Blue Angels Are Back along Milwaukee’s Lakefront

The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron the Blue Angels will make their highly anticipated return to Wisconsin in June to headline this year’s Milwaukee Air & Water Show along Milwaukee’s lakefront. 

The 2014 event dates are Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22. The air show practice date is scheduled for Friday, June 20. Admission for the air show is free to the general public. For the best seating and prime viewing, reserved ticket packages including lakefront parking are encouraged is available online at www.milwaukeeairshow.com. Those interested in Marcus Club VIP tent viewing and special hotel event weekend packages, can visit: www.MKEAIRSHOW.com. 

The Milwaukee Air & Water Show (presented for the sixth consecutive year by Marcus Hotels & Resorts) is one of 68 scheduled performances on the Blue Angels’ 2014 show schedule. The Blue Angels last performed in Milwaukee in 2010.

Now Milwaukee’s largest two-day event, the 2014 Milwaukee Air & Water Show is expected to attract thousands of visitors over the event weekend. Each summer the air show brings families, visitors and residents down to Milwaukee’s beautiful lakefront for a full weekend of some of the best air show acts in the U.S. 

Adding to the Blue Angels’ performance, the Milwaukee Air & Water show is proud to announce a tactical jet demonstration by the A-4B Skyhawk from the Warbird Heritage Foundation and a parachute demonstration by the All Veteran Group, previously known as the All Veteran Parachute Team. Other aerobatic performers include:  Aerostars Aerobatic Team, Team AeroDynamix, John Klatt – Sponsored by Air National Guard, Matt Chapman Airshows, Red Bull Stunt Helicopter, Michael Goulian Air Shows and Firebirds Xtreme Aerobatic Team (Rob Holland and Jack Knutson).

“This year’s show is expected to be one of the best in Milwaukee’s air show history with the highly anticipated return of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and other premier acts,” said Paul Rogers, president of the Milwaukee Air & Water Show.

  

For performer details, show-site information and other Milwaukee Air & Water Show news, visit www.milwaukeeairshow.com. Follow the air show on Twitter @MKEAirandWater and on Facebook for the latest Milwaukee Air & Water Show updates. 

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

Billy Bowlegs Pirate Crew Heading for Fort Walton Beach

If you look just over the horizon, you might spy Capt. Billy Bowlegs LIX and his pirate crew, charting their course for Fort Walton Beach, where they’re likely to invade  the city for the 59th time sometime during the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival from June 5 through 7. 

The locals will welcome the pirates with a huge parade on Thursday evening, June 5.  At 7pm the parade floats will wend their way from First Street up Eglin Parkway, with crowds screaming for beads and throws from the festive floats, sponsored by local businesses and organizations, all themed with a nautical spirit. The pirates and their visiting Mardi Gras krewe cohorts always inspire the loudest cheers and applause – and this is the first look that many will get of Capt. Billy and his Queen.

Following the parade, there will be an opportunity to “Party with the Pirates” at the Fort Walton Beach Landing.  The Krewe of Bowlegs will entertain their guests at the Landing, and festival goers will have the chance to party with Capt. Billy and his Krewe. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from the vendors in the Pirate Village, and there will be music and revelry supplied by Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers. 

The Festival grounds at the Landing will open at 3pm on Friday, June 6, and Capt. Davy will offer sea shanties and stories for children and adults alike.  He’ll also have a mermaid tent (for photos with Angelica, a whimsical mermaid), magic shows, balloon animals, and there will be two pirate wenches for face painting. 

At 5pm, “Latitudes” will take the Apex stage at with their repertoire stretching from Santana to George Strait.  Capt. Billy and his Krewe will dock at the Landing around 7 pm for his reconnaissance mission and a skirmish with the Mayor and Reed’s Raiders.  That will be followed by great music from “Heritage”, who will entertain the crowd until the fireworks, sponsored by CenturyLink, starting at 9pm.

On Saturday, the Festival grounds will open 10am. The day will be filled with pirate revelry and music, followed by the Pirates’ Landing at about 4pm. 

Throughout the Festival, there will be entertainment on the main stage, sponsored by Apex Broadcasting, and there will be a large kids’ Pirate Play Zone sponsored by PMIPEO.  Kids’ bracelets, allowing unlimited access to all the children’s attractions, will be $15 per day or $20 for Friday and Saturday.  Attractions will include the rock wall, Euro-Bungee, the Dream Players Theater Group with pirate skits and storytelling, and Space Walk of Fort Walton and Crestview interactive attractions.  

Visit the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce at www.fwbchamber.org for more information.

For news of top events in this region of Florida take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual festivals and events in North Florida.

Pensacola Crawfish Festival Leads Fiesta of Five Flags

If you love crawfish and Cajun fare, the Pensacola Crawfish Festival on May 2, 3 and 4 is an event you won‘t want to miss.

It is one of the largest crawfish boils in the State of Florida, with  authentic bayou country entertainment all weekend long, competitive crawfish eating contests throughout the weekend and a children and families’ activities area. Admission is $5 per person, under 12 free or $10 for a three-day weekend pass. 

The Pensacola Crawfish Festival kicks off a hectic series of events for the Fiesta of Five Flags, an organization which celebrates Pensacola’s heritage, promotes tourism and builds pride in Pensacola through festive activities. The five flags are a reference to the different flags that have, at some time, been flown over Pensacola: Spanish, French, British, Confederate, and American.

Among the major events is the Fiesta Day Parade on June 5 where you can catch beads and watch beautiful floats parade through the captured city of Pensacola. Special appearances are made by the Fiesta of Five Flags court of DeLuna. Free to attend.

Sample a variety of mouthwatering seafood dishes and enjoy continuous entertainment at the Pensacola Seafood Festival on September 26, 27 and 28. The Seafood Grille offers cooking demonstrations where you can view area chefs as they prepare regional delicacies. Over 150 arts and crafts vendors provide the opportunity to start your holiday shopping early. The festival includes a children’s area filled with arts and crafts, and a “Gulf to Table” exhibition featuring some of Pensacola’s most popular restaurants.  Free to attend.

For more information on Fiesta events, call 850-433-6512 or visit www.fiestaoffiveflags.org/events

There is more news of top events in this region of Florida at the Top Events USA selection of the annual festivals and events in North Florida.

Feel the Heat at Virginia City's Chili on the Comstock

Virginia City, Nevada's 31st annual Chili on the Comstock is no mild affair. The cook-off returns to the historic town Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, from 10am to 5pm. Taking place along C Street, the historic town's main drive, the event promises plenty of heat, the return of the Fireball Crawl and family-friendly activities.

The two-day event hosts around 30 of the best chili cookers in the west competing for a spot in the International Chili Society (ICS) World Finals later this year. Competitors start from scratch on Saturday morning and a winner is picked each day. A people's choice award is up to the tasters with winners receiving cash and “Virginia City-style” prizes.

Tasting kits are on sale now. New this year is the "VIP Tester," where for $50 guests receive an elite experience with catered chili including all the toppings, free drinks and shaded seats in an exclusive area just for VIPs. 

Regular tasting packages start at $5 for the "Cautious Tester." Those that are more brave can purchase the "Daring Tester" for $10 then add even more heat with the Fireball Crawl for an additional $10, which includes a free shot of Fireball Whiskey to kick off the festivities.

The “Family Fun Zone” returns to the Delta Saloon parking lot with bounce houses, a bungee trampoline, face painting and more. Purchase tickets online at VisitVirginiaCityNV.com.

For more information on Virginia City, Nev. and the 31st annual Chili on the Comstock, visit VisitVirginiaCityNV.com or call the Virginia City Tourism Commission at 775-847-7500.

A short 30-minute drive from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport takes visitors to one of the largest historic districts in the Unites States – Virginia City, Nev. Experience this mining “boomtown” as it was in the 1800's. Step back in time while visiting the numerous historic buildings, saloons, churches and museums or take a mine tour or even ride a real steam train. The Comstock Adventure Passes offer the best value with discounted attraction packages. For lodging, event calendar or Comstock Adventure Passes, visit online or call 775-847-7500. The Visitor Information Center is located at 86 South C Street, Virginia City.

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.

Virginia Commemorate Extraordinary Times of 1864

One hundred fifty years ago the Civil War returned to Virginia with renewed vigor and throughout 1864 the state was the main focus of fighting and campaigning. 

In 2014 Virginia will likewise again be the focal point of the 150^th anniversary of the Civil War and Emancipation with special events, reenactments and commemorative activities marking those pivotal events of 1864.

   

While some activities hold special appeal for Civil War buffs and history enthusiasts, others have distinct family-friendly elements as pleasing for kids as adults. Re-enactments and other living history events, 150-years-to-the-hour guided battlefield tours, symposia, lectures and special exhibits can be found throughout Virginia this year. 

Here are a few early highlights of the 2014 Civil War and Emancipation 150 activities in Virginia:

• On April 25-27, the Bermuda Hundred reenactment just south of Richmond will offer the rare chance for spectators to see Civil War re-enactors fighting from behind recreated period earthworks. The event will also offer immersive experiences as visitors will have the chance to mingle up-close with military and civilian living historians and learn hands-on what life was like in Civil War Virginia.

• From May through September National Park Service units from Fredericksburg south to Richmond and Petersburg will offer special 150^th anniversary commemorative programs following the campaigns and battles of Lee vs. Grant. 

You can follow the Virginia Civil War Trails marking hundreds of sites with fascinating historic waysides. Free maps are available at Virginia Welcome Centers and local visitor centers throughout the state.

   

For more information on how to plan your visit to Civil War historic sites and attend commemorative events in Virginia, visit Virginia Tourism Corporation's Civil War and Emancipation web site www.Virginia.org/CivilWar.

Virginia's wealth of historic sites and museums covering all periods of American history is complemented by so much more to see and do. Add to your itinerary and stay long enough to really enjoy a Virginia getaway. Visit www.Virginia.org for easy-to-use travel planning resources or call 1-800-VISITVA and ask for a free Virginia is for Lovers 2014 Travel Guide 

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

Red Carpet Corridor Festival on Illinois Route 66

The 13 communities situated along historic Route 66 between Joliet and Towanda, Illinois, will celebrate the 8th year of their Red Carpet Corridor Festival on May 3 and 4.

Each of the towns along the highway will offer its unique schedule of events related to Route 66 history. There will be car and motorcycle shows, live entertainers, art displays, lots of food, games, fun runs, cook-offs, and retail events.

Many communities will have yard sales, garage sales, and flea markets to satisfy the shopping needs of most people. To assist festival-goers in finding the best shopping bargains, the Red Carpet Corridor committee has partnered with Kicks on 66 Sale. Kicks on 66 Sale is a multi-municipal destination shopping event which will run concurrently with the Red Carpet Corridor Festival along the 90-mile corridor of Route 66 that runs from Joliet to Towanda.

As is traditional with the Red Carpet Corridor Festival, this year the festival will offer travelers a special collectible souvenir just for making the entire festival journey. A free postcard collection is this year's collectible. Each of the 13 communities will design a postcard that exemplifies some aspect of their history or Route 66 heritage. Visitors can gather a complete set of the 13 postcards only by visiting each of the 13 communities. Quantities of the cards are limited, so festival travelers are encouraged to start their 90-mile exploration of the Red Carpet Corridor event early.  

For additional information on the Red Carpet Corridor Festival, the postcard pick up point in each town, or on Kicks on 66 Sale, contact the Pontiac Office of Tourism (815) 844-5847.  

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

Celebrating 25 Years of Brass Music

The Great American Brass Band Festival (GABBF) celebrates its 25th year in beautiful downtown Danville, Kentucky from June 5 to 8. 

Among the brass bands playing this year are several “pioneer” bands featured during the first festival. Others have been favorites over the years and there are a number of newcomers.

Balkan-style brass music will be a feature, with one of the country’s best Balkan-style brass bands, Zlatne Uste from New York City. Balkan-style brass music has never been heard at the GABBF. The new feature film Brasslands that tells the story of this band’s recent, historic trip to and involvement in a significant Balkan brass competition will be shown.

The 25th year celebration kicks off Thursday, June 5 with a Chautauqua Tea followed by a Gallery Hop through historic, downtown Danville. Friday brings an educational component with the Brass Symposium, featuring festival founder, George Foreman giving a history of the Festival.

Follow up this retrospective with a weekend of free music and fun, from the Great American Balloon Race to the Bayou & Brass street party to other concert venues around the area.

As the Festival moves into full swing on Saturday, bands parade down Main Street to kick off a full day of outdoor brass music that continues both downtown and on the Main Stage at the historic Centre College campus.  

Music continues Saturday and Sunday, with the feature event being the Great American Picnic on Saturday evening. Sunday brings a relaxing day with a community church service, free concerts and the Grand Finale at the Norton Center.

For further information on the Great American Brass Band Festival’s 25th year celebration and a complete list of schedules and details, please go to gabbf.org.

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

Yuma Celebrates 100th Birthday

Though Yuma’s rich history dates back even further, there's a big birthday around the corner for this Colorado River community:  April 7 marks the 100th anniversary of Yuma's charter as a city under the laws of the new state of Arizona in 1914.

Along with the birthday candles, Yuma will be lighting up new signs on Main Street to welcome folks to the "Gateway of the Great Southwest" – and kicking off a flurry of centennial celebrations, from proclamation-makin' and time-capsule-sealin' to an ice cream social and barbecue.

You can find out how to join the party at yuma100.com. Highlights include:

• Monday (April 7) - Official birthday proclamation & free ice cream social, with Gov. Jan Brewer flipping the switch on new "Gateway of the Great Southwest" signs;
• Tuesday (April 8) - Community western wear day and barbecue at Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park, with exhibits about Yuma's top three industries, agriculture, military and tourism;
• Wednesday (April 9) - Opening of free "100 Years in Pictures" exhibit at the Yuma Art Center, with live entertainment and refreshments;
• Thursday (April 10) - Wear your school colors for a record-setting aerial photo and fireworks show at West Wetlands Park;
• Friday (April 11) - Downtown block party presented by Fort Yuma Rotary 

The biggest birthday package gets unwrapped Saturday (April 12), with an all-day Centennial Music Fest featuring Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Lonestar, Dennis Jones Band, Bobby McClendon, Checker'd Past and Common Ground.  The Centennial Music Fest gets rockin' at 1pm at Desert Sun Stadium, but you can spice up your day by wrapping in a visit (or six) to the Yuma Taco Festival, which will offer 12 full hours of authentic, homegrown, taco-liciousness on an adjoining field beginning at 11am.

Admission to the Taco Festival is free, music fest tickets ($20 for ages 13 & older, $15 for active-duty military, $5 for kids ages 6-12, free for kids 5 and under), are now on sale at YVB's Visitor Information Center (201 N. 4th Ave., open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week), at Yuma Art Center (254 S. Main St.), Parks and Rec office (City Hall, One City Plaza) and Yuma Civic Center (1440 W. Desert Hills Dr.) or online at yuma100.com.

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

From Chihuly to Cartier, Denver Sparkles in 2014

Denver, Colorado, The Mile High City, will host a dazzling array of international art shows, one-of-a-kind exhibits and premiere sporting events in 2014, including a worldwide exclusive showing of Cartier jewels, the largest exhibit of Maya artifacts in American history and the World Lacrosse Championships.

Home to seven pro sports teams, Denver is a pro sports paradise during any given year .... and 2014 is no different as the ten exciting reasons to visit Denver in 2014 shows.

Relive Denver’s Old West heritage from April 17 - 19 when the nation’s top ranked cowboys and cowgirls ride into town for the Rodeo All Star Weekend at the National Western Complex.  Steer wrestling, calf roping, and bull riding, are just some of the events, which also include live music and a fashion show.  Speaking of fashion, don’t forget to visit Rockmount Ranch Wear in downtown Denver to pick up some of their original snap button Western shirts, as recently worn by Sir Paul McCarthy on “Saturday Night Live.”

The World Lacrosse Championship in Denver from July 10-19 marks the first time the United States has hosted this world championship since 1998, and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for lacrosse fans around the globe. A record total of more than 40 nations expected to participate. Great family entertainment is planned at an International Village at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

Downtown Denver’s Champa Street will be transformed into an immersive two-block long outdoor arcade game during the one-of-a-kind Oh Heck Yeah event from June 7 to July 26. The interactive games will be played on huge LED screens, projections on the sides of buildings, and in custom art installations. Visitors can play the games on smart phones or by using their bodies. The games will be simple to learn and play, but might cover the entire side of a building. It will be like walking into Tron. Street art, street performers, music, and food trucks will make this an interactive 21^st Century street fair.

If you want to learn more about what's happening in The Mile High City in 2014 go to VISITDENVER.com.

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.