Deb's Monthly Review

September 2006

Editor: Deb Thompson deb@lightpatch.com

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

Special Quotation "Love is a gift. You can't buy it, you can't find it, someone has to give it to you. Learn to be receptive of that gift." --Kurt Langner

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: Metropolis Magazine How design and social pressures affect urban (and other) life.		Handy Site Of The Month: Burritophile: Directory Great burritos in the U.S. Don't see your favorite? Add it.
	Just Fun Site Of The Month: Hagen Cartoon A smile concerning the current state of air travel.		Scientific/Technical Site Of The Month: STATS.org Taking the numbers with a grain of salt

 September 2006 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 September Festivals and other events for travelers in the U.S.

September 1-4, 2006 Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe Festival Churchill County Fairgrounds, Fallon, Nevada	Now in its 21st year, the festival celebrates with a grilling competition, junior rodeo, karaoke, carnival, music and other entertainment, Cantaloupe Chunking mechanisms competition, farmers market, fresh cantaloupe, beer garden, cowboy poetry, arts and crafts, mud volleyball, festival foods, petting zoo. Monday is Family Day. Get the Facts: Call 775-423-2544
September 1-4, 2006 North Carolina Apple Festival Downtown, Hendersonville, North Carolina	The festival celebrates 60 years with breakfasts, an apple recipe contest, WNC Air Museum open house, apple orchard tours, antique cars, Gem & Mineral Spectacular, kiddie carnival, arts and crafts, merchant specials and sidewalk sales, postal cancellation, King Apple Parade (2:30pm on Monday), street dance, Christian music concert and more. You can park in Jackson Park and take a shuttle to the festival area. Additional Information: Call 828-697-4557
September 2, 2006 Alabama Butterbean Festival Main Street area, Pinson, Alabama	5K and 1-mile race, drawings for gas cards, pedal tractor pull, BBQ cooking competition, farmers market, car show, motorcyle show, arts and crafts, cornbread baking contest, recipe contest, wheelbarrow race, activities for kids, pageant, rock climbing wall, festival merchandise, Tail Waggin' Pageant for dogs and more. Details: Call 205-390-1952 or 800-691-6088
September 2, 2006 Dolan Days Community Park, Dolan Springs, Arizona	The weekend begins with a pageant the night before the main festival. The next day you can enjoy a pancake breakfast (7-10am), car show, road apple roulette, arts and crafts, a beer garden, music and plenty of festival foods. Learn More: Call 928-767-3833
September 2, 2006 Pocono Garlic Festival Courthouse Square, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania	There is free admission to this event and that's great, because you'll want to save your cash for the great food. Many festivals discourage coolers, but this is one place where you're welcome to bring the cooler and buy plenty of treats to take home. Enjoy garlic funnel cakes, garlic-cream cheese stuffed tomatoes, garlic soup, garlic shortbread, garlic meatloaf and plenty of beverages such as lemonade and capuccino. There will also be wine tasting, arts and crafts, music from the Garlic Eating Tuba Troubadours and 4 stages of entertainment. You can take a free shuttle to and from Stroudsburg Borough Park. The festival runs from 10am-5pm. Don't forget to try the pickled garlic! Further Information: Call 610-381-3303 or 570-421-7235
September 2-3, 2006 National Buffalo Wing Festival Dunn Tire Park on Swan Street, Buffalo, New York	Hot sauce recipe contest, Buffalo Bowl wing eating contest, Baby Wing costume contest for children (themed buffalo, chicken or wing), cooking demonstrations, festival merchandise, car and truck show, pageant, music, activities for kids, and you can run off those calories by taking part in the Running of the Chickens. Some activities may be ticketed separately and/or require reservations. Questions? Call 716-565-4141
September 2-4, 2006 Capitola Begonia Festival various venues, Capitola, California	In its 54th year the festival is scheduled to have a nautical parade down Soquel Creek (Sunday from 1-3pm), Beach Blanket Begonias hat decorating on Sunday, chalk art area for kids, rowboat races (Monday), a fishing derby, sand sculpture contest, student art in the park and concerts at Esplanade Park (bring chairs and blankets if you like). Get The Facts: Call 831-476-3566 or 800-919-8155
September 2-4, 2006 Box Car Days Downtown, Tracy, Minnesota	In its 79th year the festival offers a parade (Labor Day at 1pm), arts and crafts, street dance, fly-in breakfast (Labor Day 7-11am), carnival, pageant, beer tent, festival foods. Information: Call 507-629-4021 or 507-629-5540
September 2-4, 2006 Milan Melon Festival Town Square, Milan, Ohio	Classic cars, parade Sunday at 2pm, pedal tractor pull, arts and crafts, activities for kids, games and rides, music, 10K run (Monday), muskmelon ice cream, watermelon sherbet, BBQ and other festival foods. Questions? Call 419-499-2766 or 419-668-5231
September 2-4, 2006 Blackberry Festival various venues, Bremerton, Oregon	Fly-in, entertainment for kids, strawberry and blackberry shortcake, chalk art competition, 5K/1 mile Berry Fun Run plus a Berry Dash for the kids, music, festival foods, arts and crafts, plus blackberry scones, blackberry pie, blackberry syrup, blackberry jams and more. It's the 17th year for this event. Additional Details: Call 360-377-3041
September 5-9, 2006 Wellston Coal Festival Downtown, Wellston, Ohio	Antique tractors, classic cars, tours of a working mine, karaoke, lawnmower races, 2 parades, Coal Miner Olympics, square dancing, line dancing, food vendors, rides and games, entertainment. Learn More: Call 740-384-5141
September 6-10, 2006 Defeat of Jesse James Days various venues, Northfield, Minnesota	Bank raid reenactments, 5K walk/run and 15K run, pedal tractor pull, helicopter rides, kiddie parade, car show, food court at Bridge Square area, Horseshoe Hunt scavenger competition, Jesse James Bike Tour, bingo, fireworks, arts and crafts, food, antique tractor pull and exhibit, carnival, rodeo, golf tournament, Western-style Steak Fry at rodeo. Information: Call 507-645-5604
September 6-10, 2006 Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival Civic Park on Daugherty Drive, Reynoldsburg, Ohio	This event celebrates 41 years with a Mutt Masquerade, Picnic with the Pups, tomato exhibits, a pageant, car & bike show, senior bingo, Civil War reenactors, festival merchandise, carnival rides, arts and crafts, a pizza taste-off, entertainment, a grand parade. There are tomato growing contests (with kids' categories too), plus plenty of goodies such as tomato jam and other treats. Questions? Call 614-866-2861
September 7-9, 2006 Grape and Fall Festival Downtown Park, St. James, Missouri	Now in its 73rd year, the festival offers a talent show, parade, 5K run and 1-mile Walk, carnival, arts and crafts, demolition derby, livestock events, softball and horseshoe tournaments, food, entertainment, wine tasting, ATV pull, grape stomp.. Learn More: Call 573-265-2100 or 800-480-3899
September 7-9, 2006 Seymour Apple Festival Downtown, Seymour, Missouri	Enjoy this 34th year with youth games, apple peeling contests, arts and crafts, a parade on Saturday at 10am, food booths, contests. There will be music in the evenings, so bring your lawn chairs and relax. Further Details: Call 417-935-4801
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.
September 7-9, 2006 Marion Popcorn Festival Downtown, Marion, Ohio	Popcorn cooking finalists compete in categories such as salads, meatloaf and cheesecakes. There will also be a pageant, arts and crafts, rest area for seniors, entertainment (including Fogery Run, local talent and Kiss Army), golf tournament, activities for kids, parade (Thursday at 6pm), volleyball tournament, an opportunity to visit the Wyandot Popcorn Museum. Enjoy festival foods: onion rings, London broil, pastries, red beans and rice, jalapeno poppers, ice cream and more. (The rain date for the parade is Saturday, 1pm.) Find Out More: Call 740-387-8919
September 7-10, 2006 Boxelder Bug Days Downtown, Minneota, Minnesota	5K run/walk, boxelder bug races, sports events, rolle bolle, street dance, beer garden, pedal tractor pullk music, "The Wall That Heals" on display. Further Details: Call 507-872-6790 or 507-872-5256
September 7-10, 2006 Grapevine GrapeFest Main Street, Grapevine, Texas	This 20th year will be busy with an Italian CarFest, business expo, wine tasting and wine auction, cooking demos, KidZone, wine and food pairings, musical (and other) entertainment, tennis tournament, carnival, food vendors and more. Some activities may require a separate fee and/or reservations. Questions? Call 817-410-3185 or 800-457-6338
September 8-9, 2006 A Taste of Lahaina Lahaina Recreation Park II, Lahaina, Hawaii	Beer and wine garden, tasting-size portions of food from area restaurants, country store, activities for kids, music. There is an admission charge for those 13 and older. It's the festival's 15th year. Further Details: Call 808-667-9175 or 888-310-1117
September 8-10, 2006 Popeye Picnic Downtown, Chester, Illinois	It's the 27th year for this one. Fun includes the unveiling of a statue of Wimpy in Gazebo Park, art demos, Popeye 5K run/walk and 1.5-mile run/walk, remote control air show, petting zoo, carnival, teen dance, fireworks, street dance, giant inflatables, fireworks, flea market, Popeye Film Festival, a visit from Popeye characters, municipal band concert, Popeye Museum & Store, video game challenge, U.S. Navy NASCAR Simulator, sand sculptures, pet show, home & health show, smorgasbord, soapbox derby, pony rides, parade (11:30am on Saturday), volleyball tournament, talent show, sacred music concert at St. Mary's Church, birds of prey exhibit. Get The Facts: Call 618-826-5000 or email
September 8-10, 2006 Broom Corn Festival Downtown, Arcola, Illinois	Enjoy this 36th year with a 5K and 10K race (plus a 5-mile walk), flea market, arts and crafts, parade on Saturday at 3am, beer tent, antique tractor display, food booths, kiddie tractor pull, teen dance, music and the National Broom Sweeping Contest. Information: Call 217-268-4530 or 800-336-5456
September 8-10, 2006 Eastport Salmon Festival Downtown, Eastport, Maine	Seafood Chowder cooking contest, salmon and chicken BBQ dinners, sailboat races, arts and crafts, festival dance, motorcycle show and rally (and toy run), music, 5K run/walk (with a 1-mile race for kids), educational displays and salmon industry info, drumming circle, architecture walking tour, dessert sale, coffee house/ice cream social, Chinese raffle, Paint Eastport Day at Eastport Gallery with a Silent Auction. Find Out More: Call 207-853-4644
September 8-10, 2006 Maryland Seafood Festival Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis, Maryland	Celebrate 40 years with 3 stages of entertainment, activities for kids, educational displays, crab soup cooking competition, crab picking contest, 2006 Flying Disc Dog Open East Region Championships and Hyperflite/Skyhoundz Demonstrations. You can also enjoy a tent full of arts and crafts. Kids under age 7 are admitted free with a paying adult. Festival hours: 11am-9pm Friday and Saturday, 11am-7pm on Sunday. Further Details: Call 410-266-3113
September 8-10, 2006 Posen Potato Festival various venues, Posen, Michigan	Potato pancake breakfast, grand parade (1:30pm on Sunday), potato cookbooks for sale, Bump & Run, kiddie parade, antiques, grist mill tours, festival lunches and dinners, flea market, polka dance, carnival, polka folk mass, potato displays, polish sausage breakfast, music, Saturday evening football at the high school. Additional Information: Call 989-766-8128
September 8-10, 2006 St. Louis Art Fair Business District, Clayton, Missouri	3 stages of entertainment, non-profit booths and information, Creative Castle for kids, Arts studio for the grown-ups, art demonstrations, juried arts and crafts on display and for sale, street painting, festival merchandise. When you get the munchies you can enjoy treats from area restaurants: penne with meatballs, steak sandwiches, dried tomato and artichoke hummus, frozen custard, carrot cake, brownies and more. It's the 13th year for this event. Hours are 5-10pm Friday, 10am-10pm Saturday and 11am-4pm on Sunday. Learn More: Call 314-863-0278
September 8-10, 2006 Grain Valley Fair Daze 713 Main Street (behind Community Center), Grain Valley, Missouri	Parade, commercial vendors, arts and crafts, carnival, food, entertainment, fireworks, car show and more. It's the festival's 20th year. Get Info: Call 816-847-2627
September 8-10, 2006 Grape and Fall Festival Historic Downing Street, Hollister, Missouri	Teams compete for the Ugly Monkey Trophy in the Grape Stomp. You can also have fun with arts and crafts, activities for kids, classic cars, food vendors, 3-on-3 basketball and more. It's the festival's 8th year. Additional Information: Call 417-334-3050
September 8-10, 2006 Clinton County Corn Festival County Fairgrounds on W. Main, Wilmington, Ohio	Music, antiques, arts and crafts, Corn Olympics, quilt show, games, parade on Saturday morning, antique farm equipment on display, festival foods. It's the event's 29th year. Get The Facts: Call 887-428-4748
September 8-10, 2006 Mantua Potato Festival Buchert Park on E. High St., Mantua, Ohio	Potato Stomp road race and 1-mile fun run, antique farm equipment display, 2 stages of entertainment, games for kids, raffle, pageant, potato baking contest, potato pancakes, baked potatoes, potato doughnuts, arts and crafts. It's the 33rd year for this event. Hours are 6-11pm Friday, 11am-midnight on Saturday and noon-7pm on Sunday. Further Details: Call 330-274-0770
September 8-10, 2006 Eugene Celebration Downtown, Eugene, Oregon	This 24th year there are plans for a pet parade (Sunday at 1:30pm), handball tournament, arts and crafts, commercial and non-profit vendors, musical entertainment, sand sculpture, film festival, classic cars, Salon des Refuses alternative art show, activities for kids, health information, pet contest, parade, festival foods. Learn More: Call 541-681-4108
September 8-10, 2006 Huckleberry Festival Daubenspeck Park, Bingen, Washington	Carnival, arts and crafts, parade, beverage garden and North West Brew Fest, bratwurst, entertainment, huckleberry pie and other berry treats. It's the event's 44th year. Get Details: Call 509-493-5294
September 8-10, 2006 Niagara County Peach Festival Academy Park, Lewiston, New York	Cheerleading contest, games, Peach Fuzz Contest, carnival, entertainment, parade, arts and crafts, 5K run/walk, peach dessert baking contest, peach shortcake, peach pie, fireworks, festival foods. Hours are 5-11pm on Friday, 11am-11pm on Saturday and 11am-11pm on Sunday. There is no admission charge. Questions? Call 716-754-7214 or 716-754-9500
September 9, 2006 Valparaiso Popcorn Festival Downtown, Valparaiso, Indiana	In its 28th year the festival offers a Popcorn Parade, 2 stages of entertainment, games and rides for kids, kiddie tractor pull, bingo, hundreds of arts and crafts booths, German music, hot air balloons, Lil Kernel Puff kiddie run, 5-mile run and 5K walk, talent show. Up to 75,000 people are expected to attend this 28th year. The event fun runs from 7am-6:30pm. (There will also be a tennis tournament and a basketball tournament in the area that weekend.) Get The Details: Call 219-464-8332
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September 9, 2006 Spinach Festival Sar-Ko-Par-Trails Park at 87th & Lackman Roads, Lenexa, Kansas	The World's Largest Spinach Salad arrives in a Belgian farmer-style wagon, all accompanied by Popeye and Olive Oyl. Enjoy festival foods, cane pole fishing, green rock skipping, a petting zoo, Spinach Speedway car show, largest sunflower contest, quilt show and drawing for a quilt, paddle boats, antiques, arts and crafts, demonstrations, pony rides. There is an admission charge for those age 12 and older. Festival hours are 9am-5pm. Additional Information: Call 913-541-8592 or 913-541-0209
September 9, 2006 Okrafest Downtown, Checotah, Oklahoma	From 10am-4pm you can enjoy games, a car show, arts and crafts, entertainment, free fried okra, activities for kids, a pageant, an okra eating contest, plus plenty of festival foods (including gumbo and okra dogs). Learn Details: Call 918-473-4178
September 9, 2006 Kolache Festival Courthouse Square, Caldwell, Texas	Woodworking demonstrations, bobbin lace demonstrations, soap making demonstrations, museum displays, parade of costumes, co-ed softball, polka music, kolache bake show, kolache eating contest, kolache baking contest, classic cars, Kolache Krunch 5K run/walk, street dance, arts and crafts, more than 50 food vendors. You can enjoy this 22nd year from 9am-10pm. Questions? Call 979-567-0000
September 9-10, 2006 Tracy Dry Bean Festival 10th & Central Streets, Tracy, California	It's the 20th year for this one. Enjoy a pet parade, commercial vendors, an antique mall, arts and crafts, non-profit information, BBQ and other festival foods, two stages of musical entertainment. Hours are from 10am-7pm on Saturday and from 10am-6pm on Sunday. Learn More: Call 209-835-2131 or 209-835-2244
September 9-10, 2006 Castle Rock Artfest Wilxoc Square, Castle Rock, Colorado	Strolling entertainment plus entertainment on stage, 150 artisans showing and selling their work, silent auction, Imagination Zone for the kids, birds of prey exhibit, non-profit exhibits and great foods such as curries, Mexican favorites, turkey legs, smoothies and ice cream. Hours are 9am-6pm on Saturday and 9am-5pm on Sunday. Please—no pets or outside food/beverages. This is the festival's 17th year. Additional Facts: Call 303-688-4597
September 9-10, 2006 Canal Days various venues, Cambridge City, Indiana	BBQ dinners, activities for kids, arts and crafts, musical entertainment, car show, food vendors. Further Info: Call 765-478-4689
September 9-10, 2006 Little Falls Arts & Crafts Fair Downtown, Little Falls, Minnesota	Now in its 34th year, the festival offers 850 juried artists, food vendors and more. You can park free at the Morrison County Fairgrounds and catch a free shuttle to the downtown area. Hours for the event are 8am-6pm on Saturday and from 9am-4pm on Sunday. Questions? Call 320-632-5155
September 9-10, 2006 TomatoFest Emerson Park, Auburn, New York	Arts and crafts, entertainment, activities for kids, plenty of food. This event raises funds for local food distribution charities. You are encouraged to donate non-perishable items. It's the 20th year for the festival. Details: Call 315-255-1658 or 315-253-6569
September 9-10, 2006 Clothesline Festival Memorial Art Gallery on University Avenue, Rochester, New York	Almost 600 artisans from 27 New York counties show and sell their work. There are also activities for kids, festival merchandise, music and food. Find Out More: Call 585-473-7720
September 9-10, 2006 FunFest Downtown, Hazelton, Pennsylvania	Attendance was around 100,000 last year and this year's theme of "50 Years of Rock n' Roll" promises to be just as popular. Enjoy a parade, a Hula Hoop contest, activities for seniors, teen activities, hot wings cooking competition, activities for kids, fireworks (Sat. night at 9pm), classic cars, 5K run/2-mile walk, bed races (6pm on Sat.), dance contest, giant garage sale on Saturday and plenty of food and entertainment. Get the Facts: Call 570-455-1508 or 800-OKF-FEST
September 9-10, 2006 Mushroom Festival Downtown, Kennett Square, Pennslvania	Underground Railroad tours, fresh mushroom soup cooking competition, musical entertainment, cooking demonstrations, parade at 10am on Saturday, dance party, classic cars on display, rides for kids, fresh mushrooms for sale, appearances by NASCAR stars, festival merchandise, charity wristband with raffle, growers' mushroom judging, karaoke, mushroom bobbing contest, Soup & Wine Fest on Broad Street, free prostate cancer screening, golf tournament, soccer tournament. Learn Details: Call 610-925-3373 or 888-440-9920
September 9-16, 2006 McClure Bean Soup Festival Downtown, McClure, Pennsylvania	Games, commercial vendors, fireworks on the night of the 16th, parade, historical reeactors, carnival and plenty of food—including the famous bean soup. All veterans in uniform get free soup, which was also a privilege afforded to soldiers when the festival began 115 years ago. The soup is cooked in big iron kettles and served to festival-goers with tasty crackers. Further Info: Call 800-338-7389
September 10, 2006 Pet Rock Festival Quinsigamond College, Worcestershire, Massachusetts	Adoptable Dog Parade, vegetarian festival foods, cat photo contest, rabies clinic, dog contests, raffles, information on rescue and adoption of animals, festival merchandise, rides for kids, sports memorabilia auction, dog agility demonstration, and entertainment from Blue Dog Group, Collapsible Three and Pet Rock (the band). The event runs from noon-5pm. There is an admission charge and the funds raised at this event go to local food drives and local animal shelters. Questions? Call 508-755-8004 ext. 245
September 14-17, 2006 Golden Delicious Festival Courthouse area, Clay, West Virginia	Carnival, baking contest, local musical entertainment, apple decorating contest, pig tail contest, antique cars, outdoor drama, apple peeling contest, art auction, motorcyle show, Golden Delicious Grand Parade, karaoke, ox roast, Ladies Flingin' Contest, World's Smallest Apple Pie Contest, Golden Delicious Dash 5K run/walk, salsa competion, chili competition, patriotic ceremonies, gospel sing, Oreo stacking contest. Additional Details: Call 304-587-4455
September 15-17, 2006 Francesville Fall Festival Downtown, Francesville, Indiana	Scarecrow contest, 3-on-3 basketball, garden tour, arts and crafts, festival foods, dinners, parade, baked goods, entertainment, pageant. Learn More: Call 219-567-9689
September 15-17, 2006 Nappanee Apple Fair Downtown, Nappanee, Indiana	It's the 31st year for this festival. Enjoy a pageant, laser light show, entertainment on 2 stages, pedal tractor pull, cheerleading contest, apple baking contest, apple peeling contest, apple pie eating contest, arts and crafts, garden tractor pull, foot race, frog jumping contest, plus plenty of apple treats: apple butter, apple pie, apple cider, apple cobbler and more. Questions? Call 574-773-7812
September 15-17, 2006 Festival of the Forks Downtown, Albion, Michigan	In its 40th year the festival offers the fun of sidewalk chalk art, a parade, entertainment, an alumni dinner, music workshops for the kids, art show, food vendors and more. Details: Call 517-629-5533
September 15-17, 2006 Blue Springs Fall Festival Main Street, Blue Springs, Missouri	100,000 typically attend this popular event which features festival foods, commercial booths, 3 stages of entertainment, arts and crafts, a carnival, area for kids, parade and more. The festival is celebrating its 37th year. Get Information: Call 816-228-2667
September 15-17, 2006 Clark County Mule Festival County Fairgrounds on Rt. EE, Kahoka, Missouri	Flea market, carnival, arts and crafts, raffle for a quilt, festival foods. Those are what you might call the "starter events". The real focus of this event is the mule parade plus the hilarious fun of the animal-related contests. There will be mule pulls in different weight categories, mule jumps, bareback mule riding, a back to back race (in which riders must switch positions without dismounting), the Dolly Parton race (in which riders wear a huge bra filled with water balloons and attempt to finish the race without losing the balloons). How about mule polo or musical tires? It's the 21st year for this fun event. Learn More: Call 660-866-2330 or 660-727-3295
September 15-17, 2006 Jesse James Festival Festival Grounds on Hwy. 33, Kearney, Missouri	Truck and tractor pull, 5K/10K run and 5K walk, arts and crafts, senior dinner, 9/11 tribute, firefighter contest, antique fire truck rides, parade, festival dance, scavenger hunt, breakfast buffet, BBQ contest, mule show, carnival, fire apparatus show, chainsaw carving, horseshoe pitching, fishing at the lake, portable laser tag. It's the 36th year for this event. Further Information: Call 816-628-4646
September 15-17, 2006 Greentree Festival Kirkwood Park at Geyer & Adams, Kirkwood, Missouri	Garden exhibits and demonstrations, plant sale, more than 140 arts and crafts booths (Sat. and Sun. only), car show, parade, baby contest, tennis tournament, Canine Frisbee Contest, entertainment, wine garden, kids' dog show, senior pool tournament, senior bingo, activities for kids. It's the 46th year for this event and hours are 5-10pm on Friday, 8:30am-7pm on Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday. Find Out More: Call 314-821-4161
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September 15-17, 2006 Southside Fall Festival & Rodeo Hyde Park & South Street, St. Joseph, Missouri	In its 18th year the festival celebrates with a parade, professional rodeo events at the Stockyard Arena, petting zoo, pony rides, activities for kids, music, arts and crafts, food court. You are asked to leave pets safely at home while you attend. This is also an alcohol-free event. Questions? Call 816-238-3515
September 15-17, 2006 Jordan Fall Festival Festival grounds on Beaver Street, Jordan, New York	Pumpkin painting, teen karaoke, BBQ, 8.5-mile Alpine Classic Run, classic cars, antique tractor display, entertainment, fish fry lunch on Friday, greased pole climb, drawings for prizes, rides, pancake breakfast, homemade pies, pre-read book sale. It's the festival's 60th year. Hours are 5-10pm on Friday, 10am-10pm on Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday. Additional Details: 315-689-9423 or 315-689-3170
September 15-17, 2006 Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest Downtown, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania	Bavarian Bike Run (on Sunday), activities for kids, arts and crafts, music and dance, festival foods and more. Get The Facts: Call 724-745-1812
September 15-17, 2006 Peanut Butter Festival Gumtown Park, New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania	Mountain bike race (on the 16th), health fair, carnival, 5K run, parade, chicken barbecue, arts and crafts, motorcycle rally, entertainment, festival foods, pageant, bingo. The festival is celebrating its 11th year. Learn More: Call 814-275-1718 or 814-275-3929
September 15-17, 2006 German Russian Schmeckfest various venues, Eureka, South Dakota	Parade, German meal (evening of Sept. 16), vintage vehicle show, displays, games, arts and crafts, games, variety show, music, dance, German worship service, fresh "kuchen" coffee cake. More Details: Call 605-284-5137
September 16, 2006 Sunflower Fair Downtown, La Porte, Indiana	Now in its 7th year, the festival offers fun such as a chicken and rib cook-off, arts and crafts, art gallery walk, musical entertainment, activities for kids, trolley rides, kids' coloring contest, crafts and collectibles, sunflower contests for largest and tallest sunflowers, American Red Cross 5K run and health walk, food vendors, classic cars. The event is from 8am-4pm and there is no admission charge. Further Information: Call 219-362-2084
September 16, 2006 Bethel Harvest Fest Village Common on Broad Street, Bethel, Maine	Apple picking, pancake breakfast, wood-carving, produce for sale, "Chowdah" Cook-Off, fresh apples for sale, arts and crafts, apple pie baking contest, bike tours, music. Learn More: Call 207-824-2282 or 800-442-5826
September 16, 2006 King Turkey Day various venues, Worthington, Minnesota	Pancake breakfast, pageant, classic cars, flower show, junior varsity volleyball, flea market, King Turkey Day Parade (bring lawn chairs!), Great Gobbler turkey race at 1:30pm, food vendors, Turkey Day 10K foot race and picnic reception, sports card show and more. Get Details: Call 507-372-2929 or 800-279-2919
September 16, 2006 Heritage Day Downtown, Houstonn, Missouri	Coaster car derby, street dance, antique tractors on display, arts and crafts, contests, demonstrations, pageant, entertainment. Questions? Call 417-967-2220
September 16, 2006 Monett Fall Festival Downtown, Monett, Missouri	Entertainment, pet costume contest, arts and crafts, car show, activities for kids and more. Hours are from 9am-5pm. The festival is in its 15th year. Details: Call 417-235-3349
September 16-17, 2006 Johnny Appleseed Festival Johnny Appleseed Park & Archer Park, Fort Wayne, Indiana	In its 32nd year the festival features arts and crafts, historical displays and reenactments, food, antiques and collectibles, activities for kids, BBQ, demonstrations, games and more. Hours are 10am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday. Please leave pets safely at home while you attend. More Information: Call 260-427-6003
September 16-17, 2006 Big River Days Riverfront Park, Clarksville, Missouri	This is the festival's 5th year. Enjoy a river otter show, British Regiment reenactments, Native American encampment, activities for kids, 5000 gallon aquarium, tours of the lock, food and more. the event is from 10am-5pm. Get The Facts: Call 573-242-3769
September 16-17, 2006 Ohio PawPaw Festival Lake Snowden, Albany, Ohio	Cooking demonstrations, pawpaw trees for sale, arts and crafts, Pawpaw Beer Garden, pawpaw cooking contest, best pawpaw competition, commercial vendors, music, information booths, food vendors. Pets must be on leash. There is an admission charge for those age 12 and older. The festival is in its 8th year. Hours this year are from 10am-10pm on Saturday and from 10am-4pm on Sunday. Learn More: Call 740-992-7992 or 800-878-9767
September 16-17, 2006 Maple Fall Festival Wildwood Park at 1800 S. Central Ave. (Hwy. 13), Marshfield, Wisconsin	Dress a Sunflower Contest for kids, giant sunflower contest, bluegrass music, maple ice cream making for kids, maple root beer floats, maple syrup recipe contest, maple syrup judging, sugar-on-snow, pancake and maple syrup breakfast (8am-11pm Sat. & Sun.), more than 200 arts and crafts booths. Hours are 9am-5pm on Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday. It's the festival's 14th year. Further Info: Call 715-384-3454 or 800-422-4541
September 17-20, 2006 Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival Angell Park, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin	Parade on Thursday at 6:30pm, carnival games and rides, activities for kids, petting zoo, beer tent, entertainment, face painting, food booths, fresh corn for sale, helicopter rides, bingo, arts and crafts Saturday and Sunday, rock climbing wall, storytelling, cooked sweet corn and other festival foods, midget auto racing. (While you're in the area, see if you can find the marker where artist Georgia O'Keefe once lived.) There is no admission charge for those 6 and younger. Additional Details: Call 608-837-4547
September 19-23, 2006 Jackson County Apple Festival Downtown, Jackson, Ohio	Quilt show with quilting demonstrations, car show, music, apple peeling contest, candy apples, apple cider, pageants, 3 parades, arts and crafts, marching bands, carnival rides, apple butter freshly made, health screenings, karaoke, lip sync contest, baby crawling contest, raffle, lawnmower races, Ice Cream Blizzard eating contest, gospel music, activities for kids. More: Call 740-286-1339
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September 21-24, 2006 World Chicken Festival Downtown, London, Kentucky	In its 17th year the festival offers a chicken cooking contest, Colonel Sanders look-a-like contest, wing eating contest, hot wing eating contest, 3-on-3 basketball, egg survivor drop contest, battle of the bluegrass bands, festival parade, 5k Run for the Roost, 4 stages of entertainment, golf scramble, crowing contest, Chick-O-Lympics, car show, photo contest, activities for the kids, soap box derby, world's largest stainless steel skillet. 25,000 people are expected to attend this one. Learn The Facts: Call 606-876-0095 or 800-346-0095
September 21-24, 2006 Barnesville Pumpkin Festival Downtown, Barnesville, Ohio	Beard and mustache competition, pumpkin decorating contest, flea market, pet show, 5K Pumpkin Run, talent show, parade, pageant, classic cars, senior center activities, art show, corn maze, giant pumpkins on display, pumpkin mascot contest, music, bean soup lunch, fudge contest, farm machinery displays, arts and crafts, tall tales competition, apple orchard tours, food vendors with treats such as jalapeno poppers, pumpkin ice cream and pumpkin doughnuts. Questions? Call 740-425-2593
September 22-23, 2006 Oktoberfest Unity Village (M-350 Hwy. & Colbern Rd.), Lee's Summit, Missouri	German music and dance, activities for kids, German foods and beers, arts and crafts. Due to downtown construction, the festival has a different venue this year. Further Info: Call 816-524-2424
September 22-24, 2006 Rhythm & Ribs Raley Field, 400 Ball Park Dr., Sacramento, California	Now celebrating its 4th year, the event features arts and crafts, rib cooking contest (with some samples available!), music from local bands, activities for kids. Additional Details: Call 916-376-4676
September 22-24, 2006 Wanatah Scarecrow Festival Downtown, Wanatah, Indiana	Pancake breakfast, helicopter rides, parade, arts and crafts, Scarecrow Scamper fun run for kids ages 2-9, fish fry, rock climbing wall, entertainment, car show, talent show, toy and collectibles show, 5K run and 3K walk, scarecrow sculpting for small children, food booths, garden tractor pull, scarecrow displays throughout the town, tallest sunflower contest, largest zinnia contest, pedal tractor pull, duck race. Please leave pets safely at home. No alcohol or smoking will be permitted at this event. Learn More: Call 219-733-2183 or 800-584-1417
September 22-24, 2006 Raytown Roundup Days behind high school (59th St. & Blue Ridge Rd.), Raytown, Missouri	Marching band competition, carnival, arts and crafts, activities for kids, parade, games, food. Hours are from 11am-9pm on Friday, 9am-9pm on Saturday and noon-4pm on Sunday. There is no admission charge. Questions? Call 816-353-8500
September 22-24, 2006 Whole Enchilada Festival Meersheidt/Hadley Sports Complex, Las Cruces, New Mexico	Pet parade, parade, martial arts demonstrations, special postal cancellation, blessing of the bikes, motorcyle and car show, festival foods, arts and crafts, activities for kids, the making of the World's Largest Enchilada (with samples!) Sunday at 10am, beer garden (fee to enter), 1-mile fun run and 5K run, music. It's the 26th year for this festival. There is an admission charge for those age 7 or older. Further Information: Call 505-786-2289
September 22-24, 2006 Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival Downtown, Leavenworth, Washington	Leavenworth is also celebrating its Centennial, so you can expect a lot of focus on one hundred years' worth of town history at this event. There will be a grand parade on Saturday at noon, Bavarian music, street dance, kiddie parade, wall climbing, giant inflatables, pumpkin carving, beer garden, arts and crafts, festival foods. More: Call 509-548-5807 or Email
September 23-24, 2006 Taste of Morgan Hill Monterey Rd. area downtown, Morgan Hill, California	Microbrew and wine tasting, quilt show, custom and classic cars, commercial vendors, street dance, arts and crafts, Kids Zone, entertainment, lots of food. The event is from 10am-6pm. The festival is celebrating its 17th year. (Morgan Hill is also celebrating its Centennial this year and plans to unveil a bronze statue entitled "Waiting for the Train".) Questions? Call 408-779-9444
September 23-24, 2006 Adams Avenue Street Fair Adams Avenue (between Bancroft & 35th Streets), San Diego, California	Pancake breakfast, food vendors, arts and crafts, beer gardens, carnival. And that's only part of it. Add 6 stages of entertainment—more than 70 musical acts. Among those scheduled (at this writing): Delta Blues Dogs, 7th Day Buskers, Cathryn Beeks Ordeal, Whiskey Tango, Havana, Roy Ruiz Clayton. There is no admission charge. It's the festival's 25th year of fun. Further Information: Call 619-282-7329
September 23-24, 2006 Autumn Moon Festival Grant Avenue (between Calfornia & Pacific Streets), San Francisco, California	There have been mixed signals on this year's dates, so do double-check them before you attend. Of course, you can't go wrong visiting the city's wonderful Chinatown any time of the year. Plans for the Festival this year include dragon dances, a lantern village, lion dancing, arts and crafts, parade, activities for children, entertainment, moon cakes and other ethnic foods. Additional Details: Call 514-982-6306
September 23-24, 2006 Geneva Grape Jamboree Downtown (intersection of Rts. 534 & 20), Geneva, Ohio	Slovenian dancers in costume, grape stomping, grape products for sale, exhibits, pageant, street dance, wine tasting, freshly squeezed grape juice, arts and crafts, entertainment, raffle, 2 parades, fire truck pull Sat. at 4pm—a benefit event for Special Olympics. Get The Facts: Call 440-466-JAMB
September 23-24, 2006 Fall Harvest Festival Central Park, North Branch, Minnesota	This 16th festival event runs from 10am-4pm on Saturday and from noon-4pm on Sunday. Enjoy classic cars, arts and crafts, festival foods, a pumpkin patch, entertainment and breakfasts. Learn Details: Call 651-674-4077
September 23-24, 2006 Taste of Rhode Island Newport Harbor (4 Commercial Wharf), Newport, Rhode Island	Cooking demonstrations, New Enland Oyster Festival, Kids N Family Coastal Backyard, 3 stages of entertainment, strolling entertainers, tasting-size portions of food from dozens of area restaurants, wine garden. Children under age 12 are admitted free with an accompanying adult. This is the event's 18th year. Find Out More: Call 401-846-1600
September 23-24, 2006 Persimmon Festival Main Street area, Mitchell, Indiana	The festival celebrates its 60th year with a parade (Sept. 30th at 2pm), an auto show, antiques, gospel music, lasagna dinner on the 25th, 5K race, EMS displays, ham radio displays, photography, walking tours, pageant, carnival, pancake breakfast, karaoke, entertainment, persimmon pudding cooking contest, persimmon pudding eating contest, chicken barbecue, tennis tournament, horseshoe tournament, blood drive, chili cook-off, fish fry on the 29th, puppet show, quilt display. Most activities take place between Sept. 25-30. Further Information: Call 812-849-4441 or 800-580-1985
September 24, 2006 Colden Visual Arts & Crafts Fair Fire Company grounds (Rt. 240 at Bosten Colden Rd.), Colden, New York	Car show, entertainment, arts and crafts, more. Get the Facts: Call 716-941-5016 or 716-941-5012
September 27-30, 2006 Ohio Swiss Festival Main Street (and other venues), Sugarcreek, Ohio	Enjoy Swiss music and dancing, a Swiss cheese-making competition and cheese auction, 5K run, grand parade, costume contest, pageant, arts and crafts, kiddie parade, Swiss wrestling, yodeling contest, steinstossen (stone throw competition). Come and have a great time at this 54th year. Learn More: Call 330-852-4113 or 888-609-7592
September 28-October 1, 2006 Buckwheat Festival various venues, Kingwood, West Virginia	Pageant, race cars and modified trucks (and other vehicles) on display, carnival (opens Thursday evening), Ag Olympics, livestock exhibits and judging, woodsmen competition, buckwheat cake and sausage dinners, laser light show, arts and crafts, bicycle decorating contest, agricultural exhibits, drawings for prizes, Irish road bowling, pet show for kids, parade. Further Questions? Call 304-379-2203
September 29-October 1, 2006 Westville Pumpkin Festival Prairie Meadows Park (at U.S. Hwys. 6 & 421), Westville, Indiana	Pumpkin contest, horseshoe tournament, pumpkin pie, parade, entertainment, arts and crafts, foot race, antique tractor pull, food vendors. Get Details: Call 219-785-2463
September 29-30, 2006 Pelican Festival Civic Center, Grove, Oklahoma	In its 24th year the festival is scheduled to include a parade on Saturday at 10am, musical entertainment, talent competition, commercial vendors, KidsZone, food vendors, pelican viewing tours, carnival, arts and crafts. There is no admission charge. Further Information: Call 918-786-2289
September 29-October 1, 2006 Oktoberfest Crown Center & Union Station, Kansas City, Missouri	The festival is at a new venue this year, but with the same kind of fun as you've had in the past. Enjoy hand twisted pretzels and other German food specialties, entertainment on 2 stages a beer garden, pumpkin decorating, activities for kids, fireworks, arts and crafts, a carnival. There is an admission charge for those age 12 and older. Please leave pets and coolers at home as you come to enjoy the festival. Questions? Call 816-221-0636
September 30, 2006 Hallettsville Kolache Fest Knights of Columbus Hall, Hallettsville, Texas	Horseshoe tournament, kolache eating contest, activities for kids, karaoke, car show, washer pitching tournament, petting zoo, arts and crafts, food and drink vendors (with red beans, nachos, tamales, burgers, frito pie, snow cones, lemonade and more). Among the musical talent scheduled to perform at this writing: Texas Unlimited Band, The Triumphs. It's the Event's 12th year. Additional Details: Call 361-798-2662
September 30, 2006 Autumn Harvest Festival Downtown, Marlinton, West Virginia	Horseshoe pitching, agricultural and homemaking exhibits, games, scavenger hunt, entertainment, the 15th Annual West Virginia RoadKill Cook-Off (which is a wild game cooking competition and does not involve high-speed chases on the local highways). Questions? Call 800-336-7009
September 30-October 1, 2006 Mississippi Pecan Festival Wingate Road, Richton, Mississippi	Now celebrating its 20th year, the festival offers bluegrass and gospel music, a pageant, mule pull, arts and crafts, antique engines on display, pecan charity baking contest, purtiest rooster contest, dog demonstrations, festival foods. The event is held in an actual pecan orchard (Wingate Road is between Hwy. 49 and Hwy. 15.) More Information: Call 601-525-3792
September 30-October 1, 2006 Hilton Apple fest Community Center, Hilton, New York	Apple Derby 5-mile run, music and other entertainment, car show, festival merchandise, festival foods, fresh apples for sale, apple cider. "The Barns of Parma" project is on display in the Community Center this year, so there will be no photography contest or apple pie contest. Those will return next year. Get Details: Call 585-234-3378
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September Somethings! Brief, bare-boned last-minute festival listings:
September 1-2 Old Settlers Festival, Clupper Grove, Bean Blossom, Indiana, 812-988-2626 September 1-2 Big Butt Lumber Heritage Festival, County Fairgrounds, Brookville, Pennsylvania, 814-849-4661 September 1-2 Swiss Days, Town Square, Midway, Utah September 1-3 Fayetteville Arts Festival, Fayetteville, Arkansas September 1-3 Greek Festival, Convention Center, Sacramento, California, 916-264-5181 September 1-3 Balloonfest, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, 208-667-2314 September 1-3 Big Muddy Blues Festival, Laclede's Landing, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-241-5875 September 1-3 Winchester Caramel Festival, Main Street, Winchester, Ohio, 937-695-0950 September 1-3 Dusk 'til Dawn Blues Festival, DC Minner Street,                    (off Rentiesville-Honey Springs Rd., Rentiesville, Oklahoma, 918-473-2411 September 1-4 Paul Bunyan Days, various venues, Fort Bragg, California, 707-961-6300 September 1-4 Gold Rush Days, Old Sacramento, Sacramento, California, 916-808-7777 September 1-4 Wagon Days, Ketchum, Idaho, 866-305-9899 September 1-4 Little Italy Festival, Clinton, Indiana, 765-832-9935 or 765-832-7254 September 1-4 Earl Park Fall Festival, Community Park, Earl Park, Indiana, 219-474-5081 or 765-385-2678 September 1-4 Marshmallow Festival, Ligonier, Indiana, 260-894-4073 September 1-4 Arts, Beats & Eats, Downtown, Pontiac, Michigan, 248-334-4600 September 1-4 Santa-Cali-Gon Days, Independence Square on Lexington, Independence, Missouri, 816-252-4745 September 1-4 Oak Leaf Festival, Main Street area, Oak Hill, West Virginia, 800-927-0263 September 2 Septemberfest, Ventura, Iowa September 2 Prairie Arts Festival, Downtown, West Point, Mississippi, 662-494-5121 September 2-3 Gold Camp Days, Oatman, Arizona, 928-768-6222 September 2-3 Heritage Celebration, Memorial Park, Foresthill, California, 530-367-2474 September 2-3 Salsa Fiesta,                    Creede, Colorado, 719-658-2374 or 800-327-2102 (reservations needed for tasting salsa from competition!) September 2-3 Pirates on the Waterfront, Harbor Lawn, Louisville, Kentucky, 502-228-6080 September 2-3 Hatch Chile Festival, airport area, Hatch, New Mexico, 505-267-5050 September 2-3 Lobsterfest (40th!), Marina, Westport, New York, 518-962-4356 or 800-626-0342 September 2-3 Mad River Valley Craft Fair,                    Kenyon's Field on Route 100, Waitsfield, Vermont, 802-496-4420 (before 8:30pm) September 2-4 Apple Harvest Festival, Apple Annie's Orchard, Willcox, Arizona, 520-384-2084 September 2-4 Art & Soul Festival, Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, California, 510-444-2489 September 2-4 Tapestry Arts Festival, Downtown, San Jose, California, 408-494-3590 September 2-4 Pioneer Florida Festival, Pioneer Museum off US 301 North, Dade City, Florida, 352-567-0262 September 2-4 Kingsland Catfish Festival, Downtown, Kingsland, Georgia, 800-433-0225 September 2-4 Schaumburg Septemberfest,                    Schaumburg Road at Summit Drive, Schaumburg, Illinois, 847-923-3636 September 2-4 Watermelon Festival, Downtown, Clyde, Kansas, 765-446-3300 September 3 Brewery Gulch Daze (41st!), 11am-5pm, Bisbee, Arizona, 520-432-3554 or 866-2BISBEE September 3 Running of the Sheep, Downtown, Reed Point, Montana, 406-326-2315 September 4-9 Ayden Collard Festival (31st!), West Avenue area, Ayden, North Carolina, 252-746-7080 or 252-746-2266 September 6-10 Grande Festa Italiana,                    Hempstead Harbor Park, Port Washington, New York, 516-767-3123 or 516-484-7010 September 7-9 Peach Days, Main St. & Forest St., Brigham City, Utah, 435-723-3931 September 7-10 Roann Covered Bridge Festival, Downtown, Roann, Indiana, 765-833-4871 September 8-10 Greek Festival, 223 Church St., Santa Cruz, California, 831-429-6500 September 8-10 Bryant Loblolly Days, Downtown, Bryant, Indiana, 260-997-6476 September 8-10 Greek Festival, 120th & Wornal, Kansas City, Kansas, 816-942-9100 or 816-728-2127 September 8-10 Harvest Festival, Park Pavilion, Cromwell, Minnesota, 218-644-3430 September 8-10 Japanese Fall Festival, Mizumoto Stroll Garden at Nathanael Greene Park, Springfield, Missouri, 417-854-1049 September 8-10 Seafood Festival, Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, 603-925-8717 September 8-10 Irish Festival, Chevrolet Amphitheatre, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 412-422-1113 September 8-10 Dairy Days, Legion Field, Platteville, Wisconsin, 608-348-8888 September 9 Ossian Hey Days & Outhouse Races, 4760 Ossian Hill Rd., Dansville, New York, 585-335-2191 September 9 Marion Fall Festival, Main Street, Marion, New York, 315-926-1166 September 9 Atascosa County Sesquicentennial Roundup, Courthouse Square, Jourdanton, Texas, 830-569-3622 September 9-10 Cornbread Festival, Mansfield, Indiana, 765-653-4026 September 9-10 Old Albany Days (40th!), Albany Museum, Sabetha, Kansas, 785-284-3446 September 9-10 Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest, Greig Farm, Red Hook, New York, 845-658-7181 September 9-10 Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival, Norwich, New York, 507-336-3378 September 9-10 North Carolina Gourd Festival (65th!), State Fair Grounds, Raleigh, North Carolina, 919-557-5946 September 9-10 Fort Hand Festival,                    285 Pine Run Church Road (Washington Twp.), Apollo, Pennsylvania, 412-491-6152 September 9-17 Harwich Cranberry Festival, Harwichport, Massachusetts, 508-430-2811 September 13-16 Berlin Brothers Valley Community Fair, High School Gym, Berlin, Pennsylvania, 814-267-3763 September 13-17 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Downtown, Bardstown, Kentucky, 800-638-4877 September 14-17 Newark Days, Community Center Park, Newark, California, 510-793-5683 September 14-17 Black Gold Festival, Dowtown, Hazard, Kentucky, 606-436-0161 September 14-17 West Virginia Oil & Gas Festival, City Park, Sistersville, West Virginia, 304-455-1257 September 15-16 Italian Fest, Main Street, Collinsville, Illinois, 618-344-2884 September 15-16 Back to the Fifties, Courthouse Square, Lebanon, Indiana, 866-447-5050 September 15-16 Cow Days Festival, Downtown, Greensburg, Kentucky, 270-932-4298 September 15-16 Home Town Harvest Days (36th!), Town Square, Marshfield, Missouri, 417-468-2324 September 15-16 Street Painting Festival, Moore Square & City Market, Raleigh, North Carolina, 919-828-7834 September 15-16 Doodle Soup Days, Bradford, Tennessee, 731-742-3494 September 15-17 Monterey Jazz Festival, County Fairgrounds, Monterey, California, 925-275-9255 September 15-17 Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival, San Pedro, California, 310-798-7478 or 310-366-6472 September 15-17 Saengerbund Oktoberfest, 49 Salem Church Road, Newark, Delaware, 302-386-9454 September 15-17 Wizard of Oz Festival, Hwy. 49 at Division Road, Chesterton, Indiana, 219-983-1691 September 15-17 Victorian Festival, Northville, Michigan, 248-349-0345 September 15-17 Festival of Grapes, Village Green, Silver Creek, New York, 716-934-3983 September 15-17 Grecian Festival, State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, North Carolina, 919-781-4548 September 15-17 Scarecrow Festival, Downtown, Washington Court House, Ohio, 740-335-7514 September 15-17 Texas Gatorfest, Fort Anahuac Park, Anahuac, Texas, 409-267-4190 September 16 Chihuahua Races & Fiesta, Miami, Arizona, 928-473-4403 September 16 Spud Day, City Park, Shelley, Idaho, 208-357-3390 September 16 Heritage Days (formerly Autumnfest), Downtown, Owensville, Missouri, 573-437-7027 September 16 Fall Festival/Chili Cook-off/Talent Contest, Rockaway Beach, Missouri, 417-561-4280 or 800-798-0178 September 16 Potato Festival, 9am-4pm, various venues, Richford, New York, 607-657-2526 September 16-17 Balloonfest, Alturas, California, 530-233-4433 September 16-17 Wings of the Warners Festival, Veteran's Memorial Park, Alturas, California, 530-233-4434 or 530-233-5085 September 16-17 Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival, Old Mill Park, Mill Valley, California, 415-381-8090 September 16-17 Levi Coffin Days, Downtown, Fountain City, Indiana, 765-994-9551 September 16-17 Biloxi Seafood Festival, Town Green, Biloxi, Mississippi, 228-604-0014 September 16-17 Cider Days, 10am-5pm, Walnut Street, Springfield, Missouri, 417-831-6200 September 16-17 Garlic Festival, Empire City Farms, Cuba, New York, 585-968-5654 September 16-17 Family Festival by the Sea, Lido Beach Town Park, Hempstead, New York, 516-431-6650 September 16-17 Quaker Arts Festival, Middle School, Orchard Park, New York, 716-662-3366 September 16-17 Scarecrow Festival, Pedler's Village, Lahaska, Pennsylvania, 215-794-4000 September 16-17 Burrillville Arts & Crafts Festival, Harrisville Village, Burrillville, Rhode Island, 401-568-7470 September 20-24 Sugar Cane Festival, various venues, New Iberia, Louisiana, 337-369-9323 September 21-23 Hootin and Hollarin, Gainsville, Missouri, 417-679-4913 September 21-24 Remembering James Dean Festival,                    Main Street & Playacres Park, Fairmount, Indiana, 765-948-4555 September 21-24 Huntingberg Herbstfest, City Park, Huntington, Indiana, 812-683-2211 September 21-24 Festival in the Park (42nd!), Freedom Lake Park, Charlotte, North Carolina, 704-338-1060 September 22-23 Tallahatchie Riverfest, Downtown, New Albany, Mississippi, 888-534-8232 September 22-24 Antique & Apple Festival, Moulton, Alabama, 256-974-5067 September 22-24 Walnut Festival, Walnut Creek, California, 925-935-6766 September 22-24 Pensacola Seafood Festival, Seville Square, Pensacola, Florida, 850-433-6512 September 22-24 Honeybee Festival, County Fairgrounds, Paris, Illinois, 217-463-9440 September 22-24 Morgan County Sorghum Festival, West Liberty, Kentucky, 606-743-3330 September 22-24 Potato Fest, Savannah, New York, 315-365-3156 September 22-24 North Carolina Spot Festival                    field south of Hwy. 17/210 intersection, Hampstead, North Carolina, 910-270-9642 or 888-576-4756 September 22-24 Tipp City Mum Festival (48th!), City Park, Tipp City, Ohio, 937-667-8631 September 22-24 Oktoberfest, Town Square, Marienville, Pennsylvania, 814-927-8218 September 22-24 Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival, Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, 843-237-4440 September 22-24 Hot Air Balloon Festival, Red Bud Park, Abilene, Texas, 325-692-2637 September 22-24 Plano Balloon Festival, Oak Point Park, Plano, Texas, 972-867-7566 September 23 Dog Days Celebration, Farmers Market, Kirkwood, Missouri, 314-822-0084 September 23 Soybean Festival, Portageville, Missouri, 573-379-2292 September 23 Shakin' in the Shell Festival & Car Show, Shell Knob, Missouri, 417-858-3300 September 23-24 Marion County Country Ham Days, Main Street, Lebanon, Kentucky, 270-692-9594 September 23-24 AppleUmpkin Festival, 10am-5pm, Wyoming, New York, 585-495-9940 September 23-24 Pretzel Festival, Veterans Memorial Park, Germantown, Ohio, 937-859-8331 September 23-24 Corvallis Fall Festival, Corvallis, Oregon, 541-752-9655 September 23-24 Whiskey Rebellion Celebration, J.B. Shrock Playground, Berlin, Pennsylvania, 814-367-5987 September 24 Busti Apple Festival, Busti, New York, 716-483-0134 September 27-October 1 Orange County Pumpkin Festival, Downtown, French Lick, Indiana, 812-936-2405 September 28-30 Chainsaw Carving for America's Heroes Festival, County Fairgrounds, Grinnell, Iowa September 29-30 Mining Days & Band Festival,                    King Jack Park, Webb City, Missouri, 417-673-1154 or 417-673-1264 September 29-October 1 Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, 508-836-4444 September 29-October 1 Fall Festival,                    Pearl Street Mall between 11th & 15th, Boulder, Colorado, 303-449-3774 September 29-October 7 Oktoberfest, Fairgrounds, La Crosse, Wisconsin, 608-784-3378 September 30 Applefest, various venues, Woodbine, Iowa, 712-647-2943 September 30 Beef-A-Rama, Minocqua, Wisconsin, 800-44-NORTH September 30-October 1 Johnny Appleseed Festival, Auglaize Village on Krouse Rd., Defiance, Ohio, 419-782-7255
Other September 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
September 1-3 National Championship Chuckwagon Race, Clinton, Arkansas, 501-745-8407 September 1-4 Dragon Con, Atlanta, Georgia, 770-909-0115 September 1-4 Arts Festival Oklahoma, Community College, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 405-6822-7576 September 1-4 Crawford Rock Swap, City Park, Crawford, Nebraska, 308-432-8950 September 2-4 Hello Kitty Boardfest, just south of the Pier, Huntington Beach, California, 714-375-1132 September 3 Antiques in the Square, City Park, Clear Lake, Iowa, 641-357-4000 or 800-285-5338 September 8-9 Arenzville Burgoo, Arenzville, Illinois September 8-9 Bristol Hills Storytelling Festival, Congdon Park, Bristol, Indiana, 574-875-9135 September 8-10 Cherry's Jubilee, Monterey, California, 831-759-1836 September 8-10 Camel Races, Camel Dome on F Street, Virginia City, Nevada, 775-887-1294 September 8-10 Mud Bowl, Hog Coliseum, North Conway, New Hampshire, 356-2096 or 800-367-3364 September 8-10 Tulsa House Beautiful Show, Fairgrounds, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 800-469-0990 September 8-10 A Fair in the Park, Mellon Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 412-687-8858 September 9 Charlotte Antique & Classic Boat Show, Mooresville, North Carolina, 800-633-6224 September 9 Dam J.A.M. Bicycle Tour (30, 55, 71 or 101 miles), Pryor, Oklahoma, 918-825-0158 September 9 Sidewalk Arts Festival, Main Avenue area, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 605-336-1167 September 9-10 Westport Kiwanis BBQ, Community Bldg., Westport, Indiana, 812-591-2066 September 9-10 Print, Photo & Paper Fair, Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, California, 209-358-3134 September 9-10 Gun Show, New York Event Center, Clarence, New York, 800-225-7338 September 9-10 Fort Klock Craft Fair, St. Johnsville, New York, 518-993-2352 September 9-10 Bald is Beautiful Convention, Hampton Inn, Morehead City, North Carolina, 252-726-1004 September 9-17 Fall Boat Show, Jack London Square, Oakland, California, 866-295-9853 September 9-17 Friendship Flea Market, Friendship, Indiana, 859-341-9188 September 10 Arts, Crafts & Antiques Festival, 9:30am-4pm, Starlite Plaza on Monroe St., Sylvania, Ohio, 419-882-2135 September 15-16 Arts & Crafts Festival/Taste of Hutchinson,                    Liberty Square Park, Hutchinson, Minnesota, 320-587-5252 or 800-572-6689 September 15-17 Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour, Mountain View, Arkansas, 870-269-8068 or 888-679-2859 September 15-17 Inkslingers Ball, Hollywood Palladium, Hollywood, California, 800-824-8046 September 15-17 Great Forest Park Balloon Race, St. Louis, Missouri, info@greatforestparkballoonrace.com September 15-17 Music City Arabian Horse Show, Miller Coliseum, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 615-494-8961 September 16 Hillbilly Chili Cook Off, White River State Park, Bull Shoals, Arkansas, 870-445-4505 September 16 Mexican Independence Day Parade, Newberry & 18th, Chicago, Illinois, 312-744-3315 September 16 Pursuit of Excellence Marching Band Competition,                    Mattke Field at SMSU, Marshall, Minnesota, 507-532-2157 or 800-260-0970 September 16 Larkfest, Trinity Church Parking Lot on Lark Street, Albany, New York, 518-434-3881 September 16-17 Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival,                    10am-5pm, Central Park at Kiely Blvd. & Homestead Blvd., Santa Clara, California, 408-615-3140 September 16-17 Artists in the Country, various school campuses, Woodstock, Connecticut, 860-455-0103 September 16-17 Central States Gun Show, North Iowa Fair Facility, Mason City, Iowa, 641-423-3811 September 16-17 Arts & Crafts Show, Country Club Circle, Diamondhead, Mississippi, 228-255-2697 September 16-17 Waterloo Antiques & Country Fair, 10am-5pm, Concert Field, Stanhope, New Jersey, 212-255-0020 September 16-17 Mendon Arts Festival, various venues, Mendon, New York, 585-624-3182 September 16-17 Oklahoma Scottish Festival, River West Festival Park at 2105 S. Jackson Ave., Tulsa, Oklahoma September 16-17 Mothman Festival, Point Pleasant, West Virginia, 304-675-9726 September 22-24 Northwest Kansas Motorcycle Show & Parade, Main Street, Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, 785-890-0538 September 22-24 South Dakota Festival of Books, Sioux Falls, South Dakota September 22-24 Renewable Energy Roundup, Market Square, Fredericksburg, Texas, 541-482-0858 September 23 Hopedale Day in the Park, Town Park, Hopedale, Massachusetts, 508-473-8753 September 23-24 Gem & Mineral Show, County Fairgrounds, Monterey, California, 831-755-7741 September 23-24 Rock-a-thon, Museum Complex, Joplin, Missouri, 417-623-1180 September 23-24 Candy Dance Arts & Crafts Faire, 9am-5pm, Genoa, Nevada, 775-782-8696 September 23-24 Longhorn Rod Run, Main Street, Spring, Texas, 800-OLDTOWN September 23-30 Frontier Days, Eva, Alabama, 256-796-7023 September 24 Food Bazaar, 10am-5pm, Placer Buddhist Church, Penryn, California, 916-652-6139 September 24 By Land & By Sea: Antique Vehicles Show, Mystic, Connecticut, 860-572-5315 or 888-973-2767 September 24 Wood Carving & Art Sale, 10am-4pm, 2470 Old Bridge Rd., Saginaw, Michigan, 614-258-9783 September 29-October 1 Antique Auto Hill Climb, Newport, Indiana, 765-492-4220 September 29-October 1 Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 866-NEPFEST September 30 Farm Aid, Tweeter Center, Camden, New Jersey, 800-FARM-AID Septmeber 30 Missouri Chili Cook-off, 11am-7pm, West Port Plaza, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-576-2727 ext. 211 September 30-October 1 Autumn Craft Festival, Mills Fall Marketplace, Meredith, New Hampshire, 603-332-2616
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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. 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.

September 24-October 1 is Banned Books Week You can learn more about the activities and promotion for that week by visiting the American Library Association's page.
This month we mark the 5th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001		Your favorite school could be making a Splash this September 22.
It's that time of year when one of the best treats you can have is fresh peaches. But they're not just for eating out-of-hand. Try an old-fashioned Two-Crust Peach Pie, or maybe a Died and Gone to Heaven Peach Pie, which actually uses canned peaches, so you could make it any time of the year. If pie isn't your thing, how about some Peach Cobbler? If that looks like too much work, I can recommend the Easy Peach Cobbler recipe. It works well with frozen peaches too. Add some cinnamon for even better flavor. And if you're craving something peachy while you're out camping this fall, try a Praline-Peach Dessert. You bring cake and canned peaches on the trip and then stir up the topping in a frying pan.

Send Deb email: deb@lightpatch.com

Last Updated August 27, 2006

Deb's Monthly Review © copyright Deb Thompson