Deb's Monthly Review

December 2010

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

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

Bringing you festivals and other fun since 1997!

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	The Artsy Site Of The Month: Bayeux Tapestry Thumbnails Click the parts for larger images.		Handy Site Of The Month: Italianculture.net A good starting place to learn about your (or someone else's) Italian roots.
	Just Fun Site Of The Month: BLM Tourists and Travelers Fun travel with the Bureau of Land Management.		Scientific/Technical Sites Of The Month: European Southern Observatory Top 100 images Click on individual images for larger view.

 December 2010 Festivals and Events

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

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

December 2-3, 2010 Flushing Community Candlewalk Downtown, Flushing, New York	Horse-drawn wagon or carriage rides, Santa parade, merchant specials, 8-foot by 16-foot interactive model train layout at the museum, home and business decorating competitions, chainsaw carving, pictures with Santa, aircraft display, refreshments such as hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts, live reindeer, choirs and other music, tree lighting ceremony. More than 5 miles of community streets will glow with the light from more than 10,000 candles. Learn More: Call 810-859-4141
December 3, 2010 Peoria's Old Town Festival City Hall Municipal Complex, Peoria, Arizona	Arts and crafts, carolers, Santa's arrival, gingerbread house competition, magicians and other entertainers, roasted almonds and kettle corn from food vendors, more than 20 tons of snow in a winter play area. The fun goes from 5-9pm. Details: Call 623-773-7564
December 3, 2010 Snowflake Festival Glazebrook Park on Stamper Lane, Godfrey, Illinois	Help celebrate the season with a lighting ceremony, choirs and caroling, wagon rides, carriage rides, visits with Santa, hot cocoa and cookies. Be prompt, because all the fun is packed into two hours, 6-8pm. Get the Facts: Call 618-466-1483
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State Sticker Map from Camping World.
December 3, 2010 Holiday Walk Festival of Windows Madison Street, Forest Park, Illinois	Face painting, live reindeer, horse-drawn sleigh rides, live window displays (and you can vote for favorites), photos and visits with Santa, merchant specials and open houses, refreshments, marshmallow roasting. Most events happen 6-9pm. Questions? Call 708-366-2543
December 3, 2010 Light Up LaGrange Downtown on Historic Main, LaGrange, Kentucky	Carriage rides, visits with Santa, window decorations, merchant specials, carolers, activities for kids. Further Information: Call 502-222-0918
December 3-4, 2010 Balboa Park December Nights Balboa Park museums, San Diego, California	More than 300,000 are expected to attend this 33rd year. Participating museums in the park offer free entry from 5-9. You can also enjoy gift and craft sales, international foods, music and dance entertainment (including bell ringers and international choirs), Santa on hand for visits and photos, cider (plus other beverages for the grown-ups), possibly a Santa Lucia procession, holiday lights and more. Festival hours are 5-9pm on Friday and noon-10pm on Saturday. Learn More: Call 619-239-0512
December 3-5, 2010 Christmas on the River Downtown area, Chester, Illinois	Coloring contest for kids, Christmas Tree Contest and display at the firehouse, tree lighting at the gazebo in the park, Santa's arrival via river at 10am on Saturday, holiday lighted parade (beginning at Chester High School) at 7pm on Friday, open houses and refreshments at local shops, music, crafts, student essay/story contest. It's the festival's 22nd year. Questions? Call 618-826-4187 or 618-826-4311
December 3-5, 2010 Plaquemines Parish Fair & Orange Festival Fort Jackson, Buras, Louisiana	This is the first time the festivities have been back at Fort Jackson since Katrina blew through, so there's even more reason to celebrate. Plans include a pie eating contest for kids, an orange roll and a sack race, oyster shucking contest, music, fun run, carnival (beginning on Friday with the other events added to it the next day), arts and crafts, festival merchandise, food. General hours are 5-9pm on Friday, 10am-dusk on Saturday and 10am-dusk on Sunday. Details: Call 504-656-7599 or 504-398-4434
December 3, 10, 17, 2010 Cornish Christmas Mill & West Main Streets downtown, Grass Valley, California	Technically, this one begins November 26, but if you miss that date you can catch the December days just fine. Enjoy costumed carolers, holiday decorations, merchant specials, clogger, jugglers, bell ringers, singers and other musicians, food and drink vendors, arts and crafts. Hours are 6-9pm each of the evenings and streets are closed to vehicle traffic during the event. Further Info: Call 530-272-8315
December 4, 2010 Fireman's Carnival Nome Rec Center, Nome, Alaska	Bingo, cake walks, raffles for a snowmobile and other prizes, food and more. The event is a fundraiser for the local fire department. Get the Facts: Call 907-443-2310
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December 4, 2010 Cowboy Christmas Community Park on 5th Street at Crocker, Templeton, California	Snow area for sledding and other fun, Santa's arrival around 11am, vendors, music, country music, Christmas music, farmers market until 12:30pm, merchant specials, refreshments, arts and crafts. Most of the fun goes from 10am-3pm. Questions? Call 805-434-1789
December 4, 2010 Santa Parade and Snowfest Straub Park, St. Petersburg, Florida	Santa Parade on Bay Shore Drive at 10am and then off to Straub Park for ice skating, pony rides, tobaggan rides, snow romp for the kids, petting zoo, arts and crafts. 65 tons of snow adds to the fun, which goes roughly from 11am-3pm. There will also be a lighted boat parade that evening. Additional Info: Call 727-893-7441
December 4, 2010 Winter Festival Downtown, Tallahassee, Florida	The festival celebrates 24 years in 2010. Enjoy a Celebration of Lights with animated light displays, 5 stages of entertainment, Tallahassee on Ice at Kleman Plaza, lighting ceremony around 6pm, arts and crafts, 2-mile Jingle Bell Run (more fun than competitive and with lots of silly costumes), activities for the kids, holiday parade, Candy Cane Lane at McCarty Park on Park Avenue, food court. General hours are 3-10pm. Get the Facts: Call 850-891-3860
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December 4, 2010 Winterfest Courthouse Square, Valdosta, Georgia	Horse and carriage rides, 5K run, visits and photos with Santa, food vendors, activities for kids, merchant special. The fun goes from 10am-5pm. Questions? Call 229-259-3548
December 4, 2010 Fire & Water (Le Feu et l'eau) 1024 Courtableau, Arnaudville, Louisiana	For a 5th year you can enjoy an art auction, art workshops and classes, lighting of luminaries, open studio at Vincent Darby's Art Studio, festival foods such as sandwiches, chili, bread pudding and sweet dough pies. Plus there will be music from Hadley J. Castillo, Rio Luminoso and Celtic Circuit. Further Information: Call 337-453-3370
December 4, 2010 Harbor Lights Festival Downtown, Boothbay Harbor, Maine	Hot chocolate and cookies, Mr. & Mrs. Claus arriving by boat, arts and crafts, food vendors, lighted boat parade in the harbor at 5pm, Historical Society open house, horse-drawn wagon rides, live nativity at the local Catholic Church, caroling and more. Get Details: Call 207-633-2353
December 4, 2010 Chester Greenwood Day Downtown, Farmington, Maine	Flag raising ceremony and parade at 11am, chili cooking contest, gingerbread house contest, Festival of Trees at the Granary Restaurant plus auctioning of the trees, Polar Bear Club dip into Clearwater Lake at 3pm, fresh wreath sales. Why honor Mr. Greenwood? He bears the distinction of being considered the inventor of the ear muff. Information: Call 207-778-4215
December 4, 2010 Christmas Honey Festival Throughout town, Minco, Oklahoma	It's the 20th anniversary for this event. Plans include visits with Santa at the gazebo in the park, free dairy samples at City Hall, arts and crafts at The Armory, antique appraisals, kiddie tractor pull, Ross Honey Plant tours, quilt show, Honey Baking Contest, honey for sale, Tour of Homes, history exhibits, pancake breakfast at First United Methodist Church from 7-10am. More: Call 405-352-0518
December 4, 2010 Harbor Lights Festival Shoreline Blvd. between Lawrence and Peoples Streets, Corpus Christi, Texas	Jingle Bell Barbecue Cookoff, tamale mercado, Children's Parade at 3pm, Santa's motorcade at 6:30pm, activity area for the kids, illuminated boat parade at 7:45pm, lighting of the 75-foot AEP tree, Gingerbread Holiday Tree Village, Children's Gift of Love Bingo Giveaway. 2010 marks the festival's 29th season. Questions? Call 361-985-1555
December 4, 2010 Christmas in the Park Town Center Park, Kingwood, Texas	It's the festival's 10th annniversary. Enjoy a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 6pm, festival foods, photos and visits with Santa, arts and crafts, entertainment, non-profit booths and info, merchant specials. Most of the fun goes from 10am-7pm. Further Details: Call 713-305-2239
December 4, 2010 Winter Flake Festival Centennial Park, Wenatchee, Washington	Games and activities for kids, food vendors, sledding, music and maybe some caroling, hot chocolate, hay rides, illuminated parade at 6pm, arts and crafts, tree lighting ceremony. Get the Facts: Call 509-654-3392
December 4-5, 2010 Tamale Festival Miles, Smurr and Towne Streets area, Indio, California	Food vendors, 4 stages of entertainment, parade at 10am on Miles Avenue, carnival rides and games, petting zoo, tamale making and judging, giant inflatables for the kids, cooking demos, arts and crafts, tamale eating contest. Learn More: Call 760-391-4175
December 4-5, 2010 Budafest City Greenbelt, Buda, Texas	A parade at 10am officially opens the festivities. Enjoy carnival rides and games at the City Park, festival merchandise, food vendors, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, antiques and collectibles, arts and crafts booths, music and other entertainment. General hours are 10am-dusk. Get The Facts: Call 512-295-1559
Did you know that Margaret Truman, the only daughter of President Harry Truman, penned several mysteries? Two of them were Murder in the Supreme Court and Murder Inside the Beltway
December 4-5 & 11-12, 2010 Winter Wonderland Slater Memorial Park at Newport Avenue/Armistice Blvd., Pawtucket, Rhode Island	Carousel rides, bell ringers, choirs, activities for kids, train rides, hay rides, visits and photos with Santa, light displays and animation, food court, puppet shows, hundreds of decorated trees plus decorated Victorian houses. Get The Facts: Call 401-726-3185
December 4-5, 10-11, 2010 Christmas by the Sea Various locations, Ogunquit, Maine	Beach bonfire, meatloaf competition, book signings, letters to Santa, scavenger hunt, activities for kids, merchant specials, carolers, arts and crafts, antiques and collectibles, visit from Santa, Chowder and Chocolatefest, living manger, storytelling, cookie walk, Christmas Parade. It's the festival's 24th year. Learn More: Call 207-646-2939
December 4, 11, 18, 2010 Christmas in Little Italy Mulberry Street between Canal and Broome Streets, New York, New York	Holiday lights and decorations, concert, merchant specials, tree lighting ceremony December 4, carolers in 19th Century costume, nativity demonstration December 11 at 6:15pm, Christmas Parade December 18 at 2pm, visits with Santa Claus. Learn More: Call 800-854-9710
December 5, 2010 It's a Wonderful LIfe in Whittemore Downtown, Whittemore, Iowa	Roasted chestnuts and other refreshments, open houses at local business, live nativity scene, tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa, craft vendors, carolers and other music, door prizes, Holiday Tour of Homes. Further Details: Call 515-884-2514 or 515-884-2265
December 5, 2010 Christmas on the Canal Union Street between West Avenue and Amity Street, Spencerport, New York	Horse-drawn hayrides, candlelight caroling, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, merchant specials, food and beverages, tree lighting at 5pm, local choir and band performances, commemorative ornaments, craft activities for kids. The fun goes from 2-6 pm for this 15th year. Questions? Call 585-366-4694
December 10-12, 2010 Festival of the Bonfires Lutcher Recreation Park on Louisiana Avenue, Lutcher, Louisiana	Santa's Very Merry Forest of lighted trees, car show on Sunday, children's pageant, music and dance entertainment, 5K run/walk, bread pudding contest, Million Mutt March, carnival rides, arts and crafts, Potato Salad Showdown, Gumbo Cook-Off, festival foods, gingerbread house contest, horseshoe tournament. There is no admission charge for kids age 10 and younger. This is the festival's 21st anniversary. Learn More: Call 225-869-1717
December 11, 2010 Christmas on the Coosa In and around Gold Star Park, Wetumpka, Alabama	Celebrate 27 years with arts and crafts from 10am-6pm, Santa Ski-In at 6pm, festival foods, art show, entertainment, street parade at 3pm, activities for the kids, fireworks, the 12Ks of Christmas Fun Run at 9am, character breakfast, entertainment. Park at Wal-Mart or The Armory and take the shuttle. Questions? 334-567-1313
December 11, 2010 Christmas in Collierville Confederate Park, Collierville, Tennessee	Local school and other entertainment, visit from Santa, tours of Bess Crawford Morton White Church, craft and other activities for kids, festival foods, carriage rides. More Information: 901-853-3225 or 901-457-2777
December 11 and 18, 2010 Old Town Country Christmas Old Town area, Auburn, California	For a 24th year you can get in on the fun of arts and crafts, food vendors, open houses at shops, entertainment, booths lighted with Coleman lanterns, bonfire, pony rides and other activities for the kids, merchant specials, hay rides, pictures and visits with Santa. You can enjoy cider at the bonfire. The fun is 5-9pm, rain or shine. Get The Facts: 530-888-1585
December 12, 2010 St. Lucy Festival of Lights St. Martin de Tours Church Square, St. Martinville, Louisiana	Outdoor mass, parade at 2pm beginnning at St. Martinville Senior High School and heading down Main Street, entertainment, games, festival foods, lighting of the Square at 6pm, arts and crafts. Find Out More: 337-394-9404
December 28-30, 2010 Winter Steam Festival Golden Spike National Historic Site, (west of) Brigham, Utah	This festival differs from most in that it's not full of staged entertainment and carnival atmosphere. Dress warmly and enjoy celebrating a little American history. There will be films highlighting railroads and trains and the westward expansion of the U.S. General hours are 9am-5pm. Info: 435-471-2209 ext. 29
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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Baker's Edge Brownie Pan Nordic Ware 2-piece Bundt Set
December Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
Dec 2-5 Christmas on the River, Demopolis, Alabama, 334-289-0270 Dec 2-12 Christmas Prelude, various locations, Kennebunkport, Maine, 207-967-0857 Dec 3-4 December Nights (33rd), 5-10pm/noon-10pm, Balboa Park, San Diego, California, 619-239-0512 Dec 3-4 Christmas on the River, English Landing Park, Parkville, Missouri, 816-587-2700 Dec 3-4 Old Fashioned Cowboy Christmas (15th), Community Center, Medora, North Dakota, 701-623-4829 Dec 3-5 Christmas in LeClaire, Downtown, LeClaire, Iowa, 563-322-3911 or 800-747-7800 Dec 3-5 Christmas by the Sea, Manchester, Massachusetts, 978-263-1601 Dec 3-6 Christmas Past (10th), various locations, Oil City, Pennsylvania, 814-676-8521 Dec 4 Christmas Carol, Courthouse Square downtown, Carrollton, Kentucky, 502-732-8100 or 502-732-5713 Dec 4 York Festival of Lights, various locations, York, Maine, 207-363-1040 Dec 4 Star City Holiday Festival (26th), Lincoln, Nebraska, 402-434-6902 Dec 4 Christmas Festival & Lighted Parade (14th), Downtown, Quanah, Texas, 940-663-2222 Dec 4-5 Carols in the Park (23rd), Central Park, Winter Haven, Florida, 863-291-5656 Dec 6-18 Holiday Festival, Performing Arts Centre, Selma, Alabama, 334-875-7241 or 334-874-8044 Dec 10 Christmas in the Park (and Parade),                    Union Park & Gault Avenue, Fort Payne, Alabama, 256-995-0795 or 256-845-2741 Dec 11 Vine Street Victorian Holiday Showcase, 6-9pm, Vine between 8th & 21st, Paso Robles, California, 805-238-4103 Dec 11 Palms and Poinsettias, Ulmer Park, Largo, Florida, 727-587-6740 ext. 5014 Dec 11 Just One More Holiday Festival 9-4, Ponce de Leon Park & Bloxham Park, Tallahassee, Florida, 850-890-6727 Dec 11 Festival of Lights Holiday Parade Celebration, 6-30pm, Downtown, Salem, Oregon, 503-581-4325
Other December 2010 Events You Might Enjoy
Dec 1-3 International WorkBoat Show, Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, 972-620-3027 Dec 3-5 Pittsburgh Toy, Comic & Childhood Collectibles Show (aka Steel City Con), Convention Center, Monroe, Pennsylvania, 412-213-0224 Dec 4 Living Windows Displays, Main Street, Van Buren, Arkansas, 479-474-0332 Dec 4 Stars on the Water Boat Parade, 7pm, Signal Point Marina (view from Lurleen B. Wallace Drive), Guntersville, Alabama, 256-582-3612 Dec 4 Electric Light Parade, 7pm, Central Ave/Camelback/Seventh/Indian School Rd., Phoenix, Arizona, 602-262-4627 Dec 4 Brighten the Harbor lighted boat parade,                    begins 5pm at Coast Guard Pier, Monterey, California, 831-657-0855 or 831-372-9686 Dec 4 Lighted Boat Parade, 6:30pm, Marina, Morro Bay, California, 805-772-4467 Dec 4 San Jose Super Toy, Comic and Record Show, 9-4, County Fairgrounds, San Jose, California, 408-298-1709 Dec 4 Lehigh Valley Comic Con, 4550 Old Packhouse Rd., Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, 610-573-6110 Dec 4 Reindog Parade, 10am, Valley Park, Hurricane, West Virginia, 304-562-0518 Dec 4-5 Chimneyville Crafts Festival, Trade Mart, Jackson, Mississippi, 601-981-0019 Dec 4-11 Gingerbread Village & Christmas Bazaar, (call for hours) George's Episcopal Church on Tucker Hill Rd., Middlebury, Connecticut, 203-758-9557 Dec 10-11 SEMO Farm Toy Show (23rd), 8-2, Best Western at 220 Interstate Drive, Sikeston, Missouri, 573-628-3643 Dec 11 Parade of Lights (on the Tennessee River), 6pm,                    watch from Riverwalk Marina/Rhodes Ferry Park/Hard Dock Cafe), Decatur, Alabama, 256-355-7101 Dec 11 Parade of Lights (45th), 7pm, Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard, California, 805-985-4852 Dec 11 Parade of Lights, 6pm, begins at High School, Blissfield, Michigan, 517-486-3842 Dec 17 Parade of Lights, Ventura Harbor, Ventura, California, 805-477-0470 or 805-648-2075 Dec 18-19 Gun Show, Civic Center, Salem, Virginia, 540-953-0016 Dec 19 Antique & Collectible Market, 8am-2pm, Veterans Stadium, Long Beach, California, 323-655-5703 Dec 19 Lighted Tractor Parade, 7pm, Main Street, Ferndale, California, 707-786-4299 or 707-786-4477 Dec 26 King Mango Strut Parade (29th), 2pm, begins at Commodore Plaza, Coconut Grove, Florida, 305-401-1171
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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.

Above: Metallic Choker Necklace Left: Feather Choker Necklace

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

A video shows a quick technique with individually wrapped candies that will decorate tables and serve as tasty gifts. With a little assistance when it comes to the pins, even kids could make these Candy Christmas Trees to give teachers or other special friends.
10 Wackiest Tax Deductions for 2010		Repeating this one in case you missed out on Lightpatch's Christmas lights.
Need a quick treat to take to a party? Make this 2 Minute Microwave Fudge and get out of the kitchen in a hurry so you can concentrate on getting together with other great people.

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Last Updated November 30, 2010

Deb's Monthly Review © copyright Deb Thompson