Nominate an event: Southeasttourism.org/top_20_events.html

JULY 2008

July 3-6, 60th Annual Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. A reel whopper of an event! Over 5,000 competitors in 30 saltwater and freshwater categories. Join 50,000 attendees for rides, parades and live entertainment. Gulfport, Miss. 228-832-0079; jaffep@gulfcoast.org. (mississippideepsea fishingrodeo.com)

July 4, Clamerica Celebration. Clamania! Clam hunts, clam bag races, guess the clam count, cultured clam cook-off and free open-air concerts and clam served every which way, plus landlubber foods, too! Cedar Key, Fla., 352-543-5057; lnst@ufl.edu. (cedarkey.org) 

July 4, Sertoma’s 4th of July Celebration. Free admission and tons of patriotic fun for families includes parade, arts and crafts, food, exhibits and a huge fireworks explosion over beautiful Pensacola Bay! Pensacola, Fla., 850-434-1234; vicoperator01@visitpensacola.com. (visitpensacola.com)
 
July 4, Shoals Spirit of Freedom Celebration. Premier event along the Tennessee River at McFarland Park offers outdoor fun with live music from morning to night. Ends with a bang during a fantastic fireworks display! Florence, Ala., 888-FLO-TOUR; lindsey@visitflorenceal.com. (visitflorenceal.com)

July 4-5, 37th Annual Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival. Everyone loves this toe-tappin’ good time of family-oriented programs promoting old-time Appalachian and bluegrass music and dance that preserves mountain heritage and benefits the community! Smithville, Tenn., 615-597-8500; edudney@dtccom.net. (smithvillejamboree.com)

July 4-6, 41st Annual Fantastic Fourth Celebration. Nearly 100,000 attend this, well, fantastic event! Purchase a one-day pass to tour all of the park’s attractions for one price. Gigantic Lasershow Spectacular and fireworks both nights. Stone Mountain, Ga., 770-413-5058; generalinfo@ stonemountainpark.com. (stonemountainpark.com)

July 4-6, Jonesborough Days. “Farming on the Fourth” is this year’s theme to honor agricultural heritage and promote agritourism. Country ho’ down with BBQ, bluegrass and gospel, parades, period villages, traditional crafts attracts over 60,000. Jonesborough, Tenn., 423-791-3819; melindacopp@ embarqmail.com. (jonesboroughtn.org) 

July 4, 5, 11 & 12, The “Miracle Worker” Play. Inspiring play based on Helen Keller’s remarkable life takes place under the stars at Ivy Green, her childhood home. Period costumes and authentic sets. Tuscumbia, Ala., 888-329-2124; suepilkilton@comcast.net. (themiracleworker.org)

July 5, Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race. The summer’s most anticipated auto event and the second half of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Season features top drivers, Independence Day fireworks celebration at Daytona International Speedway. Daytona Beach, Fla., 800-854-1234; info@daytonabeach.com. (daytonabeach.com)

July 10-13, 53rd Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. Gathering of Scottish clans features athletic events, bagpipe band parades, sheep herding demonstrations and Celtic music atop 6,000ft Grandfather Mountain. Linville, N.C., 828-733-1333; highlandgames@vol.com. (gmhg.org)

July 11-12, 17th Annual “Fire On the Mountain Chili Cook-Off.” Over 100 cooks compete for cash and prizes in Regional cook-off sanctioned by the Governor and Int’l Chili Society. Spiced with family events and entertainment.  Snowshoe, W.V., 304-572-5922; ccassell@snowshoemtn.com (snowshoemtn.com)

July 11-19, Daviess County Lions Club Fair.  Join 35,000 people for this delightful county fair featuring the good clean fun of carnival rides, animal exhibits, beauty pageants, truck & tractor pulls and more. Owensboro, KY  270-683-8314; info@visitowensboro.com. (daviesscountyfair.com)

July 11-19, Fun Fest. Mardi Gras-themed summer fun with over 100 activities on 60 sites! Come for the Crazy 8’s 8-K run, Tour de Possum Creek bike rides, concerts and hot air balloon launches. Kingsport, Tenn., 423-392-8806; funfest@funfest.net. (funfest.net)

July 14-27, Folkmoot USA. Over 50,000 come to see international dancers and musicians perform in 60 events and programs celebrating friendship and cultural exchange. Parades, free street festival, ticketed events, food, arts and crafts. Waynesville, N.C., 828-452-2997; info@folkmoot.com. (folkmootusa.org)

July 16-27, The Georgia Mountain Fair. Spectacular fair draws 60,000! Pioneer Village with “old ways” demonstrations and Craft Village filled with artisans and crafters. Headliner entertainment, cloggers convention, agri-exhibits, Miss Georgia Fair pageant. Hiawassee, Ga., 706-896-4191; gamtfair@alltel.net. (georgiamountainfair grounds.com)

July 17-19, Festival of Native Peoples. Culturally-inspired exposition of native dance, song, storytelling, art, culture, traditions and foods of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Colorful family event! Cherokee, N.C., 828-259-9910, x108; lorekirb@nc-cherokee.com. (Cherokee-nc.com)

July 17-20, Keeneland Concours d'Elegance. A different kind of horsepower at Keeneland Race Course! Inspired by 1930s practice of a gathering the most spectacular vehicle manufacturers; showcasing Cadillac this year and many others on display. Lexington, Ky., 859-552-5551; frank.entwisle@ kennelandconcourse.com. (keenelandconcours.com)

July 20-26, W.C. Handy Music Festival. Over 80,000 gather to honor native son and "Father of the Blues" with a celebration of rhythm and blues, jazz, soul, gospel and contemporary music in scores of events. Florence, Ala., 888-FLO-TOUR; lindsey@visitflorenceal.com. (visitflorenceal.com)

July 26-28, AT&T Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament & Festival. Largest kingfish tournament in the country includes Junior Angler Tourney and a free festival of foods, live entertainment, KidZone and boat show. Jacksonville, Fla., 904-251-3011; registration@ kingfishtournament.com. (kingfishtournament.com)

July 30-31, 83rd Annual Pony Swim & Auction. Enjoy the carnival, auction and swim at "slack tide." Free shuttle runs the day of the swim. Chincoteague Island, Va., 757-336-6161; (chincoteaguechamber.com) chincochamber@verizon.net

AUGUST 2008

Aug. 1-2, Marshland Festival  Festival in tribute to Louisiana’s marshes and the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road is hopping with hot Cajun Bands that will have you on your feet!  Lake Charles, La., 800-456-7952; info@visitlakecharles.org. (visitlakecharles.org)

Aug. 1-31, Celebrate Freedom! Pigeon Forge salutes active and retired men and women who preserve our freedom with month-long discount savings offered by county-wide businesses. Show your military ID and don’t forget to print Web coupons! Pigeon Forge, Tenn., 865-453-8574; events@cityofpigeonforge.com. (mypigeonforge.com)

Aug. 2-3, 29th Annual Revolutionary War Battle Reenactment. Learn our nation’s history from soldiers who fought for America’s independence from England. Watch this thrilling battle reenactment! Sanford, N.C., 910-947-2051; horseshoe@ncmail.net. (ah.dcr.state.nc.us/Sections/ HS/horsesho/horsesho.htm)

Aug. 8-9, 6th Annual StringTime in the Smokies. Free gathering in Patriot Park with bluegrass concerts and musicians like Doc Watson and David Grisman. Bring lawn chairs and your own instruments for Jammin’ at the Old Mill! Pigeon Forge, Tenn., 865-453-8574; events@cityofpigeonforge.com. (mypigeonforge.com)

Aug. 8-16, State Fair of West Virginia. Nearly 200,000 attend this fabulous event for non-stop adventure that includes headliner entertainment, agricultural exhibits, arts events, carnival rides, games and scholarships for students. Lewisburg, W.V., 304-645-1090; statefairofwv@ statefairofwv.com. (statefairofwv.com)

Aug. 14-17, 6th Annual Thunder on the Gulf. Over 35,000 raring-to-go fans race to Alabama’s Gulf Coast for a weekend of power, speed and the excitement of  the world’s fastest powerboats! Gulf Shores, Ala., 251-974-1510; info@thunderonthegulf.com. (thunderonthegulf.com)

Aug. 15-17, Blues, Brews and BBQ. Highlighting independent West Virginia microbreweries and the surrounding local BBQ restaurants with live blues music, beer samplings for the adults, craft exhibits and kids events. Snowshoe, W.V., 304-572-5922; ccassell@snowshoemtn.com. (snowshoemtn.com)

Aug. 16, Multi-Cultural Festival. City-wide celebration of diversity attracts thousands who enjoy a day of family-friendly activities; drum, dance and musical shows and ethic foods from around the world. Owensboro, Ky., 270-684-1467; demmcoy@bellsouth.net. (firstpresbyterian owensboro.com)

Aug. 16, Feast with the Beasts at Knoxville Zoo. Live music lets you party your tail off at this wild event that benefits the zoo. Area restaurants provide delectable dishes and libations for those 21 and over. Knoxville, Tenn., 865-637-5331, x353; teresac@knoxville-zoo.org. (knoxville-zoo.org)

Aug. 16, Bright Lights, Belhaven Night. The streets are aglow as musicians, actors, craftsmen and artists gather for a street festival promoting one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Jackson, Miss., 601-352-8850; info@greaterbelhaven.com. (greaterbelhaven.com)

Aug. 16-17, American Founders Bank Woodland Art Fair. Tens of thousands fill Downtown Lexington for this free, outdoor event featuring 200 juried artists from around the country. Beer gardens, exhibits and great food! Lexington, Ky., 859-254-7024; ktatum@lexingtonart league.org. (lexingtonartleague.org/ woodland.htm)

Aug. 20-30, 70th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. This world championship show of Tennessee’s native breed of show horse dates back to 1939! Includes Trade Fair, BBQ cook-out, dog show, equine clinics, stable decorating and more. Shelbyville, Tenn., 931-684-5915, x114; twhnc@twhnc.com. (twhnc.com)

Aug. 22, Hot August Nights. Join us for wine tastings, live music, art exhibits, great shopping and sampling local favorites prepared by participating area restaurants in historic Downtown. Hammond, La., 985-543-3219; ddd@hammond.org. (tangi-cvb.org)

Aug. 22-23, 24th Annual Frisco Festival. Bring the whole family for wholesome fun honoring Rogers’ Railroad Heritage with free rides, amusements and entertainment. Great food, car shows, street dances and Kids’ Connection. Rogers, Ark., 479-936-5487; info@friscofestival.com. (friscofestival.com)

Aug.23-Sept. 28, 35th Virginia Beach Neptune Festival. More than a month of fun draws half a million for beach bashes, music events, crafts, wine tastings, parades, surfing, sporting tourneys, fireworks and much, much more! Virginia Beach, Va., 757-498-0215; wbc@neptunefestival.com. (neptunefestival.com)
 
Aug. 24, Festival Peachtree Latino 2008. Multicultural event with international performers focuses mainly on Hispanic markets, bringing 100 musicians, dancers and artisans together. A prime event! Atlanta, Ga., 404-321-0663; ray430@gmail.com. (festivalpeachtreelatino.com)

Aug. 29-31, West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival. Join 75,000 on Labor Day weekend for a street festival of fun and games for all ages at this ethnic event filled with great food and top entertainment. Clarksburg, W.V., 304-622-7314; benvenuto79@wvihf.com. (wvihf.com)

Aug. 29-31, Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival. Community event draws 30,000 for street dances, 5K run, Walk with Friends, talent contest, arts and traditional crafts, music, paintball, fireworks and foods. Winchester, Ky., 800-298-9105; Linda@winchesterkyweb.com. (tourwinchester.com)

Aug. 29-Sept. 1, Tangipahoa African-American Heritage Fest. Festival educates all races about the black history and culture with a weekend of family activities and events, including arts and crafts, games and delicious food! Hammond, La., 985-542-2333; perkins101@bellsouth.net. (tangi-cvb.org)

Aug. 30, 3rd Annual Planet Arlington World Music Festival. Free, internationally-flavored event offers non-stop fun for all ages! Exploring globalization, immigration and the environment through the lens of arts and humanities. Arlington, Va., 703-228-1847; jbyers@arlingtonva.us. (arlingtonarts.org)

Aug. 30-Sept. 1, Art in the Park. Fine fun in historic Marietta Square! Over 150 talents at work in the Artist Market, Interactive Art Alley for kids, unique shops, outdoor cafés, museums and theatres. Marietta, Ga., 770-592-7180; cmorris@wiredearth.net. (mariettaartinthepark.com)

SEPTEMBER 2008

Sept. 4-6, Williamsburg Old Fashioned Trading Days.Showcase of mountain arts and crafts includes gospel and bluegrass music, 5K run or walk, homemade foods judging, pet show, antique cars. Williamsburg, Ky., 606-549-0530; wtour@bellsouth.net. (williamsburgky.com)

Sept. 4-7, Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad. Annual family sports festival brings people together in the spirit of friendly competition for water and land events, KidSenses Children’s Interactive Museum, raffles, shag dancing, inflatable playground,  Lake Lure, N.C., 828-429-9011; events@hickorynut olympiad.com. (hickorynutolympiad.com)

Sept. 5-7, Roots & Heritage Festival. Over 60,000 people come to celebrate the achievements of African Americans through cultural entertainment, street party, art exhibits, a variety of music genres, basketball tourney, nationally renowned speakers. Lexington, Ky., 859-420-5696; cynthiam@lfucg.com. (rootsandheritagefestival .com)

Sept. 5-14, Tennessee Valley Fair. This is a big one, with over 130,000 people helping celebrate the event’s 89th year! Rodeo, livestock and agricultural exhibits, midway and rides, headliner entertainment and more! Knoxville, Tenn., 865-215-1477; scotts@tnvalleyfair.org. (tnvalleyfair.org)

Sept. 6, 18th Annual Rosslyn Jazz Festival. Free, outdoor festival at beautiful Gateway Park on the Potomac River features premier jazz musicians performing all day at this standout music event near D.C. Arlington, Va., 703-228-1847; jbyers@arlingtonva.us. (arlingtonarts.org)

Sept. 12-13, Oka Kapassa: Return to ColdWater Indian Festival.Authentic American Indian festival honors the original Americans with two fun days of traditional crafts demonstrations, Indian foods, arts, colorful dancers, games, storytelling. Tuscumbia, Ala., 800-344-0783; colberttourism@comcast.net. (colbertcountytourism.org)

Sept. 13-14, 27th Annual Biloxi Seafood Festival. Fun on the beach includes junior fishing tourney, rides, continuous music, arts and crafts, kids events, cooking contests and fresh Gulf of Mexico seafood cooking every which way. Biloxi, Miss., 228-604-0014. (biloxi.org)

Sept. 16-21, Kentucky Bourbon Festival.Celebrate the history, passion and art of making Kentucky bourbon! Gala ball, barrel relay to the Great KY Bourbon Tasting, music and Southern cooking! Bardstown, Ky., 800-638-4877, x4; info@kybourbonfestival.com. (kybourbonfestival.com)

Sept. 19-21, Balloons and BBQ. Smoke on the Water $50K Arkansas BBQ Challenge brings over 200 cooking contests to this event, plus hare and hound competition and 30 hot-air balloons overhead! Hot Springs National Park, Ark., 501-321-2027 (x6121); hscvb@hotsprings.org. (hotsprings.org)

Sept. 19-Nov. 1, Rock City’s Enchanted MAiZE. Magical tourist attraction sends you through a labyrinth of twists and turns at the foot of scenic Lookout Mountain. Great fun for the whole family! Chattanooga, Tenn., 706-820-2531; Meagan@rockruby.com. (seerockcity.com)

Sept. 20, Marietta Antique Street Festival. Find a treasure or find out if your item’s valuable at the “Trash or Treasure” booth. Al fresco café, Farmers Market, flowers and dry goods, classic car exhibits. Marietta, Ga., 770-592-7180; cmorris@wiredearth.net. (mariettahistory.org)

Sept. 25-28, World Chicken Festival. Finger lickin’ fun with Col. Sanders look-alike contest, parade, rides, magicians, Stars of Tomorrow showcase, soap box derby, 200 foods and crafts booth and the world’s largest skillet! London, Ky., 800-348-0095; tourism@lltc.net. (chickenfestival.com)

Sept. 26-27, The Okra Strut. That’s right, we’re touting the slimy, green spout in Irmo with family-friendly events like a giant street party, parade, music, 10K “Dam Run” and salute to the U.S. Navy! Columbia, S.C., 803-781-6122; jrtwitty@bellsouth.net. (irmookrastrut.com)

Sept. 26-28, 33rd Annual Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival. Pristine Huntington Beach State Park becomes an art party showcasing original, juried works and crafters, live music, seafood and Lowcountry fare. Perfect spot for bird-watching, too! Murrells Inlet, S.C., 803-734-0450; bfallaw@scprt.com. (atalayafestival.com)

Sept. 26-28, Bluegrass Balloon Festival. Up, up and away! A marvel of 90 gentle giants set aglow, along with concerts, races, food booths, cars and airplanes on display, fireworks extravaganza. Louisville, Ky., 502-491-1076; info@bluegrassballoons.com. (bluegrassballoons.com)

Sept. 26-28, International Folk Festival. More than 75,000 attend this fabulous event where over 40 cultures are represented through dancing, musicians, local and international artists and foods from six continents. Hands-on creative area for kids. Fayetteville, N.C., 910-323-1776; admin@theartscouncil.com. (theartscouncil.com)

Sept. 26-28, Pensacola Seafood Festival. Party in historic Seville Square with 75,000 of your closest friends! Dancing in the streets, succulent “fruits of the sea,” lots of kids’ activities and family fun! Pensacola, Fla., 850-433-6512; info@fiestaoffiveflags.org. (fiestaoffiveflags.org)

Sept. 27, Camden BPW Barn Sale. The state’s largest arts and crafts show celebrates 40 years with a barn-raising good time at Old Tate Barn, including pancake breakfast and spaghetti dinner, fun for kids, music, classic cars. Camden, Ark., 870-231-6244; ejoliver@ipa.net. www.bpwbarnsale.org

Sept. 27, Wells Fest. Celebrating its silver anniversary as the city’s original music festival with non-stop entertainment, arts fair, silent and live auction, sporting events, great food. A safe, drug- and alcohol-free event. Jackson, Miss., 601-353-0658; wellsfest@wellschurch.org. (wellsfest.com)

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

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