LAFAYETTE APPLE FESTIVAL
APPLE FESTIVALS
The LaFayette Apple Festival, NY 10th and 11th October 2009
The Fall is the season for Apple Festivals. There is evidence that humans have been eating apples since 6500 BC. Apples were first introduced into New York State by European settlers in the 1600s. The apple is the official state fruit of New York, Rhode Island, Washington and West Virginia, while apple blossom is the official state flower of Arkansas and Michigan.
After Washington, New York is the second largest apple producing state in the USA, with top favourites such as Red and Golden Delicious, Gala and Granny Smith varieties. In this article we feature The LaFayette Apple Festival, held annually in upper New York State is also one of the Northeast premier arts and crafts show. Around 90,000 visitors are expected at the 2009 event.
The many attractions include The Cider Mill with its antique cider press and of course, free samples. The Country Apple Gift Shop caters for the shopaholics, with apple related gifts, pottery and T-shirts.
A 1500 foot run of colorful tents houses around 500 skilled crafts people, displaying their products. All are carefully vetted by the organisers.
At any festival, food is very important and LaFayette is no exception. Start your day with an Apple Pancake Breakfast. Donuts N’ Dumplins offers fresh apple cider donuts, apple pies, turnovers and hot mulled cider. Behind Donuts is The Kountry Kitchen with apple related desserts, Texas Toast and Sausage Breakfasts. Other outlets provide an amazing range of food including Marinated Chicken Speedies, Hot Dogs, Pizza, Cotton Candy, Loaded baked potatoes and of course Caramel Apples, Nutty Apples and chocolate Apples.
On Sunday, 11th October, you can walk or run off any over indulgence in the 11th Annual LaFayette Apple Run. For families and children (12 and under) there is the One Mile Fun Run. The fitter members of the family can enter The 5K Walk/Run or the serious 15K Road Race. Others can rest their feet listening to continuous live entertainment in The Quonset Building.
The Traditional Midway with its Ferris Wheel has games and rides for all ages.
The Apple Pie Baking Contest is held in The Red Apple Barn on the Friday evening before the festival. Traditional 2 Pastry Crust Apple Pies are required.
The Scarecrow Contest with displays on Saturday, 10th and Sunday 11th, is judged on the Saturday at noon.
The LaFayette Apple Festival is one of the top such festivals at this time of the year. The organisers suggest comfortable walking shoes, certainly a camera and a backpack to carry all those purchases home. Naturally, these must include an apple pie or a caramel apple or even a jug of cider!
AIRPORT NAMES
WHATS IN AN AIRPORT NAME
Some airports you may wish to avoid in your travels around the world?
Batman, Turkey
Useless Loop, Australia
Black Tickle, Canada
Mafia, Tanzania
Moron, Mongolia
Ogle, Guyana
Pickle Lake, Canada
Airport names that may offend?
Fukui, Japan
Pratt, USA
Shafter, USA
Phi Phi, Thailand
Fak Fak, Indonesia
Strange ones
Wee Waa, Australia
Wanna Wanna, Australia
Flin Flion, Canada
Muko Muko, Indonesia
Sabi Sabi, South Africa
Avoid these?
Asbestos Hill, Canada
Desolation Sound, Canada
Mysore, India
Deadhorse, USA
Danger Bay, USA
Colon, Panama
Animal Lover?
Monkey Mia, Australia
Big Trout, Canada
Sheep Mountain, USA
Snake River, Canada
Big Bear, USA
Some IATA Airport Codes
DIK
NOB
KOK
BUM
POO
SEX
BOG
Safe arrival, whichever airport you land in!
CHEAP FLIGHTS
RYANAIR THE NO FRILLS AIRLINE
Ryanair, the low cost Irish airline was formed in 1985, flying from Waterford in the Republic of Ireland to London. In 2009 it expects to fly 70 million passengers on 830 low fare routes to 143 destinations, mainly in Europe. Its fleet of around 190 Boeing B737-800s which have an average age of 3.1 years is claimed to be the newest, greenest and quietest in Europe.
Unlike many international carriers it remains profitable in the current recession. One factor in this success is the amount generated by Ancillary Revenue. This is income derived from sources other than ticket sales. This has lead to the airline being described, by a consumer magazine, as The Worst Offender For Charging For Optional Extras.
Its current success has certainly been achieved by an aggressive no-frills business strategy. For some time it has charged for any checked in baggage and has abolished free in-flight meals. It claims to have also convinced pilots to reduce the discretionary fuel load ( A safety margin for possible diversions)
In 2009, Ryanair abolished airport check in, with all passengers required to check in on-line and print out their Boarding Cards. Passengers arriving at an airport without such cards will be charged £40 for a re-issue.
Ryanair has been accused of seeking publicity by suggesting bizarre ideas to reduce costs. These include, removing 2 toilets to add seats, charging for the use of a toilet, charging extra for overweight passengers and asking passengers to carry baggage out to the aircraft. And one, which I am sure would not get past the Civil Aviation Authority, was to re-design aircraft to permit standing passengers!
It has certainly been criticised for a cavalier attitude to customers. Having lost a battle to provide wheelchairs for disabled passengers it retaliated by imposing a ticket surcharge to ticket prices.
Its advertising tactics have upset other airlines such as British Airways and Sabena, prompting several court battles. It also had to withdraw a claim that its flight to Brussels from London was faster than Eurostar. Despite all this controversy, Ryanair is a very successful airline as evidenced by its current profitability and growing passenger numbers.
The moral seems to be if you want cheap flights, it’s a short trip, you are prepared to be hungry, do not have check in baggage and do not forget to print out your boarding pass, then Ryanair is for you. Remember, you cannot contact the airline by e-mail or via their website. Only contact is via a premium telephone line. As you would expect!
TEXAS STATE FAIR
THE TEXAS STATE FAIR SEPTEMBER 25TH - OCTOBER 18TH 2009
You expect things to be big in The Lone Star State and the Texas State Fair is no exception. It is the largest State Fair in the United States, based upon annual attendance. Minnesota has the largest daily attendance, of over a million, but is only open for 12 days.
Held in Dallas, the fair has been held at Fair Park since 1886 and expects over 3 million visitors, bringing around $400 million into the Dallas economy.
Traditional State Fair attractions include livestock shows, competitions, carnival rides, musical entertainment and exhibitions. As in a previous article we highlight some of the more attractive and unusual events.
The Fair’s mascot is Big Tex, a 16m (52 feet) high model of a cowboy first introduced in 1952. His hinged jaw makes him appear to speak and he is used for programme announcements.
MUSIC
The Chevrolet Main Stage provides open air concerts daily, with top artists at the weekend. The US Marine Drum and Bugle Corps perform in afternoon concerts at Marine Square and in the evening parade. Throughout the park, street entertainers perform on small stages and street corners. On the Backdoor Stage, The Killdaires perform celtic Rock daily.
VEHICLES
The State Fair of Texas is the only State Fair to include an Auto Show, dating from 1904. This is the biggest new car and truck show in the Southwest. As you would expect, Texans love big trucks. The Truck Zone provides entertainment and offerings from all the main truck dealers. Classic Corral is the place to see and meet the owners of vintage autos and motorcycles. The BMX Bike Show has The 720 Action Sports Team performing gravity defying stunts.
MIDWAY
The traditional Midway has over 70 attractions including The Texas Skyway with 1800 feet of track, The Texas Star Ferris Wheel which at 212 feet is the largest in North America and the 1914 Denitzel Carousal.
ANIMALS
The Spirit of The Horse showcases training methods and communication with horses and is held in The Ranch Arena. There are traditional Livestock Breed Displays with pigs, sheep, cows and goats. Pig Races take place daily in The Pan American Arena. Have a bet on these cute piglets.
KIDS AND FAMILIES
The children can see and feed the sows, ewes, and nanny goats with their offspring at The Childrens Medical Center Backyard. Wannabee Buckaroos can join the Pee Wee Stampede on stick horses daily. At Little Hands On The Farm, the kids can indulge in pretend egg gathering, planting and harvesting and caring for a cow. World On A String is a daily puppet show in The Creative Arts Showplace Theatre. At The Schepps Backyard Circus the young ones can dress up and perform a make believe show with circus performers.
FOOD
Fair Days are strenuous and food and lots of it is necessary! The State Fair of Texas has acquired a reputation for providing unique fried food. Corny Dogs first appeared at the 1942 event. Recent years have seen the arrival of unusual dishes. These include, deep fried:
Oreo Cookies
Twinkies
Pork Ribs
Cheesecake
Peanut Butter
Jelly and Banana Sandwiches
and even deep fried Coke!
Forget your diet and make sure you pack your cholesterol pills.
PARADE
Every respectable State Fair has a parade and Texas has the daily Starlight Parade with illuminated floats and costumed characters.
FOOTBALL
The restored Cotton Bowl, seating 91000 spectators hosts two College Football Games and the annual Texas v Oklahoma clash on October 3rd.
SHOPPING
Before leaving indulge in a bit of shopping amongst the 300 stalls in The Coliseum Market Place, Grand Place, Gateway Pavilion, Embarcadero, The Pennsylvania Gate and other sites.
With about 7 weeks to go, now is the time to plan your visit to Big Tex and join the other 3 million in Dallas for this extravaganza of fun (and food) the Texas State Fair.
NEW YORK STATE FAIR
The 163RD GREAT NEW YORK STATE FAIR 27 AUGUST-7 SEPTEMBER 2009
In the United States, State Fairs are as traditional as American Hot Dogs and Baseball. From basic roots as a Farmer’s Exposition with livestock and agricultural attractions, Fairs have evolved into a showcase of musical entertainment, with competitions expanded into food, wine, art and talent shows, plus amusements, rides and parades.
The Great New York State Fair,the nation’s first such event, took place in 1841 in Syracuse, NY. From 1842 to 1889, the fair travelled around eleven cities in the State before settling in 1890 in a permanent home in Syracuse in Onondga County. In 2009 it is located on the 375 acre site of the Empire Expo center in Syracuse.
In this article we highlight some of the major competitions and attractions for 2009.
THE MIDWAY
Every State Fair has the thrills, fun and games of its Midway. New York State Fair has the last remaining Railroad Carnival with all the traditional favourites, provided by The James E. Strates Midway.
MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT
There are 12 days of great musical entertainment, with 2 shows per day on The Stan Collela Stage at Chevy Court. The New York Central Mutual Insurance Concert Series includes Grand Funk Railroad,The Four Tops, Sha Na Na, Rick Springfield, Boyz II Men, MC Hammer and many others.
At the Mohegan Sun Grandstand there are 7 shows plus the NYS Tractor Pulling Championship and the NYS Demolition Derby.
Once the animals have left, the Beef Barn Jamboree fills the show ring with country music on 25th, 28th and 4th September.
HORSES AND ANIMALS
Cows, pigs, sheep, goats and even Llamas compete for top honours daily in the Show Ring. The New York State Fair Horse Show is the largest in the North East States and features daily competitions. There are even competitions for Poultry, Pigeons, Rabbits and Cavies
COMPETITIONS
There are also competitions to suit all interests. The Culinary Competitionsees the state’s pies, bread, jams and cakes together with chicken wings, chilli and fried food, vying for the prize ribbons.
In the Little Ceasars Talent Showcase, New York’s kids and teenagers sing and dance in a version of American Idol.
The competitions list also includes
Antique Tractors
Antique Automobiles
Arts and Crafts
Photography
Wine
Flowers
Wildlife Art
ATTRACTIONS FOR KIDS AND THE YOUNG AT HEART
Bwana Jims Wildlife Show. Get up close with alligators, snakes, armadillos and wild animals.
Coronas Hollywood Circus with a kid fest and a Giraffe Zoo.
Michael Hilby, a German juggler on a giant unicycle.
Moo Country where the kids can pet and feed calves.
The Sea Lions Splash with natures comedians.
Backyard Circus and Puppet Parade.
Bear Mountain where Syrian Bears ride bicycles and play basketball.
The Hollywood Racing Pigs and lots more.
Finally, away from the thrills of the big Midway there is Kiddieland, a smaller and more child friendly Midway.
SPECIAL EXIBITIONS AND ATTRACTIONS
Butter and Cheese Sculptures
The Famous Harlem Wizards
Masters of The Chainsaw Sculpture
Iroquois Indian Village
FOOD
State Fairs require stamina, so good food is esential and probably lots of it! There are covered eating areas throughout the fairgrounds. Visit The Heluva Good Potato Booth for a steaming hot potato covered in your favourite topping. Sample the traditional maple products at The New York Maple Center. Try the delicious ice cold milk served at The Rainbow Milk Bar produced and processed the same day from The Toyota Dairy Cattle Center. Sample a glass of New York State Wine at the tented Uncork New York Wine Village.
Finally, watch out for the Knights riding fearsome dragons around the fairgrounds and do not miss the The Daily Parade at 6.00pm each with its marching bands, costumed characters and antique vehicles.
Before you leave, complete your shopping with a visit to The American Center of Progress which showcases innovative and time saving gadgets.
Enjoy yourselves and join the expected one million visitors at the New York State Fair and have a great time.
CANADIAN NATIONAL EXHIBITION
The Canadian National Exhibition August 21 - September 7
This is a wonderful 18 days of fun for all the family. Where to start? There is an Agricultural section for all the wannabe farmers. Then at the other extreme is a haunted tour of the grounds and buildings at night. After all the Horticulture building was once a morgue and there were two forts on the site and a battle in 1812. So bound to be haunted.
My favourite part of the CNE was always the food. From cookery demonstrations to free samples. This year taste the official dessert, Duncan Hines Decadent Carrot Cake which will be prepared and sampled at each show. The Two Fat Guys will be there and back by popular demand is the Ribfest, in Bandshell Park. There are outdoor concessions to feed you on the go and a number of restaurants on the site if you would rather sit and relax.
Visit Kids World for great midway rides, a playground, onstage entertainment and loads of animals, puppets and crazy creatures. Endless fun for the kids young and old!!
Try not to miss Movie Magic: Aerial Acrobatics and Ice Skating Show at 2pm and 7pm. This is an enormously popular event.
Also for the kids is the daily CNE Mardi Gras Parade. This is hugely popular and once again the Mardi Gras necklaces will play a big part of the fun.
For the 23rd year the Rising Star Talent Competition will take place at Maple Lodge Farms Variety Stageon August 21st - September 3rd, with the finals at the Bandshell on September 6th.
For the Adults you might enjoy some quiet time at the Horticultural Exhibits. If so head along to the Garden Show at Heritage Court.
Each evening enjoy the E Evolution Emergence Energy Nighttime Light Show. The exterior of the South East Entrance of the Direct Energy Centre will be transformed into a large canvas onto which spectacular images will be projected.
Also not to be missed is the 60th Annual Canadian International Air Show which takes over the skies on Labour Day Weekend. This years show is set to be one of the most exciting ever. There will be performances by the Canadian Forces F 18 Hornet painted in its celebratory Centennial of Flight scheme, the CF Snowbirds formation Aerobatic team, The Horsemen a 3 ship P 51 Mustang demonstration team, the first appearance of Hawk One an F86 Sabre, The Centennaire Tutor and a special appearance by a formation jet team from the USA.
For all you shoppers you can truly shop till you drop at the CNE. On the 192 acre site there is plenty to see and buy. Arts, Crafts, Hobbies, Canadian Collectibles, Home Wares, Jewellery, Leather Goods, Furniture, Treasures of the World, Souvenirs, in fact just about everything you can think of in the indoor and outdoor markets.
There are simply too many events to mention. But from the selection here I am sure you can see that a day out at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto is an event not to be missed.
One last thing as it is the City of Toronto’s 175th Anniversary, on open day admission will be just $1.75!! An even better reason not to miss the fun!
PAYSON RODEO
ARIZONA RODEO
The 125th Payson Rodeo, the World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo, takes place in Payson, Arizona over the third weekend of August 2009.
Dating from 1884, it has had to concede the title of OLDEST to Prescott, Arizona whose 1888 event has claimed the title on a technicality in that its first rodeo was a formalised event with admission charges and prize monies. Unable to use the word oldest, the organisers of the Payson Rodeo settled for the title of The Oldest Continuous Rodeo.
Payson in Gila County sits at the geographic centre of Arizona. The area around the town is now known as Rim Country rather than an earlier name of Zane Grey Country. The famous author first arrived in 1918, bought land and was a prolific author and film maker.
The first Payson Rodeo in August 1884 saw local ranchers and cowboys testing their roping and bronco riding skills against each other. Early schedules included silver dollar pitching, Cock Fights, greased pig contests and foot races. A timed event from horseback involved pulling up a chicken buried up to its neck in the street. Contemporary animal welfare organisations might not approve of this today.
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association which sponsors the 2009 event believes it is the Best Small Rodeo in The World.
The 2009 Doins Rodeo includes all the traditional events, in four separate performances, such as Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Bull Riding and Team Roping. Mutton Bustin is for the kids under six years of age to last 6 seconds riding on a sheep.
Unusual and unique is the Tough Enough To Wear Pink, benefit evening, in aid of Breast Cancer research. First introduced at the 2004 Wrangler Finals, where most contestants actually wore pink shirts. The idea is to bring a cancer survivor along with the family for an evening of fun.
The 2009 August Doins Rodeo Roundup Parade takes place on 15th August. The parade will march down historic Main Street to Sawmill Theatres. Local businesses, civic groups, Rodeo Queens and clowns will please young and old.
If you have time after the weekend, visit The Tonto Natural Bridge State Park which has the world’s largest Travertine Natural Bridge. Have a flutter at The Mazatal Casino which is operated by the Tonto Apache Reservation or join the rock hounds around Payson looking for quartz crystals, geodes, agate and onyx stones.
The 125th Worlds Oldest Continuous Rodeo will delight the whole family, so head on down to the Payson Rodeo.
