Last week, I presented the first five from my list of the Top 10 area festivals we have to look forward to in 2010.
That means we have five left to go. So, here they are:
* Every Labor Day Weekend, the fine folks in Nauvoo hold their annual Grape Festival. This year will mark the 73rd for the event, which features crafts, entertainment, a carnival, buckskinners, wine tastings, a huge car show and the annual Wedding of the Wine and Cheese. A schedule hadn’t been posted for 2010 yet, but keep checking back for all the details at www.nauvoograpefestival.com.
* It’s been 98 years since Champ Clark came within an eyelash of beating out Harry Truman as the first president from Missouri. Bowling Green celebrates with the Champ Clark Heritage Festival each September. The downtown square is filled with activities for the day and Champ’s home, Honey Shuck, is open for tours. You’ll find more information at www.visitbowlinggreenmo.com.
* FREE WATERMELON. Do you really need to know more? Oh, yes, it’s the 66th annual Montrose Watermelon Festival. Hey, it’s worth the drive to Southeast Iowa the last weekend inAugust. Besides the eating and spitting contests, there are dinners, a carnival, crafts, games and all kinds of entertainment. Check out www.keokukiowatourism.org.
* If you think summer is hot, try combining it with chili. The Clarksville Chili Cookoff on June 5 will send your taste buds on a trip to paradise. Admission is a bargain and samples are even cheaper. There’s also good entertainment. You can find more at www.clarksvillemo.us.
*County fairs. I’m talking all of them, from the Western Illinois Fair at Griggsville in June to the Marion County Fair at Palmyra in August. Can you smell the corn dogs and cotton candy or hear the roar of the tractor pull and demolition derby? The Missouri Association of Fairs and Festivals maintains a list at www.missourifairsandfestivals.org.
Honorable mention: Let’s face it. There isn’t an event I DON’T really enjoy. So, here is a list of honorable mentions: Quincy Dogwood Festival, Keokuk Rollin’ on the River Blues Festival, Center Park Day, Salt River Expo, Burlington Steamboat Days, Milton Corn Carnival, Griggsville Apple Festival and Canton River Heritage Days.
I could keep going, but then I wouldn’t have anything to write about for the rest of the year.
So, save a lemon shakeup for me and I’ll see you out there on the midway.
Ab imo pectore (from the bottom of my heart).
