Deb's Monthly Review
May 2000

Special Quote "There is no perfect time to write. There's only now." --Barbara Kingsolver

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. But, remember - I have no control over outside links. For happiest results, please surf the Web with your kids!

The Artsy Site Of The Month: Metal Web News Welding, sculpting, design and more.		Personal Home Page Of The Month: The Islander Homepage Chris Cull's marine and woodworking themes.
Web Page Design Site Of The Month: FAQ-Man If you want to provide online basic support for a product or service, this could be your answer.		Seasonal Site Of The Month: Cinco de Mayo Fiesta 2000 Plus links to other Cinco de Mayo sites.
Just Fun Site Of The Month: JGames.com Java-based Connect Four, Midtris, more.		Downright Serious Site Of The Month: Rabies Homepage from Centers for Disease Control Forget myths about flesh-eating bacteria in bananas, and go get your pet vaccinated against this deadly disease.
Historical Site Of The Month: Brief History of Brazil A tiny look back at a big country.

May Events

For May Travelers

May 2-14, 2000 Contraband Days Lake Charles Civic Center, Lake Charles, Louisiana.	Did pirate Jean Lafitte really bury treasure near the Louisiana waterways? We may never know for certain, but visitors to this festival have a great time anyway, with a carnival, boat parades, petting zoo and endangered animal displays, stage shows, theatre, bathtub races, bed races, 5-mile run, arm wrestling tournaments, car show, collectibles show, souvenir booths, Kids World stage, state choir contest (and a mass choir), costume contest, limbo contest, celebrity crawfish races, and more. There is a small admission charge. Additional Details: 337-436-5508.
May 5-7, 2000 Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival Wildlife Refuge Center (and other venues), Homer, Alaska.	Bird film festivals, photography workshops, birding classes and guided walks, talks on falconry, bird calling contest, boat and air tours, arts and crafts fair at the high school, 5-K Migration Run, refreshments. Further information: Call 907-235-7740.
May 6-7 Ruskin Tomato and Heritage Festival E.G. Simmons Park, Ruskin, Florida.	Entertainment, car show, bike show, games, rock climb, crafts and food (including free sliced tomatoes). More: 813-645-3808.
May 6-7, 2000 Jean Lake Arts & Crafts Festival Pike Pioneer Museum, Troy, Alabama.	Arts and crafts, entertainment. Admission is charged. Additional details: Call 334-566-3597.
May 6-7, 2000 Central Valley Renaissance Festival Pedro Ranch on Highway 49, Sonora, California.	3500 people usually attend this event, held from 10 in the morning until 6 in the evening. Details: Call 800-688-1477.
May 6-7, 2000 Cottonwood Art Festival Cottonwood Park (on Beltline Road), Richardson, Texas.	This festival has been held every spring (there's also a fall session) for over 30 years. More than 200 artists showcase their talents in a variety of art mediums. Music and food add more fun to the atmosphere. Further information: Call 972-669-0912.
May 6-7, 2000 Snellville Days Festival T.W. Briscoe Park, Snellville, Georgia.	About 17,000 attend this event for the craft show, parade, car shows, entertainment. More: Call 770-985-3535.
May 6-21, 2000 Oklahoma Renaissance Faire The Castle at 3400 Fern Mountain Road, Muskogee, Oklahoma.	As many as 60,000 attend over the course of this event, which runs from 11-6 daily. Details: Call 918-687-3625.
May 12-13, 2000 Mayfest Downtown, Guin, Alabama.	Bakeoff, music, flea market, arts and crafts, dog show, train rides, helicopter rides, food and music. More Information: Call 205-468-2118.
May 12-13, 2000 Poke Salat Festival Downtown, Arab, Alabama.	Arts and crafts and more. Further Details: Call 256-586-9913.
May 12-14, 2000 Latin American Fiesta Ybor City, Florida.	Now in its 73rd year, this multicultural event includes a queen's pageantry, food and entertainment. More Information: Call 813-238-9584.
May 12-14, 2000 Stanford Powow Stanford Campus, Stanford, California.	Traditional native American dance competitions in many age categories, drum contests, 5k run, more. This is an alcohol-free event. Details: Call 650-723-4078.
May 12-21, 2000 Lilac Festival Highland Park, Rochester, New York.	Historical exhibits of Rochester's botanical parks, classes on making nature prints, lectures, walking tours of planted areas, parade, arts and crafts, music by Guy Lombardo Orchestra, Camp Good Days Children's 1k (at any pace: every contestant who finishes wins), wine tastings and farmer's market, skater's Lilac Loop, food concessions ranging from candy apples to London Broil. Further Information: Call 716-234-4717.
May 12-21, 2000 Canadian Tulip Festival Major's Hill Park (and other venues), Ottawa.	Concert series (with artists Michelle Shocked, Iris Dement, Jacksoul, Steve Forbert and others), carnival night, kid zone, Flavours of the Outaouais, parade on Rideau Canal, Tulip Route (imagine over 2 million bulbs blooming in brilliant colors). Some events have admission charge. Details: Call 613-567-5757.
May 13-14, 2000 Fort Clifton Arts, Music and Craft Festival Berberich Park, Fort Clifton, Virginia.	Arts and crafts exhibitors, 20 Civil War exhibitors, confederate reenactments, demonstrations, tours of the fort, children's activities, food and music. Admission is free. More: Call 804-520-9224.
May 13-14, 2000 Artfest of Henderson Water Street, Henderson, Nevada.	Up to 40,000 people are expected to attend the event (in its third year) to view over 200 artisans and enjoy food, music and works in fiber, ceramics, metals and other mediums. The festival runs from 10-6 both days. Further information: Call 480-968-5353.
May 13-14, 2000 Atlanta Celtic Festival Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, Georgia.	Music by Liam Clancy, Christine Primrose, Alison Kinnaird, Clandestine and Wild Welsh Women. Arts and crafts, sheepdog demonstrations, Gaelic football, celtic theatre, harp and song workshops. Some events are ticketed ones. More Details: Call 404-572-8045.
May 13-21, 2000 Rhododendron Festival Corner of Washington & Adams Streets (& other venues), Port Townsend, Washington.	In its 65th year, this festival features an arts and crafts fair, senior dance, gardens, carnival, bed races, pancake breakfast, parade and flower shows. More Information: Call 360-379-5261 or 360-385-7244. (Unsure of this area code - it may be 564.) NOTE: Visit the Food Coop at the corner of Lawrence & Polk for natural foods and unusual products like gourmet cheeses. See the area in a Water Taxi (call 379-3258 for reservations, which are required). Check with Washington Trails Association for great hiking ideas.
May 15-16, 2000 Taste Addison Addison Conference & Theatre Centre, Addison, Texas.	It's the seventh year for this festival. 50 area restaurants sell sample-sized cuisine for a fun tasting experience. There is also musical entertainment. Further Information: Call 800-ADDISON.
May 15-30, 2000 Medieval Fantasy Faire Sandusky River banks, Fremont, Ohio.	Festival runs from 10-6 and is visited by up to 10,000 people. More Details: Call 419-334-7774.
May 18-21, 2000 Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee Calaveras County Fairgrounds (off Highway 49), Angels Camp, California.	Will the 21 feet 5.75 inches record "Rosie the Ribiter" set back in 1986 finally be broken this year? You can find out, along with enjoying all the typical fair-style events. Listen to tales from Mark Twain and then visit gem displays and animal exhibits, and listen to the sounds of Taiko drumming. There's an " 80's Ladies" concert (by Lacy J. Dalton, Janie Fricke and Juice Newton). More: Call 209-736-2561.
May 18-28, 2000 Waterloo County & Area Quilt Festival Many venues in Waterloo-Kitchener area, Ontario.	Juried show, ethnic quilt shows, miniature quilts, quilts for charity auction, luncheons, high teas, workshops. Further Details: Call 888-804-7909.
May 19-20, 2000 Riverfest Highway 411 & Moragne Park, Gadsden, Alabama.	Arts and crafts, children's events, food, water and jet ski performances on the Coosa River, country and classic rock music. Admission is charged. More Information: Call 256-543-3472.
May 19-20, 2000 Chocolate Festival Festival grounds (off Milwaukee Avenue near Echo Lake Park), Burlington, Wisconsin.	Parade (which includes an impressive 14 bands), fireworks, run/walk, juried art fair, Girl Scout breakfast, ecumenical service, entertainment and chocolate. Details: Call 262-763-3300.
May 19-20, 2000 Whistle Stop Festival Downtown, Irondale, Alabama.	Street Fair, live entertainment, carnival rides, arts and crafts, food. No admission is charged. More: Call 205-956-5962.
May 19-20, 2000 Ohio Folk Festival Carillon Historical Park, Dayton, Ohio.	Fun and food. More Information: Call 937-293-2841.
May 19-21, 2000 Sawmill Days Fisher, Louisiana.	Flea market, arts and crafts, horse and wagon rides, square dancing, food, horseshoe pitching, music in country and bluegrass styles (as well as gospel and western), games, contests. Additional Details: Call 318-256-3523.
May 19-21, 2000 National Pike Festival and Wagon Train Clear Spring to Boonsboro, Maryland.	A wagon train will travel 40 miles from Clear Spring to Boonsboro, with stops along the way for barbecues, flea markets, museums and parks. Further Details: 301-739-4870 or 301-696-2958.
May 19-21, 2000 St. Anthony's Annual Lebanese Food Festival 4611 Sadler Road, Glen Allen, Virginia.	Festival runs from 10-10. Falafel, shish kebab, eating inside or out, takeout available, and you can even buy some items in bulk to take home and freeze. There will also be Lebanese folk music and dancing. More: Call 804-270-7234.
May 20-21, 2000 Zellwood Sweet Corn Festival 4253 Ponkan Road, Zellwood, Florida.	"Big Bertha" cooks over 1600 ears of corn every 9 minutes. Plus there are arts and crafts, music (Leo Greenwood, Kentucky Headhunters and others), a souvenir shack, and fresh corn for purchase by crate. The festival runs 10-6 and is a ticketed event (your ticket includes a meal and also all the ears of sweet corn you can eat). No pets are allowed on festival grounds, so make other arrangements for Fido, please, while you enjoy the festival. Further Details: Call 407-886-0014.
May 20-21, 2000 Iris Festival Greenville, Tennessee.	Arts and crafts displays and sale, food concessions, horse and carriage rides, historic tours, demonstrations of potter making and blacksmithing, kids korner with arts and crafts and storytelling, music. More Information: Call 423-638-4111. NOTE: Nearby in Limestone, Tennessee is the Davy Crockett birthplace, state park and museum.
May 20-21, 2000 Salisbury Faire Water Works Park, Des Moines, Iowa.	Some 15,000 people are expected at the festival, which runs from 10-7. Details: Call 515-274-1777.
May 20-21, 2000 Celebrate Santa Cruz Art, Wine &Jazz Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, California.	Over 110 artisans, classic car show, children's activities, food, wine tasting, music (includes Monterey Youth Quartet, Real Time, Chimizu and Broken English). More Information: 831-429-8433.
May 20-21, 2000 Oakdale Chocolate Festival Wood Park, Oakdale, California.	Fun run, mixed doubles tennis tournament, classic car show, and Chocolate Avenue where you can taste (and buy) truffles, cheesecake, fudge, shakes, cookies and more. Beware: up to 50,000 other people may be tasting along with you. Admission is charged. More: Call 209-847-2244 (days) or 209-848-9484 (24 hour recording)
May 20-21, 2000 Mayville Festival of the Arts Mayville, Wisconsin.	Music (including steel drum bands), make-and-take art, displays, piano concert, millennial events. Further details: Call 920-387-5776.
May 20-21, 2000 Artichoke Festival Merritt Street, Castroville, California.	This little agricultural community will be teeming with over 20,000 festival attendees for the car show, parade, 10k race, arts and crafts, food and music by Bo Williams Swing Machine, Mumbo Gumbo, Mariachi California and others. There is an admission charge. More information: Call 831-633-2465.
May 20-21, 2000 Promenade Tecumseh Festival Chicago Boulevard, Tecumseh, Michigan.	Tours of historic homes, reeactments, food and crafts. Further Details: Call 517-423-3740.
May 22-28, 2000 Gospelfest Various venues, Barbados.	Groups from the USA, Canada, UK and Caribbean congregate to celebrate religious music in calypso style, jazz, reggae and soul. Details: Call 800-221-9831.
May 25-28, 2000 Mudbug Madness Festival Plaza, Shreveport, Louisiana.	Cajun music, and uh, crawfish eating contests. Further Information: Call 318-222-7403.
May 26-27, 2000 Ware Shoals Catfish Festival Town Square, Ware Shoals, South Carolina.	Parade, children's programs, carnival, food. There is no local lodging, but you can stay in nearby Greenwood, and there is also camping on Highway 25 in Greenwood State Park. More: Call 864-456-7664. NOTE: Greenwood is home to the Park Seed Company. If you can't visit South Carolina in person you can still sign the company's email newsletter. Just go to the website for Park Seed.
May 26-27, 2000 Rails 2000 Festival Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera, Alabama.	40-minute train rides through the forest, entertainment, food, crafts, children's activities, exhibits of locomotives and old equipment. There is a charge for train rides. Further Details: Call 800-943-4490.
May 26-28, 2000 Riverfest Julius Breckling Riverfront Park, Little Rock, Arkansas.	Demonstation and sales of jewlery, clay objects, wood art and more. There will be alcohol for sale, but you can also buy Bob's fresh-squeezed lemonade and other beverages. Food ranges from eggrolls to Italian sausage (and a twist on traditional funnel cakes with chocolate and caramel ones). Storytelling, clowns, fireworks, interactive art, music by (among others) The Original Drifters, Jars of Clay, The Blues Heavyweights, Buckwheat Zydeco and the Second Baptist Church Praise Team. More Information: Call 501-255-3378.
May 26-28, 2000 Jubilee Cityfest Downtown, Montgomery, Alabama.	Four stages of nonstop entertainment, Kidsfest, symphony concerts, NCAA baseball, more. Details: Call 334-834-7220.
May 26-29, 2000 Coosa River Whitewater Festival Gold Star Park, Wetumpka, Alabama.	Water-related fun. More Information: Call 334-272-0952.
May 26-29, 2000 Mule Days Arts and Crafts Festival City Park, Bishop, California.	Over 200 arts and crafts vendors, face painting and children's activities, music, pancake breakfast, barbecue dinner. The festival is in its 31st year, and is held in conjuction with Mule Days, which is May 24-28 700 mules compete in over 150 events. Further details: Call 760-872-4263.
May 26 - June 4, 2000 Festival in the Park Elmwood Park (and others), Roanoke, Virginia.	50's music party with a twist dance contest, music (blues, rock, country, big band), arts and crafts, Salute to Seniors Day (May 30), antique car show, children's activities, 60's party, cycling, road race, softball and volleyball tournaments, nocturnal golf tournament, children's parade. No pets except assistance animals. Most events are free. Details: Call 540-342-2640.
May 27-28, 2000 Mushroom Mardi Gras Community Park (corner of Edmundson Avenue & Monterey Road), Morgan Hill, California.	In its 21st year. 150 arts and crafts vnedors, music (by Steve Lucky & The Rhumba Bums and others), wine tasting, gourmet food tasting, micro-beer garden, freedom display, antique cars, marketplace. No pets and no carry-in food. The festival runs from 10-6 and admission is charged. More: Call 408-778-1786.
May 27-28, 2000 Mayfair Zenith Park, Cloudcroft, New Mexico.	Horseshoe tournaments, rodeo, car show, juried arts and crafts. Additional Details: Call 505-682-2733. NOTE: Cloudcroft is a mountain resort area, so the temperatures might not be what you would expect in a late spring desert town.
May 27-28, 2000 Moab Arts Festival City Park, Moab, Utah.	8th annual occurence of the event. Further Information: Call 435-259-7814.
May 27-28, 2000 Scandinavian Festival Cobb County Civic Center, Atlanta, Georgia.	Smoked salmon and other Danish specialty foods, Iceland Room and other exhibits, Viking encampment display and demonstrations, crafts, entertainment. Details: Call 770-528-8450.
May 27-28, 2000 California Wool and Fiber Festival Mendocino County Fairgrounds, Boonville, California.	Spinning contest, food, sheep and goat shows, weavings, fiber and fleece contests, Floyd Johnson sheepdog trials. More Information: Call 707-895-2379. Vendors: Call 707-459-5680.
May 27-29, 2000 Northwoods Renaissance Festival Redding Civic Center, Redding, California.	Over 15,00 are expected to attend. The festival runs from 10-6. Further details: Call 530-243-3377 Extension 326.
May 27-29, 2000 Arcadia Watermelon Festival Downtown, Arcadia, Florida.	Canoe challenge, seed-spitting contest, sackraces, beauty pageants, parade, largest watermelon contest, golf tournament, entertainment, crafts. More: Call 863-494-9500 or 863-494-6586.
May 28, 2000 St. John's Annual Lawn Festival St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Magnolia Springs, Alabama.	Arts and crafts, raffles, children's games, food. No admission is charged. More details: Call 334-965-7744 or 334-965-7719.
May 28 - June 4, 2000 The World Cello Congress Towson University at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Baltimore, Maryland.	Yo-Yo Ma is the special guest artist for this event, which will also include the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Beehouse Cello Ensemble (from Korea), Toho Cello Ensemble (from Japan) and the Cellisimo Ensemble (from Germany), plus many other artists. Young people are chosen as representatives from many countries and come together to work with a master class teacher and to participate in the newly-commisioned music in a mass ensemble. Over 15,000 people attended the last Congress in St. Petersburg in 1997, and many more watched TV broadcasts. Further Information: Call 410-830-3451.
May 31 - June-4, 2000 Contra Costa County Fair Fairgrounds (West Tenth Street), Antioch, California.	Seniors day (June 1), Kid's Day (June 2), food, carnival, animals, displays and all the other fun of a county fair. More information: Call 925-779-7937.
It's always best to call ahead to verify festival information.

Tasty sauces to try from Great American Spice! Bertman's Ball Park Mustard (from Cleveland Indian Stadium) Phaymous Phloyd's Italian Mustard Brother Bru-Bru's Mild African Hot Sauce Marinades and dry rubs for barbecue this summer! Mustard & Sesame Rub Lemon-Pepper Marinade Chip Davis' Brushless Baste

Buy great spices at great prices

We're pleased to host the work of artisan Joan Garnand on our little patch of light on the web. Joan's creations are finally finding their way out of her Tennessee community and into the hearts of admirers everywhere. I promised you last month we'd be hearing more from Joan, and she has taken time to share a recipe with us. She also began her TV stint last month, and is sharing her cake decorating and candy-making skills on a local Chattanooga station.
If you've been eyeing those old barrister bookcases in antique and second-hand shops, but run when you see the prices, consider this. If you are handy at woodworking, you can get free plans to make your own (you'll need Adobe's Acrobat Reader.)		A lot of people are getting hooked on a new game. Here are some reviews, hints, and other information on The Sims.
Surprise Mom (or anyone special) this Mother's Day with Strawberry-Stuffed French Toast. You find the recipe (and lots of others using fresh strawberries) from the California Strawberry Commission.		Help the Red Cross without even giving blood. For every unique visitor (you may click once a day) who clicks on the Ribbit button at Charity Frogs (until July 1, 2000), they will donate $1 (up to $1,000,000).

Find great restaurant reviews and more at DINE.com

If you've been asked to chair the committee for the fund-raising talent show for next year, you need Blueprints For Greenbacks.		Rubber stamp collectors! Anne-Made Designs has a 258-page catalog. To get yours, you'll need a check for $8.50. (if you are new to stamping, I should tell you it's a common practice to pay for catalogs) This will get you a full catalog and supplements, plus first-timers get a 3-by-5 card of assorted unmounted stamps to enjoy (Anne's choice).
		Send your $8.50 to: Anne-Made Designs Anne Olney PO Box 697-D Erwin TN 37650 You can tell Anne I sent you, but she'll give you prompt, professional service anyway--it's just her style.

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Archive of past Monthly Reviews.

September 1997 October 1997 November 1997 December 1997

January 1998 February 1998 March 1998 April 1998 May 1998 June 1998 July 1998 August 1998 September 1998 October 1998 November 1998 December 1998

January 1999 February 1999 March 1999 April 1999 May 1999 June 1999 July 1999 August 1999 September 1999 October 1999 November 1999 December 1999

January 2000 February 2000 March 2000 April 2000

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