From a soap box derby in Akron to Pioneer Days in West Fargo, N.D., to a Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., here`s a selective look at some of the country`s best festivals in August:
Midwest
Magic Get-Together, Aug. 7-10, Colon, Mich.: Gathering of amateur and professional magicians and magic enthusiasts. Performances, workshops and non- stop music. Contact: Abbott`s Magic Manufacturing Co., 124 St. Joseph St., Colon, Mich. 49040; 616-432-3235.
All-American Soap Box Derby, Aug. 10, Akron: Championship of gravity car racing. Ages 9-16 compete in gravity-propelled vehicles they have built themselves. Opening parade at 11 a.m.; races start at noon. Contact: Wayne Alley, P.O. Box 7233, Akron, Ohio 44306; 216-733-8723.
U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championships, through Aug. 11, Indianola, Iowa: Some 300 top balloon pilots fill the skies with color. Contact: National Balloon Championships, Box 346, Indianola, Iowa 50125; 515-961-8415.
Jour de Fete, Aug. 10-11, St. Genevieve, Mo.: Missouri`s oldest permanent town recalls its French and German heritage with tours of historic homes dating to the 1700s. Also, more than 400 craft stands, French clogging, Indian crafts, German bands and other entertainment. Contact: Jour de Fete Information Center, 3d and Merchant Streets, Ste. Genevieve, Mo. 63670;
314-883-7097.
Coshocton Canal Festival, Aug. 16-18, Coshocton, Ohio: This event highlights the history of the canal in the area. Parades, contests, free entertainment, 19th Century costumes and a large juried crafts show. Activities at various locations. Contact: Coshocton Area Chamber of Commerce, 124 Chestnut St., Coshocton, Ohio 43812; 614-622-5411.
Hog Capital of the World Festival, Aug. 31-Sept. 2, Kewanee, Ill.: Event showcases the regional pork industry. Highlights include carnival,
entertainment, hog calling contest, pigtail contest, live hog exhibit, and the chance to ”pig out” on pork chops and pork patties. Contact: Hog Capital of the World, 316 N. Main St., Kewanee, Ill. 61443; 309-937-2591.
Central
Pioneer Days, Aug. 17-18, West Fargo, N.D.: Re-created early 1900s farming community is the backdrop for demonstrations of farm skills. There`s also a Scandinavian church service and a display of vintage cars. Contact:
Bonanzaville, P.O. Box 719, West Fargo, N.D. 58707; 701-282-2822.
Taylor International BBQ Cook-Off, Aug. 16-18, Taylor, Texas: Top barbecue cooks compete in seven categories, including showmanship and most elaborate rig. Categories include beef, pork, poultry, mutton, wild game and seafood. Also, arts and crafts show, horseshoe pitch and volleyball tournament. Contact: Taylor International BBQ Cookoff, P.O. Box 231, Taylor, Texas 76574; 512-352-6364.
Pioneer Farming Days, Aug. 16-18, Minden, Neb.: Farm demonstrations, oat threshing, corn shelling, corn grinding, hand baling, horse plowing, antique truck pull, old-time movies and more. Contact: Pioneer Farming Days, Rt. 1, Minden, Neb. 68959; 308-832-1528.
Nebraska State Fair, Aug. 31-Sept. 9, Lincoln, Neb.: A classic state fair with midway rides, livestock judging, beef and dairy cattle, horticulture and 4-H exhibits, and top name entertainment. Contact: Nebraska State Fair, 17th and Holdrege Streets, Lincoln, Neb. 68508; 402-474-5371.
West
Astoria Regatta, Aug. 7-11, Astoria, Ore.: The oldest annual festival in the Northwest, this year marks the 95th holding of the regatta. Activities
(topping off the fishing season) include King and Queen contests, visits by the Canadian and American fleet, a twilight boat parade, sailboat races, ship tours, historic building tours, Coast Guard drills, a regatta row-in (hand powered boat race) and more. Contact: Astoria Regatta, Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 97103, Astoria, Ore. 97103; 503-325-6311.
A Taste of Portland, Aug. 9-11, Portland, Ore.: Open-air festival of food tastings showcases more than 30 of Portland`s finest restaurants. Continuous entertainment on multiple stages. Benefits Special Olympics. McCall Waterfront Park. Contact: Oregon Special Olympics, 3325 N.W. Yeon St., Portland, Ore. 97210; 503-248-0600 or 503-248-0600.
East
Bennington Battle Day Weekend, Aug. 17-18, Bennington, Vt.: Famous Revolutionary War battle commemorated with a parade, drum and bugle corps competition, antique fire vehicles, a kids` day, chicken barbecue and square dancing. Contact: Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce, Veterans Memorial Drive, Bennington, Vt. 05201; 802-447-3311.
Little League World Series, Aug. 20-24, Williamsport, Pa.: Eight domestic and foreign teams compete in playoffs to determine a champion. The World Series will be held Saturday, Aug. 24, before 20,000 fans. Contact: Little League Baseball Headquarters, P.O. Box 3485, Williamsport, Pa. 17701;
717-326-1921.
New York State Fair, Aug. 22-Sept. 2, Syracuse, N.Y.: The oldest state fair in the country. Entertainment midway, sports, carnival, agricultural and industrial displays. Held at the fairgrounds in Syracuse. Contact: New York State Fairgrounds, State Fair Blvd., Syracuse, N.Y. 13209; 315-487-7711.
Skohegan Log Days, Aug. 26-31, Skohegan, Maine: Celebrating Maine`s historic logging industry with logging competitions, lumberjack breakfasts and more. Contact: Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 326, Skohegan, Maine 04976;
207-474-3621.
National Frisbee Festival, Sept. 2, Washington, D.C.: World`s largest competitive Frisbee festival. Features World Championship. In the past, some 25,000 people have turned out-accounting for approximately 1,903 Frisbees in the air simultaneously, a record set in 1988. Held on the National Mall, near the Air & Space Museum. Contact: National Frisbee Festival, P.O. Box 220, White Plains, Md. 20695; 301-645-5043.
South
Old Fiddler`s Convention, Aug. 7-10, Galax, Va.: Old-time fiddlers play for prizes and pride in Bluegrass and Old-Time music. In addition, there are competitions in folk song and dance, guitar, banjo, mandolin, autoharp, dulicimer and dobro. Contact: Old Fiddlers, 328A Kenbrook Drive, Galax, Va. 24333; 703-236-6355.
South Carolina Peanut Party, Aug. 9-10, Pelion, S.C.: A salute to one of the state`s major crops. Festival features local craftsmen and performers, a parade, and, of course, plenty of peanuts to pick and prepare. For cookin` and eatin` they are most often found in boiled and roasted form. Contact: South Carolina Peanut Party, P.O. Box 7, 950 Magnolia St., Pelion, S.C. 29123;
803-894-3535.
Elvis International Tribute Week, Aug. 10-18, Memphis, Tenn.: More than a decade after his death, Elvis Presley`s fans still gather to celebrate the life and music of the King of Rock `n` Roll. It`s a family re-union of sorts as fans converge on Memphis from around the nation for nine days of concerts, shows, special exhibits, dances, conventions, a nostalgia concert, candlelight vigil and trivia contest. Contact: Graceland, 3797 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis, Tenn. 38116; 901-332-3322.
Hope Watermelon Festival, Aug. 15-18, Hope, Ark.: Annual festival showcases the local crop at harvest time with seed-spitting and recipe contests, a watermelon weigh-in and more. Contact: Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 250, Hope, Ark. 71801; 501-777-3640.
August Court Days, Aug. 17-18, Leesburg, Va.: The opening of the Judicial Court is re-created at this annual street fair, where historical events of Loudon County, Va., form the basis for activities. One hundred craftsmen dress in period garb and demonstrate their work, while members of the Maryland Militia demonstrate Revolutionary War-era military camp life and musketry. Also, fife and drum groups, musicians, children`s activities, cloggers and more. Contact: August Court Days, P.O. Box 351, Leesburg, Va. 22075;
703-777-0519.
Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, Aug. 22-31, Shelbyville, Tenn.: The World Champion Tennessee Walking Horse is crowned the Saturday night before Labor Day each year. Classes are offered for amateur and professional exhibitors. Contact: Walking Horse, P.O. Box 1010, Shelbyville, Tenn. 37160; 615-684-5915.
Logan County Musical Convention, Aug. 22-23, Booneville, Ark.: 118th annual event includes gospel music and singing. Contact: Logan County Musical Convention, 975 E. 6th St., Booneville, Ark. 72927; 501-675-3613.
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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.
