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JULY 2011

July 1-4 63rd Annual Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, Gulfport, Miss.  228-863-2713 mississippideepseafishingrodeo.com. Yee-haw and yum-yum! Carnival rides and games, fireworks, fishing and fun are all here at this family-friendly fete that features salt and freshwater categories.

July 1-4 Red, White and Bluegrass Festival, Morganton, N.C. 828-439-1866 tsuther@ci.morganton.nc.us redwhiteandbluegrassfestival.com. More than 40 top bluegrass acts, Bluegrass Camp for Kids, instruments for sale, frog-jumpin’ and watermelon eatin’ contests and “old time” family fun!

July 1-30 An Appalachian Summer Festival, Boone, N.C. 828-262-6084 ext. 103 boxoffice@appsummer.org www.appsummer.org. Come to Appalachian State University, where a diverse mix of music, dance, theater, film and visual arts attracts over 25,000!

July 4 Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Presents the Battleship Blast, Wilmington, N.C. 910-251-5797 leads@battleshipnc.com www.battleshipnc.com. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the battleship’s mooring with tours of the battleship and a spectacular fireworks show over the water.

July 4 Gatlinburg’s 4th of July Midnight Parade, Gatlinburg, Tenn. 865-436-0509 jimd@ci.gatlinburg.tn.us www.eventsgatlinburg.com. Saluting the valiant men and women of our military with a “stroke of midnight” parade that draws 90,000 night owls to the mountain city.
  
July 7-9 Slugburger Festival, Corinth, Miss. 662-287-1550 kelly@corinthalliance.com www.slugburgerfestival.com. Paying homage to the unique delicacy created during the Great Depression when it sold for a nickel (a “slug”). Carnival rides, games, live music and lots of fun!

July 7-9 South Carolina Festival of Discovery, Greenwood, S.C. 864-942-8448 festivalofdiscovery@gmail.com www.festivalofdiscovery.com. KCBS BBQ competitions featuring the best cook teams in the nation, “Blues Cruise” and free blues performances at Uptown area venues. 

July 8-10 The Forecastle Festival, Louisville, Ky. 502-472-7555 jk@forecastlefest.com www.forecastlefest.com. Enjoy cultural entertainment that’s equal parts music, art and activism during this environmentally conscious symposium at the Waterfront Park on the Riverfront.

July 11-16 Junior League Horse Show, Lexington, Ky.  859-252-8014 gen@lexjrleague.com www.lexjrleague.com. 75th anniversary of the world’s largest saddle-bred horse show includes special events each night, galas, Pink Ribbon Night and fun events for the entire family.

July 14 Summer Celebration Lawn & Garden Show Jackson, Tenn. 731-425-4768 gtrice@tennessee.edu www.west.tennessee.edu. Thousands of trees, shurbs and flowers on display! Spend the day touring the UT Gardens-Jackson. Get tips on how to landscape around your mailbox as well.

July 14-17 Keeneland Concours d’Elegance, Lexington, Ky.  859-422-3329 leisha@taper.com www.keenelandconcours.com. Celebrating the automobile and “all things Kentucky” with vintage and modern car exhibits, trucks and motorcycles, automotive art, silent auction, fashion show and regional foods.

July 15-17 Virginia Lake Festival, Clarksville, Va.  800-557-5582 clarksville@kerrlake.com www.clarksvilleva.com. “Virginia’s Only Lakeside Town” comes alive with hot air balloons, sand sculptures, live entertainment and much more fun for young and old alike during this free event.

July 15-23 Fun Fest, Kingsport, Tenn.  800-743-5282 funfest@funfest.net www.funfest.net. Balloon rise at dawn, back roads bike rides, delightful dog show, 1850s farmstead tour and headliner entertainment and more draws 175,000 to Hike Bays Mountain Park.

July 16-17 Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce – Daylily & Wine Festival, Fisherville, Va. 540-324-1133 comdevelop@ntelos.net www.augustava.com. Andre Viette Nurseries hosts this postcard-pretty event in the Shenandoah Valley, featuring wineries, artists, entertainers, fine foods and family fun.

July 16-17 24th Annual Cajun Music and Food Festival Lake Charles, La. 800-456-7952 smanuel@visitlakecharles.org visitlakecharles.org. True celebration of Cajun heritage, highlighting all aspects of Cajun life including food, music and culture.

July 21-31 Folkmoot USA Festival, Waynesville, N.C. 828-452-2997 info@folkmoot.com www.folkmootusa.org. Nearly 350 talents representing 10-12 distinct countries perform dance and music in their native traditional culture and costumes. Workshops, Parade of Nations, local farmers’ fare, too!

July 23-24 13th Annual Butternut Creek Festival, Blairsville, Ga.  706-835-1948 genehar37@gmail.com www.butternutcreekfestival.com. Juried show under shade trees blends the finest arts and crafts with live arts demonstrations, music and great food. Free admission, parking and shuttle.

July 29-Aug. 12 Summer Evening Concerts, Asheville, N.C. 800-411-3812 happenings@biltmore.com www.biltmore.com. A mix of Grammy-winning artists, American Idol favorites and contemporary Christian artists highlight this year’s concert series on the beautiful grounds of the Biltmore House.

July 30-31 15th Annual MangoMania Tropical Fruit Festival, Cape Coral, Fla. 239-283-0888 info@pineislandchamber.org www.mangomaniafl.com. Refreshing fundraiser in celebration of the mango and other tropical treasures, complete with concerts, rides, kid's activities and family-friendly competitions.

July 30-31 Bragg Jam Festival, Macon, Ga. 800-768-3401 info@braggjam.org www.braggjam.org. Multiple stages throughout the community showcase more than 40 bands covering every genre of music from rock, blues and bluegrass, to country, soul and hip-hop!

AUGUST 2011

Aug. 1-6 National Black Theatre Festival®, Winston-Salem, N.C. 336-723-2266 nbtf@bellsouth.net www.nbtf.org. More than 100 performances by national and international theater companies showcase the spirit and vision of African American thespians, directors, playwrights and technicians.

Aug. 4-6 56th Annual Robbins Farmers Day, Robbins, N.C. 910-464-1290 contact@robbinsfarmersday.com www.robbinsfarmersday.com. Over 400 horses, mules and wagons, antique tractor show, three stages of entertainment, carnival rides, local crafts, lumberjack competiton and fireworks.

Aug. 4-7 42nd Annual Street Rod Nationals Plus®, Louisville, Ky. 502-367-5150 www.kyfairexpo.org. More than 11,000 street rods, vintage cars, vintage parts swap meet, trade show, arts and crafts fair, children’s activities, food vendors and live entertainment.

Aug. 4-7 Highway 127 Corridor Sale, Jamestown Tenn. 800-327-3945 127saleinforequest@jamestowntn.org www.127sale.com. The “World’s Largest Garage Sale” is a unique shopping experience stretching from Alabama to Michigan. Food, entertainment and the most beautiful scenery in the country!

Aug. 5-6 Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair, Burnsville, N.C.  828-682-7413
info@yancychamber.com www.mtmitchellcraftsfair.com. Stroll down “Norman Rockwell” streets lined with unique and unusual arts, crafts, quilts, clothing and more. Barbecue, regional fare, free entertainment in the town square.

Aug. 5-7 Bushwacker Festival & Fun Run, Pensacola Beach, Fla. 800-932-1500 info@visitpensacolabeach.com www.visitpensacola.com. Never had a bushwacker? Take a run under the Florida sun and then belly up to the boardwalk for the creamy, chocolaty treat!

Aug. 5-7 Craftsmen's Summer Classic Arts & Crafts Festival, Myrtle Beach, S.C.  336-282-5550 contact@gilmoreshows.com www.craftshow.com. Hundreds of artists and thousands of original designs in pottery, paintings, sculpture, folk art, photography, leathercraft, metalwork and more!

Aug. 6 White River Water Carnival, Batesville, Ark. 870-834-4680 lisa@signaturebaskets.net www.mybatesville.org. The Natural State’s oldest festival hosts a delightful water parade, fishing derby, car show, live entertainment, street parade, beauty pageants, arts, crafts and festival foods.

Aug. 6-7 32nd Annual Revolutionary War Battle Reenactment, Sanford, N.C. 910-947-2051 horseshoe@ncdcr.gov www.nchistoricsites.org. Dramatic reenactments include real cannon fire! Period crafts demonstrations and competitions in tomahawk throwing, skillet tossing and apple skewering with bayonets.

Aug. 12-13 Bluegrass in the Park Folklife Festival, Henderson, Ky. 800-648-3128 jessica@hendersonky.org www.bluegrassinthepark.org. Still free! Tribute to the Father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe, sporting events, Breakfast in the Park, bike tours, street jam, kids’ fun and more.

Aug. 13 Bright Lights, Belhaven Nights, Jackson, Miss. 601-352-8850 bsmithson@greaterbelhaven.com www.greaterbelhaven.com. Street festival showcase of artists, visual arts and musicians on six stages includes artsy activities for kids, outdoor mural, dancers, local restaurants and chefs.

Aug. 19-20 Street Legends, Owensboro, Ky. 270-929-8416 diamondlakeresort@yahoo.com www.diamondlakeresort.net. Wholesome fundraiser features hundreds of classic cars and trucks, old time rock and roll concerts, free pancake breakfast, silent auction, raffles and family-friendly movie on Saturday night. 

Aug. 20 Multi-Cultural Festival, Owensboro, Ky. 270-684-1467 demccoy@bellsouth.net firstpresbyterianowensboro.com. Building a stronger community and bridging cultures with a city-wide celebration of diversity and encouragement to “reach beyond ourselves.” Educational exhibits, parade, street dance, crafters, scavenger hunt.

Aug. 20-21 AFB Art Fair @ Woodland Park, Lexington, Ky. 859-254-70274 info@lexingtonartleague.org www.lexingtonartleague.org.  Shop 200 juried artists, enjoy fine foods and take home free art projects from the KidZone during lovely Lexington’s largest outdoor cultural event. Free!

Aug. 25-27 Winterville Watermelon Festival, Winterville, N.C.  252-756-1068 melontime@yahoo.com www.watermelonfest.com. Enjoy a slice of the good life! The entire community comes out for carnival rides and games, live entertainment, parades, kids’ fun, contests, great food and juicy watermelon.

Aug. 27 Cary Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, Cary, N.C. 919-462-3864 joy.ennis@townofcary.org www.townofcary.org. Arts and crafts of the highest quality fill historic downtown during this delightful, “big time” festival that maintains its small-town roots.

Aug. 27 Summerfest, York, S.C. 803-684-2950 info@greateryorkchamber.com www.greateryorkchamber.com. Music, crafts and food fair, golf and tennis tourneys, classic car show, robotics, petting zoo, kids’ rides, fun runs, antiques show, arts competition, moonlight bike rides – Whew!

Aug. 27-28 Big Haynes Creek Wildlife Festival, Conyers, Ga. 770-850-4190 rebecca.hill@conyersga.com www.bighaynescreekwildlifefestival.com. Touch something slithery! Outdoor adventures include reptile and birds of prey shows, fly-fishing and archery lessons, arts, crafts, local foods and nature walks.

SEPTEMBER 2011

Sept. 2-4 WorldFest, Louisville, Ky. 502-456-8110 monica.sheckles@louisvilleky.gov www.worldfestlouisville.com. Sample cuisine and wines from around the world! Free crafts and games for kids, guest chefs, Budweiser International Bier Garden, stirring naturalization ceremony and colorful Parade of Cultures.

Sept. 2-Oct. 2 Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, Virginia Beach, Va. 757-498-0215 wbc@neptunefestival.com www.neptunefestival.com. A month of fun and fundraisers starts with a gigantic beach party and includes Virginia Wine Festival, concerts, sports tourneys, crafts, parades and fireworks.

Sept. 3-5 Marietta Art in the Park, Marietta, Ga. 770-592-7180 info@artparkmarietta.com www.artparkmarietta.com. Fine art extravaganza features artist market, children’s art alley, paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry, woodworking and graphic arts. Stroll unique boutiques, eateries, museums and historic homes.

Sept. 4 Boomsday, Knoxville, Tenn. 865-342-9119 kdavis@knoxville.org www.boomsday.org. Thrilling effects and thunderous sounds of celebration! Free admission, motorcross, Family Fun Zone, concerts, petting zoo, inflatables and the largest Labor Day weekend fireworks display in the country.

Sept. 8-11 Yellow Daisy Festival, Stone Mountain, Ga. 770-498-5690 generalinfo@stonemountainpark.com www.stonemountainpark.com. Gather your friends for four days of shopping, entertainment, arts and crafts, children’s activities and mouth-watering festival fare. More than 400 booths and exhibits!

Sept. 9-11 MainStrasse Village Oktoberfest, Covington, Ky. 859-491-0458 dkremer@mainstrasse.org. www.mainstrasse.org. Oom pah pah! Old World festival presents an international array of amusements, foods and attractions, including a midway, music and Kinderplatz rides and activities for children.

Sept. 9-11 Roots & Heritage Festival, Lexington, Ky. 859-276-3262 www.rootsandheritagefestival.com. Three-day street party lines historic Elm Tree Lane with 200 exhibits, displays and stages featuring food, music, films, art and family fun celebrating African-American culture.

Sept. 9-17 Chattahoochee Mountain Fair, Clarkesville, Ga. 706-768-6890 chattmtnfair@yahoo.com www.chattahoocheemountainfair.org. County’s largest fair features rides, rodeos, concerts, livestock exhibits, Everything Elvis Show, Kids Farm & Fun Day, Agricultural Farm Day, Homemaker’s Exhibit of crafts, arts and homemade treats.

Sept. 9-18 Tennessee Valley Fair, Knoxville, Tenn. 865-215-1474 paige@tnvalleyfair.org www.tnvalleyfair.org. Fantastic fun in East Tennessee! Midway, games, livestock and horticultural exhibits, scrumptious fair foods, arts, crafts, traditional skills demonstrations, live shows, technological and educational displays.

Sept. 10-11 30th Annual Biloxi Seafood Festival, Biloxi, Miss. 228-604-0014 rachael@mschamber.com www.biloxi.org. Family-friendly event feeds your need for fresh seafood served every which way and good old-fashioned fun! Live entertainment, unique arts, crafts and children’s events.

Sept. 13-18 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Bardstown, Ky. 800-638-4877 (ext 4) info@kybourbonfestival.com www.kybourbonfestival.com. Experience the history, art and passion of making Kentucky bourbon during this celebration of America’s only native spirit, filled with family fun and entertainment.

Sept. 16-17 Riverfest, Eden, N.C. 336-623-7789 ext. 3021 cadams@edennc.us www.exploreedennc.com. Salute to river history and heritage includes Revolutionary War reenactments, Kid’s Zone, hands-on exhibits, shopping, regional foods, entertainment and canoe excursions on the beautiful Dan River.

Sept. 17 Suwanee Day, Suwanee, Ga. 770-945-8996 adoherty@suwanee.com www.suwaneeday.com. Lovely community invites to you eat a little, play a little, shop a little and have a whole lot of fun! International entertainment, arts, crafts, parade and fireworks.

Sept. 17-18 JapanFest 2010, Duluth, Ga. 404-926-3020 cork@cgjapanatlanta.org www.japanfest.org. Cultural celebration designed to promote understanding between Japanese and Americans in the SE includes traditional music, kites, dancing, artists’ market, martial arts, shopping and authentic foods.

Sept. 22-25 World Chicken Festival, London, Ky. 800-348-0095 tourism@lltc.net www.chickenfestival.com. Free entertainment, midway rides, arts, crafts, car show, carnival games and themed contests for children and adults, including the popular Colonel Sanders look-a-like contest.

Sept. 23-24 Legends Balloon Rally, Hot Springs, Ark. 501-321-2027 cegleston@hotsprings.org www.hotsprings.org. Fun from top to bottom! Ballooning, balloon glow, Charlie Daniels Band both nights, antique cars and modern roadsters, food booths and children’s activities. Free admission.

Sept. 23-25 34th Annual Pensacola Seafood Festival, Pensacola, Fla. 850-433-6512 info@fiestaoffiveflags.org fiestaoffiveflags.org. Over 100,000 enjoy succulent seafood, chef demonstrations, live music, hundreds of exhibits, children’s arts and crafts area with hands-on fun, Splash Dogs canine show.

Sept. 23-25 Festival in the Park, Charlotte, N.C. 704-338-1060 festival@festivalinthepark.org www.festivalinthepark.org. Free admission, interactive demonstrations, jazz stage and nearly a thousand artisans, crafters, vendors, actors, singers and charities who gather on the hallowed grounds of Freedom Park.

Sept. 29-Oct. 8 Westobou Festival, Augusta, Ga. 706-755-2878 info@westoboufestival.com www.westoboufestival.com. Promoting excellence in music, dance, theater and visual arts with an array of performances and exhibitions featuring local, regional and nationally recognized talents.

Sept. 30-Nov. 4 Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern, Chattanooga, Tenn. 423-475-8992 meagan@rockruby.com www.hauntedcavern.com. Nightmares return to Lookout Mountain when the popular tourist attraction hosts above and below ground events sure to scare up seasonal fun for everyone!

Southeast Tourism Society
3400 Peachtree Road, Suite 725, Atlanta, GA 30326
404.364.9847 e-mail: top20@southeasttourism.org
Top 20 Event descriptions are written in conjunction with Lyn Fendley Foster.

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