It’s the traditional last weekend of summer, so get footloose and fancy free.
The Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site at Florida is hosting a festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Activities include live music, period crafts, children’s games, food vendors, a Twain impersonator and special programs about the author’s life.
Fruit of the vine
Get your feet and everything else to the 73rd annual Nauvoo Grape Festival.
It continues through Sunday. Most of the activities take place in the park along Highway 96 on the south side, but you¹ll find activities and tours all over town.
There¹s a car show, carnival, mud volleyball, arts and crafts, archery, parade, garden tractor pull, kids¹ games and wine tasting.
The annual Wedding of the Wine and Cheese is at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
If you¹d like a full schedule, go to www.nauvoograpefestival.com.
Wooly bully
Things are looking b-a-a-a-d for Bethel on Saturday and Sunday.
No, it’s not the Mexico Goat, but some of his cousins may be there.
The Shelby County community hosts the 31st annual Sheep Festival. There are shows, contests, mutton busting, food, a church service and shearing demonstrations. The big parade is at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
To find out more, visit www.worldsheepfest.com.
Rev Œem up
If you think cars are cool, motor on down to Troy.
The ninth annual First Baptist Church Car Show is Sept. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You can register a vehicle from 8 a.m. to noon. There¹ll be handmade trophies to winners in 11 classes and one car club participant award.
Trucks, motorcycles and antique tractors are welcome. There is no admission charge or entry fee. The church is at 1000 Elm Tree Road. Call (636) 528-4407 for more.
Break ‘em up
If you like it fast and furious, check out the demolition derby Saturday.
It¹s at 7 p.m. at the Adams County Fairgrounds near Mendon, Ill. There¹ll be full size, compact, midsize and bone stock classes.
Admission is $10 at the gate. Children 12 and younger get in free. Part of the proceeds will go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Falling in
OK, it¹s not quite fall, but Pittsfield is still celebrating.
The annual Fall Festival starts Thursday and runs through Saturday. You¹ll find it around the most elegant county courthouse in the region.
There¹ll be food, arts and craft, a carnival, pageants, contests and entertainment. The grand parade is at 9 a.m. Saturday.
Heads up
We’ve got a tractor pull, a harvest festival, dinner under the stars and an event involving a guy who almost became president.
Check back here next Saturday and I’ll have counted the votes.
Ab imo pectore (from the bottom of my heart).
