From maple sugaring days in New England to tours of antebellum mansions in the South to a whale festival in northern California, here`s a selective look at some of the country`s best festivals in March:
East
In New England, March is known as Mud Month. Melting snow and rising temperatures signal the approach of spring-and maple sugaring. During late winter, steam can be seen rising from sugarhouses across Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire as they turn the sap of thousands of sugar maple trees into maple syrup.
Vermont leads the nation in maple syrup production. For a free brochure,
”Vermont Maple Sugarhouses,” write the Vermont Department of Agriculture, 116 State St., Montpelier, Vt. 05602; call 802-828-2418.
If you plan to visit a sugarhouse, it`s best to call ahead to make sure it`s open. The Morse Farm in Montpelier, Vt., offers a Public Sugar on Snow
(maple syrup poured over snow to make an icy treat) most Saturdays and Sundays during March. Call 802-223-2740.
In Connecticut, maple sugaring is the focus of a Maple Sugaring Festival March 17 at the Inn at Lake Waramug, New Preston,with free samples, a syrup-making contest and a waffle brunch. Contact: The Inn on Lake Waramug, North Shore Road, New Preston, Conn. 06777; 203-868-0563.
Other regional highlights:
Old Sturbridge Village Women`s History Day, March 17, Sturbridge, Mass.:
Event explores the lives of women in the early 1800s. Demonstrations of domestic and pioneer skills, tours, storytelling. Contact: Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge, Mass. 01566; 508-347-3362 or 508-347-5383.
South
Among the most popular events:
Natchez Pilgrimage, March 9-April 7, Natchez, Miss.: 60th annual tour of 30 antebellum mansions furnished with period antiques and featuring formal gardens. Confederate pageant and show (”Southern Exposure”) in the evening. Natchez Pilgrimage Tours, P.O. Box 347, Natchez, Miss. 39120; 601-446-6631.
Mobile Historic Homes Tour, March 13-16, Mobile, Ala.: Public tours of more than 20 of Mobile`s finest residences. Historic Homes Tours, P.O. Box 66247, Mobile, Ala. 36660; 205-433-0259.
Macon Cherry Blossom Festival, March 15-24, Macon, Ga.: The blossoming of more than 70,000 cherry trees is celebrated. Contact: Cherry Blossom Festival, 682 Cherry St., Suite 1110, Macon, Ga. 31201; 912-751-7429.
Historic Selma Pilgrimage & Antiques Show, March 22-24, Selma, Ala.:
Tours of homes, museums, churches in addition to the antiques show. Contact:
Nancy Bennett, 613 Alabama Ave., Selma, Ala. 36701; 205-874-6600.
Festival of Houses, March 15-April 14, Charleston, S.C.: More than 100 of Charleston`s homes and gardens are open to the public. Plantation roasts, garden tours, candlelight galas, afternoon and evening tours. Contact:
Festival of Homes, 51 Meeting St., Charleston, S.C. 29401; 803-722-3405.
Other regional highlights:
Tennessee Old-Time Fiddlers` Championships, March 22-23, Clarksville, Tenn.: Old-time bluegrass musicians from throughout the South compete for prizes. Old Timers, P.O. Box 883, Clarksville, Tenn. 37041; 615-648-0001.
Tater Day, March 31-April 2, Benton, Ky.: The nation`s oldest trade day began in 1843, when people gathered to buy root stock by the bushel in the court square. Today there is a flea market, crafts, parade, beard contest, Tater Trot and the National Championship Horse and Mule Pulls. Contact: Tater Day, 116 Park Ave., Benton, Ky. 42025; 502-527-0026.
Midwest
The 29th annual St. Patrick`s Day celebration in Emmetsburg, Iowa, Dublin`s sister city, March 15-17, features a Miss Shamrock pageant, parade, green beer, bagpipe music, banquet, Irish stew, Irish mass, visits by Irish dignitaries. Contact: St. Patrick`s Association, 1001 Broadway, Emmetsburg, Iowa 50536; 712-852-4326.
In Claire, Mich., the 17th Annual Irish Festival, March 14-17, will include a grand parade with floats, bagpipes, clowns and dulcimer bands. Contact: St. Patrick`s Day Festival, 112 W. 4th St., Claire, Mich. 48617;
517-386-9937.
Other regional highlights:
St. Urho`s Day Celebration, March 15-16. Finland, Minn.: The great St. Urho rid Finland of grasshoppers by chanting ”Heinasirkka, heinasirkka, monetaalta hiiteen” (”Grasshopper, grasshopper, go away”). Spoof beauty pageant, parade, dances, ethnic food and more. Contact: St. Urho`s Day Celebration, 21 Silver Hill Drive, Finland, Minn. 55603; 218-353-7359.
Wurstfest, March 16-17, Hermann, Mo.: Enjoy German culture in a town with a German flavor. Sausage making, wine tasting, oompah music, German food and more. Contact: Hermann Visitor Center, 306 Market St., Hermann, Mo. 65041;
314-486-2744.
Central
Among Western events:
Denver March Pow Wow, March 15-17, Denver: In its 16th year, the event attracts more than 700 dancers and drum groups representing nearly 70 Indian tribes from 22 states. Authentic arts and crafts are sold at 150 booths. Contact: Denver Convention & Visitors Bureau, 225 W. Colfax, Denver, Colo. 80202; 303-892-1505.
Dodge National Circuit Rodeo, March 14-17, Pocatello, Idaho: Only the top two cowboys from each of 12 circuits nationwide compete at Idaho State University`s Holt Arena. Contact: Pocatello Frontier Rodeo Association, 427 N. Main St., Suite A, Pocatello, Idaho 83201; 208-233-1546.
Inter-Tribal Pow Wow, March 24-25, Tulsa: Hundreds of American Indians from across the country participate in a variety of dance contests and other cultural activities. Contact Tulsa Indian Art Festival, 6362 E. 31st St., Tulsa, Okla. 74135; 918-838-3875.
Other regional highlights:
Schmeckfest, March 21-23, Freeman, S.D.: Enjoy bratwurst, sauerkraut, kuchen and pluma moos at this ”Festival of Tasting.” Contact: Ellen Ortman, Rural Route, Freeman, S.D. 57029; or South Dakota Tourism, 800-843-1930.
West
The migration of gray whales from their winter spawning grounds in Baja California to their summer home in the Bering Sea off Alaska is celebrated in Mendocino and Ft. Bragg, Calif. Hunted almost to extinction at the turn of the century, these magnificent mammals have flourished under government protection.
Mendocino`s Whale Festival is March 9-10. Events in this 19th Century community include wine tastings in 15 galleries.
At the Ft. Bragg Whaler Beer Fest March 23-24 the accent is on suds. Breweries from all over California offer their wares for tasting. Contact: Ft. Bragg-Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1141, Ft. Bragg, Calif. 95437; 707-964-3153.
Other regional highlights:
Snowfest Winter Carnival, through March 10, Tahoe City, Calif.: This 10th annual event is the largest winter carnival in the Western U.S., with 10 days of activities and 120 events. Contact: Snowfest, P.O. Box 7590, Tahoe City, Calif. 95730; 916-583-7625.
Alascom Open North American Championship Sled Dog Race, March 15-17, Fairbanks, Alaska: International mushers gather for this world-famous test of skill. Contact: Alascom North American Championship Sled Dog Race, Box 662, Fairbanks, Alaska 99707; 907-457-MUSH or 479-8166.
WHOM TO CALL
For airline complaints: The U.S. Department of Transportation, 202-366-2220.
For suspect business practices: The Better Business Bureau, 312-444-1188
(inquiries) and 312-346-3313 (complaints); the Illinois Consumer Protection Office, 312-814-3000; Cook County States Attorney, 312-443-4600; and the Illinois Attorney General, 312-814-3580.
For travel complaints: American Society of Travel Agents, Consumer Affairs Department, 703-739-2782.
For U.S. State Department travel advisories: 202-647-5225.
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Around America is compiled by OTR Travel Information Services. The listings are for information only and do not promote or endorse any enterprise or activity. Because some events may change without notice, it is advisable to confirm information before making plans. Questions or comments may be directed to OTR Travel Information Services Inc., P.O. Box 4262, River Edge, N.J. 07661.
