Jackson Festival’s Return Benefits Scholarship

On September 28, 2013, the International Gumbo Festival is officially returning to Jackson. The event will include a gumbo cook-off, blind judging to name the “International Gumbo Festival Champion”, and fantastic live music throughout the day.

The International Gumbo Festival was established in 1992. The festival moved its home to Smith Park in 1995 and remained there until 2003. Now, ten years later, the festival will return to that same location, the family-friendly green space in the heart of Jackson.

In the past, the festival hosted major acts such as Three Dog Night, David Allan Coe, and Bad Company. This year’s lineup includes The Wild Magnolias, Honey Island Swamp Band, Good Enough For Good Times, Star & Micey, Jimbo Mathus & Tri-State Coalition, and Southern Halo.

The revival of the International Gumbo Festival is exciting for Jackson, especially with such a special beneficiary, the Harold T. and Hal White Memorial Scholarship. 

For tickets and more information on the festival, including cooking team registration information, please visit the official website at www.jacksongumbo.com. Stay connected with the Gumbo Festival at www.facebook.com/InternationalGumboFestival.

Discover more about Jackson, Mississippi at www.visitjackson.com or call 601-960-1891.

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.

Small Town Arkansas Shines During Guy’s Peachfest

A popular summertime crop is celebrated July 12-13 during the 2nd annual Guy Peachfest. This small Faulkner County community has a jammed-packed, two-day event with all sorts of activities taking place in the city park. 

Prior to the actual festival, the Miss Peach Beauty Pageant will be on June 29 at 5pm at the Guy Perkins cafetorium. All the other fun begins on Friday evening, July 12, with a rodeo and a concert by HomeTown Bluegrass. Other performers this year include One Way Road, Doubleshot, and Midnight Express.

Also on the schedule are a Saturday morning pancake breakfast, a 5K run/walk, a parade, a classic car show and shine, a horseshoe tournament, and the peach cook-off. A skeet shoot, a poker run, lawnmower races, a mini-tractor pull, Guy’s Got Talent contest, and a variety of vendor booths and concessions are other festival attractions. Games and other activities for children will be in the Kiddie Korner. Saturday night brings rodeo and musical performances, ending with a fireworks finale. 

Guy is approximately 25 miles north of Conway on Ark. 25, five miles off U.S. 65 north.  

For a list of Peachfest events at Guy visit guypeachfest.com or phone 501-679-4585 to get additional information.

A few weeks later on July 25-28 at Dumas, about 90 miles southeast of Little Rock and 45 miles southeast of Pine Bluff, have a ding-dong of a great time at the 34th annual Ding Dong Days Festival. Watch as the Ding Dong Daddy and Ding Dong Momma are crowned. Join in for the Ding Dong eating contest. The festival also features rides and activities for children, a parade, live entertainment, and a variety of booths and concessions. Phone 870-382-5447 for all the details.

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.

Hemingway Days Celebrates Legendary Author

Some 125 stocky, white-bearded men will soon be flocking to Ernest Hemingway's 1930s island retreat to compete in Sloppy Joe's 33rd annual "Papa" Hemingway Look-Alike Contest.

Set for Thursday through Saturday, July 18-20, the contest takes place at Sloppy Joe's Bar, 201 Duval Street, where the legendary author often enjoyed cocktails with literary and local cohorts. 

The event is a highlight of the annual Hemingway Days celebration of his writing talent, sporting pursuits and colorful Key West lifestyle. 

Ernest Hemingway's decade of residence in Key West ended late in 1939, but his literary legacy lives on – both in the island city and in the annual festival. Scheduled Tuesday through Sunday, July 16-21, Hemingway Days 2013 offers several events that celebrate Key West's rich literary tradition and the talents of writers both past and present. 

The primary literary event is the announcement of the winners of the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition. Now in its 33rd year, the competition awards $2,500 annually to emerging writers of short fiction.

Its director, Lorian Hemingway, is Ernest Hemingway's granddaughter and the author of critically acclaimed books including "Walk on Water."

Literary aficionados can learn about Key West's two most famous resident writers in unique museum exhibitions. "Hemingway in Key West" is on display at the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House, 281 Front St. An exhibit exploring Tennessee Williams' years on the island can be viewed at 513 Truman Ave. behind the Key West Business Guild Visitor Center. A festival museum day is scheduled Tuesday, July 16, but both exhibits are open daily. 

Visit www.hemingwaydays.net for a schedule of events.

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.

Discover the Natural Wonder of Horicon Marsh

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' wildlife staff will be educating outdoor enthusiasts about wildlife and the marsh as you paddle the water trail through Horicon Marsh into the Rock River on Saturday, June 29, from 7:30 to 11:30am.

  

This is an opportunity to paddle the 6.5 mile Canoe Trail at the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area and talk with wildlife interpreters stationed throughout the trail to learn about the marsh habitat and wildlife. The trail starts at the Green Head Boat Landing and ends at Nebraska St. Landing in Horicon.

New this year, learn about marshmaster, woodducks, nesting, water safety, wildlife management, historical hunting and trapping artifacts. In addition, learn about the rich history of the marsh.

There will be interpreters from the Wisconsin DNR staff posted at various stopping places along the marked canoe/kayak trail in the marsh. They will briefly cover topics such as the history of Horicon Marsh (old hunting artifacts will be shown), management of the marsh, marsh wildlife and be available for any other questions.

A Wildlife Biologist will also be along the route in an airboat to show people one of the many management tools that are used on Horicon Marsh. Another management tool, the Marsh Master, will be near the Greenhead boat landing for people to view. This is a great opportunity to talk with experts and learn from some of the people that work at the marsh every day.  An ice cream stand will be available at the end of the paddle. Also, restroom facilities will be available at the beginning and end of the trail. There is improved parking this year too.

If you have your own canoe or kayak, a free shuttle provided for drivers by Johnson Bus. It will run from 10am to 2pm from Nebraska Street Boat Landing in Horicon back to your car at Green Head Boat Landing.

If you would like to participate but don't have your own vessel, you can rent one at Horicon Marsh Boat Tours in Horicon. 

For boat, canoe or kayak rental, contact Blue Heron Boat Landing at 920.485.4663 or www.horiconmarsh.com for details. 

Trail maps or other information on paddling the Horicon Marsh, contact 920.387.7893 or go to www.horiconmarsh.org. 

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

Enjoy the True Flavor of Rural America

The Autumn Leaves Festival from October 11-13 in downtown Mount Airy, North Carolina marks the 47^th anniversary of one of North Carolina’s longest running and most successful events.

This three-day festival showcases its rich musical heritage, such as Old-time, Bluegrass and Gospel performed by local musicians on the downtown stage.

The roster of artisans and craftsman covers such media as pottery, paintings, textiles and jewelry. The unique arts and crafts of more than 200 craftsmen line the streets with many demonstrating their talents and skills passed down through the generations.

Then, there is “Food for the Soul”, ham biscuits, collard and cornbread sandwiches, barbeque, ground steak and more served with hospitality by local civic and service organizations. It’s a walker’s paradise with visual delights and mouthwatering treats at every stop.

The festival began as a celebration of the end of the tobacco and apple harvesting season. Now Mount Airy celebrates its breathtaking fall season. Through the years, hundreds of thousands of visitors have enjoyed the true flavor of rural America and its distinctive character, rich heritage and scenic beauty.  

Mount Airy radiates with the spectacular scenery of the entire mountainside bathed in autumn reds and luminous golds set against the scenic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  

The area is particularly beautiful at this time of year when there’s still a chance to catch some warm sunshine and the leaves start taking on their brilliant colors. Where shadows last a little longer, doors open a little wider, conversation lasts a little longer and the spirit of the community has a captivating quality on everyone who visits. 

Visit www.autumnleavesfestival.com for more information or visit the festival Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/Autumnleavesfestival

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

Celebrating the Sweet Taste of Oregon Berries

From Marionberries to Ollalie berries to the freshest blueberries and strawberries available, the Oregon Berry Festival showcases what makes summer sublime in Oregon.

A sunny July day, a chance to sample both fresh berries and a wide variety of berry products right in downtown Portland at the edge of the Pearl district is what’s in store for you when you visit one of the best summer festivals in the west. Admission is free to the festival located at the Ecotrust, 10th & Johnson in Portland. Hours will be from noon to 6pm on Friday, July 12th and 11am to 4:30pm on Saturday, July 13th.

There is no better way to spend a day with family and friends. The Oregon Berry Festival has something for all ages. A children’s booth with activities and take home crafts, a main stage with cooking demos featuring berries, of course, and booths filled with fresh berries, berry candies, berry spirits, berry cupcakes, berry vinegars and berry varieties and products you have only dreamt about!

If your foodie soul is hungering for a more sophisticated take on berries the Gala Berry Dinner, prepared by Portland’s award winning Chef Vitaly Paley will be held Friday night, July 12th at the Hotel Lucia.

If you are busy that night don’t despair July has been designated Oregon Berry Festival Restaurant Month, with berry centric menu items offered at local restaurants across the Metro area. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to eat, play and learn about Oregon’s favorite summer treat at the 2013 Oregon Berry Festival. Click on Oregon Berry Festival for more information. 

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.

This Father's Day Gift Will Go Down in History

Shrouded in cannon fire, torn sails and a splintered U.S. Brig Lawrence, defeat was imminent for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and his crew during the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813.  But somehow, bravery overcame fear and exhumed the last morsel of hope the Americans had left.

With a little help from the shifting northern Ohio winds, Perry eventually rowed to the U.S. Brig Niagara and against all odds turned the tide against the heavily favored British.  Grit, determination and unshakable courage is what Perry and his brave crew of 557 patriots used to propel themselves into victory 200 years ago in the Battle of Lake Erie.  

It’s now 2013, centuries later, and it’s your turn.  Defeating the British together in a reenactment of one of the most memorable naval battles in American history could be the finest Father’s Day gift he’ll ever receive.  Whether it’s becoming a crew member on a majestic Tall Ship, representing the land force as a militia member or turning your personal vessel into part of the fleet, dad will approve.

Along with Tall Ships activities, surrounding days will include national speakers, the Ohio State marching band, fireworks, concerts, food, entertainment, arts & crafts, historical activities and an International Freedom Celebration.  And for those who want to focus a little less on history, there’s even more reasons to celebrate.

Nestled on the limestone banks of South Bass Island, the quaint village of Put-in-Bay has become legendary amongst midwesterners for it’s rich history and unique location. Situated only miles from I-90/80 coupled with a short twenty-two minute ride on the Miller Ferry, making your way to this closer-to-home-Caribbean is easy.  And whether it’s you and dad kayaking around the island, parasailing high above the harbor, taking a scenic bike ride or just simply relaxing with a cocktail at a waterfront restaurant, it will be a Father’s Day not easy to forget.

For more information or to reserve a spot in the battle please visit The Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial.

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.

Sheboygan’s Summer of Free Live Music

This year, the summer in Sheboygan, Wisconsin is packed with free live music.

Sheboygan’s Twilight Concerts at Fountain Park are running every Wednesday through August 28. “This year, the Farmers Market in Fountain Park will run 10am to 6pm on Wednesdays topped off with Twilight Concerts in the evening. The new schedule offers a nice midweek break in Fountain Park for residents, and an earlier start to weekend getaway for tourists”, said Amy Wilson, tourism director at the Sheboygan County Chamber.

Harbor Centre Market Days are also being held most Wednesdays to September 11. Participating businesses on 8th Street located in Sheboygan’s Business Improvement District will offer specials for patrons along with live music on the Mead Library plaza between 11:30am to 2:30pm. 

The Harbor Centre South Pier and Riverfront districts will also host live music with a full schedule of bands on Fridays (Riverfront) and Saturdays (South Pier) between 5:30pm and 8:30pm.

“This year’s Twilight Concert line-up features a more traditional vintage twist of days gone by with the area’s most renowned polka band, including Dorf Kapelle, as well as few big band sounds from the jitterbug era. Other live music sprinkled through the Harbor Centre District features mixed genres with jazz, acoustic and rock performances,” explains Wilson.

For more information about the Twilight Concert Series schedule or for any questions, contact Sheboygan Tourism at (920) 457-9491, or click on Visit Sheboygan. 

For more information about Harbor Centre Market Days and live music schedule, contact the Harbor Centre Business Improvement District at (920) 452-6921, or got to www.harborcentre.com.

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. 

Stagecoaches, Shoot-outs and Victorian Balls

Virginia City is a rarity – an 1860s boomtown fueled by a massive gold strike in nearby Alder Gulch, commandeered by vigilantes, abandoned, and then  most importantly – rescued by history buffs.

Now, it's a Wild West moment frozen in time, right down to the creaking boardwalks, rickety wooden buildings, antique furnishings and (okay, staged) gun-slinging duels and hoopskirt galas.

2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the gold strike in Alder Gulch. Among the many festivities are the Victorian Ball (June 21-23), Brothel Days at the Bale of Hay (June 29 and 30), Virginia City Kid's Day (July 6), Virginia City Treaty Days (July 19 to 21) and another Victorian Ball (August 16 to 18). The National Stagecoach and Freight Wagon Association Conference is from July 10 to 14.

Wake up to banana bread French toast at the Star Bakery Restaurant, then pick your time machine: the Overland Stagecoach, which tours around Virginia City, or the Alder Gulch Short Line, which will chug you between Virginia City and Nevada City, a ghost-town refuge for over 100 historic buildings from across the state. Or, take a little walk up to Boot Hill Cemetery, the final resting place for those done in by Vigilante justice.

Hit Nevada City (minutes from Virginia City) on a summer Living History Weekend, when the town swells with "locals" re-enacting chapters of Wild West history – hangings, trials, flour riots – as well as daily life (like blacksmithing and quilting), circa 1864. Afterwards, poke around the largest automated music museum in the world (think player pianos, organs, and mechanical orchestras) at Nevada City's Music Hall.

For a big-city gourmet dinner out (sans big city), scoot over to Ennis' Continental Divide, then double back to Virginia City for a 19th-century melodrama with the Virginia City Players.

For details of this summer's 150th Anniversary events and festivities in Virginia and Nevada City, Montana visit Virginia City Events.

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

Celebrating Seattle’s Diverse Artistic Community

For 43 years, the Bumbershoot arts festival has turned Labor Day weekend at Seattle Center into a multi-disciplinary celebration of art in all its thought-provoking, head-turning, perspective-altering, and occasionally funny-bone-tickling glory.

Bumbershoot – from August 31 to September 2 this year – has continually distinguished itself by offering one of the most diverse and carefully curated musical lineups in the world, in addition to a full spectrum of arts programming that includes comedy, theatre, film, literary, visual arts, and spectacle elements.

Its popular literary and lecture program Words & Ideas uses conversations, performances, and readings to explore the points where pop culture, new media, literature, theories, and trends intersect and explode into new cultural phenomena. 

Zombies will be everywhere at Bumbershoot this year, roving the grounds as part of the Festival’s spectacle programming and popping up in its Words & Ideas series.  They’ll also be performing as part of the musical lineup – albeit in the form of legendary power-pop band The Zombies.

That legacy act joins hometown heroes like Death Cab for Cutie (playing their seminal album Transatlanticism in its entirety) and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members Heart, Grammy-winning band fun., rising hip hop star Kendrick Lamar and breakthrough EDM act BASSNECTAR as one of 100-plus musical acts performing at the Seattle Center over Labor Day weekend.

Bumbershoot® is produced by One Reel in collaboration with Seattle Center. Bumbershoot stretches across the 74-acre Seattle Center beneath the city’s iconic Space Needle. Bumbershoot programs a diverse array of arts including live music, comedy, Words & Ideas, theatre, film, visual arts, children’s programming, and the Indie Market featuring urban crafts. 

Festival details are located at bumbershoot.org. For ticket information click on bumbershoot.org/tickets. 

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

Eat All the Illinois Sweetcorn You Can

As always, the main attraction of the Sweetcorn Festival in Urbana, Illinois this year is all the local Illinois sweetcorn you can eat! 

The Sweetcorn Festival takes place in the heart of downtown Urbana on Main St. between Race and Vine Streets on Friday, August 23, 5-11pm and Saturday, August 24, 11am to 11pm. 

Each year this festival is frequented by as many as 50,000 individuals from both Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding communities in Central Illinois. This festival is also the official welcome for incoming and returning University of Illinois students.

Apart from all the local Illinois sweetcorn you can eat, there will also be live music both nights on two different stages from both regional and national headliners. 

Car enthusiasts can look forward to the Motor Muster Car Show, a showcase of vintage automobiles. For children and families there are Action Inflatables, a rock climbing wall, indoor laser tag, pony rides, and a petting zoo along with all of the quality merchandise and delicious food from vendors.

For more information check out the Urbana Sweetcorn Festival Facebook page: www.facebook.com/urbanasweetcorn

For day of updates follow Urbana Sweetcorn Festival on Twitter: https://twitter.com/urbanasweetcorn

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

Sweetwater County Does Fun the Cowboy Way

Sweetwater County, Wyoming invites travelers to experience its lively cowboy culture at local events, landmarks and watering holes.

Any time of year, visitors can find the spirit of the Old West blowing across the high desert plateau and through the area's red rock formations creating plenty of ways to catch the cowboy spirit around Sweetwater County.

Where there are cowboys and horses there are rodeos, and visitors will find a rodeo event happening somewhere in the county about every other week. 

A large part of Sweetwater's rodeo clout is due to the spacious facilities of the Sweetwater Events Complex near downtown Rock Springs. This premier venue hosts thousands of competitors and spectators each year for all kinds of cowboy skills and thrills, including bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, bull riding and barrel racing. 

From July 25 to 27 the Red Desert Roundup – twice voted “The Best Mountain States Circuit PRCA Rodeo” – offers families rockin' rodeo fun plus activities to get out of the stands and into the excitement including special rodeo events, a 5K race and parade. The “world’s largest rodeo,” the National High School Finals Rodeo, runs July 14 to 20 and features more than 2,000 competitors.

Sweetwater, located halfway between Yellowstone and Canyonlands National Parks, knows cowboys need space to wander, and the wide-open territory of Southwest Wyoming is frontier land. In fact, the area lays claim to more miles of still-visible pioneer trails in all the United States, including sections of the Pony Express Route. Wild ponies also traverse the land and can be spotted tossing their manes along the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop Tour. Venturing further out, wanderers will come across evidence of early Native Americans as surely as cowboys of the Old West did. The White Mountain Petroglyphs feature over a dozen panels bearing hundreds of figures etched into sandstone bedrock of the Eocene Bridger formation.

Visit the Sweetwater County website for activity information, as well as an events calendar, itineraries and other vacation planning tools.

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