Celebrating Sacramento Valley agricultural history

The 2^nd annual California Nut Festival celebrates the rich heritage of Northern California�s nut and agricultural industry with a fun-filled day on April 16 with the very best in locally grown food, wine, brews, and live entertainment. 

You can enjoy guest chef cooking demonstrations, and art and farming displays at the Patrick Ranch Museum, 10381 Midway, Chico, CA from 11a.m. to 4p.m. (tickets $25 per person). The Butte Folk Music Society is providing musical entertainment throughout the day. The Festival features the works of local plein air artists on local farms throughout the seasons. 

The California Nut Festival began as a series of events including a blossom tour, spelling bee, book club and chef demonstrations that took place over the course of a two week period, but lacked a single event that brought consumers and local farms together in a meaningful way.

The mission of the California Nut Festival is to help consumers connect with local farmers and learn about the locally grown food available in the North Valley, and support the continued development of the Patrick Ranch Museum to preserve and interpret the agricultural history of the Sacramento Valley, including social, cultural and economic aspects.

Attendees have the opportunity to elevate their knowledge of culinary skills and locally grown foods, while also gaining a clearer understanding and appreciation of all that goes into producing the food they eat.

Proceeds from the California Nut Festival benefit the historic Patrick Ranch Museum which was bequeathed to the Chico Museum, the predecessor to the Far West Heritage Association, in 2001. 

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. 

For more information on the California Nut Festival visit www.californianutfestival.com

Loggers and Artists of Hoquiam, Washington

Historically a logging town, Hoquiam preserves its heritage with events like its internationally famous Loggers� Playday  .... while not forgetting to honor its artists too.

It celebrates its arts every year with the On Track Art Festival, held the last weekend of August each year (August 27 and 28 this year) on 8^th and Levee Streets in downtown Hoquiam. 

At this 2-day outdoor festival visitors can view and purchase original art from outstanding local and regional artists. No commercial products are allowed � all booths are original art products. Therre is great food, great artists and great opportunity for the artists who attend.

The Loggers Playday, held the Saturday following Labor day each year (this year September 10), is in its 47^th year. It is a day full of great fun. It makes a 6a.m. start with the Rotary Pancake Breakfast which competitors can work off on the 2 mile, 5K or 10K fun runs at 8a.m. The day proceeds with a vendor fair held in downtown Hoquiam beginning at 10a.m. The Loggers Playday parade begins at 12 noon with marching bands, logging trucks and other great entries. In the afternoon there is a Salmon Bake  outside the historic Olympic Stadium from 2 to 7p.m. The day ends with the one-of-a kind-logging show at the Olympic Stadium and a wonderful fireworks display.

Part of Grays Harbor County, Washington State�s gateway to the Pacific Ocean and the Olympic Peninsula, Hoquiam and its Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge is a stopover for hundreds of thousands of shorebirds during their spring and fall migrations. 

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 State. 

For more information on Hoquiam and its attractions and events visit www.cityofhoquiam.com/

Sounds of the Mississippi South

It�s true: Mississippi is the True South. It�s also true that Mississippi is the birthplace of America�s music. Country, blues, rock �n� roll .... they all started in Mississippi. 

�From the father of country music, Jimmie Rodgers, and the king of rock �n� roll, Elvis Presley, to the originators of blues like Son House, Robert Johnson and B.B. King, Mississippi is home to the ones who started it all,� said Mary Beth Wilkerson, director of the Mississippi Development Authority�s Tourism Division. �Come to Mississippi in May and experience our authentic musical heritage as we celebrate some of the finest musicians, festivals and venues in the world.�

The Mississippi Blues Trail continues its incredible journey of bringing to life the history of blues music all across the state. Blues Trail markers have been placed at sites where blues musicians lived and entertained. Others are situated at historic streets, train depots, blues clubs, cemeteries and even churches where blues musicians made their mark.

This month � May 8 to be exact � marks the 100^th anniversary of the birth of one of the most famous bluesmen of all time, Robert Johnson. His life and legend have served as inspiration for musicians and storytellers around the world. 

Several Robert Johnson 100^th anniversary events are scheduled this year including the Official Centennial Concert from May 5 to 8 in Greenwood with free concerts and more to commemorate this historic year and musician.  

No musical journey to Mississippi is complete without a visit to the Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo and true fans of Elvis will want to be sure to attend the Elvis Festival in Tupelo during June 2 to 5 this year. 

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.  

To learn even more to help you plan your musical trip to Mississippi in May, go to www.VisitMississippi.org

El Reno Fried Onion Burger Festival

The 150 pounds of onions are peeled, the Big Burger �  850 pounds and 8.5 ft. in diameter � is almost ready to be cooked and the preparations downtown are in full swing for the Fried Onion Burger Day Festival El Reno, Oklahoma, on Saturday May 7 from 10am to 6pm.

Fun events include the Burger Eating Contest (one 10-and-under and one adult contest) from 10am to noon at the Big Burger Arena and the crowning of the �King of the Big Burger�. 

The Oklahoma Commemorative Wing Air Force will be making flyovers in World War II vintage aircraft. Check out some 200 classic cars and 100 cycles at Cycle World. Nearly 30 craft booths are expected this year, offering a variety of handmade crafts and various items. 

There will be headliner bands on the Main Stage - the EHS Jazz Band, The Wurlybirds, Truck, Blues Tiger, Greater Than Zero, One Armed Bandit and 4-1-1. There is plenty of entertainment for the children � choirs and dance groups on the Kid Stage, clowns, hula hoop contests and much else.

And of course there are enough Burgers (and other food) for at least 30,000 people.

The El Reno Main Street Program, host and organizer of the festival, is among only 50 communities nationwide to be honored with the Great American Main Street Award. Downtown El Reno plays host to an average of 30,000 people annually when the Main Street Program stages its volunteer-run Fried Onion Burger Day Festival, which has occurred on the first Saturday in May for the past 22 years. 

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.

For more information on the Fried Onion Burger Day Festival visit www.elrenoburgerday.com

Pets in Annapolis

Ranked the 13th most dog-friendly city in the nation, Annapolis (& Anne Arundel County) has invited all pet lovers to �Bring Your Pets to Play� there during National Tourism Week May 7 to 15. 

Recognizing the fact that 49-percent of U.S. adult leisure travelers consider pets to be a part of the family, and 18-percent of this same group usually take their pets with them when they travel, the Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau (AAACCVB) will help to make traveling with four-legged friends in tow more enjoyable than ever during National Tourism Week. 

AAACCVB President and CEO Connie Del Signore says it is fitting that Annapolis roll out the red carpet for its four-legged friends during National Tourism Week. �We welcome pets to Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay, and we�ll be spreading the word in a special way with events, contests, giveaways, and activities that thank pet owners for choosing our destination.� 

The AAACCVB will be celebrating resident and visiting furry friends throughout the month of May. 

Throughout National Tourism Week, pet owners are invited to stop by the AAACCVB�s 26 West Street Visitors Center to pick up doggy treats provided compliments of Paws Pet Boutique and bandanas sponsored by Peppers. 

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

Visitors to AAACCVB�s www.VisitAnnapolis.org homepage will gain immediate access to information about accommodations, attractions, restaurants, retail outlets, parks, trails, deals, and specials that cater to pets and their humans. 

Branson Veterans Homecoming

Every day of the year, Branson, Missouri, honors its Veterans, but November 5 to 11 each year, Branson hosts Veterans Homecoming, the largest veterans celebration in the nation. 

During this week, which concludes with a Veterans Day parade in historic downtown Branson, thousands of veterans, active duty military personnel and their families attend more than 50 special events honoring their service and sacrifice. 

This seven-day tribute includes many special events, many of which are free and all of which present patriotic salutes to Veterans. Some of the events include military reunions, an annual Military Gala and Banquet, tributes to women veterans, a veteran�s village, traveling art displays and tribute exhibits, free live shows and much more. 

Several places honoring veterans are open year round, but are celebrated even more during Veterans week. The Veterans Memorial Museum is located on highway 76 and hosts exhibits that cover WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and all other conflicts during the 20th Century. 

Veterans discounts and group rates are available. The Veterans Memorial Garden is located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Hwy. 76 and Roark Valley Road, this beautiful garden serves as a living tribute to the sacrifices of America�s Veterans, active duty military personnel and their families. Veterans Memorial Garden was created by Branson resident and Master Gardener Ben Kinel, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps. 

Avenue of Freedom Designated by the Branson Board of Aldermen in 2001, in honor of the nation�s Veterans, heroes who gave their lives for freedom, and those who died in the attacks on September 11, 2001. 

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

For more information on the Branson Veterans Homecoming visit www.explorebranson.com/ 

50 Years in Fort Smith

Fort Smith's Heritage Festival is Multicultural

Fort Smith, Arkansas, is known for its Wild West origins, but don't assume the city's 2011 Heritage Festival on Saturday, April 9 is limited to that piece of history alone.

"It's truly a comprehensive heritage festival," explained Jennifer Boulden, communications and event services manager for the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau. "It's also sort of a multicultural festival."

The event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, and is headquartered at Immaculate Conception Church Parish Hall and Gymnasium in downtown Fort Smith. Entertainers inside the Parish Hall will be the Cherokee National Youth Choir, Irish dancers, Vietnamese dancers, Laotian dancers, and Story Teller Teddy Duncan. An antique car show will be set up in the church parking lot. Children's activities will take place inside and outside.

Vendors will sell beadwork, Native American art and jewelry, special occasion dresses for little girls, hair bows, handmade crafts, and Native American crafts. Groups such as 4-H, Girls, Inc., Western Arkansas Ballet, and Cultural Ambassadors will have exhibits.

While the festival is free, it is also a fundraiser for the Meals For Kids program.

The festival takes place throughout the downtown, and includes a Heritage Festival Tour of historic and entertainment areas. 

The Fort Smith National Historic Site will feature African American soldiers from the Civil War era. The national award-winning garden replicating the one planted by the Fort's officers' wives will be open as well.

While the main events of the Heritage Festival will be on Saturday, April 9, a free gospel concert will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 10 in Pendergraft Park. 

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. 

For more information on Fort Smith visit www.Fortsmith.org

Springtime Festivals in Maine

Spring in Maine means mountains changing from white to green, moose beginning to make public appearances, and the start of fun community festivals around the state.

The 38th annual Boothbay Harbor Fisherman�s Festival happens April 29 to May 1 with fun head-to-head events like the on-water trap hauling competition and dory bailing contest.

Greenville celebrates the start of moose watching season with MooseMainea on May 14 to June 12. Moose outnumber people 3 to 1 in the region, and events include a canoe race, craft fair, moose tale telling, a kids fun day and a moose photo contest.

The town of South Paris' signature spring event is the Lilac Festival at McLaughlin Garden from May 27 to 30. 

The event formerly known as the Kennebunkport Fine Living Festival is now the Kennebunkport Festival happening May 31 to June 4. The celebration of food, wine and art will feature ticketed wine-paired dinners, a mini beer and music festival and nightly after parties.

These annual birding festivals attract birders from around the country seeking unique sightings on land and water. 

The 5th annual Wings, Waves and Woods Festival takes place May 20-22 on Deer Isle. Puffin and pelagic boat trips, eagle spotting, daytime and evening bird walks, and a lecture series will make up the event.

Cobscook Bay is the setting for the 8th annual Down East Spring Birding Festival from May 27 to 30. Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge and coastal boat trips are popular adventures, along with hikes, a kayak tour, workshops, and activities for children.

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

For more events coming up this spring, go to www.visitmaine.com

Gettysburg Festival

Face-to-Face with America's Most Beloved Presidents

Join Abe, George, Teddy and Thomas when The Presidents of Mount Rushmore takes the stage this June as part of the Gettysburg Festival, a 10-day festival from June 10 celebrating American arts, culture and cuisine.

The Presidents of Mount Rushmore, held Friday, June 17, at 8 p.m. at Gettysburg's historic Majestic Theater, brings together the top historical characters on one stage for a one-of-a-kind presentation and performance on the United States Constitution.

"Gettysburg is so often referred to as a town located at the crossroads of Civil War history; this June Gettysburg is also located at the crossroads of arts and culture," said Festival Executive Director Alice Estrada. "What better place than Gettysburg, an iconic place in American history, to feature all four of these celebrated presidents 'in person' and portrayed by the country's most esteemed talent?"

The audience will learn about the Constitution, the views held by these former presidents and the impact this historic document had on four of America's most revered presidents.

George Washington is portrayed by Dean Malissa, the official George Washington at Mount Vernon and the most sought-after portrayer of Washington on the country. Thomas Jefferson is presented by Bill Barker, who portrays the third president at Monticello, the Virginia home of Jefferson. 

Lincoln is portrayed by Jim Getty of Gettysburg. Known as "America's foremost Lincoln portrayer," Getty has been traveling the world presenting the 16th president to millions. Roosevelt is portrayed by Jim Foote, a New Yorker who's been presenting Roosevelt for more than 30 years and traveling thousands of miles around the country each year entertaining and teaching audiences, including the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site.

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

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased through the Gettysburg Festival website - www.gettysburgfestival.org. 

Passport DC

Around the World in 31 Days 

Passport DC, a month-long celebration of international culture, returns this May to take DC visitors and residents on a global journey though Washington, DC. 

Now in its fourth year, Cultural Tourism DC�s Passport DC explores the international community that is a vital part of DC culture though street festivals, open houses, embassy events, special performances, and much more. All Passport DC events are open to the public and most are either free or at a low cost. 

The capstone event of Passport DC, the Around the World Embassy Tour, will be on Saturday May 14. From 10 am to 4 pm, more than 30 embassies representing six continents will open their doors to DC visitors and residents. Participants can travel the world as they experience the food, art, dance, fashion, and music of different countries. Last year visitors were treated to wine tastings, karate demonstrations, sari wrapping lessons, henna demonstrations, and authentic tea room tours. The Around the World Embassy Tour is free event.

Last year, more than 160,000 people participated in Passport DC by visiting the 60 embassies that participated in open houses, participating in the two major festivals, or attending the 37 international events of during May. This year�s signature events include: Short Cut to Europe: European Union Embassies� Open House (May 7), Around the World Embassy Tour (May 14), National Aisan Heritage Festival: Fiesta Asia Street Fair (May 21), and Meridian International Children�s Festival (May 21). 

In addition to its signature events, Passport DC includes international programming including performances, lectures, concerts, and much more throughout the month.

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

For complete list of Passport DC events visit www.CulturalTourismDC.org.

Kirkland Art Food and Wine

The City of Kirkland uncorks its signature summer festival, Kirkland Uncorked from July 15 to 17 in Marina Park on the shores of Lake Washington. The event celebrates the best of Washington�s art, food and wine with activities and exhibits throughout Kirkland�s picturesque waterfront and downtown.

The Tasting Garden offers guests the opportunity to taste from more than 60 Washington wines, sample regional cuisine from Kirkland-area restaurants and be entertained by the Northwest�s favorite bands on the main stage. Grilling demonstrations and the anticipated annual grill-off with Washington�s top chefs take place on the beach throughout the weekend. Winemakers and winery liaisons will be on hand to answer questions and provide tasting tips to guide guests through the collection of Washington wines.

Kirkland Uncorked guests can also stroll the Promenade free and open to all ages, to shop Artist Lane, curated by the Kirkland Arts Center and featuring art from local, regional and nationally recognized artists in a variety of mediums. The Arts for All Experience invites attendees to participate in art activities from clay throwing to sketching the landscape. Also in the Kirkland Uncorked Promenade are the Boat Show and CityDog Magazine�s Cover Dog Model Contest on Sunday at noon.

Kirkland Uncorked is a benefit for the Hope Heart Institute. For 50 years the Hope Heart Institute has made heart disease more treatable, beatable and preventable.

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

To learn more about Kirkland Uncorked and plan your stay in Kirkland visit KirklandUncorked.com. 

Cheat River Festival

The 17th Annual Cheat River Festival on Saturday May 7 in Preston County, Rt. 26 Albright, West Virginia, not only celebrates the new life that comes with Spring, but it also represents the new life that can be found in the Cheat River watershed.

The festival provides live traditional, folk and bluegrass music, a festival market with specialty vendors, an artist market with quality arts & crafts booths, a food court, a Kids Tent, climbing wall, an educational Focus Tent on the Cheat River watershed, and a Green Tech Area showcasing alternative energies.

In addition to the festival, two races take place. Friday is the famous Cheat River Down River Race. White-water paddlers from surrounding states & beyond travel to this annual race for kayaks and canoes. Saturday is the Cheat Fest 5K. Runners take to the streets of Albright for a scenic race along the Cheat River.

The festival is a celebration of the Cheat River and its improving water quality. Friends of the Cheat formed in 1994 after a deep mine seal blow out and millions of gallons of highly acidic drainage colored Muddy Creek and the Cheat River bright orange, killing fish for miles downstream. Since that time many water restoration projects have been completed on the lower Cheat and water quality has been steadily improving.

Directions to the festival site: From I-68 take exit #23 Bruceton Mills. Go South on Rt. 26 for 10 miles. Festival site is on the right.

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

For more information on the Cheat River Festival visit www.cheat.org/festival

Wisconsin Jazz Festival

Shades of Blue Kicks Off Wisconsin Jazz Festival

The 44th annual Eau Claire Jazz Festival from April 7 to 10, is a weekend packed with live entertainment, over a hundred Midwestern bands, interactive clinics and thousands of jazz enthusiasts. 

Guest artists this year include jazz saxophonist Eric Marienthal, Afro�Latin drumming sensation Bobby Sanabria, The Hornheads and The United States Air Force Band of Mid America � Shades of Blue. 

The jazz festival kicks off March 29 with a two-week community-wide celebration of jazz, culminating in the four-day festival in Eau Claire and Menomonie.

The United States Air Force Band of Mid America � Shades of Blue kicks off the festival weekend Thursday with a free concert at Memorial High School in Eau Claire at 7:30p.m. Headliner concerts on Friday at 7:30p.m. and Saturday at 7p.m. will feature Marienthal and Sanabria, along with award-winning UW-Eau Claire Jazz Ensemble I, also at Memorial High School in Eau Claire. The Hornheads will perform in the finale concert, Sunday at 2p.m., at Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts in Menomonie, WI.

In addition to guest artists, education is a main focus of the festival. Middle schools, high schools, and colleges from a six-state area travel to Eau Claire to perform, be critiqued, and learn how to enhance their jazz skills. Students also have the opportunity to receive scholarships to Shell Lake and Birch Creek summer music camps and win instruments. Several free clinics are offered Friday and Saturday both for attending schools and community members. All clinics and master classes are free and open to the public.

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. 

For more information about the Eau Claire Jazz Festival visit www.eauclairejazz.com 

Albany Greets Spring with 200,000 Tulips

Albany, New York greets spring with over 200,000 tulips blooming in a myriad of colors and varieties to celebrate Albany�s rich Dutch heritage.

Its 63rd Annual Tulip Festival on May 7 and 8 in Washington Park provides entertainment on four stages, over 100 crafters, fine arts show, gardening talks, food vendors, and family fun.

The Heritage Weekend on May 14 and 15 at the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area kicks off the tourist season with special events and discounted admission with a state-wide bang.

From May 3 to 22 there are Albany Vanguard Show House Tours at 10 Stafford Rd, Loudonville, NY. This remarkable historic home is owned and is being completely restored by Nathanial Bette. It was originally commissioned in 1839 and completed in 1841 by William Stafford. He was a merchant, assemblyman and judge. He named his summer home Prospect Place. 

Over the years many illustrious Albanians owned the home and a full history will be presented. Mr. Bette has been working with Albany�s Designers and Decorative Painters to bring the famous home back to its original Federal beauty with touches of its other historic features and the comfort and beauty of current designs. Like all �Grande Dames� this house has aged very well and the present day version to be presented in May will be a true work of art. Albany looks forward to showcasing this renovation through the talents of its many and varied interior decorators, designers, and faux finishers. House tours will benefit the Albany Symphony Orchestra.

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

For more information on Albany events visit www.albany.org

Chicken Wings in Reno

Chicken Wing Society Cook-off 

It�s the spiciest 4^th of July festival to ever hit Downtown Reno.  This year Silver Legacy Resort Casino hosts the 10^th Annual Great International Chicken Wing Society Cook-off on Virginia Street over the Independence Day weekend.

From Saturday, July 2 to Monday, July 4 you�ll have a chance to sample the best sauces, taste top-notch wings and watch the best in the business compete for poultry pride. Nearly a dozen restaurants and bars will be on hand to compete, including last year�s defending champ.

The general public is invited to help judge the wings and crown this year�s champ. Just go to �The Hen House� and sign up to be a �Chicken Hawk� to taste each sauce and vote.

Bring the whole family for an affordable 4^th of July celebration.  Admission is free and with arts and crafts vendors and live music from the Red Hot Smokin� Aces, Hindsight and The Palmore Brothers, the Chicken Wing Cook-off is also the place to hang out all afternoon.

Last year over 10,000 wings were served at the Cook-Off, with sauces ranging from hot and spicy to sweet and savory. Come wing it with Silver Legacy at this year�s Great International Chicken Wing Society Cook-off on July 2 to 4. Festivities are into the evening each night.  

Silver Legacy is perfectly situated in the heart of downtown Reno, connected to the Eldorado and Circus Circus Reno by skyway and within walking distance of a number of Reno entertainment venues, including the Reno Nevada Events Center, Reno Ballroom and Reno Aces Stadium.

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. 

To learn more about spicing up your 4th of July in downtown Reno, visit www.silverlegacy.com

Spring Time in San Diego

April showers bring May flowers to many parts of the country; however, it is the winter rains that bring vibrant, colorful floral displays each spring throughout San Diego County. 

From the botanical splendor of Balboa Park to the gorgeous gardens of Coronado and Carlsbad, and from charming mountain daffodils of Julian to the surprisingly verdant transformation of the Anza-Borrego Desert, San Diego offers many spectacular spring floral displays and horticultural offerings.

Spring makes a colorful entrance on March 26 and 27 in San Diego East County's charming historic mountain town of Julian during the annual Julian Daffodil Show. 

On April 16-17, the city of Coronado presents the 86th Annual Coronado Flower Show - the largest tented flower show in the West, drawing thousands of gardening and flower enthusiasts to Spreckels Park. Two other Coronado events coinciding with the Flower Show include the MotorCars on Main Street classic car show on April 17 and a popular Friends of the Library Book Fair.  

During April 28 - May 1, the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park blossoms during the annual Art Alive, an enchanting spring exhibition that transforms the museum into a colorful, captivating display of art and flowers. More than 100 floral designers take inspiration from the museum's renowned art collection and create floral renditions of famous paintings and sculptures.  

The Mission Hills Garden Club hosts the 13th Annual Garden Walk, one of the biggest in San Diego, on May 7. 

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. 

For more information on San Diego's springtime offerings visit www.sandiego.org 

Remick Museum Sweet Maple Sugaring

Experience a sweet New England tradition at the Remick Museum andFarm�s annual Maple Sugar event in Tamworth, New Hampshire, on Saturday March 26 from 11am to 3pm.

Here you will see how sap is gathered in the sugar bush and view demonstrations of Native American, colonial and backyard boiling methods of sugaring off. Visit the Remick Museum�s own sugar house to see how a modern evaporator works and while you�re there try samples of fresh maple syrup and sugar on snow. Enjoy a scenic horse-drawn wagon ride, pulled by the Remick Museum�s Belgian horses or visit the encampment where interpreters will share stories of maple sugaring from the 19th century.  At the concession stand, enjoy a sweet fulfilling pancake breakfast.  Gluten free option available.

Inside try samples of maple cream and head over to the craft-making station where children can learn how to make traditional wooden spiles and paper Mokuks.  

The agricultural way of life in New Hampshire from 1790 to the present is preserved at the Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm. Explore the Museum�s exhibits, including several on Maple Sugaring. Of course, you can�t go home without your own bottle of maple syrup. Purchase a bottle made right on the Remick Farm or by local producers, Turkey Street Maples of Chocorua. 

Admission is $5 per person. Members and children ages 4 and under are free (additional costs at the concession stand).

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. 

Or visit the Remick Museum and Farm web site at http://www.remickmuseum.org

Conch Republic Celebrates Secession

With activities ranging from a �drag� race for female impersonators to a lighthearted sea battle featuring tall ships, the Conch Republic�s 10-day birthday party is set to take place Friday, April 22, through Sunday, May 1.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, April 24, divers and snorkelers visiting the Florida Keys can plunge into an underwater game of hide and seek during the 11th annual Underwater Easter Egg Hunt in the warm, clear waters off Key Largo. 

Showcasing the republic�s eccentric spirit, the 29th annual Conch Republic Independence Celebration commemorates the Florida Keys� secession from the United States following a 1982 U.S. Border Patrol blockade that virtually stopped traffic on the only road to the mainland.

In protest, local officials staged the secession. After proclaiming the Conch Republic, they declared war on the mother country, pelted federal agents with stale Cuban bread, surrendered after 60 seconds and demanded $1 billion in foreign aid. 

Today patriots throughout the Keys fly the royal blue flag of the republic, whose motto is �We Seceded Where Others Failed,� and celebrate the secession�s anniversary each year with a lively island-wide party. 

As well as the drag race and sea battle for sea dogs and wenches, festival highlights include the Conch Republic Red Ribbon Bed Race, a charity race of decorated beds down Duval Street. 

The schedule also includes a pirates� ball and pig roast, fiddlers� contest and jam of bluegrass and old-time music, Conch Crawl showcasing favorite watering holes, Conch Republic military reception aboard the World War II museum ship Mohawk and sailing race commemorating the Keys� historic shipwreck salvage tradition

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. 

For more information on the Conch Republic celebrations visit www.conchrepublic.com 

Exploring Massachusetts Music Festivals

From well known festivals like Tanglewood (June 28) and the Lowell Folk Festival (July 23), to newer options like Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival (September 24), the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) has compiled a list of popular and unique music events that are taking place throughout 2011.

The Berklee Beantown Jazz Festival has become a leading celebration of jazz, Latin, blues, and groove acts. More than 80,000 visitors enjoy exceptional jazz and cultural food in Boston's historic and hip South End. Over 100 vendors will take part in 2011, securing Boston as a prominent influence on the jazz scene.

Low-key events include the Blues �n� Brews festival in Westford that pairs regional craft breweries with top blues bands. Great eats like Oktoberfest food and a homebrew competition make this a quality day for locals and out-of-towners. Raffles and games take place throughout day while craft and vendor booths are also stationed at the festival selling local creations.

Leading the band is the Salem Jazz and Soul Festival on April 9 at the Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, Salem. The Salem Jazz and Soul Festival is growing into a premier music festival on the North Shore, adding to the region�s creative economy through tourism, music and education. Last years family-friendly event featured two days of live music, music education classes, an arts and crafts fair, and a children�s play tent. 

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

If you're looking for more musical festivals taking place in Massachusetts, go to massjazz.com to check out events, festivals and nightclubs, as well as hotel packages, jazz brunches, classes and other resources.

Fast Paced Military Tattoo

The largest military music show in Vegas � the Las Vegas International Tattoo � is a fun packed, fast-paced  patriotic show featuring some of the world�s best armed forces bands in a tribute to the American armed forces and allies.

The Tattoo, with a spectacular line-up of 500 musicians and dancers, will be hosted at the Thomas and Mack Center, on Friday April 15 and on Saturday April 16, both at 7.30pm. The United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force will join forces with military and police units from Scotland and Canada.

The Tattoo is the signature event of the Las Vegas International Celtic Festival. The festival events include the Las Vegas Celtic Gathering and Highland Games, which is organized by the Las Vegas Celtic Society. Visiting Las Vegas at this time is a great opportunity to experience two fantastic events. There will be two performances daily by the American rock band The Young Dubliners (sometimes shortened to the Young Dubs).

The original meaning of military 'tattoo' was a drum performance dating back from the 17th Century when the British Army was stationed in Belgium and the Netherlands. Drummers from the garrison would be sent out to towns to signal to soldiers, 'last orders', get back to barracks! The duty was known as doe den tap toe ("turn off the tap"), as an instruction in old-dutch for innkeepers to stop serving beer. Over time this ceremony has become a much bigger spectacle involving military and civilian assets, choreographed into complete theatrical presentations. This event will uniquely blend music ceremony, entertainment and theatre.

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. 

For more information on the Las Vegas International Tattoo visit www.lasvegasinternationaltattoo.com