Eureka Springs' Carnegie Library Celebrates Centennial

In addition to shopping venues, Victorian architecture, Thorncrown Chapel, The Great Passion Play, music shows, unique lodging, tons of events, and other tourist attractions, the town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is rich in history.

Part of that history will be celebrated this year with the centennial of its Carnegie Public Library.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Andrew Carnegie founded 2,509 libraries in several countries. He spent more than $55 million of his wealth on libraries alone.

In 1910 a group of residents from Eureka Springs petitioned Andrew Carnegie for funds to build a public library in the town. Carnegie agreed to donate $12,500 for a library, contingent upon the city providing funds for a librarian, books and utilities.

For a full century, citizens of Eureka Springs have shown their appreciation of Carnegie’s generous gift to the town by patronizing, maintaining, upgrading, and enhancing the Carnegie Library.

To ensure the long-term existence of the library and to celebrate the centennial, events such as book fairs, teas, garden parties, and lectures are being held every month throughout 2010.

Some of the main events include the library foundation’s annual book festival, Books in Bloom, scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. on May 10 at The Crescent Hotel. Local area authors will serve as guest speakers and sign copies of their books.

The big centennial birthday party set for 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on June 13 at the library will include balloons, food, music, games, cake and party favors.

For more information about top events in Arkansas, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Arkansas at http://www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-arkansas.html

For more information visit the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism at http://www.arkansas.com/

Historic Selma Honors Bridge Crossing Jubilee

Tens of thousands of tourists visit Selma, Alabama, on the first full weekend of every March (this year from March 4 to 8) for the Bridge Crossing Jubilee which commemorates “Bloody Sunday", the March from Selma-to-Montgomery, and the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Close on its heels, from March 19 to 21, comes the Historic Selma Pilgrimage & Antique Show.

Visitors to Selma, on a bluff high above the rolling waters of the mighty Alabama River, discover hundreds of years of rich history. Here, just 45 minutes west of Montgomery, you’ll find the largest historic district in Alabama – with over 1,200 historic structures, including palatial Antebellum and Victorian homes and museums. Century-old buildings that warehoused King Cotton and Civil War munitions are now home to delightful specialty shops, cafes and offices. Also visit landmark sites of the nation’s Voting Rights Movement and the site of the Civil War’s Battle of Selma.

From its earliest days, Selma has made history. During the Civil War, it was one of the South’s main military manufacturing centers, producing tons of supplies and munitions and turning out Confederate warships such as the ironclad Tennessee.

Union General J.H. Wilson’s troops destroyed Selma’s Confederate arsenal, factories and much of the city, in a fiery bloody siege. To see Selma’s manufactured munitions and war relics, visit Vaughan-Smitherman Museum and the Old Depot Museum. Tour gracious Antebellum Sturdivant Hall, a Greek Revival mansion designed by the cousin of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Browse for antiques in restored downtown riverfront warehouses and discover handmade treasures and other specialty items in Victorian Cottage shops.

Dine in one of Selma’s fine restaurants, where ample helpings of Southern cuisine and hospitality are specialties. Cross the famous Edmund Pettus Bridge and remember the courage of the thousands who overcame violence and hardship on their 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery March for voting rights.

Take the Martin Luther King, Jr. Street Walking tour and visit Brown Chapel A.M.E. church, where Dr. King launched the Voting Rights Movement, and where the names of those who died for the dream are inscribed in stone. Exhibits honoring voting rights efforts can be found in the National Voting Rights Museum and the Old Depot museum.

Adventurers will enjoy exploring Old Live Oak Cemetery, a National Register landmark, for the graves of William Rufus King; Benjamin S. Turner, the Selma ex-slave who became the first African American U.S. Congressman; and Martha Todd White and Elodie Todd Dawson, half-sisters of Mary Todd Lincoln. Visit the ghostly remains of Alabama’s first permanent capital, Cahawba. Located outside of Selma, this fascinating former trading port offers ruins to explore and period artifacts to see.

For more information about top events in Alabama, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Alabama at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-alabama.html

Or, take a look at the official web site for Selma at www.selmaalabama.com

New York City's Most Stylish Hotels Welcome Art Fair

Art insiders will be flocking to New York City next week for Armory Arts Week – one of the largest contemporary art fairs in the world,

NYC & Company, New York City’s official tourism, marketing and partnership organization has launched its Style & Scene collection of hotels in partnership with Armory Arts Week, which runs from March 2 to 7. Style & Scene hotels offer visitors added value during their stay in New York City: Guests who book a room through the Style & Scene promotion will receive complimentary admission to The Armory Show (March 4–7), a Bloomingdale's VIP shopping envelope and other benefits from participating hotels.

Armory Arts Week is a premier art happening attracting some of the world’s most enthusiastic international and domestic collectors. New York City is home to more art collectors, galleries, first-class museums, critics and artists than any other city in the world. This weeklong celebration centers around The Armory Show, the world’s leading art fair devoted to the best art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Highlights of Armory Arts Week, which runs March 2–7, include Uptown & Museum Mile Day (March 2), SoHo Night (March 4), Long Island City Night (March 5), Chelsea Day and Brooklyn Night (March 6) and Lower East Side Day (March 7).

For more information about top events in New York, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in New York at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-new-york.html

To book the Style & Scene promotion visit www.nycgo.com/styleandscene.

VEGAS UNCORK'D CELEBRATES THE WORLD OF CULINARY ARTS

Vegas Uncork'd Presented by Bon Appétit, one of the fastest-growing epicurean events in the United States, will be held from May 6 to 9 in Las Vegas, coinciding with this year's Mother's Day weekend.

The four-day fête features new events, new chefs and a diverse and richly enhanced program with the ultimate who's who in the food world, celebrating the status of Las Vegas as an international gastronomic destination.

It will feature more than 30 events blending the worlds of food, gaming and entertainment in the distinct way that makes Las Vegas so memorable.

The playground for Vegas Uncork'd Presented by Bon Appétit is destination wide and features this year's anchor partner resorts, each of which offers an enviable roster of on-site restaurants and in-house chefs: Bellagio, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and Wynn/Encore. Joining the lineup for the first time this year as an associate partner is The Venetian/The Palazzo. The event's charitable partner is the Three Square Food Bank, which is dedicated to providing wholesome food to hungry people, while passionately pursuing a hunger-free community.

"Due to its extraordinary cuisine and its international draw, Las Vegas is a global destination that offers wonderful fun in a unique setting," said Bon Appétit Vice President and Publisher Paul Jowdy. "Vegas Uncork'd Presented by Bon Appétit is a perfect opportunity to see the breadth of Las Vegas with its celebrity chefs and exquisite resorts paving the way."

For more information about top events in Nevada, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Nevada at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-nevada.html

Or, take a look at the official web site for Las Vegas at http://www.VisitLasVegas.com

CANADIAN-AMERICAN DAYS FESTIVAL AT MYRTLE BEACH

Each year in early March, thousands of America’s Canadian neighbors and snowbirds visit from the North and scatter throughout the Grand Strand communities in advance of spring for the Canadian-American Days Festival.

The festival (this year from March 13 to 21) features events, activities and discounts, including welcome receptions, military band concerts, athletic tournaments and wildlife and history days.

The Myrtle Beach has long been renowned for its numerous attractions and activities for every interest. Whether your preferences include riding a roller coaster, zooming around a racetrack, hitting a golf ball, observing wildlife and nature, or chilling out on the beach or at a water park, the Myrtle Beach area provides a ticket to fun for everyone in the family, young and old.

Stretching 60 miles along the South Carolina coast, the Myrtle Beach area encompasses many communities – 12, to be precise – and each with their own identity, and unique qualities and attractions. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has stood as the unified voice of the Grand Strand's business community. The chamber serves Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Little River, Atlantic Beach, Garden City Beach, Loris, Conway, Aynor, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island.

The charm, culture and history of the Myrtle Beach area’s communities are constantly showcased throughout the year by many unique festivals and events. From food to music and entertainment, the Myrtle Beach area offers travelers diverting and enjoyable festivals throughout the entire year.

For more information about top events in South Carolina, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in South Carolina at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-south-carolina.html

Or, take a look at the official web site for the Canadian-American Days Festival at www.CanAmDays.com

AMERICA’S PREMIER SPRING ROWING REGATTA

The 37th annual San Diego Crew Classic – on March 27 and 28 on San Diego’s beautiful Mission Bay – has matured into the largest regatta in the world exclusively held for eight-oared rowing shells.

The race begins near Sea World and heads north along Mission Bay for 2,000 meters finishing at Crown Points Shores. The protected waters and green lawns of Mission Bay Park offer a perfect setting for this San Diego institution.

Over 3,400 athletes from more than 100 clubs, universities and colleges from across the United States will be taking part. For rowing events, the Crew Classic has been the marquee regatta on the West Coast for many years and has been on the rowing scene with many esteemed regattas such as Head of the Charles.

The Crew Classic has been the competitive site of both future and current Olympians. The Crew Classic is also an event for rowers of all levels and from ages 14-84 competing each year in various divisions. Some are novice rowers, while others are reliving their college and club experiences. The masters level is the fastest growing segment of the sport.

In addition to the outstanding racing, the San Diego Crew Classic features a trade show, great food and and alumni tents along with great viewing of the racing from Crown Point Shores or on the massive Jumbotron.

Crews will be on the water for practice throughout the day on Friday, March 26 adjacent to the merchandise and alumni areas.

For more information about top events in California, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in California at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-california.html

Or, take a look at the official web site of the San Diego Crew Classic at www.crewclassic.org

CINCINNATI CELEBRATES FINE WINE AND FOOD

Dating back to its roots as a rowdy town full of German immigrants who celebrated life with song, food and drink, Cincinnati, Ohio, has a standing tradition as a great place to have a good time. Its calendar of festival fun is packed year around.

From March 11 to 13 the city will celebrate the 20th year anniversary of the Cincinnati International Wine Festival – a celebration of fine wine and food. The Festival was founded in 1991 to promote the wine industry and raise funds for local charities.

Four prominent events showcase the festival: the Winery Dinners, the Charity Auction & Luncheon, the Grand Tastings and the Russ Wiles Memorial Golf Tournament. Through these events the Wine Festival has donated almost $3-million dollars to local charities in the past 19 years.

From roller coaster rides to riverboat cruises, Cincinnati also offers something for everyone in the family. Thrill seekers get their fill at Paramount's Kings Island with more than 350-acres of world class thrills including the tallest, fastest and nation's only wooden looping roller coaster. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden houses rare and endangered species in natural habitats; the Cincinnati Museum Center includes three fun-filled museums and an Omnimax Theatre. Across from downtown Cincinnati, nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, the Newport Aquarium has more than 60 exhibits and boasts hundreds of feet of see-through tunnels, including one of the nation's largest open-air shark viewing exhibits.

For more information about top events in Ohio, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Ohio at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-ohio.html

For more information on the Cincinnati International Wine Festival visit www.winefestival.com

FREE HEELERS MAKE THEIR MARK AT MAINE EVENTS

Dog leggers, toe draggers, free heelers and pinheads will have two opportunities to gather with their own kind at Maine mountains in March. Telemark skiers go by many names, but each is embraced by the loyal followers of the athletic downhill skiing style.

Telemark skiers use skis that look similar to alpine skis, but only the toe of the ski boot is attached to the ski binding, like on cross country skis. With free heels, the skier can kneel while turning with one ski in front of the other, creating a deep smooth turn. The telemark style is equally fun on a wide open slope or when skiing glades and backcountry terrain.

Mt. Abram and New England Telemark will host the Knees in the Breeze Telebration on March 7 in Greenwood. The event is free to attend with a Mt. Abram lift ticket and will feature equipment demonstrations, ski clinics and prize giveaways. Mt. Abram has 44 trails and boundary-to-boundary skiing on more than 650 acres.

Saddleback Maine in Rangeley will hold its 6th Annual Telemark Invasion on March 20. Skiers can try out or purchase the latest gear, take a beginner lesson or learn an advanced technique from certified instructors or participate in the uphill/downhill race. Saddleback's new 44-acre glade Casablanca will be a popular hangout during the day, and the event will conclude with a concert by the Canadian folk/rock band Pogey starting at 8:00 p.m.

For more information about top events in Maine, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Maine at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-maine.html

Or, for more information about Maine's winter festivities go to www.visitmaine.com

EVERETT WOMEN’S FILM FESTIVAL ANCHORS PERFECT GIRLFRIENDS’ WEEKEND GETAWAY

Looking for a place to get away with your gal pals that includes a few things to enrich the mind as well as the soul, the tummy and the wardrobe? You’ll find it in Everett, Washington, home to several popular woman-owned fashion boutiques, a diversity of wine and dining experiences – and an annual film festival that showcases powerful, unusual, and always memorable women-made films.

It’s the Everett Women’s Film Festival on February 27 and 28. Since 1997, the Everett Women’s Film Festival (EWFF) has honored the spirit, drive, creativity, and diversity of women filmmakers as they explore human issues and conditions through feature film, documentaries, comedies, shorts, and animation.

The festival focuses on high quality and eclectic thematic content, giving it a quirky yet balanced flavor. Each film leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

Among the 2010 film line-up are:

Frozen River by Courtney Hunt (United States/2008) Desperation knows no borders in this character study of two women – one white, the other Mohawk – on opposite sides of the reservation.

Mostly Martha by Sandra Nettlebeck (Germany/2001) A little bit French, a little bit Italian, a little obsession and lots of food. Set in a busy upscale restaurant with humor and drama to spare.

Clotheslines by Roberta Cantow (USA/1988) With verve and humor, this film shows the love/hate relationship that women have with the task of cleaning the family's clothes.

The Everett Women’s Film Festival takes place at the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave.

For more information about top events in Washington State, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Washington at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-washington.html

Or, take a look at the official web site for Everett at www.VisitEverettWA.com.

JAZZ MASTERS GATHER AT IDAHO FESTIVAL

The four-day 2010 Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival at the University of Idaho, Moscow, from February 24 to 27 includes student performances workshops by jazz musicians and educators and evening concerts featuring many professional jazz musicians. Three of the festival’s artists this year have been nominated for Grammy awards.

For aspiring jazz musicians, the festival offers some new workshops and clinics. Workshops include beginning and intermediate improvisation for horn players; rhythm section tips and tricks; rehearsal techniques; bass line construction; and editing chords for middle school piano players, among other selections. The workshops will be held alongside the long-standing artist clinics that feature the sights, sounds and experiences of life as a jazz musician.

The festival’s student performances and artistic clinics are free and open to the public. Tickets to the Young Artist Concerts, held on three afternoons of the festival in the ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center, are $5 and available at the door.

For 43 years at the University of Idaho, the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival (left in the photo is the Festival’s Artistic Director, John Clayton) has brought jazz masters together with elementary, junior high, high school and college students to share and celebrate this truly American art form. It has featured hundreds of musicians from around the world, including China, the Czech Republic, Portugal and Peru, as well as students from Canada, Japan, Russia and Kyrgyzstan.

Jazz greats who have performed at the festival include Lionel Hampton, Ella Fitzgerald, Gerry Mulligan, Dizzy Gillespie, Dianne Reeves, Stan Getz, Carmen McRae, Diana Krall, Wynton Marsalis and Sarah Vaughan and Diana Krall.

For more information about top events in Idaho, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Idaho at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-idaho.html

For more information on the 2010 Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival visit http://www.uidaho.edu/jazzfest.aspx

ARKANSANS LOVE FESTIVALS & EVENTS

The winners of the 2009 ALFiE Awards, sponsored by the Arkansas Festivals & Events Association, were announced at the Association’s 26th Annual Conference at the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce on February 1.

The ALFiE Awards, “Arkansans Love Festivals & Events,” honor the best and brightest of Arkansas’s festivals and special events. The major winners are listed below.

Best New Festival or Event – Little Rock’s Sculpture at the River Market Show & Sale. Eligible events are those still within their first five years; judging is based on the operation’s growth, uniqueness, and community contribution.

Outstanding New Idea – MusicFest El Dorado’s new street-pole banners. Eligible festivals have developed a new idea, logo, event, festival, or publication during the previous year which added significantly to the success or popularity of the festival.

Volunteer of the Year – Diane Atchison of BPW Barn Sale, Camden. A volunteer who has provided significant enthusiasm and specific expertise while showing initiative and providing leadership, dependability, and a positive attitude for your event for at least 3 years without having received remuneration for services.

Festival of the Year – MusicFest, El Dorado. This award is presented to a festival or other special celebration, which stands out among all the festivals in Arkansas, by its creative approach, crowd appeal, media coverage, and/or enhancement of community pride, thus benefiting the state’s quality of life.

Promotional Awards were also given to top quality examples of festival and event promotions.

For more information about top events in Arkansas, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Arkansas at http://www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-arkansas.html

Or, take a look at the official web site for the Arkansas Festivals & Events Association at http://www.arfea.org/

OLD WEST MEETS THE NEW WEST IN SCOTTSDALE

Celebrating more than 50 years in Scottsdale, the Parada del Sol is the world's longest horse-drawn parade and takes place every February in downtown (this year on Saturday, February 20).

Following the procession is the infamous Trails End Celebration with winner announcements, Western entertainment, music and a pancake breakfast. The parade kicks off the Parada del Sol Rodeo, a full week of boot stompin' fun at WestWorld of Scottsdale that includes rodeos, dances, live country Western music, children's activities and more.

Other Scottsdale Western events include the Show Circuit All Breed Horse Show, Annual Cowboy Artists of America Exhibition and Sale and the annual Western ArtWalk in downtown Scottsdale. The National Festival of the West is a four-day Old West celebration in March that includes a Western tradeshow, a music jamboree on four stages, an Extreme Cowboy Race, Chuck Wagon cook-offs and a writing competition.

Visitors of all ages can delight in authentic stagecoach rides through downtown Scottsdale on Thursday evenings and Friday and Saturday afternoons. Pulled by North American spotted draft horses, the carriage takes guests on a free Western-related ride through the Old Town area of Scottsdale, highlighting significant stops and public art along the way. From mid-October through April, guests also can enjoy horse-drawn rides through downtown Scottsdale's art district from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays during the weekly Scottsdale ArtWalk event.

For more information about top events in Arizona, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Arizona at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-arizona.html

Or, take a look at the official web site for Scottsdale at www.scottsdalecvb.com/

FORT WALTON BEACH CELEBRATES MARDI GRAS ON THE ISLAND

A little bit of New Orleans is coming to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, at its very own “Mardi Gras on the Island” celebration on Saturday, February 6.

Sponsored by the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and its annual sponsors, “Mardi Gras on the Island” is a full day of activities, starting with the Mardi Gras Parade on Okaloosa Island at 11 am.

There will be beads, treats, and even more beads as the colorful floats make their way down Santa Rosa Blvd., starting at Tarpon Drive, working their way under the Brooks Bridge, and ending near Marler Avenue. The floats will pass by the reviewing stand in front of The Breakers.

Right after the parade, there will be a Block Party sponsored by Helen Back on Amberjack Drive. From noon to 5, there will be fun, food, and festivities, including beer specials, a Crawfish Boil, and a Kid Zone. Music will be provided by Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe.

Later that evening, the Chamber will host the Mardi Gras Ball at the Emerald Coast Conference Center from 8 pm to midnight. Costumed revellers will dance to the Swingin’ Dick Tracys, and sample food items provided by Chamber-member restaurants, enjoying such flavorful foods as Creole Steak over Steamed Rice, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Crab Dip, Gumbo, Pasta Shrimp Creole, and don’t forget the King Cakes and Petit Fours!

For more information about top events in Florida, take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Florida at www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-florida.html

Or, take a look at the official web site for Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce at www.fwbchamber.org/mardigras