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!
2009 WRANGLER MILLION DOLLAR TOUR
USA RODEO TOUR 2009
Folklore suggests that the rodeo in the US was born in 1869 when cowboys from nearby ranches, met in Deer Trail, Colorado to prove who was the best at everyday ranching tasks.
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), under various titles, dates from 1936 and now has its headquarters in Colorado Springs. Apart from organising rodeos, the PRCA has donated more than $26 million dollars to local and international charities.
On-going in 2009 is the Wrangler Million Dollar Tour for the top PRCA cowboys. The tour has 17 rodeo events, with each rodeo designated Gold or Silver, depending on the amounts of prize money. The Tour culminates in two playoffs for the top competitors held in Washington State and Nebraska, with the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada,on 3rd December 2009.
The Gold Tour consists of eight events and commenced with The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo in Texas on 6th February. The remaining rodeo prior to the playoffs is The Ellensburg Rodeo in Ellensburg, Washington.
The Silver Tour has 9 events and began on 5th February 2009 in Rapid City, South Dakota. Remaining events for this season, leading to the playoffs are:
Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel, Sikeston, Missouri on 5th August.
Carr Pro Rodeo, Lovington, New Mexico on 5th August.
Farm City Pro Rodeo, Hermiston, Oregon on 12th August.
Kitsap County Stampede, Bremerton, Washington on 26th August.
For the uninitiated, these are the traditional and exciting events at these spectacular rodeos,
Bareback Riding. A wild 8 second ride with the rider holding on by one hand. Both horse and rider are judged on technique and performance.
Bull Riding. Another 8 second ride with man versus a beast weighing over 1 tonne, with a risk of goring if dismounted.
Tie Down Roping. An event from the Wild West where calves had to be roped and tied for branding or medical treatment. Requires skilled teamwork between man and his horse and the calf must remain tied for 6 seconds.
Saddle Bronc Riding. Evolved from the Old West seeing who could ride the wildest horses.
Steer Wrestling. Bulldogging is bringing down a 450Kg steer to the ground by a team of two cowboys and two horses.
Team Roping. The only team event where a header and a heeler catch and rope a steer.
Barrel Racing. A timed run around a clover leaf course marked by three barrels.
Today’s professional cowboy is somewhat different from the 1800’s version and although he may travel between rodeos in a custom built rig or private aircraft, his standing in the rodeo community is still dependent on his roping skills and ability to ride a bucking animal.
Enjoy the remaining events of the 2009 Wrangler Million Dollar Tour.
USA NATIONAL PARKS
TOP USA NATIONAL PARKS
LOWER YELLOWSTONE FALLS
The National Parks Service (NPS), part of The Department of the Interior was created by an Act signed by President Woodrow Wilson on 25th August 1916. Today NPS administers almost 400 sites in America covering approximately 84 million acres of real estate. In excess of 250 million people visit the sites each year.
The sites include, Monuments, Historical Sites, Military and Battlefield locations and Recreation Areas, plus 58 designated National Parks. In this article we feature five of the top National Parks. Our selection is subjective but based on scenery, visitor facilities, wildlife and annual attendance. We welcome reader’s comments and opinions on our choice.
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MONTANA
Glacier National Park in Montana, borders Alberta and British Columbia to the north and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation to the east.
As an intact eco system, the Park provides amazing plant and animal research. 62 mammals have been documented. These include the threatened Grizzly Bear the Canadian Lynx and the rarely seen, Mountain Lion. A total of 260 species of birds have been recorded and include the Golden Eagle, Osprey and Peregrine Falcon.
Hiking is the most popular activity with nearly 700 miles of trails. Anglers can enjoy the finest fly fishing in North America, with the Cut Throat Trout,Northern Pike, Kokanee Salmon and the endangered Bull Trout in the lakes and streams.
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TEXAS
The Park earns its name from the bend the massive Rio Grande River makes in the centre of 801,000 acres in west Texas.
Three major canyons,Santa Elena, Marsical and Boquillias are within the Park boundary together with the Chisos Mountains whose rock peaks rise to 7,825 feet.
The unusual combination of mountains, arid desert and muddy river has produced another unique eco system producing species not found elsewhere. The Colima Warbler, Sierra Del Carmen white-tailed Deer are normally not found north of Mexico and the endangered Mosquito Fishlives here. There are 400 species of birds co-existing with Javelina (wild hogs) and many more mammals. Plant life is plentiful with over 60 species of spectacular cacti.
Apart from fishing, hiking and photography the Park’s 100 miles of paved roads and 160 miles of dirt roads make Big Bend the premier mountain biking destinationand a must for anyone with a love of wildlife.
BRYCE CANYON, UTAH
Located in the south west of Utah, Bryce Canyon, despite its name is not a canyon but a natural amphitheatre. It is one of the smaller National Parks, covering almost 56 square miles and was established in 1928. Visitors in 2007, numbered around 1,000,000.
It is one of the most spectacular sites of the National Parks and famed for its geological formations. These include its Hoodoos, mountains up to 9000 feet high and vast amphitheatres. Bryce Canyon has a higher concentration of hoodoos than anywhere else in the world. These rock formations reach a height of a 10-storey building and were formed by wind, water and ice erosion. Their spectacular colours of red, white and orange provide magnificent views and photo opportunities for visitors.
The forests and meadows of Bryce Canyon support a diversity of animal life. Mule Deer are the most common with endangered species of Utah Prairie Dog, California Condor and the Southwestern Flycatcher also present. About 170 different birds visit each year. Reptiles include the Great Basin Rattlesnake, Short Horned Lizard, Striped Whipsnake and the Tiger Salamander.
Apart from sightseeing there are 8 hiking trails plus several skiing trails.
With its high altitude and clear air, landscape photography is popular particularly at sunrise and sunset.
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK WYOMING.
Founded in 1872, Yellowstone is the second largest National Park in the USA and is the flagship of the National Parks Service. Located in Wyoming and extending into Montana and Idaho, the Park covers an area of 3,427 square miles or a massive 2,221,766 acres.
Half of the world’s geothermal sites are in Yellowstone because Lake Yellowstone is centred over the Yellowstone Caldera. The Caldera is technically an active volcano having erupted several times in the last two million years. The park has an estimated 10,000 thermal sites. Of these only 300 are actual geysers. The best known is probably Old Faithful which erupts every 40-90 minutes and Steamboat Geyser which is the largest in the world.
Yellowstone is home to over 60 species of mammals. These include the endangered Gray Wolf, Lynx and Grizzly Bear. Others are Bison (buffalo), Black Bear, Elk, Moose, Mountain Goat, Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Lion.
18 species of fish live in Yellowstone together with reptiles and amphibians. In the 311 species of birds the Common Loon, Harlequin Duck, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon and Bald Eagle are a special concern in view of their rarity.
For Campers there are 12 Campgrounds with over 2000 campsites. There are numerous eating places in the Park and dining facilities are available, ranging from fine restaurants to snack bars and cafeteria.
SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK , CALIFORNIA
Sequoia National Park is a National Park in the southern Sierra Nevada, east of Visalia, California. It was established in 1890 as the second U.S. national park, after Yellowstone. The park spans 404,051 acres. Rising to 13,000 feet (3,962m) the park contains the highest point in the United States, Mount Whitney, which is 14,505 feet (4,421 m) above sea level. In the south the Park borders Kings Canyon National Park and the two are administered by the National Park Service as one unit.
The park is most famous for its Giant Sequoia Trees and has five of the ten largest specimens of these Redwoods in the world. The General Sherman Tree, 2500 years old is 275 feet (84m) tall with a girth, at the base, of 109 feet (33m).
The lower elevations of the Park are the only NPS-Protected, foothills eco system and home to Bobcats, Foxes, Squirrels and Rattlesnakes. At the higher elevations visitors can see Mule Deer and Black Bear who have been known to steal food from unattended vehicles.
The Park has over 240 known caves with more found each year, including The Lilburn Cave which is 20 miles long. Crystal Cave at 3.4 miles long is the only one open to visitors and its Marble Hall is full of amazing stalactites.
These Parks are home to giant trees, mountains and deep canyons. The Generals Highway climbs 5000 feet from oak-studded foothills to the Sequoia Groves, from where trails lead to a high alpine wilderness.
Apart from Lodges, the Park has a tent hotel and 7 campgrounds with Lodgepole being open all-year round.
The USA National Parks bring pleasure to millions of campers, hikers, photographers, skiers and tourists every year. They are a great natural treasure.
WASHINGTON MEMORIAL DAY
MEMORIAL DAY USA 2009
THE WHITE HOUSE
Memorial Day is a US holiday held on the last Monday of May each year. This year it will be held on Monday 25th May 2009.
Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates the men and women who gave their lives in the service of their country. It is believed to date from reunification after the American Civil War, honouring soldiers killed in that conflict. The celebration was expanded after WW1 to cover American casualities in any military action. Decoration Day is still celebrated in the Southern USA on the Sunday before Memorial Day when families decorate the graves of family members and is not reserved for those in the Military.
Traditionally, the weekend, apart from remembrance, now includes concerts, spectacular parades and often sporting events. The famous Indianapolis 500 Race has been held on this day since 1911.
In this article we felt it appropriate to feature the great events held in Washington DC, the Nation’s Capital, marking the start of summer.
The NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT will be held on the West Lawn of the Capitol Buildingat 8 pm on Sunday, 24th May. Actors and guest artists appear in this free concert with The National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Erich Kunzel. The grounds of the impressive 19th Century building were designed by Frederick Law Olmstead who also designed Central Park and the National Zoo.
THE ROLLING THUNDER MOTORCYCLE RALLY.
THE REFLECTING POOL
On Sunday, 24th May, at noon, about 400,000 riders will ride across Washington and congregate at The Reflecting Pool for speeches and a musical tribute to POW’S and those still mising in action. Formed in 1988 as a protest group by Veterans of The Vietnam War it now promotes veteran’s legislation and resolution of POW and MIA issues.
NAVY MEMORIAL
On Sunday, 24th May, prior to the rally, Rolling Thunder will hold a wreath-laying ceremony at The Navy Memorial. The Memorial is an outdoor piazza featuring a Granite Sea Map, surrounded by pools, flagpoles, fountains and sculptured panels depicting the achievements of the US Navy.
WOLF TRAP FARM PARK
Later on Sunday, 24th May, the park kicks off the summer season with a free performance by the US Marine Corps Band followed by spectacular fireworks.
NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY PARADE.
The highlight of the weekend is the Memorial Day Parade which starts at 2 pm on Monday 25th, May. This parade of marching bands and flag waving groups proceeds along Constitution Avenue and past The White House, ending at 17th Street. Veteran’s Groups from all States are represented, together with spectacular patriotic floats. The Parade is sponsored by The WW2 Veteran’s Committee. Prior to the Parade at 1pm the Navy Band Concert Band will perform at the Navy Memorial at 1 p.m.
WREATH LAYING CEREMONIES
At 9 am and 1 pm respectively, wreath laying ceremonies will take place at The Air Force Memorial and at Arlington National Cemetery. At Arlington, a concert at The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier will follow the ceremony.
The Air Force Memorial was dedicated in 2006. Its design symbolizes flight with three stainless steel spires of 270 feet, representing contrails.
Arlington National cemetery serves as a cemetery and memorial to America’s War heroes and sees more than 4 million visitors a year.
VIETNAM VETERAN’S MEMORIAL
VIETNAM MEMORIAL WALL
This year’s ceremony at 1 pm on Monday 25th, includes a Presentation of Colours, wreath-laying and remarks by a special guest. This memorial is a black, granite wall inscribed with the names of the 58,209 killed in The Vietnam War. Near the wall is a life-size statue depicting three young servicemen and another sculpture of two nurses tending the wounds of a male soldier with a third female kneeling nearby.
FORT WARD PARK
Finally, on the Monday, The Memorial Day Jazz Festival features big band, swing and jazz music from 1-7 pm.. Take along your picnic or if you prefer there will be food and drinks on sale.
Washington is a city of impressive memorials and monuments. Before leaving, visit some of these which have both military and civil remembrance.
KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL
They include:
The African- American Civil War Memorial and Museum
Iwo Jima Memorial
Korean War Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial
Have a memorable Memorial Day. Pay tribute as you feel appropriate to those who gave their lives. Above all enjoy your visit to the Nation’s Capital and Washington Memorial Day.
THE HAMPTON AIRSHOW 2009
AIR POWER OVER HAMPTON ROADS AT LANGLEY AFB, VIRGINIA
The 2009 season of air shows has started. In our first article for these popular events we feature Air Power over Hampton Roads at the USAF’s base at Langley on April 24 - 26.
Langley AFB is located 3 miles north of the City of Hampton on the Virginia Peninsula. It is the home of the 1st and 192nd Fighter Wings and is the largest fighter base in the Air Combat Command of the USAF.
There is something for all the family at this impressive display of aviation, including a special area reserved for children.
Displays Include
The Thunderbirds, the premier demonstration squadron of the USAF who will once again delight the crowd with precision aerial maneuvers. The F15 Eagle Demo Team is one of the seven such teams assigned to the Air Combat Command to demonstrate the F15, a 2-seat aircraft for all weather, air to air and deep interdiction missions. Similar demonstrations will show the impressive capabilities of the F22A Raptor and F18C Combat Aircraft.
The USAF Heritage Flight was formed in 1997 in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the USAF. It flies today’s fighters flying in formation with veteran aircraft of WW2, Korean and Vietnam veterans including such classics as the P51 Mustang and the F86 Sabre.
The Wings of Blue Parachute Team will once again amaze spectators with their aerial ballet and precision landings.
In addition to the military events, a host of professional aerobatic pilots will perform incredible feats of flying in a variety of aircraft.
Mohr Barnstorming appears in a Lloyd Stearman Biplane of 1943 vintage. His performance includes an 8-sided loop and an inverted pass waving to the crowd. Herb and Ditto provide the world’s only Smoke Ring Aerobatics in an ex-Navy T-28 Trainer. Fowler Big Dog Cary Jr brings his vintage T-33 with classic rolls and passes at 500 mph and as low as 100 feet. Kyle Franklinand Matt Younkin are the pilots performing in the Franklin’s Flying Circus. Kyle’s speciality is aerobatics in an ancient Waco biplane and crazy wing walking while Matt has brought a twin engined Beech 18 aircraft to the airshows. Not the normal aircraft for such flying! Finally, John Klatt an Air National Guard pilot puts his Staudacher S-300Dthrough some world class power aerobatics. These include outside loops and rolls at the Staudacher’sroll rate of 420m degrees per second.
Apart from all this aerial activity, the kids have a special area with rides and a carnival. Food vendors and the souvenir stall cater for all your other needs. The Hampton Airshow 2009 is going to be a great day out for all the family.
NEW ORLEANS - THE FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL
NEW ORLEANS
Join the World’s Greatest Street Party for the 26th Annual New Orleans French Quarter Festival. Enjoy this family-friendly extravaganza of music and food together with the other expected 450,000 visitors.
Over the weekend of April 17-19, the French Quarter of New Orleans is transformed into a giant outdoor mall providing the finest local musical talent and mouth watering culinary delights.
On the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the festival, listen to salsa, gospel, R&B, blues, Cajun, Rock, Classical, Country/Western and other music, plus of course jazz. From 11am until 9pm local musicians will perform each day. The main locations being Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, Royal Street, French Market and Bourbon Street. Over 250 performances by 450 local musicians.
Food is as important as music at this great festival. 70 food vendor’s booths at The Old US Mint, Kohlmeyer Lawn, Berger Great Lawn, Wolfenburg Park and Jackson Square, will excite the taste buds with authentic South Louisiana culinary delights.
Try Cajun meat pies, blackened catfish, corn and crawfish bisque, pork chops on corn sticks and the local jambalaya, gumbo, red beans and rice and muffalettas. If all this exotic food becomes too much for you, the New Orleans Lucky Dog Vendors will be out in force with old fashioned hot dogs.
Apart from this feast of food and music there are also special events including the Opening Parade on the Friday. On Saturday, the World Oyster Eating Championship takes place together with The Battle of the Bands, Opera at Dusk and the Pirates Alley Art Show. The St Louis Cathedral Annual Spring Concert takes place on Sunday and finally Dancing at Dusk. During the whole weekend, there are tours of historic homes and New Orlean’s Museums.
Shopping is a must before leaving New Orleans. Royal Street is the refined centre for local art and culture. It houses a wonderful mix of antique shops and colorful art galleries.
Magazine Street just outside the French Quarter is a six mile long thoroughfare in Uptown and the Garden District. It features boutiques and antique shops with a mix of restaurants, coffee houses and craft emporiums.
Recovering well after the horrendous damage inflicted by Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans offers a world-renowned festival for all the family. So join the other thousands of excited visitors at the New Orleans French Quarter Festival this year.
SUPER BOWL TRAVEL PACKAGES
FANS GALORE
It is approximately 300 days to Superbowl XLIV. From experience it is certainly not too early to be looking and booking your needs for the trip to Florida in February 2010. So if you want to take part in next year’s Superbowl it is time to be looking at Superbowl Travel Packages.
The road to the 44th Superbowl will end in Miami City, Florida at the Dolphins Stadium on 7th February 2010. It is the 10th time the Superbowl has been hosted here and is a testament to the attraction of the Sunshine State.
A trip to the Superbowl is one of the world’s most exciting experiences. Maybe it is time for you to see this event live, rather than on the TV screen.
For the uninitiated, this American Football game is the climax of the NFL season and is contested by the top two teams from the American Football Conference and the National Football Conference after a series of play-off games.
The Dolphins stadium has a capacity of 75,000. As you would expect the demand for tickets is incredible. After distribution to the NFL clubs, sponsors, media and charities only about 1% will be available to ordinary fans, by way of the Superbowl Random Draw. Your application must be in before 1st June 2010. Apart from luck you will need a deep wallet as the prices may give you a nose bleed, being between $800-1000!
If you are unlucky and don’t get a ticket the trip to Florida is well worth it anyway. Enjoy the balmy Spring weather, (Daytime temperatures in February average 78 degrees F,) the hype, the noisy and friendly fans and the great pre-match parties.
Apart from the game, The Sunshine State offers unlimited Fun in the Sun. We will only mention a few of the incredible number of tourist attractions in Florida.
Perhaps the most famous is the 7000 acre site housing Disney World with its Magic Kingdom, Epcot Centre, Disney/MGM Studios and the Animal Kingdom. Seaworld, Orlando is the world’s premier water park. Busch Gardens includes the gigantic Serengeti Plain with free roaming African animals. In addition there are many parks, gardens and museums and of course the old world charm of St Augustine. During the time of the Superbowl you can also take in the Florida State Fair.
This is a fantastic Spring Break for all the family, so start looking for a Superbowl travel package to suit you and your family. We wouldn’t want you to miss out on any of the action. Even if you are an unlucky football fan without a ticket, Florida in February is well worth a visit.
THE NATIONAL CORNBREAD FESTIVAL IN TENNESSEE
FIREWORKS DISPLAY
The State of Tennessee is a treasure house of interesting festivals and we have chosen The National Cornbread Festival for 2009. This weekend of fun, food and festive entertainment takes place over the weekend of 24th to 26th April 2009.
This year the National Cornbread Festival will celebrate its 13th anniversary. The event is held in the town of South Pittsburg, which lies between the Cumberland Plateau and the Tennessee River, in the beautiful Sequatchie Valley.
Concerned at the decline of the town with a small population of around 3,500, local citizens decided to stem the decline by starting an Annual Festival to promote the sights, sounds, history and people of South Pittsburg. In 2007, 40,000 people arrived to taste the cornbread, hear the music and enjoy the town’s history.
The Festival opens on Friday evening, April 24th with Opening Ceremonies followed by dancing in the street and a traditional fireworks display.
For the really energetic ones, enter the 5k Festival Run on the Saturday morning. (You’ll have to be out of bed by 7am!) If you are honest and not too energetic, settle for the 1 mile Fun Run.
Saturday also sees the opening of the Quilt Exhibition, hosted by the South Pittsburg Stichin’ Sisters Quilt Guild. Called Alzheimer’s Forgetting Piece by Piece, it is an exhibit of the work of 54 quilt artists from 30 US States with poignant interpretations of the Alzheimer experience. The exhibit is currently touring the USA and already 190,000 people have seen this work.
All day on Saturday, 25th April you can enjoy music, including Blue Grass and Old Time styles. The Historic Tour visits homes and sites in South Pittsburg, ending at the Lodge Manufacturing Company’s Foundry. A state of the art facility only open to visitors during festival time. The same day sees a Classic Car Cruise-In, followed by street dancing.
On Sunday, 26th, before a long day, The Pancake Breakfast is a must. Fresh sausage, hot drinks and a pile of hotcakes soaked in butter and syrup. Of course the pancakes do contain cornmeal!
The Celebrity Cook-Off starts at 3pm on Sunday. Ten finalists compete, creating their cornbread specialities in the Big Cook-Off Tent. The 2007 winner was a Southwest inspired Chicken Taco Cornbread. South Pittsburg High School’s Marching Band and cheerleaders support the event.
These are just a sample of the daily festival events. All weekend you can stroll down Cornbread Alley and sample Pineapple and Cream Cheese Cornbread, Squash Cornbread, Mandarin Orange Cornbread and Apple Poppers. Enter the Cornbread Eating, Buttermilk Chuggin’ and Ice Cream Eating Contests held on the Citizen’s Park Stage. Browse in the Arts and Crafts Exhibits while the kids enjoy themselves at the Cornbread Kid’s Corner with free rides, carnival games, the Rubber Duck Pond and watch Dizzy The Clown and friends.
Join the expected 40,000 in South Pittsburg for real fun weekend at the National Cornbread Festival in Tennessee in April.
CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL - WASHINGTON
THE NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL - WASHINGTON DC- 28 MARCH to 12 APRIL 2009
Washington in Bloom
With Spring on the horizon, the flowering of the cherry tree is one of nature’s most colourful spectacles. Although Cherry Blossom is perhaps more evocative of the Land of The Rising Sun, the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC is well worth a visit.
The planting of cherry trees on this historic city site originated in 1912 with a gift from the people of Japan. With the support of the First Lady, Helen Herron Taft, a gift of 2000 cherry trees was donated by the City of Tokyo and arrived in Washington in January 1910. Unfortunately, the trees were diseased and had to be burnt. A second shipment of 3026 trees arrived in March 1912 and two were planted on the northern bank of the Tidal Basin by Helen Taft and the wife of the Japanese Ambassador. Washington’s world famous Festival grew from this simple ceremony. The two original trees remain to this day.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is planned to coincide with the blooming of the trees. Peak bloom date is defined as the day in which 70% of the buds are open. The blooming period starts several days earlier and can last for 14 days depending on the weather. Naturally visitors try and plan their visit when the trees are in bloom. The various stages of the bloom are all wonderful so whenever you plan to visit you will be rewarded with something memorable on the Tidal Basin.
The Festival itself has an amazing variety of events too numerous to describe. This article attempts to give our readers a flavour of the festival period.
On Saturday, 4th April there are two great events. One is one of Washington’s most exciting traditions - the Festival Parade. The parade is a must for children of all ages and marches along historic Constitution Avenue from 10 am. It includes marching bands, dance and drumming from the US and Japan, Cherry Blossom Queens and a choir. Giant balloons, floats, vintage automobiles, clowns and mascots add to the spectacle.
On the same day, the Japan-America Society present the 49th Annual Sakura Matsuri or Street Festival. The Matsuri has 4 main areas. Traditional Japanese Arts and Crafts, Japanese culture including anime (animation) Manga (Comics) and J-Pop music. It features 15 Japanese and Asian restaurants, 2 Beer Gardens and a Sake tasting area. The Ginza Market offers traditional Japanese products for sale.
The culture vultures can join the Freedom Walk, a non-competitive event which honours the sacrifices and injustices suffered by American - Japanese citizens in WW2. The 43rd Smithsonian Kite Festival takes place in the Washington Memorial Grounds from 10 am on 28 March. There are daily performances on the Tidal Basin Stage. The National Building Museum hosts a family day with lots of hands-on fun, exploring Japanese art. Again, just a few of the many attractions.
For the Foodies, enjoy an evening with sushi and sake on 1st April at the National Geographic Museum. Also on the 1st April, Madame Tussauds is transformed into a Cherry Blossom Wonderland for the Washington Wine Academy’s Soiree and Reception, held in Waterfront Park. At the reception and as a prelude to fireworks, enjoy military and local music together with family related activities and of course food.
For the children and the more active members of the family, celebrate the arrival of Spring with a 2-hour bike ride around the Nation’s Capital. Relax on a tour boat viewing the blossoms and monuments on a 90 minute tour from the Washington Marina. Choose between the morning Blossom Secrets Stroll or the more romantic Lantern Walks with a National Parks Ranger, for an evening walk amongst the cherry trees. How about English Tea aboard a yacht as you cruise among the blossoms. Still on the water, board the Spirit of Washington for an evening with a grand buffet, live music and views of the Festival Firework displays.
There is no doubt that this, the world’s largest National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC is an absolute extravaganza with varied events for all ages, set against a background of the beautiful flowering cherry trees. Certainly a must for a Spring break.
HALLOWEEN, HARVEST FESTIVALS AND HAY RIDES
All over America in the month of October you will find great events to please the whole family. Many areas will have a harvest festival, pumpkin weigh offs, pumpkin pie competitions, hay rides and of course all kinds of events for Halloween. October is a really exciting month for family entertainment.
A quick look on the Internet for your town or state will provide more events than you will ever be able to attend in one month.
There are some great State fairs. The Alabama State Fair is a good one with a giant pumpkin contest. Also the Indiana State Fair, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and the Carolinas. All great State Fairs with plenty of activities and excitement for everyone in the family. There really is something to please every age group and taste.
Many local churches will have events and a harvest festival in October. These usually have plenty of fresh produce and an abundance of crafts and fresh baked goods.
Another good place for October fun can be local farms. Many of these have pick your own pumpkins, fresh baked goods, fresh fruit and vegetables, hay rides, corn roasts and various competitions for the kids. You can usually get some good advice on carving your pumpkin into the perfect Jack O Lantern too.
At most of the big events you will find fairgrounds, music, parades, recipe contests, craft fairs, hay rides, food stands, scarecrow decorating contests and so many more crazy and inventive competitions.
So don’t miss out start planning your October entertainment now. Look out for articles and advertisements for Halloween, Harvest Festivals, Hay Rides and so much more fun in October.
