January 2012
Jan. 1 Polar Bear Dip Pensacola, Fla. 850-492-6838 info@florabama.com www.florabama.com Come participate in this annual splash in the Gulf of Mexico. After a refreshing dip, join in on the Southern tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day.
Jan. 6-Feb. 21 Mardi Gras Southwest Louisiana Southwest Louisiana, La. 800-456-7952 bbagley@visitlakecharles.org www.visitlakecharles.org More than 50 krewes make sure the whole family has something to celebrate. The excitement kicks off with the Twelfth Night Celebration as the royal courts usher in the New Year.
Jan. 12-21 Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival, Inc. Tampa, Fla. 888-224-1733 (x3143) info@tampablackheritage.org www.tampablackheritage.org This cultural event features national and local speakers, musicians, craftspeople and more. Taste delicious African-inspired cuisine as you experience the unique ambiance of the African Diaspora.
Jan. 13-14 54th Annual Louisiana Fur & Wildlife Festival Cameron, LA 800-456-7952 bbagley@visitlakecharles.org www.visitlakecharles.org Enjoy parades, pageants, dances and stirring Cajun music. Participate in unique contests like trap setting, muskrat skinning and more.
Jan. 13-16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival Lake Charles, LA 800-456-7952 bbagley@visitlakecharles.org www.visitlakecharles.org Commemorate the dream at this three-day event honoring Dr. King. Festivities include a memorial breakfast, the Gospel Extravaganza and the Annual MLK Coalition Festival Family Day for the kids.
Jan. 21-22 Suncoast Arts Festival New Port Richey, Fla. 727-247-6182 info@suncoastartsfest.com www.suncoastartsfest.com Discover why Florida looks forward to this premier fine-arts event. Bring the family to explore 120 artists and craftsmen, live regional music and a Kid’s Interactive Art Garden.Jan. 21-28 The Augusta Futurity Augusta, Ga. 706-823-3362 noell.inman@augustafuturity.com www.augustafuturity.com It is the largest and richest cutting-horse event east of the Mississippi. Experience western dance, quarter horse sale and an authentic cowboy parade at this Western event seasoned with Southern hospitality.
Jan. 25-30 15th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival Titusville, Fla. 321-268-5224 neta@brevrnaturealliance.org spacecoastbirdingandwildlifefestival.org brevrnaturealliance.org Lead by nationally recognized naturalists, scientists, biologists, photographers and ornithologists. Take part in paddling adventures, a Pelagic birding boat trip, photography field trips and much more.
Need a place to stay while visiting these events? Visit EscapetotheSoutheast.com to help plan your weekend getaway.
February 2012
Feb. 2-4 The North Carolina Jazz Festival Wilmington, N.C. 910-793-1111 ncjazzfest@yahoo.com www.ncjazzfestival.com Listen to the melodic sounds of piano-man Grednoldo Frazier and the “beauty and the bass” duo of singer Melva Houston and bassist Herman Burney. This year features a dance floor.
Feb. 4-21 Bayou Lafourche Mardi Gras Lafourche Parish, La. 877-537-5800 info@visitlafourche.com www.visitlafourche.com Dubbed “The Greatest Free Show on the Bayou”. Experience more than 15 parades, carnival balls and parties as you dine on BBQ and delicious seafood boils at this three-week event.
Feb. 9-12 Oxford Film Festival Oxford, Miss. 877-560-3456 info@oxfordfilmfest.com www.oxfordfilmfest.com Lights, camera, action! Be educated and entertained at this celebration of independent film. This year features the premier of the second annual “community film” project.
Feb. 11 Mardi Gras on the Island Fort Walton Beach, Fla. 850-244-8191 info@fwbchamber.org www.fwbchamber.com Have a day of fun that appeals to all ages at this family-friendly event. Enjoy a parade and food festival at a spectacular beachfront location.
Feb. 11-Mar.24 Camellia Walks at Middleton Place Charleston, S.C. 843-556-6020 scoyle@middletonplace.org www.middletonplace.org Delight in all the beauty nature has to offer. From pristine white to shades of red and pink, watch the delicate camellias as they enhance the elegant Middleton Place Gardens.
Feb. 17 Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade Pensacola, Fla. 850-436-7638 dannyzuf@aol.com www.pensacolamardigras.com The only illuminated nighttime parade in Pensacola! Crowds will be entertained by marching bands, lighted floats and “great throws” as the Krewe of Lafitte kicks off the festivities.
Feb. 17-19 7th Annual Punta Gorda Wine & Jazz Festival Punta Gorda, Fla. 941-639-3720 chamber@puntagorda-chamber.com www.puntagordachamber.com A three-day celebration of food, drink and entertainment in one of the most picturesque waterfront settings in southwest Florida. Enjoy the scrumptious Sunday Jazz Brunch and a performance by Jim Morris.
Feb. 17-19 Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show Knoxville, Tenn. 865-637-4561 info@dogwoodarts.com www.dogwoodarts.com Hailed as the largest House and Garden Show in East Tennessee, this event provides a unique marketplace that attracts homeowners and gardeners. More than150 participating companies showcase innovative products.
Feb. 18 18th Annual Mardi Gras Festival & Parade St. Marys, Ga. 912-882-4000 info@stmaryswelcome.com www.stmaryswelcome.com Family-oriented event featuring floats, live entertainment on a waterfront stage, costumed pet parade, and a chili cook-off. Witness the crowning of the King and Queen at the Mardi Gras Ball.
Feb. 23-26 12th Annual Saddle Up! Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 856-429-7350 events@mypigeonforge.com www.MyPigeonForge.com/saddleup Giddy up! Witness this salute to the American West with concerts of cowboy music and poetry, a chuck wagon cook-off, western dance, cowboy church and more.
Feb. 25 6th Annual BBQ Throw-Down & Festival D'Iberville, Miss. 228-392-9734 mmullins@diberville.ms.us www.diberville.ms.us Come pig-out! Taste savory chicken, ribs and brisket as teams compete for over $5,000 in cash and prizes. Bring the kids out to compete in the Youth BBQ cook-off.
Feb. 26-Mar.12 McNeese State University Banners Series Lake Charles, La. 800-456-7952 bbagley@visitlakecharles.org www.visitlakecharles.org Wash away the winter blues with this lively event. This year features performances from Rhythmic Circus, Bombay Bellywood, Maceo Parker, John Pizzarelli, Peter Karp, Sue Foley and more.
The deadline to apply to be a Spring (Apr., May, June) 2012 event is Oct. 5, 2011. For an application, visit the STS Top 20 web page.
March 2012
Mar. 1-4 Kentucky Crafted: The Market Lexington, Ky. 502-564-3757 artscouncil@ky.gov www.artscouncil.ky.gov View more than 200 exhibitors of fine art and craft, books, CDs, DVDs and specialty foods. Enjoy performances from 24 talented artists and readings by Kentucky’s poets laureate while you shop.
Mar. 1-4 BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival Charleston S.C. 843-727-9998 info@charlestonwineandfood.com www.charlestonwineandfood.com Come delight in the best that Charleston has to offer. Savor delectable treats from highly celebrated chefs, culinary professionals and winemakers throughout this eventful weekend.
Mar. 1-11 Florida Strawberry Festival Plant City, Fla. 813-752-9194 paul@flstrawberryfestival.com www.flstrawberryfestival.com They’re ripe for the picking! Feast on luscious strawberries grown by local farmers. Bring the family out for eleven days of fun at this annual fruit themed event.
Mar. 3 Rock, Roll & Run in Downtown Albany Albany, Ga. 229-317-4760 lriddle@albanyga.com www.visitalbanyga.com Kick things off with the Snickers Marathon Energy Bar morning marathon and half marathon. Finish the day at the Mardi Gras Music Festival featuring bands, kid’s activities and vendors.
Mar. 3-4 Weeki Wachee Swamp Fest Weeki Wachee, Fla. 352-596-3757 davidsonroger@yahoo.com www.swampfestweekiwachee.com Good old-fashioned family-fun is on the menu this year. Taste traditional swamp foods like alligator and jambalaya. Create your own clever costume and enter the popular Swamp Monster contest.
Mar. 9-11 The Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Ferdinanda Beach, Fla. 904-636-0027 choyt@ameliaconcours.org www.ameliaconcours.org This rousing automotive event draws nearly 250 rare vehicles from collections around the world. Experience the Porsche Driving Experience, informative seminars and the Mercedes-Benz Gala Dinner and Live Auction.
Mar. 10-11 25th Annual Forsythia Festival Forsyth, Ga. 478-994-9239 karen@forsyth-monroechamber.com www.forsythiafestival.com Kick off spring with this free, family-fun event featuring a children's fair, a 5K and sporting tournaments. Chomp off a piece of the 36-inch pizza pie. Come Saturday night for FaithFest.
Mar. 16-18 Iowa Rabbit Festival Iowa, La. 800-456-7952 bbagley@visitlakecharles.org www.visitlakecharles.org Celebrate the economic and culinary impact these furry creatures have in Southwest Louisiana. From rabbit gumbo to the crowning of the new Miss Bunny, this annual festival has it all!
Mar. 17 6th Annual Grillin' on the Green Biloxi, Miss. 228-435-6339 kmiller@biloxi.ms.us www.mainstreetbiloxi.com Experience one of the Gulf Coast’s premier spring events. Shop from over 100 vendors and enjoy live entertainment all while chowing down on some of Biloxi’s finest BBQ!
Mar. 17 First Ever Ninth Annual World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade Hot Springs National Park, Ark. 501-321-2027 cegleston@hotsprings.org www.shorteststpats.com The name says it all! A celebrity Grand Marshall will lead this lively parade of extravagant floats and Irish belly dancers. Begin the party with the popular Arkansas Blarney Stone kissing contest.
Mar. 16-18 News Sentinel Women Today Knoxville, Tenn. 865-342-6855 womentoday@knoxnews.com www.womentoday.com Celebrate all things women! Enjoy exciting exhibitors, trendy fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, and informative seminars. Celebrity guests will also be in attendance.
Mar. 16-18 Cape Fear Wildlife Expo Wilmington, N.C. 910-795-0292 wc@capefearwildlifeexpo.com www.capefearwildlifeexpo.com Calling all outdoor enthusiasts! Encourage youth to appreciate the great outdoors through hunting, fishing and outdoor sports. This year’s event features live wildlife cooking demos.
Mar. 16-18 60th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival Fairhope, Ala. 251-621-8222 gparnell@eschamber.com www.eschamber.com Come behold the highest quality of arts and crafts from more than 200 exhibitors from across the nation. Stop by the Festival Food Court for a taste of unique local cuisine.
Mar. 16-25 Macon, Georgia International Cherry Blossom Festival Macon, Ga. 478-751-7413 info@cherryblossom.com www.cherryblossom.com Have fun at the pinkest party on earth! Take part in fun activities like historic tours, animal shows and fabulous cuisine. Come experience the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World.
Mar. 17-18 Shamrock City Lookout Mountain, Ga. 706-820-2531 frontdesk@seerockcity.com www.seerockcity.com/shamrockcity The luck of the Irish is yours! Learn how to do a traditional jig while experiencing specialty beer from Big River and Rock City’s famous green fudge.
Mar. 26-Apr.7 Annual Spring Pilgrimage Columbus, Miss. 662-329-1191 nancy@columbus-ms.org www.columbus-ms.org Considered one of the most authentic collections of home tours in the South. Explore Columbus’ history through recreations of the 1800’s complete with period attire.
Mar. 28-Apr.1 Ozark Foothills FilmFest Batesville, Ark. 870-251-1189 ozarkfilm@wildblue.net www.ozarkfoothillsfilmfest.org Take part in this eclectic cinema celebration. View independent films and restored classics. Witness the world premiere of this year’s feature film 45RPM, produced by Arkansas-born filmmaker, Juli Jackson.
Mar. 30-Apr.1 Summerville Family YMCA Flowertown Festival Summerville, S.C. 843-871-9622 (x119) www.summervilleymca.org Admire charming spring flowers at this stunning festival. This year’s event features more than 200 artists, live entertainment and a children’s jubilee all on the beautiful grounds of Azalea Park.
Mar. 31-Apr.1 Renaissance Fine Arts Festival Ridgeland, Miss. 800-468-6078 Machrer@visitridgeland.com www.renaissanceartsfest.com View and purchase artwork from 90 of America’s finest visual artists. This cultured festival includes performances by local blues, jazz, classical, and rock musicians. Kids can participate in activities that stimulate and entertain.
Mar. 31-Apr.2 9th Annual Florida State Bluegrass Festival Perry, Fla. 850-584-5366 taylorchamber@gtcom.net www.floridastatebluegrass.com 24 hours of rousing bluegrass music for three days. Explore instrument workshops and arts and crafts vendors. Chow down at the annual Taylor County Chili Cook-off!
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