November 25 Christmas Parade, Town Square, Garnett, Kansas, 785-448-6767 November 25 Homemade for the Holidays (20th), 9am-4pm, Pottorf Hall in CiCo Park, Manhattan, Kansas, 785-293-5712 November 25 Lighted Christmas Parade (20th), Main Street, Russell, Kansas, 785-483-2897 November 25 Holiday Mart, Samoset Resort, Rockport, Maine, 207-596-0376 November 25 Twinkle Light Parade, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 505-768-3555 November 25-26 Craft Festival, Stephen O'Connell Center, Gainesville, Florida, 352-392-7238 November 25-26 Antique & Collectible Jewelry Show & Sale, County Fairgrounds, Miami, Florida, 786-263-3660 November 25-26 Lakes Region Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair,                    Expo Center on Elm, Winnepesaukee, New Hampshire, 603-528-4014 November 25-26 Mid-Ohio-Con, Battelle Hall at Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio, 419-526-1427 or email November 25-26 Holiday Craft Fair, Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 215-579-5997 November 25-26 Christmas Showcase of Arts & Crafts, Civic Center, New Braunfels, Texas, 210-698-0811 November 25-26 Gig Harbor Winterfest Arts & Crafts Fair, Peninsula High School, Gig Harbor, Washington, 253-857-3530 November 25-26 Gun Show, Clark County Fairgrounds, Vancouver, Washington November 26 Mid-America Train & Toy Show,                    9am-2pm, BTC Exhibit Hall at I-435 & Front Street, Kansas City, Missouri, 913-651-5864 or 913-680-0404 November 26 Volunteer Fire Dept. Pancake & Sausage Brunch, 9am-4pm, North Washington, Pennsylvania, 724-894-2064 November 28 Christmas Parade, Emporia, Kansas, 620-342-1600 November 28-30 Farm & Ranch Show, Civic Center, Amarillo, Texas, 806-378-4297 November 29-December 3 Christmas & Gift Show,                    Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex at Cameron & MaClay, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 717-233-5100 November 30-December 3 Lamb's Farm Holiday Art & Craft Fair, Convention Center, Rosemont, Illinois, 630-325-8080
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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

Scott will be a guest at the New York Area 40th Anniversary Star Trek Convention November 10-12 at Crowne Plaza Meadowlands Hotel in Secaucus, New Jersey.

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

Above: Metallic Choker Necklace Left: Dreamcatcher Earrings

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

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

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

A lot of plain sounding domain names belong to interesting site owners. brownies.com, ocean.com, buttons.com, spoons.com, circles.com, hotcocoa.com, potluck.com, freshapplepie.com, arearug.com, boots.com, hotcoffee.com, taxi.com. Try Typing other "plain vanilla" domains into a search engine and see what you find.
Did President Harry S. Truman really start a tradition by pardoning a turkey?		Ocean Spray Cranberries has a recipe book you can download in .pdf form, called 12 Months of Cranberry.
When you're thinking of holiday foods to serve this fall and winter you should be sure to remember the bright green and vibrant taste of kiwifruit. The California Kiwifruit Commission has advice on extending fruit's season. Did you know you could successfully freeze kiwifruit? Check out the commission's recipes for more ideas on how to add antioxidant-rich kiwifruit to holiday meals.

Send Deb email: deb@lightpatch.com

Last Updated October 25, 2006

Deb's Monthly Review © copyright Deb Thompson