Welcome Summer by Heading to a Fabulous Festival

Welcome Summer by Heading to a Fabulous FestivalWith such a vast world, deciding where to go can be quite overwhelming. That's why sometimes starting with a specific agenda makes things easier. You can't go wrong by choosing a fab festival that interests you and planning a getaway around it. Whether your passion is garlic, scrabble or jazz, there's bound to be a festival that celebrates it. A few favorite upcoming festivals include Chuck Wagon Gathering and Children's Cowboy Festival, Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival, and Kutztown Festival. Enjoy!

Chuck Wagon Gathering and Children's Cowboy Festival
May 28-May 29, 2005
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Kids of all ages are guaranteed to have a ball making like real-life cowboys and cowgirls at this two-day festival where the Wild West lives on. Activities range from wood sculpturing to weaving, make-your-own bandanas to rope making. And the horse-drawn stagecoach, and wagon and pony rides are sure to provide big thrills for the little cowpokes. The grub is great, too--hardy cowboy fare like biscuits and stew, beans and cobblers are served up from authentic chuck-wagon crews. And lots of stage entertainment--from live bands to storytelling--are held throughout the festival. No wonder more than 10,000 visitors are expected to attend. Check out http://www.nationalcowboymuseum.org/e_wago_sche.html.

Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival
June 11-June 18, 2005
Bean Blossom, Indiana
Bluegrass lovers, get thee and your toe-tapping shoes to Bill Monroe's Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival. This bluegrass nirvana is the oldest, continuous such festival on the planet and was founded in 1967 by Bill Monroe, a high-mountain tenor and unique mandolin player. Indeed, the hillbilly music tradition was brought to the fore because of this event, which debuted as the "Big Bluegrass Celebration." And, today, it is even bigger and bluegrassier, thanks to more than 45 bands, along with artist and music workshops, and children's activities and workshops (storytelling, music and dance). Located at the Bill Monroe Music Park and Campground, the main draws of the eight-day event are the featured performers. This year's roster includes a range of acts including Jimmy Martin, Marty Raybon, Ralph Stanley, IIIrd Tyme Out, Larry Sparks, James Monroe and many others. And whether you're just learning to play an instrument or you're quite accomplished, be prepared to join the Bill Monroe Sunset Jam, starring Jimmy Martin and several other stars. Along with all the various events and workshops, a flea market and food concessions are also featured. For schedule go to http://www.beanblossom.com/.

Kutztown Festival
July 2-July 10, 2005
Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Pure Americana awaits at the 55-year-old Kutztown Festival in Pennsylvaina Dutch country. Held at the Kutztown Fairgrounds (from 9am to 6pm), the country's largest folklife festival is guaranteed to be fun for the whole family. Live entertainment on five stages, fine folk art, traditional crafts and a special children's area (including baby farm animals, puppets, make-and-take crafts, haystacks, mazes, story time and singalongs) are featured. The Quilt Sale and Auction, featuring more than 2,500 locally handmade quilts and wallhangings, is another highlight of the festival. Quilt lovers from around the country and abroad make the trip for the famous auction. Also, make sure to check out the quilting demonstrations and Festival Quilt, which you can contribute to. Along with all the fun, food, farming, garden, spinning and weaving, country cooking, blacksmithing, and candlemaking, woodcarving, tinning, etc., is the underlying desire to educate visitors about the people and culture of the Pennsylvania Dutch in Berks County. As far as food, don't miss out on all the delicious treats for which the Pennsylvania Dutch are known. Buy a fresh loaf of bread from an 18th century oven, visit the farmer's market to purchase local meats, cheese and baked goods. Also, make sure to sample local specialties like potpie and shoofly pie. For more info go to http://www.kutztownfestival.com/.

Source: Dollar Rent-A-Car Newsletter


For a list of local music festivals, see our previous blog entry:
Music Festivals In and Around New Jersey.

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