Black History Month Parade in Atlanta, Georgia

The city of Atlanta is home to many African-American events, legends, history and most notably home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. One of the major events in Atlanta is a cultural celebration that encompasses all of the great things that African-Americans have accomplished.

The Black History Month Parade on February 22 at noon is one of the largest celebrations of National African-American History Month held nationwide during the month of February. It brings together people from all over the world for a common cause of celebration of culture, heritage and history of black people.

"We have lots of international groups involved in the parade this year including the Legend Marching Band of Nassau, Bahamas, 'The Band' Marching Unit of Baltimore, Maryland and many, many groups, associations, organizations and iconic people participating," says director of the parade, Mr. Earl Little.

The 2014 Black History Month Parade (BHMP) route is scheduled to travel down Auburn Avenue the main street that stretches directly through the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. / Sweet Auburn Historic District coined by John Wesley Dobbs, as the "richest Negro street in the world."

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr./Sweet Auburn Historic District is home to major African-American organizations and businesses such as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), The King Birth Home, Georgia State University, 100 Black Men, SCLC Women, Prince Hall Masonic Temple, Atlanta Life and many historic sites, attractions and artistic landmarks.

The Sweet Auburn District was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and is also known as an entertainment hub which has hosted many different events such as the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival, The Sweet Auburn Springfest and is often visited by notables such as President Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Al Sharpton, Jessie Jackson and home of civil rights legends Joseph Lowrey and Congressman John Lewis.

Visit www.blackhistorymonthparade.com for details or call 1-866-254-1295.

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

Family Winter Fun in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Get ready for the 1^st annual Portsmouth Fire & Ice Festival from Thursday evening, February 13 through Monday, February 17, 2014.  

The Fire & Ice Festival celebrates Valentine's Day, Presidents Day Weekend and winter in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with festivities coordinated by members of the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce.

Building on the Ice Fest that the Portsmouth Gas Light Co. restaurant has held on weekend evenings in mid-February for the last three years, the new city-wide Festival incorporates day-time fun for families, special programs and offers in stores, restaurants and performing arts spaces and evening entertainment. 

Portsmouth Gas Light Co. hosts its Fire & Ice Fest on Friday through Sunday evenings, with three ice bars, fire pits, ice luges, wood fire-grilled food and ice sculptures. 

Strawbery Banke Museum will host a hearth-cooking workshop and dinner on Friday; Winter Night in Pitt Tavern on Saturday; and dog sled rides on Sunday. 

New Hampshire Public Television will be screening films at Seacoast Repertory Theater selected to promote their group tour to Iceland in June 2014 with Willem Lange, while the Players Ring will be showcasing performances by Patrick Dorow Productions. The Discover Portsmouth Center continues its “Flowers of Winter” exhibit with a special program at 11am Saturday morning. It all kicks off at the Port Inn Opening Night Party Thursday, February 13.

“The 1^st Annual Portsmouth Fire & Ice Festival is a direct outgrowth of the collaborative brainstorming that took place among the businesses who rely on the tourism dollars that contribute so much to the community,” said Valerie Rochon, Tourism Manager for the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce. “Fire & Ice builds on events that were already happening in the city to give couples and families an additional reason to make Portsmouth their Valentine’s Day and President’s Day Weekend holiday getaway.”

For details visit the Portsmouth Fire & Ice Festival schedule of events.

 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.

Boots, Chaps and Cowboy Hats in Scottsdale, Arizona

Some may challenge Scottsdale’s claim of the title, “The West’s Most Western Town,” but every year Scottsdale proves those naysayers wrong as it shuts down the city’s main corridor for the world's largest horse drawn parade, the Parada del Sol Rodeo and Parade.The 61-year-old tradition has seen some upgrades, but it continues to stay true to its roots. And this year is no different.

Jumpstart your day and get your heart racing before the big parade on February 8 at 8:30am by participating in the Fun Run, a brand new event. People of all ages are invited to walk, run or bike along the parade route before the horses come marching. 

Afterward, stick around for the inaugural Cattle Drive before directing your attention to the Parada Del Sol Parade. Once the horses have moved on, keep the festivities going at the Trails End Celebration with live music, food and drinks, a kids’ zone, and an accompanying car show featuring more than 100 cars on display. The parade begins at 10am in downtown Scottsdale.

The parade leads up to the big event – the February 27 through March 2, Parada Del Sol Rodeo at WestWorld of Scottsdale. This year the rodeo will be extended an extra day to accommodate the Champions Challenge, a part of the National Finals Rodeo. In the Champions Challenge, some of the country’s best rodeo cowboys compete for victory in eight different challenges. Throughout the weekend enjoy family days and a free rodeo dance. Tickets cost $15 for people over the age of 13. 

After the dust settles and the cowboys have hung up their hats, stop by a cowboy hangout for some county music and brews, such as The Western Bar and Restaurant, the Rusty Spur Saloon and Handlebar J. 

Visit Experience Scottsdale for news of other events in The West’s Most Western Town.

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.

Music Festival Supports Miami Homeless Shelters

The 9 Mile Music Festival in Miami, Florida on February 15 began as a labor of love, pioneered by Cedella Marley Booker.  Over the years the festival has had other names including “The Caribbean Music Festival” finally evolving into what is known today as the 9 Mile Music Festival.

This annual all day music festival, also featuring a wide variety of international food vendors and an arts & crafts marketplace, is more than just your average concert; it has a commitment to doing good and spreading love.

The 9 Mile Music Festival is responsible for collecting over 2-million canned goods in an effort to give back to the community.  Four canned goods are required as part of the admission to the festival.  The canned goods collected are distributed to homeless shelters in Miami.

This year there will be live performances by Stephen Marley, Damian Marley, Julian Marley, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Sean Paul, Tito El Bambino, Mavado, Chronixx, Ken Y and many more.

The venue is the Miami Dade County Expo Center, 10901 SW 24th St, Miami, FL 33165. Gates  are open 12.30pm to 11pm (rain or shine).

Visit 9milemusicfestival.com/ for more details, call 305-665-5379 or email Info@ninemileent.com 

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.

Scenic Colorado Mountain Towns Host Ice Fishing Events

After the last holiday decoration is stored away, the last Christmas cookie has been wolfed down and the last holiday bill (hopefully) paid off, winter settles in. 

Want to spice things up and try something new? Head to the Colorado Mountains and break out the ice auger – it’s time for ice fishing. This winter, Grand County communities in Colorado will play host to two major ice fishing contests.

The 25th annual Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest (January 24-26, Granby, Colo.) takes place over three days on three popular fishing lakes in the Granby area: Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Grand Lake. Participants can fish one, two or all three days, and are eligible for daily cash prizes totaling more than $6,000 each day, as well as thousands of dollars in raffle prizes.

For Three Lakes’ Grand Slam prize, fisherman work to catch one fish from each of the following species: Kokanee, rainbow, brown, and Mackinaw. After weighing all four fish, the prize is awarded to the heaviest creel, or basket.

The Three Lakes Ice Fishing Contest is open to all fishermen, not only the serious anglers. For more information, contact the Granby Chamber of Commerce at 970-887-2311, grcoc@rkymtnhi.com or www.granbychamber.com.

Prizes at the 3rd annual Grand Lake Catch and Release Ice Fishing Contest (March 1-2, Grand Lake, Colo.) are given in three categories (Lake Trout, Brown and Rainbow) for this two-day event. Over $9,000 in cash, door prizes, and giveaways will be offered throughout the event. Welcome Party, Fishermen’s Feast, and more to entertain off the ice. For more information contact the Grand Lake Chamber at 800-531-1019, or visit www.grandlakcechamber.com

Located 67 miles west of Denver, Grand County is home to wide-open spaces, breathtaking mountain scenery and authentic old-west towns. Outdoor recreational activities include golf, boating, fishing, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting and horseback riding. Click on www.visitgrandcounty.com for details.

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.

Happy Landings in Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills

Imagine flying through the air the length of almost a football field – with skis strapped on your feet.  That’s what many daring young competitors will do with ease at the annual Jumpfest Winter Festival. This much-anticipated annual event celebrates its 88th year February 7 to 9 at Satre Hill in Salisbury, in Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills.

On Sunday, February 9, plan to start your morning off right with pancakes and eggs at the Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance fundraiser breakfast. The highlight, the Eastern U.S. Ski Jumping Championships begins with practice at 11am, the competition begins at 1pm. and shows off the tremendous coordination, skill and grace it takes to soar so far with a happy landing. Everyone will be hoping to beat the Salisbury record, an impressive 231-foot jump.

The championship, often featuring future Olympic hopefuls, is the climax of a weekend of thrills and fun beginning under the lights Friday with a chili cook-off at 6:30pm, followed by target jumping and the human dogsled race. The dogsled race, a crowd favorite, has competing teams of five humans pulling a sled and driver around a .3-mile course. It’s all in fun, and teams can get very creative with both their costumes and sleds.

Saturday events start with the youth Nordic 20- and 30-meter jumping competition, followed by the Salisbury Invitational Competition for ski jumpers.

Popular Saturday features include the annual ice carving demonstration from 11am to 3pm of creative sculptures on display at the LaBonne Square in the center of Salisbury and a bourbon tasting and chef demonstration at the Interlaken Inn on Rte. 112 in Lakeville. Everyone is invited to attend the Snow Ball Saturday night at the Lakeville Hose Company, 9 Sharon Road in neighboring Lakeville.

The all-volunteer Salisbury Winter Sports Association, host of the annual championships, maintain cross country ski trails for SWSA members in Salisbury and provides scholarship funds for downhill ski programs at four area schools.

Satre Ski Hill is located on Indian Cave Road, off Route 44 in Salisbury. Signs in the center of Salisbury point the way to ample free parking. For further information, see www.jumpfest.org

There will be Festival-related events starting a week before Jumpfest. For more information about ski jumping and other winter activities nearby click on www.litchfieldhills.com

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. 

New Jersey’s 350th Anniversary Events

The year 2014 will mark a notable milestone for New Jersey: its 350th birthday. Since its creation in 1664, New Jersey has played a pivotal role in the shaping of American life and culture.

Today New Jersey is home to 21 Fortune 500 companies and more than 1,100 multinational companies from 40 nations. When it comes to art, culture, music, and sports, New Jersey houses hundreds of museums and is the home state to countless film, TV, and music legends; notable literary figures; and acclaimed athletes.

To acknowledge the state’s contributions to the nation and the world, three themes have been designated to help frame the anniversary:

Innovation: The world has been reshaped again and again by people from and things created in New Jersey. From Edison’s light bulb, to the Atlantic City boardwalk, to the first intercollegiate football game, to Frank Sinatra and Count Basie, New Jersey’s innovations and innovators have had an impact around the globe.

Diversity: By virtue of its location and diversity, New Jersey is in many ways a microcosm of the U.S., with numerous national themes playing out within the state’s boundaries over the past 350 years.

Liberty: New Jersey played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, witnessing more significant military action than any other state in the new nation and establishing a tradition of distinguished military service that continues to this day. New Jersey’s commitment to the cause of liberty was further demonstrated when it became the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights in 1789.

Throughout the anniversary, events large and small, local and statewide, will be held to highlight these themes and bring the celebration to every part of the state. Special programs will feature the unique foods, music, people, stories, and traditions that make New Jersey special.

Click on officialnj350.com for details. 

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

2014 Whale Watching Begins in San Diego

Whale watching season in San Diego traditionally occurs from December through April when California gray whales journey from the chilly Alaskan seas to the warm water lagoons of Baja California.

Guests on a winter cruise can witness thousands of California gray whales come within a few miles of the San Diego coastline on their 5,000-mile southern voyage passage as these "peaceful giants of the sea" swim to warmer climates to birth and rear their young. Their journey is one of nature's most extraordinary events and is the longest known distance any mammal migrates on an annual basis.

In the fall and summer months, whale watching excursions also tout the opportunity to see humpback, fin and minke whales, along with frequent year-round sightings of bottlenose, pacific white-sided and common dolphins. With 70 miles of coastline, San Diego makes an ideal location for viewing this impressive parade of marine life.

The Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla celebrates the gray whale season with educational activities and whale exhibits. The aquarium's outdoor tide-pool plaza, overlooking La Jolla's shoreline and the Pacific Ocean, offers an excellent vantage point for viewing the gray whale's epic journey.

The 5th annual Big Bay Whale Days and Whale Festival on January 25, 2014, offer family fun and entertainment along San Diego Bay's downtown waterfront Embarcadero. Throughout the month of January, guests can also celebrate with "Whale of a Deal" packages that provide discounts and coupons for whale watching excursions, restaurants and museums located along the Embarcadero.

Cabrillo National Monument overlooks the ocean and provides a spectacular coastline to discover marine life. Located on the panoramic Point Loma peninsula, the park offers a glass-enclosed observatory for whale watching; guests can also explore whale exhibits and listen to a taped narration describing characteristics of these popular animals. 

Cabrillo's 27th annual Whale Watch Weekend and Intertidal Life Festival occurs January 11-12, 2014 and features presentations, exhibits and films. Rangers are also on hand throughout the weekend to assist visitors in spotting whales in the ocean and explore the park's magnificent tide pools. Admission is $5 per private vehicle.

For details of whale watching day excursions visit San Diego Whale Watching.

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

Year’s First State Fair is a Fun Place

You can write it in stone. The Florida State Fair: always in Tampa and always in February.

The 12-day showcase of Florida's best in agriculture, industry, entertainment (shows, music, games, rides and food) and achievement is celebrating its 110th year from February 6 through 17 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa near I-4/I-75. 

Advance tickets are now on sale at Walgreens locations throughout Florida and also at participating AAA Tampa Bay area locations.

The theme “1st Place For Fun” reminds fairgoers that the Florida State Fair is the first state fair of the year in the country. Boasting the largest independent midway and highlighting the largest traveling roller coaster in North America, the Fair also offers 110 free things to do; four featured concerts including America, Country Gold, Sister Hazel and Uncle Kracker; amazing animals and livestock; the Mildred W.and Doyle E. Carlton Jr. Cracker Country; bizarre side show spectacles like sword swallowing and fire eating; an exciting FMX Motorcycle Thrill Zone; fantastic fair food and other exciting entertainment throughout the twelve days of Fair fun. 

“We’ve created expanded daily discounts and promotions to appeal to every group from honoring our heroes on opening day and four senior days to college day and four student days touching nine surrounding counties,” notes Charles Pesano, Executive Director of the Florida State Fair Authority. “This is a great year to experience the fair and the key for having epic fun on a budget will be to buy early and save.”

Parking is free. Advance admission pricing is $7 for seniors (select senior days only), $9 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-11. Children 5 and under are free. Ride armbands – $25 in advance.

Country Gold concert tickets on Wednesday, February 12 can only be purchased through the Florida State Fair Authority. Shows will be at noon and 4 pm. 

Visit www.floridastatefair.com for details.

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.

Nation’s Biggest Springtime Celebration

The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC is the nation's greatest springtime celebration. 

The 2014 Festival, from March 20 to April 13, includes three spectacular weeks and four weekends of events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. 

The 2014 Festival commemorates the 102nd anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan.

One of the Festival’s largest signature events, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade® presented by Events DC. is on Saturday, April 12, 2014 from 10am until noon along Constitution Avenue, NW. Vibrant costumes and blossom-inspired décor create the look of the nation’s premier springtime parade. Giant colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, and performers burst down Constitution Avenue in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year during the Festival.

National Cherry Blossom Festival 2014 signature events and programs include:

• Thursday, March 20: Pink Tie Party fundraiser at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
• Saturday, March 22: Opening Ceremony at the Warner Theatre 
• Saturday & Sunday, March 22 & 23: Family Days presented with the National Building Museum 
• Saturdays (March 22, 29, April 5): Step Into Spring Fitness Programming at the Jefferson Memorial 
• Saturday, March 29: Blossom Kite Festival on the Washington Monument grounds
• Thursday, April 3: Grand Sake Tasting at Carnegie Library 
• Saturday, April 5: Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival 
• Saturday, April 12: Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival produced by The Japan-America Society of Washington DC 
• Saturday, March 22 - Sunday, April 6: Festival Welcome Center at the Tidal Basin produced with the National Park Service 
• Ongoing: City in Bloom and the Petal Pass Program presented by Capital One Bank® 

Visit nationalcherryblossomfestival.org for more information.

For news of other top events in Washington DC take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Washington DC.