Kirkland Art Food and Wine

The City of Kirkland uncorks its signature summer festival, Kirkland Uncorked from July 15 to 17 in Marina Park on the shores of Lake Washington. The event celebrates the best of Washington’s art, food and wine with activities and exhibits throughout Kirkland’s picturesque waterfront and downtown.

The Tasting Garden offers guests the opportunity to taste from more than 60 Washington wines, sample regional cuisine from Kirkland-area restaurants and be entertained by the Northwest’s favorite bands on the main stage. Grilling demonstrations and the anticipated annual grill-off with Washington’s top chefs take place on the beach throughout the weekend. Winemakers and winery liaisons will be on hand to answer questions and provide tasting tips to guide guests through the collection of Washington wines.

Kirkland Uncorked guests can also stroll the Promenade free and open to all ages, to shop Artist Lane, curated by the Kirkland Arts Center and featuring art from local, regional and nationally recognized artists in a variety of mediums. The Arts for All Experience invites attendees to participate in art activities from clay throwing to sketching the landscape. Also in the Kirkland Uncorked Promenade are the Boat Show and CityDog Magazine’s Cover Dog Model Contest on Sunday at noon.

Kirkland Uncorked is a benefit for the Hope Heart Institute. For 50 years the Hope Heart Institute has made heart disease more treatable, beatable and preventable.

For more information about top events in Washington take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Washington.

To learn more about Kirkland Uncorked and plan your stay in Kirkland visit KirklandUncorked.com. 

Cheat River Festival

The 17th Annual Cheat River Festival on Saturday May 7 in Preston County, Rt. 26 Albright, West Virginia, not only celebrates the new life that comes with Spring, but it also represents the new life that can be found in the Cheat River watershed.

The festival provides live traditional, folk and bluegrass music, a festival market with specialty vendors, an artist market with quality arts & crafts booths, a food court, a Kids Tent, climbing wall, an educational Focus Tent on the Cheat River watershed, and a Green Tech Area showcasing alternative energies.

In addition to the festival, two races take place. Friday is the famous Cheat River Down River Race. White-water paddlers from surrounding states & beyond travel to this annual race for kayaks and canoes. Saturday is the Cheat Fest 5K. Runners take to the streets of Albright for a scenic race along the Cheat River.

The festival is a celebration of the Cheat River and its improving water quality. Friends of the Cheat formed in 1994 after a deep mine seal blow out and millions of gallons of highly acidic drainage colored Muddy Creek and the Cheat River bright orange, killing fish for miles downstream. Since that time many water restoration projects have been completed on the lower Cheat and water quality has been steadily improving.

Directions to the festival site: From I-68 take exit #23 Bruceton Mills. Go South on Rt. 26 for 10 miles. Festival site is on the right.

For more information about top events in West Virginia take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in West Virginia. 

For more information on the Cheat River Festival visit www.cheat.org/festival

Rockin’ the Globe on Mississippi Gulf Coast

There’s a warm Aloha from Pass Christian on the Mississippi Gulf Coast as it hosts the 7th annual voyage of Rockin’ the Globe on April 16.

This time revelers will will be traveling to the Pacific for a Hang 10 in Hawaii.

The event promises to top last year's Sojourn on the Serengeti, where a record-breaking 4,000 people attended, refreshed themselves from a bounty of over 100 restaurants and bars, browsed multitudes of auction items, moved to the sounds of more bands than ever, and hobnobbed with guests of all types, including a lion and some of her wild friends.

This year's luau promises even more excitement – over 125 restaurants, an actual surf board theme park ride, the Kahua Pig Hawaiian BBQ contest, and even more exciting auction items – including a live whole organic cow from Texas. A spectacular fireworks display ends the event.

In addition, there are a multiple of new bands, which include the Escalade Show & Dance Band, the Topcats, and the Tsunami Wave Riders, all jamming to the moves of thousands of partygoers.

The Topcats are famous for their win as the 2009 New Orleans Magazine's Best Local Band Award and their induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. 

So find your Hawaiian shirts and hula skirts and head for Pass Christian on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to join in the fun as money is raised for one of the country's oldest Catholic boarding schools, St. Stanislaus College in nearby Bay St. Louis, MS. 

For more information about top events in Mississippi take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Mississippi. 

For more information on events on the Mississippi Gulf Coast visit www.gulfcoast.org

Wisconsin Jazz Festival

Shades of Blue Kicks Off Wisconsin Jazz Festival

The 44th annual Eau Claire Jazz Festival from April 7 to 10, is a weekend packed with live entertainment, over a hundred Midwestern bands, interactive clinics and thousands of jazz enthusiasts. 

Guest artists this year include jazz saxophonist Eric Marienthal, Afro–Latin drumming sensation Bobby Sanabria, The Hornheads and The United States Air Force Band of Mid America – Shades of Blue. 

The jazz festival kicks off March 29 with a two-week community-wide celebration of jazz, culminating in the four-day festival in Eau Claire and Menomonie.

The United States Air Force Band of Mid America – Shades of Blue kicks off the festival weekend Thursday with a free concert at Memorial High School in Eau Claire at 7:30p.m. Headliner concerts on Friday at 7:30p.m. and Saturday at 7p.m. will feature Marienthal and Sanabria, along with award-winning UW-Eau Claire Jazz Ensemble I, also at Memorial High School in Eau Claire. The Hornheads will perform in the finale concert, Sunday at 2p.m., at Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts in Menomonie, WI.

In addition to guest artists, education is a main focus of the festival. Middle schools, high schools, and colleges from a six-state area travel to Eau Claire to perform, be critiqued, and learn how to enhance their jazz skills. Students also have the opportunity to receive scholarships to Shell Lake and Birch Creek summer music camps and win instruments. Several free clinics are offered Friday and Saturday both for attending schools and community members. All clinics and master classes are free and open to the public.

For more information about top events in Wisconsin take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Wisconsin. 

For more information about the Eau Claire Jazz Festival visit www.eauclairejazz.com 

Albany Greets Spring with 200,000 Tulips

Albany, New York greets spring with over 200,000 tulips blooming in a myriad of colors and varieties to celebrate Albany’s rich Dutch heritage.

Its 63rd Annual Tulip Festival on May 7 and 8 in Washington Park provides entertainment on four stages, over 100 crafters, fine arts show, gardening talks, food vendors, and family fun.

The Heritage Weekend on May 14 and 15 at the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area kicks off the tourist season with special events and discounted admission with a state-wide bang.

From May 3 to 22 there are Albany Vanguard Show House Tours at 10 Stafford Rd, Loudonville, NY. This remarkable historic home is owned and is being completely restored by Nathanial Bette. It was originally commissioned in 1839 and completed in 1841 by William Stafford. He was a merchant, assemblyman and judge. He named his summer home Prospect Place. 

Over the years many illustrious Albanians owned the home and a full history will be presented. Mr. Bette has been working with Albany’s Designers and Decorative Painters to bring the famous home back to its original Federal beauty with touches of its other historic features and the comfort and beauty of current designs. Like all “Grande Dames” this house has aged very well and the present day version to be presented in May will be a true work of art. Albany looks forward to showcasing this renovation through the talents of its many and varied interior decorators, designers, and faux finishers. House tours will benefit the Albany Symphony Orchestra.

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. 

For more information on Albany events visit www.albany.org

Lilac Festival in Rochester, New York

The World’s Largest Lilac Collection

One of the nation’s biggest, oldest and most delightful flower events, the annual Lilac Festival in Rochester, New York, provides 10 days of art, music, food and flora every May.

This community-wide celebration – an international springtime party – takes place from May 13 to 22 this year, as always at the beautiful 155-acre Highland Park.

The only 10-day free festival of its kind in North America, the festival is inspired by the magnificent lilac collection at Highland Park which plays host to over 500 varieties of lilacs on more than 1,200 bushes. What was first planted in 1892 by horticulturist John Dunbar has turned into the world’s largest lilac collection that even Martha Stewart has enjoyed when she visited the festival in 2007. This event is perfect for all ages and was voted as a top 100 event by the American Bus Association for 2010. 

Other than the fragrant backdrop of the lilacs, there is much that makes the festival special – 10 days of free entertainment on the festival’s main stage including performances by national recording artists and free children’s entertainment during the week and on the weekends. 

Daily special events include the new Business Rocks Lilacs on Monday, Lilacs & Bubbles on Tuesday, Farmers Market on Thursday and Medved Lilac 10K & 5K Family Fun Run on Sunday. The 2011 Lilac Parade will bring dozens of marching bands, decorated floats, clowns, children’s choirs, dancers and costumed characters. 

Visitors will see not only nature's bounty in abundance, but exhibitors, food vendors, entertainment, children's activities and much more. 

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. 

For more information on Rochester’s Lilac Festival visit www.lilacfestival.com

Freeland Michigan’s FreeMusic Fest

Named last year by Billboard Magazine as one of the top five free music events in Michigan, FreeMusic Fest celebrates Michigan's original music and art. You can join the FreeMusic fun Saturday June 11 at Tittabawassee Park in Freeland, Michigan

Now entering its fourth year, this free admission event brings the best original music along with art vendors, kid's activities, a charity disc golf tournament and more. Held annually on the second Saturday of June, FreeMusic offers the community an all-age’s event unlike any other. 

FreeMusic Fest finds its home in Tittabawassee Park, located just outside of Freeland, which boasts one of Mid-Michigan’s finest disc golf courses. Each year FreeMusic Fest hosts the “Making Change Through Chains” charity disc golf tournament. The 2011 tournament will benefit the Just for Kids Foundation and is open to all levels of players from recreational to professional.

The festival runs from 10am until sunset and every moment is packed full of music, art and fun. With fifteen live performances ranging from rock to blues to jazz, a 50+ vendor art fair, great food vendors and a kid’s corner featuring inflatable bounce houses, face painters and games, there is something for everyone at FreeMusic Fest. 

For more information about top events in Michigan take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Michigan.

For more information on FreeMusic Fest, including tournament registration and entertainment schedule, visit www.FreeMusicFest.com 

Oregon Coast’s Newest Festival

The inaugural Newport Celtic Festival & Highland Games from June 10 to 12 at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds in the heart of Newport will celebrate the wonderfully diverse cultures of the seven Celtic Nations of Brittany, Cornwall, Galicia, Ireland, Isle of Man, Scotland and Wales. 

The goal is to produce a major annual festival for the entire community that will raise awareness through music, dance, athletics and vendors who sell authentic food, drink, arts, crafts, family histories and other items deeply rooted in this rich heritage.

The Friday night kickoff event is a Céili (kay-lee) or traditional Irish community dance on June 10 at the Newport Recreation Center from 6 to 9pm and will feature international Irish dance performer Maldon Meehan & Friends, as the guest caller and band.

The festival will include Highland Games, a Kilted Kilometer fun run and Clan torched bonfire on the beach, a Celtic heritage parade along Newport’s historic Bayfront, live performances of traditional and modern Celtic music and dance, live performances of Pipe and Drum corps, live entertainment with performers, cultural historians and dogs, Celtic themed arts and crafts, food, beverage and business vendors.

There will be heritage displays featuring family history and genealogy of the clans. Audience participation events for both adults and children will feature contests like bonniest knees, tug-o-war, baking contest, skillet toss and a haggis eating contest where the winner will represent the Oregon Coast at “Haggis Bowl 2011” later this year.

Newport’s new family friendly festival is intended to be affordable for both locals and visitors. General admission ticket prices range from $5 to $10 per day.

For more information about top events in Oregon take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Oregon.

For a full list of activities and other information about the Newport Celtic Festival & Highland Games visit www.newportcelticfestival.com or email the team at info@newportcelticfestival.com.

Chicken Wings in Reno

Chicken Wing Society Cook-off 

It’s the spiciest 4^th of July festival to ever hit Downtown Reno.  This year Silver Legacy Resort Casino hosts the 10^th Annual Great International Chicken Wing Society Cook-off on Virginia Street over the Independence Day weekend.

From Saturday, July 2 to Monday, July 4 you’ll have a chance to sample the best sauces, taste top-notch wings and watch the best in the business compete for poultry pride. Nearly a dozen restaurants and bars will be on hand to compete, including last year’s defending champ.

The general public is invited to help judge the wings and crown this year’s champ. Just go to “The Hen House” and sign up to be a “Chicken Hawk” to taste each sauce and vote.

Bring the whole family for an affordable 4^th of July celebration.  Admission is free and with arts and crafts vendors and live music from the Red Hot Smokin’ Aces, Hindsight and The Palmore Brothers, the Chicken Wing Cook-off is also the place to hang out all afternoon.

Last year over 10,000 wings were served at the Cook-Off, with sauces ranging from hot and spicy to sweet and savory. Come wing it with Silver Legacy at this year’s Great International Chicken Wing Society Cook-off on July 2 to 4. Festivities are into the evening each night.  

Silver Legacy is perfectly situated in the heart of downtown Reno, connected to the Eldorado and Circus Circus Reno by skyway and within walking distance of a number of Reno entertainment venues, including the Reno Nevada Events Center, Reno Ballroom and Reno Aces Stadium.

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. 

To learn more about spicing up your 4th of July in downtown Reno, visit www.silverlegacy.com

French Quarter Festival

The largest free music festival in the South, the French Quarter Festival, showcases the finest music, food and culture that are uniquely New Orleans.

This year’s Festival from April 7 to 10 will feature over 275 hours of free music across 18 stages throughout the historic French Quarter.  With over 800 local musicians, every genre is represented. From traditional and contemporary jazz, to rhythm and blues, New Orleans funk, Zydeco, to brass bands, folk, opera and gospel, there is truly something for everyone.

Special events within the festival include the opening parade, the World Championship Crawfish Eating Contest, Battle of the Bands, Dancing at Dusk, the International Music Colloquium, family-fun activities at Children’s Headquarters, the World’s Largest Jazz Brunch, and more.  In addition, the kickoff party and fundraiser ‘TGIF’ (Thank Goodness it’s Festival!) takes place the evening of Thursday, April 7 from 7 to 10 p.m.  

Attendees can also expect to see more great food and drinks, as there will be over 75 food and beverage booths located in Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint.  Participants in ‘The World’s Largest Jazz Brunch” will showcase local cuisine from the area’s finest restaurants. 

As always, there is no finer time to visit New Orleans as the spring, especially during the weekend of French Quarter Festival – the largest free music festival in the South.  April marks the start of the festival season in New Orleans and is normally a month of beautiful weather.  

For more information about top events in Louisiana take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Louisiana. 

For more information on the French Quarter Festival visit www.fqfi.org

Spring Time in San Diego

April showers bring May flowers to many parts of the country; however, it is the winter rains that bring vibrant, colorful floral displays each spring throughout San Diego County. 

From the botanical splendor of Balboa Park to the gorgeous gardens of Coronado and Carlsbad, and from charming mountain daffodils of Julian to the surprisingly verdant transformation of the Anza-Borrego Desert, San Diego offers many spectacular spring floral displays and horticultural offerings.

Spring makes a colorful entrance on March 26 and 27 in San Diego East County's charming historic mountain town of Julian during the annual Julian Daffodil Show. 

On April 16-17, the city of Coronado presents the 86th Annual Coronado Flower Show - the largest tented flower show in the West, drawing thousands of gardening and flower enthusiasts to Spreckels Park. Two other Coronado events coinciding with the Flower Show include the MotorCars on Main Street classic car show on April 17 and a popular Friends of the Library Book Fair.  

During April 28 - May 1, the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park blossoms during the annual Art Alive, an enchanting spring exhibition that transforms the museum into a colorful, captivating display of art and flowers. More than 100 floral designers take inspiration from the museum's renowned art collection and create floral renditions of famous paintings and sculptures.  

The Mission Hills Garden Club hosts the 13th Annual Garden Walk, one of the biggest in San Diego, on May 7. 

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. 

For more information on San Diego's springtime offerings visit www.sandiego.org 

Remick Museum Sweet Maple Sugaring

Experience a sweet New England tradition at the Remick Museum andFarm’s annual Maple Sugar event in Tamworth, New Hampshire, on Saturday March 26 from 11am to 3pm.

Here you will see how sap is gathered in the sugar bush and view demonstrations of Native American, colonial and backyard boiling methods of sugaring off. Visit the Remick Museum’s own sugar house to see how a modern evaporator works and while you’re there try samples of fresh maple syrup and sugar on snow. Enjoy a scenic horse-drawn wagon ride, pulled by the Remick Museum’s Belgian horses or visit the encampment where interpreters will share stories of maple sugaring from the 19th century.  At the concession stand, enjoy a sweet fulfilling pancake breakfast.  Gluten free option available.

Inside try samples of maple cream and head over to the craft-making station where children can learn how to make traditional wooden spiles and paper Mokuks.  

The agricultural way of life in New Hampshire from 1790 to the present is preserved at the Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm. Explore the Museum’s exhibits, including several on Maple Sugaring. Of course, you can’t go home without your own bottle of maple syrup. Purchase a bottle made right on the Remick Farm or by local producers, Turkey Street Maples of Chocorua. 

Admission is $5 per person. Members and children ages 4 and under are free (additional costs at the concession stand).

For more information about top events in New Hampshire take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in New Hampshire. 

Or visit the Remick Museum and Farm web site at http://www.remickmuseum.org

Conch Republic Celebrates Secession

With activities ranging from a “drag” race for female impersonators to a lighthearted sea battle featuring tall ships, the Conch Republic’s 10-day birthday party is set to take place Friday, April 22, through Sunday, May 1.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, April 24, divers and snorkelers visiting the Florida Keys can plunge into an underwater game of hide and seek during the 11th annual Underwater Easter Egg Hunt in the warm, clear waters off Key Largo. 

Showcasing the republic’s eccentric spirit, the 29th annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration commemorates the Florida Keys’ secession from the United States following a 1982 U.S. Border Patrol blockade that virtually stopped traffic on the only road to the mainland.

In protest, local officials staged the secession. After proclaiming the Conch Republic, they declared war on the mother country, pelted federal agents with stale Cuban bread, surrendered after 60 seconds and demanded $1 billion in foreign aid. 

Today patriots throughout the Keys fly the royal blue flag of the republic, whose motto is “We Seceded Where Others Failed,” and celebrate the secession’s anniversary each year with a lively island-wide party. 

As well as the drag race and sea battle for sea dogs and wenches, festival highlights include the Conch Republic Red Ribbon Bed Race, a charity race of decorated beds down Duval Street. 

The schedule also includes a pirates’ ball and pig roast, fiddlers’ contest and jam of bluegrass and old-time music, Conch Crawl showcasing favorite watering holes, Conch Republic military reception aboard the World War II museum ship Mohawk and sailing race commemorating the Keys’ historic shipwreck salvage tradition

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. 

For more information on the Conch Republic celebrations visit www.conchrepublic.com 

Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Sculpting Championships

Ovation Award for Chainsaw Carvers 

Reedsport/Winchester Bay on the Oregon Coast is the gateway to 40 miles of undisturbed beaches and the tallest dunes in the USA .... and home from June 16 to 19 to the 12th Annual Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Sculpting Championships.

Held in downtown Reedsport at Rainbow Plaza over Father’s Day weekend, the event has received the prestigious “Ovation Award” for “The Best Performing Art or Fine Art Festival in Oregon” awarded by the Oregon Festival & Events Association at its Annual Conference.  

The award recognizes the superior talents of chainsaw artists from around the world who take “Art to the Extreme”.  

The Reedsport/Winchester Bay Chamber of Commerce has hosted this popular event for the past 11 years. It helps preserve the cultural heritage of Reedsport and Oregon through the unique art form of chainsaw carving.  It is recognized as the largest and best Chainsaw Carving Show of its type in the world and helps to promote Reedsport as “The Chainsaw Carving Capital of Oregon”.

The competition features master carvings and a daily “quick carve” competition. Quick carve pieces are auctioned daily and have become a real crowd favorite.

Reedsport’s annual community events include the Tsalila Festival that celebrates Native American culture and traditions, and activities focused on watershed restoration and salmon recovery. Another popular event is the Ocean Festival, which includes US Coast Guard Rescue Demonstrations and a Seafood BBQ. Dune Musher’s Mail Run, and Summer Concert Series are examples of other activities held throughout the year. 

For more information about top events in Oregon take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Oregon. 

For more information on the Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Sculpting Championships visit www.odcsc.com

Scottsdale Culinary Festival

A Celebration of the Palate

Join some 40,000 fellow foodies from April 5 to 10 for a six-day celebration of the senses at the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, the longest-running festival of its kind in the United States. 

From cooking demonstrations and meet-and-greets with celebrity chefs, to two days of fun in the sun at the signature Great Arizona Picnic sprawling across the grass-lined grounds of the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, this is a truly a celebration of the palate. 

Kick off the weekend at the Eat, Drink & Be Pretty Party, a fashion-forward event with food and wine from more than a dozen restaurants. 

Or, watch cooking demonstrations and sip on wine and cocktails at the Cooks & Corks event, which also utilizes freshly grown produce from the Civic Center's Giving Garden. And finally, join the who's who of the culinary community at the Chef Tribute Dinner at J&G Steakhouse featuring world renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten himself. 

The finale extravaganza is an exciting open-air, music-filled event. Some of the Valley's finest chefs will share the stage to craft a sumptuous five-course, wine-paired feast served in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Scottsdale is emerging as a culinary destination competing with the top dining cities in the country. It is home to more than 600 restaurants – from chic to cowboy, spa cafés to speakeasies, not to mention award-winning chefs and al fresco dining all winter long.

Since 2002, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival has raised over $3.5 million for local arts programs so make room and support a great cause. 

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. 

For more information on the Scottsdale Culinary Festival visit www.scottsdaleculinaryfestival.org

Celebrating Sacramento Valley agricultural history

The 2^nd annual California Nut Festival celebrates the rich heritage of Northern California’s nut and agricultural industry with a fun-filled day on April 16 with the very best in locally grown food, wine, brews, and live entertainment. 

You can enjoy guest chef cooking demonstrations, and art and farming displays at the Patrick Ranch Museum, 10381 Midway, Chico, CA from 11a.m. to 4p.m. (tickets $25 per person). The Butte Folk Music Society is providing musical entertainment throughout the day. The Festival features the works of local plein air artists on local farms throughout the seasons. 

The California Nut Festival began as a series of events including a blossom tour, spelling bee, book club and chef demonstrations that took place over the course of a two week period, but lacked a single event that brought consumers and local farms together in a meaningful way.

The mission of the California Nut Festival is to help consumers connect with local farmers and learn about the locally grown food available in the North Valley, and support the continued development of the Patrick Ranch Museum to preserve and interpret the agricultural history of the Sacramento Valley, including social, cultural and economic aspects.

Attendees have the opportunity to elevate their knowledge of culinary skills and locally grown foods, while also gaining a clearer understanding and appreciation of all that goes into producing the food they eat.

Proceeds from the California Nut Festival benefit the historic Patrick Ranch Museum which was bequeathed to the Chico Museum, the predecessor to the Far West Heritage Association, in 2001. 

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. 

For more information on the California Nut Festival visit www.californianutfestival.com

Anaheim 50th Anniversary Facebook Sweepstakes

Anaheim’s 50^th Anniversary Facebook Sweepstakes 

Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau is celebrating their 50^th Anniversary as a leading destination marketing  organization in 2011. In recognition of this milestone, AOCVCB has launched a 50^th Anniversary Facebook Sweepstakes.  

The “Share our Sunshine” sweepstakes includes more than 50 destination prize packages with a total value estimated at approximately $70,000. 

Over the course of the six-week contest, Facebook users will have an opportunity to win prizes ranging from baseball suites at Angel Stadium, stays at Orange County’s luxury coastal resorts, personal shopping extravaganzas at South Coast Plaza, dining, and family vacation packages including accommodations and admission tickets to a variety of major Southern California attractions including Universal Studios® Hollywood, SeaWorld San Diego, LEGOLAND® California, Knott’s Berry Farm® Theme Park and Medieval Times.

Beginning April 5, 2011, Facebook fans will be eligible to win the Grand Prize, which includes a two-night stay at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa, four 3-Day Park Hopper tickets, VIP viewing for World of Color for a party of four, a character breakfast for four, plus airfare provided by American Airlines from within the continental United States.

“We are very proud of our organization’s five-decades as a leading destination marketing organization. This Facebook sweepstakes is a fitting way to share our destination and celebrate our 50th by showcasing all the fantastic reasons to visit the Anaheim and Orange County region” stated Charles Ahlers, Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau President.

A special deal tab will also be created to enhance this contest and give visitors special Facebook-only discounts and incentives.

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. 

A 50^th Anniversary microsite will provide insider vacation tips and reasons to visit Anaheim and Orange County plus destination information

Exploring Massachusetts Music Festivals

From well known festivals like Tanglewood (June 28) and the Lowell Folk Festival (July 23), to newer options like Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival (September 24), the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) has compiled a list of popular and unique music events that are taking place throughout 2011.

The Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival has become a leading celebration of jazz, Latin, blues, and groove acts. More than 80,000 visitors enjoy exceptional jazz and cultural food in Boston's historic and hip South End. Over 100 vendors will take part in 2011, securing Boston as a prominent influence on the jazz scene.

Low-key events include the Blues ‘n’ Brews festival in Westford that pairs regional craft breweries with top blues bands. Great eats like Oktoberfest food and a homebrew competition make this a quality day for locals and out-of-towners. Raffles and games take place throughout day while craft and vendor booths are also stationed at the festival selling local creations.

Leading the band is the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival on April 9 at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is growing into a premier music festival on the North Shore, adding to the region’s creative economy through tourism, music and education. Last years family-friendly event featured two days of live music, music education classes, an arts and crafts fair, and a children’s play tent. 

For more information about top events in Massachusetts take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Massachusetts. 

If you're looking for more musical festivals taking place in Massachusetts, go to massjazz.com to check out events, festivals and nightclubs, as well as hotel packages, jazz brunches, classes and other resources.