Priceless Writer - Travel & Recreation

Just because school has started, summer is holding on by the hair of its chinny chinny chin, and the first day of fall officially starts on September 22nd, 2008 – there is still plenty of time to soak up a few rays and enjoy a good festival before the leaves begin to trickle to the ground.

For example, Rhinebeck, New York is preparing for the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest this weekend, held at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds on September 6th and September 7th. Local restaurants and vineyards, music, and awe-inspiring scenery will take place against the beautiful landscape of the Catskill Mountains.

To give you a bit more time to prepare for upcoming festivities in your neck of the woods, below are five festivals in taking place in California, Georgia, Oregon, and Tennessee during the month of September:

1) Atlanta Arts Festival
September 12th - September 14th, 2008
Atlanta, Georgia

This three-day extravaganza unfolding in Piedmont Park centers on an outdoor festival focused on the beauty of visual arts. Artists from all over the country will gather to admire and absorb creative expression with sounds of live entertainment floating in the air. Other features to look forward to includes "Dirty Car Artist" Scott Wade; a Celtic harpist; and bucket drummer Chris Harris.

While you're there – don't forget to head on over to the food court, where soft drinks, bottled water, wine, beer, and Cat Daddy's Moonshine cocktails are ready to quench your thirst. Concession stands will showcase a variety of regional treats, from fried catfish, sweet potato chips, red beans and rice to Spinach and Black Bean Quesadillas, Crispy Fish Tacos, and Cajun Chicken Eggrolls. Nurse a box of Mountain View Kettle Korn or pay a visit to Always Sweet, which will provide delicious funnel cakes, cotton candy, and candy apples. Times: Friday: 4pm – 8pm; Saturday: 10am – 8pm; Sunday 12pm – 6pm * Admission & Parking: Free. It is suggested to take the Marta, as parking is limited.

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2) ArtWalk on the Bay
September 13th - September 14th, 2008
San Diego, California

Embarcadero Park North (right behind Seaport Village) provides the location for a two-day festival that promises to showcase the work of some of the best artists dwelling in San Diego. With the scenic bayside serving as your setting for this event, the artwork isn't the only thing you won't be able to stop staring at. Performers will keep the crowds entertained and the kiddies will certainly appreciate the various interactive art explorations offered at this event. Sponsored by Toyota, don't miss out on the chance to check out the latest in green technology with hybrid vehicles on display and test drives. Times: 10am - 5pm * Admission & Parking: Free – find your spot all about downtown.

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3) Chattahippie Music Festival
September 18th - September 21st, 2008
Chattanooga, Tennessee

Prepare for a four-day stint filled with peace, love, and happiness at the Chattahippie Festival Grounds, where this riverfront venue (stretching more than 50 acres) will host an array of performers and musical talent, including the sounds of bluegrass, blues, country, Americana, and Southern rock folk. There will be close to 30 acts and bands featured at this event, which also offers food and drinks to satisfy a grumbling stomach and parched throat. Rain or shine, this event is on – so don't forget to bring your sunscreen, lawn chairs, blankets, ground seats, and umbrella.

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4) American River Music Festival
September 19th - September 21st, 2008
Coloma, California

How does spending three days surrounded by blues, folk, and Americana music sound? With a handful of workshops and jam sessions, the American River Music Festival is coming to Coloma (about one hour from Sacramento) with food, music, art, and entertainment. Come enjoy a guided hike along the riverfront. Test your nerves while whitewater rafting or take the time to go camping with the kiddies. Performers slated to deliver a rip-roaring good time includes Gandolph Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams; The Buccaneers; and Blame Sally. Please note that all the action takes place at Lotus Park and three other campgrounds in town. Admission & Parking: $35-$219

Thanks to MorgueFile and Mary R. Vogt for providing the above photo.

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5) Portland Pirate Festival
September 20th - September 21st, 2008
Portland, Oregon

It's time to slap on an eye patch, dust off the wooden leg, and bring the parrot out of retirement – the Portland Pirate Festival kicks off in September, offering two days filled with music, history, and of course…adventure. This family-friendly event will be held under the St. John's Bridge with Cathedral Park providing the historical surroundings. Ships, cannon battles, and sword fighting demonstrations are only the tip of the iceberg for this festival that aims to pay homage to swashbucklers, pirates and other maritime fascinations of the past. Live entertainment will include Captain Bogg & Salty; En Daire Irish Dancers; "The Pirate's Parrot" Live Bird Show; and the Mud Bay Jugglers. Times: Saturday (10am - 10pm); Sunday (10am – 6pm) * Admission & Parking: 1 day: $6-$15; 2 day: $10-$20; Group Rates: $5 -$15

Thanks to MorgueFile and Dani Simmonds for providing the above photo.

This year, I can choose to spend Father's Day picking strawberries with my Dad, but I'm sure he'd rather settle for a little one on one garden time instead. However, that's not to say that exploring the tasty berries waiting in your neck of the woods isn't a good idea. Fruit festivals are pretty popular across the United States with some towns showcasing interesting one-of-a-kind events, competitive pie-eating contests, and the occasional Berry Queen or Princess holding court. So – what are you waiting for? Get ready to drench strawberry shortcake with whipped cream, toss a blueberry tart into your mouth, or sip a blackberry smoothie – the following fruity festivals are coming to town:

Strawberryfest
(June 1 - June 2, 2008)
Newton, Illinois

Come join in on the fun-filled activities, as you taste the addicting strawberry dishes and purchase berries to enjoy at home at this annual Jasper County event that earned this locale the nickname of "Strawberry Capital of Illinois."

Location: Newton Square
Times: Fri (3pm-10pm)
Sat (11am-10pm)
Admission & Parking: FREE
Contact: 618-783-3399

Looks like strawberry festivals are stirring in all parts of the United States – consider the following get-togethers taking place in the month of June: Troy Strawberry Festival – Troy, Ohio (June 07 - June 08, 2008); Strawberry Festival – Billings, Montana (June 09, 2008); Hartford Strawberry Festival – Hartford, Michigan (June 13 - June 14, 2008); Crawfordsville Strawberry Festival – Crawfordsville, Indiana (June 13 - June 15, 2008); and French Prairie Gardens Strawberry Festival – St. Paul, Oregon (June 13 - June 15, 2008).

Texas Blueberry Festival  (June 14, 2008)
Nacogdoches, Texas

If you love blueberries – do not miss this festival that offers fresh blueberries, blueberry cobbler, blueberry pancakes, ice cream contests, pie-eating contests, and countless food and art vendors. During this time, you are also encouraged to check out the nearby farms and pick your own sweet berries. Let the kids run wild at the giant inflatable Bounce Park. Drool over candy apple painted jewels at the classic car show.  Regional and local performers provide live music – acoustic folk guitar, rock, and country.

Location: Downtown and Festival Plaza
Times: 8am - 4pm
Admission & Parking: FREE
Contact: 936-560-5533 or info@nactx.com

Berry Dairy Days (June 19 - June 22, 2008)
Burlington , Washington

With live bands and plenty of kid-friendly activities, this downtown gem pays homage to the berry and dairy producers situated in the valley. Visit the strawberry shortcake booth; take snapshots of the grand parade; browse the many food and craft vendors; admire the glossy paint jobs of classic hot rods; and settle into a spectacular display of colors with the fireworks show.

Location: Downtown Festival
Contact: 360-757-0994 or burlingtonchamber@clearwire.net

Cranberry Blossom Festival (June 19 - June 22, 2008)
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

Ocean Spray is a major sponsor (thanks Irene) for the festivities taking place in Wisconsin, where you will find a fascinating craft show, food, live music, and endless fun centered on cranberries. Take the kids to the parade on Saturday morning or head downtown to listen to blues at night. Other features include: Dairy and Berry Breakfast –(5:30-10:30 am – Friday); Cranberry Chicken Dinner (4pm - Friday); Arts, Crafts and Cranberries Show (9am-4pm – Saturday); Ice Cream Social & Cranberry Exhibit (1pm-4pm – Saturday); and Cranberry Blossom Duck Derby (1:15pm – Sunday).

Location: Veteran's Park - Downtown Wisconsin Rapids
Performance Times: Cadillac Pete & the Heart (5pm); Studebaker John & The Hawks (7pm); James Solberg (9pm)
Admission & Parking: $5.00 at Gate
Contact: 715 422 4651 or leibl@visitwisrapids.com

Raspberry Festival (July 18 - July 19, 2008)
Lynden, Washington

The largest harvest of raspberries in North America takes place right in Lynden, where the locals attract people from near and wide to enjoy this all-out celebration of the fruit. While jazz music and exciting activities entertain the adults – children are kept busy with the petting zoos and wagon rides at McPhail Berry Farm. Other events to look forward to include wine tasting at Samson Estates Winery; participating in the Raspberry Run/Walk for Cancer; perfecting your jumper at the Curt Maberry Memorial Classic 3-on-3 basketball tournament (held downtown); browsing the selection at the "Berry Fair" Street Market; and indulging yourself in an all-you-can-eat raspberry pancake breakfast.

Location: Lynden
Times: Fri (5pm - 8pm); Sat (8am - 6pm)
Admission & Parking: FREE
Contact: 360-354-5995 or lynden@lynden.org

Greenbank Loganberry Festival (July 26 - July 27, 2008)
Greenbank, Washington

This arts and crafts festival centers on the local harvest of loganberries – a delicious cross between a blackberry and a raspberry. While the pie tasting contest is a sight to see, plenty of food, music, craft demonstrations, and wine tasting are ready to keep you busy.

Location: Whidbey Island Greenbank Farm
Admission & Parking: FREE
Contact: 360-678-7700 or director@greenbankfarm.com

Can't say that I've ever been to one of these kinds of festivals before, but on April 12th, 2008 – Marietta, Ohio is the location set for the Mid-Ohio Valley Fiber Arts Festival. This celebration concentrates on textile-based arts and traditional crafts of Appalachia, which introduces a wealth of fiber products you probably never knew existed.

Not only will you gain an education on how natural fibers are used in everyday life, but you'll also have the chance to participate in a few demonstrations of weaving, spinning, knitting, and natural dyeing.

Kids will certainly enjoy the presence of the alpacas, rabbits, and llamas on the premises, as parents browse about for their next handmade shawl, sweater, spiffy hat, or decorative rug. Other items for sale include soaps, knitting accessories, and figurines comprised of felt.

Vendors from all over the United States are expected to participate – bringing along their intriguing wares, including yarn and books (Knit' N Needle – Cedar Hill, Texas); hand woven and knitted Icelandic sheep fleece shawls and scarves (Schul Icelandics – Guysville, Ohio); jewelry for knitters (Waters Edge Jewelry - Brecksville, Ohio); and spinning and weaving items (Mary Ann Yarborough – Pennsboro, West Virginia).

EVENT DETAILS

Where: Washington Co. Fairgrounds Junior Fair Building

Time: 9am – 6 pm

Admission & Parking

Pre-Pay $2.00
Day of Event $3.00
Children under 12 – free

Main Website
Phone Contact: (740) 373-4981

Speaking of Denver, Colorado… the Denver March Powwow will be held this weekend (March 21st – March 23rd, 2008), where an explosion of colors greets you with the excitement of jingling bells and soulful drumming. A fine display of American Indian singing and dancing serves as entertainment, as well as a Storytelling room that is fun for the entire family. Some people are lured to this event just to savor the taste of the mouth-watering Fry Bread. Others cannot resist the beauty of the more than 170 arts and crafts booths scattered about the Denver Coliseum (4600 Humboldt).

Event Details

Time: 10am to 10:30pm daily

Admission

$6 per day
3-day pass ($15)
Children – 5 and under and Adults 60+ (free)

Main Website
Schedule of Events 
Phone Contact: 303-295-4444