Summer and Fall Events in Green Bay and the Lakeshore

There’s no off season in Greater Green Bay, Wisconsin, as Green Bay and the Lakeshore prove with a string of events and festivals for the Summer/Fall season.

Here are a few of the August events:  

The home of the Green Bay Packers kicks off on August 4 with a Taste of Broadway (from 5pm to 11pm). Its a fun night of great food and live entertainment as Downtown Green Bay restaurants line the Broadway District showcasing their foods and beverages. There is also live music.

The Algoma Shanty Days from August 12 to 14 in downtown Algoma kicks off on the Friday with a book sale at the library with entertainment on the grounds along with kid’s entertainment and great food tents. On Saturday there is a parade at noon, a huge Arts & Craft Show, a Street Market and entertainment at the main stage. Sunday features an ecumenical service by the lake. There is great food and live music all day Sunday and fireworks.

A few days later, from August 17 to 21 enjoy the Brown County Fair at the Brown County Fairgrounds in De Pere. The Fair brings urban and rural residents of all ages together to learn about Brown County’s history, traditions and accomplishments through agriculture, family living and business.

Artstreet in Downtown Green Bay from August 26 to 28 showcases over 200 visual artists on 3 stages – a blend of jazz, blues, classical, dance, and theatre. There will be edible arts, a children’s art area, artist demonstrators, strolling performers and much more.

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. http://www.topeventsusa.com/state-events-wisconsin.html 

For more information on events and festivals in Green Bay and its surrounding areas visit www.greenbay.com/ 

Patriotism, partying and pyrotechnics in Nevada

From boat regattas to steam train rides to breathtaking fireworks, Nevada offers plenty of ways to celebrate Independence Day. From Lake Tahoe to Boulder City, there are unique celebrations from one end of the state to the other. 

Plan ahead for the festivities, whether they include a big-city blowout or they involve a charming rural festival.

• Las Vegas fireworks: Station Casinos properties again will offer a city-wide pyrotechnics display, with fireworks going off at five Station Casino properties: Aliante Station, Green Valley Ranch resort, Fiesta Rancho, Texas Station and Red Rock Resort. 
• Star Spangled Sparks: This perennial event in Sparks includes a day of festivities at the Sparks Marina, followed by a rousing fireworks show in nearby Victorian Square. Events start at dawn, with free hot-air balloon rides. 
• Steam train rides in Ely: It may be a small town just off the old Pony Express route, but Ely does holidays with a bang. Wake up early for a breakfast hosted by White Pine County, followed by a traditional parade at 11 a.m. and children’s games in Ely’s Broadbent Park. For a novel view of fireworks, head for the Nevada Northern Railway, where a historic steam train heads up Robinson Canyon. 
• Elko fireworks: The annual fireworks show coordinated by Nevada Assemblyman John Ellison and sponsored by Ellison Electric and other community groups is the highlight of Independence Day in Cowboy Country. 
• Virginia City sticks with tradition: The historic mining town digs deep into tradition this year, offering classic July 4 fireworks and entertainment. 

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.  

For more information on this and other summer fun in Nevada, visit www.TravelNevada.com 

Soul of American Road Racing Hosts Music Festival

For the first time in almost 40 years, legendary Watkins Glen International will host a major music festival that will feature a national recording artist.  The rock band PHISH will host their 9th multiday festival, Super Ball IX, at The Soul of American Road Racing this July 1 to 3.  

The Glen, located in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, earned a place in United States musical history as the site of the famed Summer Jam that featured headlining artists The Grateful Dead, The Allman Brothers and The Band.  Reportedly attracting over 600,000 people to Schuyler County in 1973, Summer Jam held the Guinness Book world record for the largest outdoor concert ever held in the U.S.  

Michael Printup, president of Watkins Glen International, said: “Our location in central New York, the beauty of the Finger Lakes Region in July, and our spacious campgrounds make WGI the perfect location for this festival.”

In addition to Super Ball IX, Watkins Glen International will host numerous events that will provide some of the best motorsports excitement in North America as well as one of the premier wine festivals on the entire East Coast – the Finger Lakes Wine Festival presented by Yancey’s Fancy New York’s Artisan Cheese, July 16 through 18.  

The summer hits its high point when the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series return for the Heluva Good Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, August 11-14.  

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.

Keep up with the latest happenings at Watkins Glen International with a visit to  www.TheGlen.com . 

Crested Butte Music Festival

The 2011 Crested Butte Music Festival (CBMF) will feature more than 100 performers in concert halls, barns, churches and stunning mountain homes and outdoor stages from July 3 to August 14, making it one of the most exciting festivals of its kind.  

Over six weeks, there is something for everyone in Gunnison-Crested Butte, from opera and symphony to bluegrass and gypsy jazz.  

Boston Brass will kick off the festival with concerts on July 3 and 4, including a free outdoor patriotic concert at the Town Park to celebrate Independence Day.

CBMF will present the second annual Bluegrass In Paradise festival on July 5 – 10, with 12 bands performing on July 9 – 10 and an expanded Bluegrass Kids Camp for ages 7 to 17 on July 5 – 8. All activities will be held at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Mt. Crested Butte.

And those of you who love the authenticity of The West should plan on attending the 111^th annual Cattlemen’s Days at the Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center and various venues around Gunnison from July 8 to 17.  The event features a county fair, parade, live music and dancing, a horse show, cowboy poetry, horse races, and of course rodeo events sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).  Activities are spread throughout the 10 days of the Cattlemen’s Days festivities, with rodeos scheduled for the evenings of July 14 - 16.  

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

To find out about other events and personalized vacation packages in Gunnison County, call the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association’s toll-free line, (800) 814-8893, or visit www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com

Arkansas Big Bass Bonanza

Are you an amateur angler looking to prove your mettle? Maybe you’d just like to win part of the $100,000 grant prize. If so, head for the 12th Annual Arkansas Big Bass Bonanza, June 24 to 26 on Arkansas River. 

Just ask Nicholas Warden of Beebe who took home $50,000 for his 6.62-pound catch near Dumas in 2010. The overall winner receives an assured $50,000 in prize money. A guaranteed $10,000 is awarded to the angler with the largest fish caught in the remaining four pools. Additional prizes include place money per pool and hourly money.

Sponsored by the Arkansas Hospitality Association (AHA), the Arkansas Big Bass Bonanza is the largest amateur bass fishing tournament in the country. It covers 300 miles of eligible fishing from Fort Smith (western border) to Dumas (eastern border), the entire length of the river within the state. Participants can choose to fish one, two, or all three days of the tournament. Guaranteed total prize is $100,000. Entry fee to fish is $80 per day.

Montine McNulty, executive director of AHA, says, “We are expecting well over 2,000 fishermen in the 2011 Big Bass Bonanza. Because of the high water we have had recently, the fishermen have not been able to fish. I think anglers will really be ready to get out on the river this month. Big Bass is the big amateur Super Bowl of fishing in Arkansas and there is plenty of prize money."

Weigh-in site locations are Clear Creek Park in Fort Smith, Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville, Verizon Ramp in North Little Rock, Pine Bluff’s Regional Park, and the Pendleton Bridge east of Dumas.

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.  

For more information on Arkansas Big Bass Bonanza visit www.arkansasbigbass.com 

Mystic Seaport Hosts WoodenBoat Show

The 20th Annual WoodenBoat Show, owned and produced by WoodenBoat magazine, will again be held at Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT. The Show will run from 9 to 5 each day from June 24 to 26. 

Admission is good for all show exhibits and for the Mystic Seaport exhibits, and can be validated for a free second day. Wooden boat owners and enthusiasts alike will revel in the opportunity of viewing and boarding over one hundred traditional and classic wooden boats of every type amidst the rich historical backdrop of the Mystic Seaport 19th century coastal village. 

From 8-foot Skua race boats to a 70-foot Scottish fishing boat – with lots of sleek mahogany daysailers and kayaks in between, there’s something to capture the passion of all who love wooden boats. Find everything you need to outfit your boat, and learn new skills at demonstrations and workshops. Exhibits include maritime art, antiques, tools, books, nautical gear, and innovative items to increase the pleasure of owning a wooden boat.

Family BoatBuilding, sponsored by People’s United Bank, will return in force at the Show, with more than 30 families building their first skiff or canoe during the three-day event. Kits purchased by the families are opened at 9am Friday morning, and tools are put down around 3pm on Sunday, leaving, in most cases, a boat awaiting only final finish work. Some of these boats will be launched at the Show.

Boatbuilder and teacher Lance Lee will be honored on Saturday evening at a Tribute Dinner in the Boat Shed. 

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

For information about the WoodenBoat Show, please visit www.thewoodenboatshow.com.  

Johnny Cash Festival

The Johnny Cash Music Festival summons the spirit of the legendary Outlaw Country musician with great music and fun for fans of all ages.  The third annual event takes place this year on Father’s Day weekend, Saturday, June 18 from 10am to 8pm at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

Since the festival is about the music above all, it will showcase fantastic talent that would have Cash’s stamp of approval.  Ranging from Rockabilly to Outlaw Country to Punk, these distinguished bands will play a combination of their own hits and Cash cover songs: X, Kris Kristofferson, The Blasters, Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats, Levi Dexter, Buzz Campbell, Hayden Thompson, Omar and the Stringpoppers, Deke Dickerson and Peewee Moore.  Cash on the Line, a dedicated Johnny Cash tribute band, will play his cover songs exclusively.

The Cindy Cash Memorabilia Tribute will showcase priceless items from the personal collection of Johnny’s daughter, who lives in Ventura.  In addition, some memorabilia from the Cash household will be up for auction.  The Pin-Up Contest, sponsored by Pin-Ups Salon, will return, with pre-screened applicants vying for cash prizes.  Car lovers will enjoy the Hot Rod, Kustoms and Motorcycle Gallery.  There will be a “kid’s corral,” as well as a V.I.P. option with a separate section with food and beverages and a gift bag to take home.  More than 100 vendors will offer merchandise such as music, crafts and memorabilia.  Food, drinks and beer will be available for purchase.

The Johnny Cash Music Festival takes place on Saturday, June 18^th, 10 West Harbor Blvd. Ventura, CA 93001.  Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and $15 for active military personnel; all performances and activities included. Kids under 12 dressed in black get in free.  

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 Johnny Cash Music Festival visit www.roadshowrevival.com

Austin in Texas Music

It’s true that Austin, Texas welcomes everyone as The Live Music Capital of the World® and whenever you’re there you’ll find some live music somewhere. But that’s just the beginning.

For instance, this week, from  Tursday (June 9) to Sunday (June 12) Austin hosts the republic of Texas Biker Rally (ROT Biker Rally), the biggest motorcycle rally in Texas and one of largest motorcycle events in the U.S. The rally features rides, parades and music, and if you miss it this year don’t fret – it will be back next year on the second Thursday in June at the Travis County Exposition Center in Northeast Austin.

Bookmark mid-September for the Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park, one of the country's largest celebrations of music. The three-day festival brings the magic of the famed public TV series Austin City Limits outside the studio and into Austin's most beloved park with more than 130 musical acts on 8 stages. 2011 headliners include Coldplay, Kanye West, Stevie Wonder and Arcade Fire. 

A few days later (from September 23 to 30) the Fantastic Fest will screen at Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar and various other venues. The nation’s premier genre film festival showcases the best in anime, horror, sci-fi and adventure movies. In years past, Fantastic Fest has presented the world premieres of ‘There Will Be Blood,’ ‘Apocalypto,’ ‘Zombieland,’ and ‘Gentlemen Broncos”.

The Austin Film Festival from October 20 to 27 will be at Paramount Theatre and various locations. Recognized as one of the top film festivals in the country, this cinematic event shines the spotlight on top-billed films and Indies alike.  

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

For more events in Austin visit http://www.austintexas.org/

Lexington Fourth July

As the Fourth of July approaches, Americans think of ways to celebrate their freedom and independence –– from cookouts, picnics and family gatherings to parades, fireworks and fun.  Lexington, Virginia, is gearing up for a full weekend just like that …. and more!

The exciting lineup of activities for this year’s Fourth begins on Friday, July 1 with “Friday’s Alive”.  The band for the free summer concert, hosted by the Lexington-Rockbridge Jaycees, is Fatty Lumpkin, and will be held in Davidson Park. 

The 15^th Annual Rotary BB&T Fourth of July Balloon Rally will kick off on Saturday, July 2, at 6:30pm, with hot air balloon rides and continue until the last balloon ride departs on Tuesday, July 5 at 6:30am. As usual there will be activities for children and families, craft vendors, food, music, hot air balloons and, of course, fireworks.  The events will be held on Virginia Military Institute's Parade Ground. 

The country’s founding will be celebrated with a reading of the Declaration of Independence, Monday, July 4, by Mayor Mimi Elrod and a group of citizens.  This event begins at 9:30am at the Veteran’s Memorial in Downtown Lexington.

Later on Monday, July 4 the 26^th Annual Children’s Bicycle Parade will make you smile and cheer with its old-fashioned appeal as hundreds of children decorate their bikes, wagons, tricycles for a parade.  Red, white and blue crepe paper, patriotic garland, balloons, pinwheels and American flags are on display as they roll down Main Street Lexington led by Uncle Sam on a unicycle. Decorating begins at 10am and then Uncle Sam rolls at 11am. 

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

For more information on Lexington visit www.downtownlexington.com

Tabor Czech Days in South Dakota

Czech Days – an annual celebration that has kept alive the heritage of the early founders of the little South Dakota community who came to Tabor from Czechoslovakia as early as 1869 – are synonymous with fun, music, entertainment, dancing, and traditional Czech foods.

This year’s celebration on June 16, 17 and 18 – the 63rd annual Czech Days in Tabor – will be kicked off by Mac’s Carnival and Attractions on the Midway and the Craft Fair in the school gym on Thursday evening. There’s a fireworks display later.

The Information Center in the Community Center is open Friday and Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Here Czech souvenirs including cook books, kolace baking video’s and DVDs, jewelry, tapes, CDs of the Tabor 1890 Band, and other items may be bought. A Kolace and roll baking demonstration will be held on both days in the Information Center. There’s a quilt display at Quilter’s Quarters. 

An authentic mini Czech Pioneer Village and Museum located south of Sokol Park in Vancura Memorial Park is open to the public both days with walking tours. The adjacent Blachnik Museum is also open. 

Friday’s festivities include a giant parade, free concerts and a Polka Dance-off Contest. Saturday’s fun will include a Kiddie Parade with plenty of clowns and balloons (the categories are: Dolls, Bicycle, Pet, and Miscellaneous), Kolace baking demonstrations, and a sanctioned Pedal Tractor Pull Competition with Fred’s Combo Concert in Sokol Park in the afternoon.   

The Czech Polka Mass at 5pm in St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church will have the Tabor Area Czech Singers and Musicians providing Czech singing and music.

The crowning of the 2011 Czech Days Queen at Sokol Park will be followed by the Coronation Ball.

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

For more information on Tabor’s Czech Days visit  www.taborczechdays.com

Fremont Fair in Seattle

The 40th Annual Fremont Fair on June 18 and 19 is a celebration off Seattle’s eclectic and artsy Fremont neighborhood. 

At the heart of the Fair are over 300 vendor booths filled with original arts and crafts, whimsical creations, handmade jewelry, imported tapestries and much more. Strolling through the streets of the Fair, you will find not only hundreds of artistic whimsies from chalk art to body paint, but some 50 funky hand painted art cars. Cars travel from across the country to create this huge gathering of Art Cars.

Showcasing Seattle’s favorite bands on four stages, plus a grilling competition, yoga for the solstice and artsy spectacles, the Fremont Fair has an outstanding music and entertainment line-up. With music on the Redhook Main Stage until 10pm, fairgoers can celebrate the solstice until the sun goes down.

Among the must-see-and-do artsy activities for the weekend is the Fremont Arts Council Solstice Parade on Saturday, June 18 at noon, a showcase of art via human-powered floats.

On Sunday, June 19 – the Dads & Dogs Day –  fairgoers are invited to bring their four-legged friends to participate in this fun pup procession. Bring your puppy in creative costume or let your dog strut his or her stuff au naturale.

The Fremont Fair is free and open to the public and runs from 10am to 8pm on Saturday with the Redhook Main Stage and Redhook Main Stage Beer Gardens open until 10pm. On Sunday, the Fair is open from 11am to 6pm.

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 State. 

For more information and a complete schedule of activities at the Fremont Fair visit www.fremontfair.org

Pennsylvania Lavender Festival

For nearly 10 years, Tom and Madeline Wajda have opened their historic farm near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on Father's Day Weekend and invited thousands to explore their senses.

Their specialty – lavender. As the Baltimore Sun put it, a "field of purple ... lots of it." 

The festival features 75 varieties of lavender, three of which are exclusive to the Wajda's Willow Pond Farm, in Fairfield, Pa. The farm is certified organic and includes three acres of lavender.

This year, you can join the nearly 4,000 people for great food, music, pick-your-own lavender, garden tours and culinary presentations, from June 17 to 19. Lavender and other herbs are sold throughout the festival. Also included this year is a cooking contest featuring, what else but lavender. 

This year’s featured speakers are Susan Belsinger and Don Haynie, authors and nationally- known lecturers on herb-related topics.

The Pennsylvania Lavender Festival is truly one of a kind in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Tom Wajda calls the festival, "a sensory delight."

Admission is $5.00; children 12 and under attend for free. Shuttle service and parking are free. Festival hours are Friday and Saturday (June 17 and 18) 9am to 5pm; and Sunday, June 19, 10am to 5 pm. Tours and festival activities occur outdoors. Dress casually to ensure your comfort. No pets, please.

Willow Pond Farm is located at 145 Tract Rd., Fairfield, Pa., 10 minutes west of Gettysburg, Pa., and 45 minutes north of Frederick, MD. Willow Pond Farm is about 90 minutes from Washington, D.C.

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

For more information on the Pennsylvania Lavender Festival, visit www.palavenderfestival.com

JuneBug Jamboree

A swarm of VW Beetles, buses and buggies will descend on the Ozarks as GROOVE (General Registry of Ozarks Volkswagen Enthusiasts) is sponsoring its 17th Annual JuneBug Jamboree June 10 and 11 in Springfield, Missouri.

Over the years, the GROOVE June Bug Jamboree has become a staple of VW owners and enthusiasts. The Jamboree will be on the grounds of American Legion Post 639, 2660 S. Scenic Ave, in Springfield, Mo. Registration starts at 5 p.m. June 10.

The theme of the event is “Preserve Precious Metals” and includes a Volkswagen car show, entertainment, vendors, stereo sound-off contest, engine sound-off contest, slow drags, car corral and a 50/50 pot. Entertainment and camping for participants is available on site June 10.

Entries to the car show are divided into more than 30 classes with first, second and third places for each class and other special awards such as “People's Choice,” “Best of” and “GROOVE-iest” awards for the car show.

All car show entries must be Volkswagen powered or bodied.

Admission to the event is free and open to the public. Contests, camping, car corral, and car show require nominal registration fees.
GROOVE is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of Volkswagen automobiles and culture in the Ozarks.

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

For more information on the June Bug Jamboree visit www.groovevws.com/jbj.html