‘Tis the season for all things summer

It may not feel like it, but summer is right around the corner.
And with the season comes some of the best festivals anywhere, and they’re all right here in the Hannibal region.
In my television days, I often spent summer Saturdays bopping from place to place and videotaping community traditions.
I always managed to find great people, great food and great times.
You can, too, and you won’t have to make the oil companies any richer because you won’t use a lot of gas.
Here are the first 5 from my Top 10 List of Great Festivals in the Hannibal Region.
The other 5 will appear next Saturday, just in time for Memorial Day Weekend:

National Tom
Sawyer Days

Not only is it one of the best festivals in the region, it’s consistently mentioned as one of the top events in the nation.
The 53rd annual rendition is July 2-5 in downtown Hannibal, and once again is sponsored by the Hannibal Jaycees.
How can you go wrong with fence-painting, frog-jumping, one of the longest parades anywhere and dozens of other activities?
Oh, and the fireworks are among the best in the area.
If you’d like to know more, go to www.hannibaljaycees.org.
Mark Twain
Lake Rodeo

I wasn’t able to lasso a lass in the past, and now I’m old and about out of buck.
But if you’d like to watch genuine cowboys and cowgirls doing their thing, this event’s for you.
You can see plenty of bulls, broncos and other kicking creatures July 4-6.
There’ll also be clowns, food and fireworks. It’s held at the Warren See spillway area near the Clarence Cannon Dam off of Route J.
For more information, go to www.visitmarktwainlake.org.

West Point Sweet Corn Festival

Since 1952, people in this Southeast Iowa town have proven they can shuck like no one else.
The afternoon before the four-day festival begins, volunteers get together and peel the leaves off thousands of ears.
This year’s event is Aug. 7-10. Activities include corn-eating contests, pee wee drags and water fights.
Best of all, the corn is free with your admission. Now, that’s sweet.
The website has a Corn Cob Countdown, which someone had the wherewithall to trademark. Check it out at www.westpointcornfestival.com.

Nauvoo Grape
Festival

Few places in West-Central Illinois grow grapes better than Nauvoo.
And few places have been putting on a better festival longer than the Grape Festival Association.
This year’s event, the 70th, is Aug. 29-31 at Nauvoo State Park, just across the Great River Road from the old Mormon settlement.
They don’t stomp the grapes anymore, but they still have “The Wedding of the Wine and Cheese,” performed onstage at the Grape Bowl.
To get a full schedule, go to www.nauvoograpefestival.com.

Mount Sterling
Testicle Festival

Call me nu...er...crazy if I’m making this up.
The West-Central Illinois community holds the event on Father’s Day Weekend. The date in 2008 is June 14.
The Sportsman’s Club is the sponsor, and proceeds are used for a different charity each year.
In addition to the usual hog, bull, lamb and turkey testicles, organizers will be serving up buffalo oysters for the first time this year.
Other food also is available. The website should be updated soon. Go to www.testicle-festival.com.

This weekend

Here are some events to keep in mind for this weekend:
*The Hannibal Jaycees and Ten Pin Alleys at 306 S. Sixth are sponsoring the third annual Wacky Bowl from 4 to 8 p.m. today. Registration is $10 per person plus shoe rental. Proceeds benefit the autism classroom at Hannibal schools. Contact Jackie Dryden at (573) 795-3406.
*LaGrange Appreciation Days wrap up today with a wide variety of activities.
*Rally ‘Round the Troops is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today in Griggsville Park. Bring items such as toiletries, powdered drinks and non-perishable food for care packages that will be sent to military personnel. Music, food, a bake sale and children’s drawing are planned.
*The Quincy Community Theatre presents  M*A*S*H at 8 tonight and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $15 and reservations are available by calling (217) 222-3209.
*The Great River Jazz Preservation Society will present Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers from 5-8 p.m. Sunday at the Quality Inn & Suites in Hannibal. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for children, and are available at the door.

Heads up

The Hannibal Arts Council’s annual River Arts Festival returns.
It’s from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 24 and 25.
You’ll find more than 100 artisans, crafts people, musicians and more in the downtown historic district.
For more, call (573) 221-6545 or visit www.hannibalarts.com.