Jackson MS Street Festival has Pageant, Concerts, Family Activities

Cinco de Mayo Mississippi Festival 2014, commemorating the historic battle of Puebla, Mexico, will be held on Saturday, May 3 from noon to 10pm including the Miss Cinco de Mayo Pageant  and street festival at the center of downtown Jackson on State Street and Capitol Street.

The 2014 Cinco de Mayo Festival celebrates the cultural diversity in central Mississippi and throughout the state and features  activities for the entire family. Gates open at 11am. 

The celebration begins with a prayer at noon followed by Mariachi music with Charro Mexican Rodeo cowboys and folkloric dancers. The Master of Ceremony representative will open the daytime festivities at noon followed by short speeches and the Cinco de Mayo proclamation. 

Numerous vendors will offer authentic Mexican food and a variety of ethnic foods from Mexico, South America, and the United States, as well as beverages, jewelry, crafts, and many other items. A children’s area will be located inside the festival and will offer activities including carnival rides, space jumps, face painting, pony rides, piñatas, and a children’s arts and crafts area with traditional Mexican crafts.

The festival will also include concerts on a stage at State Street and Capitol Street, with local and national artists including musical headliners ranging from Mexican to Country, Blues, Rock, Zydeco and other festival activities including the presentation of this year’s “La Reina (the queen) de Cinco de Mayo” of Mississippi. There will be carnival foods and rides, too. The La Reina de Cinco de Mayo Mississippi Pageant will begin four weeks before the crowing at the festival. 

The pageant constants will be announced weekly on WLBT Channel 3, Telemundo, and The Radio People, US 96.3 FM, Mix 98.7, Y101 and  Legends classic country 100.9 FM and La Noticia Newspaper.  This year by popular demand we are holding a Chihuahua dog contest.

Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster. Ticket prices are $10 in advance, $15 day of event for adults 12 and up; children 6-12 are $5 in advance and day of event; children 5 and under are free. 

For sponsorship, vendor, entertainment information, or directions to the Festival, visit www.cincodemayomississippi.com or FB at Cinco de Mayo Mississippi.

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.

Upcoming Events and Festivals in Hawaii

The National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) will bring together a host of top musicians from Hawaii including thirteen-time Grammy winner Jerry Douglas for a special concert on April 5 in celebration of its 50th anniversary. The “Musical Legends in the Garden” concert is set in NTBG’s beautiful open-air Southshore Visitors Center in Poipu on the island of Kauai. 

The 12th annual Waikiki Spam Jam, a cultural tradition in Oahu, is set for May 3 in the heart of Waikiki. Celebrating Hawaii’s love affair with spam and rated as one of the top annual food festivals, the event features local restaurants offering creative Spam dishes, entertainment stages, and a variety of Hawaii retailers.

Marking its 25th year, the Whalers Village Maui Onion Festival will be held on May 3 at the Whalers Village in the Kaanapali Beach Resort. Dedicated to the cultivation and promotion of the world-famous Maui Onion, guests can enjoy a weekend of fun, food, chef demonstrations, live entertainment, and the signature Maui Onion Challenge.

One of the oldest festivals of its kind in the nation, the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival will convene from June 12-15 on Maui at the world renowned Kapalua Resort. The celebration of epicurean excellence brings together local, national, and international vendors to showcase the finest products in food and wine and embrace all things Hawaiian. The four-day culinary extravaganza also features top master sommeliers, celebrated chefs, and evening gala events.

The fourth annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival announced the addition of an event on Hawaii Island on August 29 in partnership with Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Hilton Waikoloa Village. The Hawaii Island event supports the Festival’s goal to showcase the world-class food festival as a statewide initiative, highlighting the state’s culinary and agricultural community along with the hospitality and tourism industry. Co-founded by Hawaii’s James Beard Award-winning chefs, Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong, the festival features wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and exclusive dining opportunities featuring the state’s bounty of local produce, seafood, beef, and poultry.

The Sea House Restaurant at Napili Kai Beach Resort on Maui is celebrating its 50th anniversary throughout 2014 with a variety of special offers and pricing, creative anniversary menu items and specialty drinks, and weekly giveaways. 

For more information about top events in Hawaii take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the main annual festivals in Oahu, the Big Island, Maui and Kauai. 

Epic Celebration of Spring in North Carolina

There’s no place like Wilmington, North Carolina and its island beaches during the spring when millions of azaleas are bursting with colorful blooms. 

The lush flowering landscape provides an idyllic backdrop for an epic Southern-style celebration known as the North Carolina Azalea Festival, a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event. The 67^th Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival will be held April 9-13 in Wilmington, North Carolina.

As the stage is set in early April, Wilmingtonians invite friends, family and visitors to help celebrate the season with Southern hospitality, style and fanfare. An annual tradition since 1948, the North Carolina Azalea Festival pays tribute to the rich history, arts, culture and natural beauty of Wilmington, North Carolina’s historic river district and the island beaches of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach.

Perennial festival highlights include the Cape Fear Garden Club’s Azalea Belles who dress in hoop skirts to greet visitors and honor an era past. There’s also an elaborate 3-hour parade on Saturday morning, complete with azalea-laden floats, marching bands, clowns, show animals, local pageant winners and celebrity guests, including Queen Azalea. This year’s parade includes a “Best Entry” contest. There are also juried arts and craft shows, a traveling circus, fireworks (Saturday night), and a street fair (Sat./Sun.) with exhibits, vendors, live entertainment and kids’ activities.

Signature associated events include the Cape Fear Garden Club’s Azalea Garden Tour, April 11-13, one of the South’s longest-running and most popular garden tours. The 61^st annual Cape Fear Garden Club Azalea Garden Tour theme is “For the Love of Gardening.” This year’s tour showcases 13 private and public gardens that include a mix of established and new lovingly tended landscapes. Garden tour price includes free admission to Airlie Gardens on Saturday and Sunday. For details and tickets: www.capefeargardenclub.org/azalea-garden-tour.

Another time-honored sanctioned event is the Azalea Home Tour, April 12 and 13, showcasing nine private homes and a church of historical and architectural interest. Homes are chosen to represent the wide variety of architectural styles found in Wilmington. For home tour tickets: www.historicwilmington.org.

Live music is a big part of every N.C. Azalea Festival. This year’s headline acts include the quintessential jam band Widespread Panic and country artist Justin Moore’s “Off The Beaten Path” tour with fellow musicians Randy Houser and Josh Thompson.

For a N.C. Azalea Festival schedule and concert tickets, visit www.ncazaleafestival.org or call 910-794-4650, or stop by the Festival ticket office (5725 Oleander Dr., Unit B7, Wilmington).

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

Spring Celebrations in San Diego

Springtime in San Diego makes a colorful entrance every year as warm weather sweeps through the county and brilliant flowers bloom. Spring celebrations at the region's major attractions, popular sporting events, cultural festivals and other festivities keep visitors entertained throughout the season.

Collegiate, junior and master rowers from the United States compete in over 100 races during the 41st annual San Diego Crew Classic, held April 5-6 along Crown Point on Mission Bay. Spectators can cheer on participants from the shoreline and enjoy concession stands, a beer garden, sponsor booths and a jumbotron screen showcasing the races.

The city of Fallbrook in San Diego's North County celebrates its designation as "the Avocado Capital of the World" during the annual Fallbrook Avocado Festival on April 13. Highlights include arts and crafts, games and creative foods featuring the delicious, green fruit.

Art takes over the streets of downtown San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood during the Mission Federal ArtWalk April 26-27. The free event, the largest art event in San Diego, showcases fine art in many mediums alongside live musical performances, food and beverage booths and activities for kids and families.

From April 11-13, the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park blossoms during Art Alive 2014, an enchanting spring exhibition. Transforming the museum into a colorful display of art and flowers, 120 floral designers take inspiration from the museum's renowned art collection and create floral renditions of famous paintings and sculptures.

On April 26-27, the Coronado Floral Association presents the 89th annual Coronado Flower Show, a cherished Coronado tradition since 1922 and the largest tented flower show in the nation. Each year, this floral fete draws thousands of gardening and flower enthusiasts to Spreckels Park. Flower exhibits are displayed inside tents surrounding a grand central gazebo, which becomes the stage for trophy presentations and live entertainment. There is also a flower marketplace, beer and wine garden and food pavilion. Tickets are $5 for adults; free entry for children under 12.

Visit www.sandiego.org/events for more spring events throughout San Diego County.

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 the San Diego region as well as the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas.

Celebrate Easter in San Francisco’s Union Street

Take in the festive sights, sounds and scents of spring at Union Street’s 23rd Annual Easter Parade & Spring Celebration in San Francisco on Sunday, April 20 from 10am – 5pm on Union Street, between Gough and Fillmore Streets.

Set in San Francisco’s renowned historic shopping district, this fun-filled day is packed with free events, children’s activities, live entertainment, delicious food and, of course, the ever-so-popular Easter Bonnet Contest.  Look for appearances from the Easter Bunny, as well as an interactive show by The Radio Disney Road Crew.

Proudly boasting the nickname, “The Biggest Little Parade in San Francisco,” the Union Street Easter Parade is a fabulous procession showcasing all that is wonderful, unique, wacky and elegant about the San Francisco Bay Area. Beginning at 2 p.m. at the corner of Gough Street and Union Street, nearly 50 parade contingents with hundreds of enthusiastic participants will make their way down the five blocks of Union Street to Fillmore Street. Over the years, this wildly colorful parade has seen everything from vintage cars, roller blading cows and sophisticated fashion to innovative floats and costumed characters. The public is invited to join in the parade for free.

There will be a variety of children’s and family activities available throughout the day, including kids’ rides and games, inflatable bounce houses, a climbing wall, a petting zoo, pony rides, as well as an area offering hands-on children’s activities. Parents and kids can work together to make animals out of clay, craft sticks, feathers and pipe cleaners.

The main stage, located at Union and Buchanan Streets will feature live entertainment for all ages. Check the event website www.sresproductions.com for an updated schedule of events.

The Union Street Association consists of a membership of over 90 local businesses led by a 7- member Board of Directors devoted to the promotion, preservation and beautification of Union Street.

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 the  San Francisco region as well as the Los Angeles and San Diego areas.

A Glimpse into East Pass Christian’s Grand Life from 1850 to 1935

Visitors to this year's Pass Christian Historical Society’s Tour of Homes will view five homes which reflect the city’s past from the mid-19th century through 1935. The event will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2014 from 2 to 5 pm.

The homes showcase the variety of architectural house types and styles of the period from a raised cottage with a Greek revival facade, an American center-hall cottage with a graceful columned wrap-around porch, and the impressive three-story home of Mrs. Jeanne McDaniel (shown here).

The featured homes include:

• The home of Mrs. Lynn Gildersleeve, 1001 East Beach Blvd. is a "cottage" type home with three dormers jutting from the center roof, an American center-hall plan cottage with a wrap-around porch lined with French doors and windows.  

• The Bailey home, 829 East Scenic Drive is a raised cottage with a Greek revival facade and the American center-hall floor plan.  It dates to 1850 with the "crab claw" stairs added in 1938.  The home is exquisitely furnished with the original estate furnishings.

• The home of Mr. and Mrs. Keith Petagna¸ 710 East Second Street, demonstrates how a historical structure can be incorporated within a modern home. This home exemplifies the best of historical adaptation.

• The home of Mr. and Mrs. Michael McElroy, 533 East Scenic Drive is a colonial revival mansion designed by New Orleans architect Richard Koch.  The McElroys renovated the home and beautiful gardens in 2010.

• The home of Mrs. Jeanne McDaniel, 519 East Scenic Drive was almost destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and has been meticulously reconstructed to its former glory.  Refreshments will be served here from 2 to 5 pm.

Docents will be available with architectural and historical information at each house.  Visitors will be given a brochure, tour program and a walking/driving tour and map of the area.  Refreshments will be provided by the Society's members at the McDaniel home.

Tickets are available from the Pass Christian Historical Society for $25 in advance or $30 at the door ($15 for children 12 and under).  For more information about the tour or to buy tickets online, please visit www.passhistory.org or call (228) 452-0161.

The Pass Christian Historical Society strives to raise awareness of history in general and to preserve and present the history of Pass Christian through research, records, archives, exhibitions, education and celebrations.

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.

USA Events and Transatlantic Tourism Grow Together

When offering people services like event calendars there are two key questions to ask and the first is; who is looking for this information? A list such as the Top 20 Events in the USA will appeal to the majority but more success will come from specifics. The priority, when providing a reader with extensive coverage of the possibilities around them, should always be tailoring the information to the specific wants and needs of the key groups (writes Susie Walton).

Who is the reader?

What and who are the key demographics actively searching for such information?

Local everyday Americans are a key group whether they're looking for something happening in their town, city or even state but there's another group that's just as important: tourists.

Whilst normal Americans will search for the best events within their vicinity there is always the possibility that 'word-of-mouth' and personal recommendations will be valued higher than that of any particular service. This is an important difference between the two previously mentioned demographics.

Events and tourism go hand-in-hand as the search for enjoyment only increases once the stresses of ordinary everyday life are left at the airport or dock for days and weeks on end. However, the easier this search for entertainment is, the better and many packages are now geared towards answering every detail possible.

Tourism, be it Americans visiting another state or holiday-goers from another country, can be the lifeblood and an essential component of a community lucky enough to have them. This important group resulted in over 3 million visitors to America in 2013, according to the US Department of Commerce and their Travel and Tourism sector, and that was just from western Europe alone.

The lure of the United States of America continues to grow and with cruise ships and crossings now specifically designed to cater to tourists' every need the demand for quality information grows. Tourists no-longer want to step off a ship oblivious to their surroundings and unaware of the possibilities. People now want their potential choices and opportunities presented to them in a clear and concise way. Cruise companies and fleets are now organised to operate in both summer and winter and the need for the best information on what is happening all across the country, up and down the coasts, has increased as a direct response to this expanding market. Each arriving cruise ship is a potential goldmine for the expectant community as some ships can deliver up to 6000 passengers per day and with this demanding audience wanting entertainment all that is needed to guarantee success is increased organisation and awareness. 

With certain cruise ships now able to carry over 2500 passengers plus crew on each voyage there is no doubt that the industry is an important element within the transatlantic tourist environment. Some cruise companies now boast fleets as large as seven separate ships and as such the opportunity to benefit from it also exists.

What does the reader want?

Our second key question is; what do these demographics, tourists in particular, want?

When providing detailed information such as this the key is to tailor it to each specific group and although events are generally always open to both locals and foreign friends why not create something specific for the guest in town?

People now actively look for the most efficient service available and providing events information in a way that ends any potential worry will always be valued.

As tourists, and in particular cruises, are generally confined to certain areas of America one option would be to create lists like the following:

• Top East-Coast Events
• Top West-Coast Events
• Top Mid-West Events
• Top Southern Events

This approach may provide incoming tourists with just what they want to plan the perfect holiday whilst also ensuring regular Americans can enjoy even more content about their own country, state and community and any opportunity to help both demographics is one that should be taken.

Expansion Opportunities

The beauty of entering the world of the tourist market is that as the 21^st century continues and technologies continue to push us towards globalization the opportunities will expand and potential tourists will always value somewhere providing the best credible information they need.

The ability to create information for tourists just stepping off a plane or cruise-ship would answer the growing demands of modern life where people are happy to have experts do their planning for them.

Each specific page or section could provide detailed information on events tailored to the unique needs and interests of incoming tourists whether they be from Europe or further afield.

Imagine the satisfaction and peace of mind a tourist would instantly have after stepping off their cruise-ship to the following potentials:

• The Step-by-Step Guide to New York Events
• The Events Walkthrough of Florida State

Whilst the national market within America is certainly large enough to cater to without looking elsewhere there were over 2.5 million Asian tourists visiting during the 2013 calendar year. Add to that figure the previously mentioned western Europe stat and the fact that every tourist wants to know where the best party, event or memorable occasion is going to be and you've got a large demographic seeking highly specific information.

The opportunities are there and with simple tweaks to ensure information has been correctly collected and edited for this market success is sure to follow.  

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

Enjoy All Things Celtic at Yukon, Oklahoma

Come for a fun-filled day enjoying your Scottish heritage and all things Celtic – listen to Scottish and Celtic music, watch Highland and Scottish Country dancing; catch the Irish dancers who will perform step and clog dancing.

The Iron Thistle Scottish Heritage Festival & Highland Games takes place on April 26 and 27 (Saturday 10 to 6; Sunday 10 to 5) at the Kirkpatrick Family Farm, 1001 Garth Brooks Blvd, Yukon, Oklahoma. Admission is $5 - under age of 9 free.

The music and dance entertainers will perform on three stages. Acoustical music will feature bagpipes, guitars, mandolins, pipes and whistles. Celtic music groups will play and sing Scottish and Irish music that will have your toes tapping and hands clapping. Pipe & Drums bands will be playing, with a Massed band performance at noon each day.

In the children's area there are games and crafts for all ages then participate in the interactive activities with the Arthurian Order of Avalon. Sword fighting, battling the enemies, and rescuing the fair maiden! There is to be a scavenger hunt that will have items to collect from anywhere on the grounds of the festival. A train will be giving free rides to all the youngsters, young or old.

Many Clans will have their tents set up to help you discover your family name, roots and history. Many individuals will be dressed in their traditional Clan tartan and interact with the public throughout the event. Celtic historical information and stories will be shared. Want to know how to trace your family tree? Attend a free Genealogy workshop to learn how and where to start. An expert Genealogist will be on hand to teach the workshop and help anyone looking to get starting digging into their family history.

Festival-goers will enjoy watching medieval Highland games, or athletic competitions, that have athletes competing in ancient games of strength and agility both days. Have you heard of "Tossing the Caber"?  Where a competitor will toss a telephone pole end over end or "Throwing the Hammer"? Just two of the many events to be seen.

The Games are sanctioned by the North American Scottish Games Association. All competitors' results will be posted on their website at nasgaweb.com. Participants will be able to view their points and their ranking among all other competitors all across North America. The best and main event of the athletic competition, only done at our festival, is the carrying of a 300 lb Iron Thistle. Watch the test of strength and endurance to see how far any one of the competitors can carry it.

Browse the many vendors that will have food and merchandise from Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales. Try the food, Scotch eggs, shortbread and Irn Bru is always on the menu. You will find Guinness for the Irish in the crowd. See what merchandise is offered by the vendors from beautiful silver jewelry, pick up a kilt, all order of dress to complete your Scottish attire, flags or Celtic wear of all kinds, scarves, cups made of horn, figurines and wooden swords. If it is Celtic you will find it there.

Pets are welcome and all children under the age of 9 can enjoy the day free! Free parking is available at the Yukon Middle School, directly north of the Festival grounds. 

You can always go to the website uscoscots.org or the Face Book page www.facebook.com/IronThistle page for more information. The Festival is sponsored by United Scottish Clans of Oklahoma, the City of Yukon, OK and The Kirkpatrick Family Family Fund. 

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

Celebrate Mississippi’s Arts and Literary Arts this Spring

Celebrate spring by discovering the masterful works of accomplished authors, artists and artisans who call Mississippi home.

Mississippi, known as the most Southern of all states, invites visitors to experience the homes, studios, shops and workshops where Mississippi’s artists and writers create and display their work. From the towns in the foothills of the Appalachians in northeast Mississippi to the spectacular Mississippi Gulf Coast, a tour that is centered on Mississippi’s offerings in the arts and literary arts is one of endless variety and depth.

Here are a few of the special events in March and April.

Tupelo isn’t just the birthplace of Elvis Presley. On March 18-22, Art Rocks Tupelo will swing into town for the second event celebrating visual arts, dance, film and theater, and concerts. 

The 2014 Oxford Conference for the Book is set March 26-28 and is the 21st annual event to celebrate books, reading and writing. It is only fitting that the conference is held each year in the beautiful town of Oxford, Miss., home of Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Faulkner and his beloved residence, Rowan Oak, which is also open to the public.

For those who love fine art as well as artisan crafts, don’t miss the juried Ridgeland Fine Arts Festival, April 5-6, in Renaissance at Colony Park in Ridgeland. This festival was recently named a Top Twenty Event by the Southeast Tourism Society. 

Spring Pilgrimage home tours and related events around the state highlight another aspect of the state’s arts culture: architecture. Enjoy tours in Natchez (March 8-April 8), Columbus (March 28-April 14), Aberdeen (April 4-6), Holly Springs (April 11-13), and on the Gulf Coast (March 25-29).

The 13 Mississippi Welcome Centers will also be hosting special events through the spring season to celebrate the state’s arts and literary heritage – from book signings and poetry readings to art demonstrations and exhibits.

There are many colorful arts festivals all across the state throughout the year. To learn more about artists, artisans, writers, events and interesting places to experience, go to www.VisitMississippi.org, www.mscreativeeconomy.com or call 1.866.SEE MISS.

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.

In Spring, Kentucky Is World’s Equestrian Epicenter

With spring’s arrival, Kentucky emerges as the equestrian epicenter, as horse lovers from around the world converge on the Bluegrass State for thoroughbred racing and sales, the Rolex Three-Day Event and – yes – partying.

First, it’s live racing at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, April 4-25. More than 1,000 acres of manicured grounds provide a pastoral setting for patrons to watch, wager and sometimes win during the spring meet. Grandstand tickets are available at the gate for racing Wednesdays through Sundays, except Easter.

Viewing daybreak workouts at trackside and eating breakfast at the track kitchen with jockeys, trainers and owners are also popular pleasures. You can also attend Keeneland’s auction of 2-year-olds in training set for April 7. These activities are free.

Then, the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington hosts the 2014 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event April 24-27. This year’s event will bring an especially high level of excitement to the horse park as competitors vie not only for $250,000 in prize money but also for places on the national team to represent the U.S. at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in France this summer.

About 70 horses and riders competing in dressage, cross-country and show-jumping will attract more than 65,000 spectators eager to see who will compose the eventing team at WEG, held every four years and often referred to as the Olympics of equestrian sports. Tickets to the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event are on sale at www.rk3de.org.

On April 12, the focus will expand to Louisville for the opening of the Kentucky Derby Festival, a rollicking community celebration leading up to the 140^th “Run for the Roses”. The kickoff event is Thunder Over Louisville, one of the nation’s largest annual fireworks displays. The three-week-long party also includes the Great Steamboat Race on the Ohio River, April 30, and the colorful Pegasus Parade down Louisville’s Broadway on May 1.

These and many other free Derby Festival events attract some 1.5 million people to celebrate the arrival of spring and the running of the world’s most famous thoroughbred race at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 3. Seats are still available for the Derby at www.kentuckyderby.com.

So get in the horsey spirit and make your way to Kentucky for this spring’s equestrian extravaganza.

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