10 for the Road
July 29-30, 2006

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• Weekend of June 24-25, 2006

  • 1. St. Peter's Fiesta. June 21-25. Gloucester, Mass. Annual "blessing of the fishing fleet" includes religious activities, music, food, sporting events, parade. St. Peter’s Square. 978-283-1601; www.stpetersfiesta.org.

    2. Marbles galore. June 24-25. Millville, N.J. Marble Weekend offers demonstrations of marble making in glass factory, marble shooting, exhibits, dealers offering antique and contemporary marbles. Wheaton Village. 856-825-6800, ext. 2735; www.wheatonvillage.org.

    3. Patch Town Days. June 24-25. Weatherly, Pa. Anthracite heritage festival features crafts, ethnic traditions from coal-mining days, living history programs, food tent. Eckley Miners’ Village. 570-636-2070; www.eckleyminers.org.

    4. Washington barbecue. June 24-25. Washington, D.C. National Capital Barbecue Battle. Dozens of barbecue teams from around the country compete for cash prizes, plus multiple music stages, food samples, cooking displays, children’s activities. Pennsylvania Avenue from 9th-14th Streets. 202-828-3099; www.bbqusa.us.

    5. Forksville Folk Festival. June 24-25. Forksville, Pa. Annual festival offers folk music, storytelling, arts and crafts, cultural exhibits, children's shows and activities, with daytime entertainment on outdoor stage and a Saturday evening concert inside the grandstand building. Sullivan Country Fairgrounds. 570-924-4142; www.forksvillefolk.org.

    6. Snake hunt & parade. June 24-25. Cross Fork, Pa. Annual snake hunt, fireman’s parade and field day includes barbecue, flea market, snake-sacking contest both days. 67 miles northwest of Williamsport. Firehouse Lane. 570-923-0848; www.crossfork.com.

    7. Delmarva Chicken Festival. June 23-24. Snow Hill, Md. The 56th annual festival crows over chicken, with poultry exhibits, chicken capers, carnival, arts and crafts, home show. Byrd Park. 302-856-9037; www.dpichicken.com.

    8. Pa. wine & food festival. June 24-25. Lake Harmony, Pa. Great Tastes of Pa. Wine and Food Festival includes nearly 30 wineries, three stages of music; more than 100 food and crafts vendors. Resort at Split Rock. 1-800-255-7625; www.splitrockresort.com.

    9. Old Songs Festival. June 23-25. Altamont, N.Y. Old Songs Festival of Traditional Music and Dance features folk, traditional, Celtic and world music, with 120 workshops, a juried craft show. Fairgrounds. 518-765-2815; www.oldsongs.org.

    10. Windjammer Days. June 27-28. Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Festival includes windjammers, harbor food contest, harborside concerts, fireworks, street parade, antique boat parade. 1-800-266-8422; www.boothbayharbor.com.

     

• Weekend of June 10-11, 2006

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    • 1. Americade. June 5-10. Lake George , N.Y. Americade Touring Rally draws tens of thousands of motorcyclists to the resort area, with vendors, seminars, rodeo, stunt show. 518-798-7888; www.tourexpo.com/data

    2.  Capital Pride. June 2-11. Washington , D.C. Promoted as the country’s fourth-largest gay pride event, it includes a parade on June 10 and street festival on June 11. DuPont Circle, Pennsylvania Avenue, other venues. 202-797-3510; www.capitalpride.org.

    3. N.J. Fresh Seafood Festival. June 10-11. Atlantic City , N.J. Festival includes seafood and other fare, tall ships, marine educational exhibits, live fish exhibits. Gardner 's Basin. 609-347-4386; www.njfreshseafoodfest.com.

    4. Pa. State Laurel Festival. June 10-18. Wellsboro , Pa. Annual salute to the state flower includes bike race, pet parade, arts and crafts show June 16-18, parade and queen’s coronation June 17. Various locations. 570-724-1926; www.wellsboropa.com.

    5. Three Rivers Arts Festival. June 2-18. Pittsburgh . Big annual festival spotlights visual and performing arts, with painting, sculpture, photography and video, artist market. Performances daily on two stages at Point State Park . 412-281-8723; www.artsfestival.net.

    6. Irish festival. June 9-11. Canton , Mass.    Irish Connections Festival includes more than 500 people on multiple stages celebrating Irish culture with music, dancing, literary readings, exhibits, sporting events. Irish Cultural Center. Canton is south of Boston . 1-888-464-7474; www.irishculture.org/festival.

    7. Beer & seafood. June 10. Richmond , Va. Annual River City Beer and Seafood Festival presents more than 40 kinds of imported, micro- and craft-brewed beer, plus seafood and live music. Brown’s Island . 804-788-6466; www.citycelebrations.org.

    8. Discover Jazz Festival. June 2-11. Burlington , Vt. Performances include Irma Thomas, Maceo Parker, Dianne Reeves, Ahmad Jamal, and many other top performers.  Multiple venues. 802-863-7992; www.discoverjazz.com.

    9. Chamber Music Festival. June 4, 8, 9-11, 14, 16-18. Eastern Shore , Md. Internationally acclaimed musicians perform classical and contemporary chamber music at this 17th annual Eastern Shore festival. Venues in Easton , St. Michaels, Queenstown, Chestertown. 410-810-0380; www.musicontheshore.org

    10. Heritage Days Festival. June 10-11. Cumberland , Md. The 38th annual festival includes 250 arts, crafts and ethnic foods booths; demonstrations; entertainment; encampment; historic tours, steam train excursions. Washington Street Historic District. 301-722-0037; www.heritagedaysfestival.com.
    
     

• Weekend of May 20-21, 2006

  • 1. Gettysburg bluegrass. May 18-21. Gettysburg, Pa. Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival includes dozens of performers on main and workshop stages, crafts, food. Granite Hill Campground. 717-642-8749; www.gettysburgbluegrass.com.

    2. Jim Thorpe Birthday Weekend. May 20-21. Jim Thorpe, Pa. Tenth annual festival celebrates the life and athletic legacy of the namesake for the towns formerly known as Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk. Music, performances, tours. Packer Park. www.jimthorpe.org.

    3. Virginia wine festival. May 20-21. Charlottesville, Va. Ash Lawn-Highland Virginia Wine Festival takes place at Ash Lawn, the estate of James Monroe, with music, tours, tastings. 434-293-9539; www.ashlawnhighland.org.  

    4. Rural Life, early 1900s. May 20-21. Rhinebeck, N.Y. Antique Machinery, Truck & Motorcycle Show features costumed volunteers demonstrating life in the early 1900s, plus gas and steam engines, antique tractors, appliances. Fairgrounds. 845-226-5212; www.cmvca.org.

    5. Nantucket Wine Festival. May 17-21. The island’s 10th annual festival offers food and wine seminars, wine tastings in grand houses (many are sold out), winery lunches and dinners, grand tastings. Various locations. 508-228-1128; www.nantucketwinefestival.com.

    6. Queen’s Great Boat Race. May 19-21. Lake George Lake George’s sightseeing boats face off, plus music, hot air balloons, boat show, fireworks, arts and crafts fair, more. Lake, nearby locations.   518-668-5755; www.lakegeorgeinfo.com.

    7. Newport Spring Boat Show. May 18-21. Newport, R.I. Annual show presents more than 165 watercraft, including many one-of-a-kinds, mostly in and out of water. Yachting Center . 401-846-1115; www.newportspringboatshow.com.

    8. Rhubarb Festival. May 19-20. Intercourse, Pa. The 23rd annual festival includes music, festivities, pie contest, quilting bee, rhubarb race car derby, rhubarb-inspired foods, baked goods, beverages, jams. Kitchen Kettle Village . 1-800-732-3538;  www.kitchenkettle.com.

    9. N. Va. Fine Arts Festival. May 20-21. Reston, Va. About 180 painters, sculptors, crafters and jewelers present their work for show and sale, plus live music on a main stage and hands-on activities in Children’s Art Tent. Reston Town Center. 703-471-9242; www.restonarts.com.

    10. Fine Arts Fiesta. May 18-21. Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Visual and performing arts festival includes juried adult and student art shows, artists’ market, demonstrations. Public Square. 1-888-905-2872; www.fineartsfiesta.org.   

• Weekend of April 29-30, 2006

  • 1. International Azalea Festival. April 24-30. Norfolk Va. The 53rd annual festival saluting NATO has a "Celebrating Canada" theme, offering flowers, parade of nations, galas, music festival, wine tasting, NATOfest, more. 757-282-2801; www.azaleafestival.org.

    2. Tribeca Film Festival. April 25-May 2. New York. The annual film festival organized by actor Robert De Niro and others includes more than 200 screenings of features and shorts – many world premieres -- plus workshops, panels, and children's screenings. Also, the Family Festival Street Fair April 30 on Greenwich Street. 1-866-941-3378; www.tribecafilmfestival.org

    3. Delmarva Birding Weekend. April 28-30. Eastern Shore. Birding weekend features viewing of migrating and nesting birds, guided and self-guided explorations. 1-800-852-0335; site. 

    4. N.J. Daffodil Show. Morris Plains, N.J. April 28-29. The annual NJ Daffodil Show includes more than 700 daffodils and other bulbs, wild flowers, and flowering branches entered for competition and displayed for public viewing. Frelinghuysen Arboretum. 973-326-7600. www.arboretumfriends.org.

    5. Tap, NY. April 29-30. Hunter, N.Y. Microbrew festival and competition in the Catskills features craft beers from across New York state, with more than 80 individual beers from dozens of breweries competing for trophies and bragging rights. Hunter Mountain. 518-263-4223 or 1-888-486-8376; www.tap-ny.com.

    6. Vintage clothing & antique textiles. April 28-29. New York. Manhattan Vintage Clothing & Antique Textile Show features more than 80 top vintage design sources offering a large range of clothing for sale, plus an exhibit saluting Edie Sedgwick and the Warhol era entitled "Warhol Factory Fashion Frontier." Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th St., between 6th and 7th Avenues). 518-434-4312; www.manhattanvintage.com.

    7. Spring International Art and Antiques Show. April 28-May 3. New York. Annual show features about 100 dealers offering American, English, French, Oriental and Continental furniture, accessories, decorative arts, ancient arts, and more. 7th Regiment Armory (Park at 67th). 914-698-3442; www.nyinternationalantiquesshow.co.

    8. Daffodil Days. April 15-30. Bristol, R.I. More than 50,000 daffodils, hundreds of tulips, plus scilla and crocuses cover the 33-acre seaside estate at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum. 401-253-2707, ext. 16; www.blithewold.org.

    9. Md. International Kite Exposition. April 28-30. Ocean City, Md. Competitions, celebrity kiters, mass ascensions, stunt kiting, attempts to break world records. On the beach, Division to Sixth Street. 410-289-7855; www.kiteloft.com/expo.shtml, www.ococean.com

    10. Cape May Spring Festival. April 28-May 7. Cape May , N.J. The Victorian city offers tours, vintage dance events, craft shows, living history experiences. Various locations. 1-800-275-4278; www.capemaymac.org.

• Weekend of April 22-23, 2006

  • 1. Smithsonian Craft Show. April 20-23. Washington. Highly regarded show features 120 booths of artists, including 44 first-time exhibitors, selected from over 1,100 applicants, offering one-of-a-kind and limited edition pieces. National Building Museum. 1-888-832-9554; www.smithsoniancraftshow.com.
    
    2. Cape May Jazz Festival. April 21-23. Cape May, N.J. This year's festival salutes Little Jimmy Scott, with performances by Little Jimmy Scott and the Jazz Expressions and more than two dozen other acts, including Hugh Masekela, Billy Paul, Carmen Lundy, Mike Stern, Eric Lewis, Nancy Kelly, Willie Martinez and La Familia, Edgardo Cintron, Keisa Brown and the Rolling Thunder Band, plus a Family Concert with Cape May Youth All Stars, and jam sessions and workshops. Multiple venues. 1-800-595-4849; www.capemayjazz.org.
    
    3. International Orchid Show. April 20-23. New York. Thousands of orchids from more than 100 growers and vendors from around the world. Also, orchid art. Rockefeller Center. 212-632-3975; www.rockefellercenter.com.

    4. Archery classic. April 22-23. Pittsburgh, Pa. The Stanislawski Open, a national field archery annual meet formerly held in Atlantic City, usually draws 1,000 archers and 50 trade show vendors, with male, female, collegiate, youth and other categories in amateur and money divisions. It is the third leg of the World Archery Festival 3 Star Tour.David Lawrence Convention Center. 1-800-811-2331; www.fieldarchery.com.
    
    5. Pear Blossom Festival. April 22-23. Milford, Pa. Historic Poconos community in northeast Pennsylvania celebrates spring with tent fair, parade, ball, bake-off, dining events, talent show, more. 570-296-8700; www.pikechamber.com.

    6. History Meets the Arts. April 20-23. Gettysburg. More than 75 historical artists, sculptors, authors and artisans present their work, representing all eras of American history, plus exhibits, tours, historical films, more. Various locations. 717-334-8151; www.hmtarts.com.

    7. Antique bikes. April 21-22 Copake, N.Y. Hudson Valley town hosts the 15th annual Bicycle Auction, one of the top bike auctions anywhere, with hundreds of antique and classic bikes. Swap meet April 21, auction April 22. Auction House. 518-329-1142; www.copakeauction.com.
    
    8. Eastern National Antiques Show and Sale. April 21-23. Harrisburg, Pa. Annual show includes a wide variety of antiques, including toys, watches, jewelry, games, clothing, furniture, collectibles. Farm Show Complex. 610-437-5534 or 717-787-5373; www.800padutch.com/z/pafarmshow.htm.

    9. Va. Historic Garden Week. April 22-29. Across Virginia. The state's 73rd annual garden week includes three dozen tours, more than 250 gardens, homes, landmarks in such cities as Alexandria, Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Richmond. 804-644-7776; www.vagardenweek.org.

    10. Spring Crafts Festival. April 22-23. Flemington, N.J. More than 300 craftspeople from 20 states offer clothing, jewelry, pottery, blown glass, stained glass, ceramic, fiber and metal sculpture, fine art, graphics and photography, painted silk, leather goods, more. Hunterdon County Fairgrounds. 607-265-3230. Flemington Crafts Festival.

• Weekend of March 18-19, 2006

  • 1. Spring Craft Show. March 18-19. Allentown, Pa. The annual show includes about 125 exhibitors from 10 states offering a wide variety of crafts. Fairgrounds. 717-656-3208; www.handcraft-unlimited.com.  

    2. Triple Pier Antiques Show. March 18-19. New York. About 400 vendors stage an expansive antiques marketplace of Americana, country and modern furnishings, paintings and prints, textiles and quilts, folk art, 18th century to art deco furniture, art glass from every era, porcelains, jewelry, bronzes, silver, textiles and fashions, traditional and modern art. Piers 90 and 92 along 12th Ave., 48th to 55th St. 212-255-0020; www.stellashows.com.
    
    3. Boston St. Pat's parade. March 19. The 106th St. Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston salutes a big Irish heritage with music, dancers, floats, and shillelaghs. 617-635-4447 www.bostonusa.com, www.irishmassachusetts.com.
    
    4. Holyoke's parade. March 19. Holyoke, Mass. The 55th annual parade, one of the nation's largest, also celebrates Irish community of western Massachusetts, where many immigrants settled. Kmart Plaza. 413-533-1700; www.holyokestpatricksparade.com
    
    5. New York's parade. March 17. New York's largest parade runs up Fifth Avenue from 44th to 86th Street, then to Third Avenue. Each of Ireland's 32 counties is represented. The parade begins at 11 a.m. March 17 is on a Friday. 718-793-1600.
    
    6. U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships. March 14-19. Stratton Mountain, Vt. Hundreds of champions, Olympic medalists, and talented amateurs compete for the $200,000 purse, plus talent showcase for boarders 15 and younger. The 24th annual event. 802-862-4500; www.usopen-snowboarding.com.

    7. Springfest Flower & Garden Show. March 10-14. Augusta, N.J. Garden flower show includes more than 50 garden, commercial and educational exhibitors from the tri-state area; garden café, fine art exhibit featuring garden and landscape scenes. Fairgrounds. 973-948-3040; www.newjerseystatefair.org
    
    8. Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point. March 18. Warrenton, Va. This competition includes three timber races over wood fences, four steeplechase events, and two flat races. Airlie Farm, Northern Virginia. 540-347-1888.
    
    9. Antique Arms Show. March 18-19. Timonium, Md. Show put on annually since 1955 features 950 tables of muskets, swords and other antique arms and militaria. State Fairgrounds. 301-865-6804; www.baltimoreshow.com.
    
    10. Northeast Great Outdoors Show. March 17-19. Albany, N.Y. The 20th annual show features more than 100 fishing and hunting exhibitors, celebrity appearances, fly fishing seminars, deer-calling contest, boats, wildlife art, campgrounds. Empire State Plaza. 518-383-6183; www.edlewi.com/outdoorshow.

• Weekend of March 4-5, 2006

  • 1. International Artexpo. March 4-6. New York. Big international show includes paintings, sculptures, original graphics and photography by hundreds of artists. Javits Convention Center. 1-888-608-5300; www.artexpos.com.  

    2. Tulipomania. March 4-19. South Hadley Mass. Mount Holyoke College Botanic Garden’s annual spring flower show features hundreds of spring-blossoming bulbs and plants under the theme "Time for Reflection." Talcott Greenhouse. 413-538-2116; www.mtholyoke.edu/offices/botan/show.htm.

    3. Irish Food Festival. March 2-5. Newport, R.I. This festival features chefs from Kinsale , Ireland , sister city of Newport , teaming up with area chefs, plus cultural marketplace, dancing. Various locations. 401-845-9123, 1-800-976-5122;  Festival of Fine Food.

    4. Sherlock Holmes Weekend. March 3-5. Cape May, N.J. Variety of Holmes events unfolds amid mystery and speculation, including a Search for Clues tour, costumed brunch, staged reading. Events priced individually or as a package. Various locations. 1-800-275-4278; www.capemaymac.org.
    
    5. Spring Flower Show. March 4-19. South Hadley, Mass. "On the Dutch Waterways" is the theme for this annual show featuring hundreds of spring-blossoming bulbs and plants, including fragrant hyacinths, freesia, narcissus, and pansies. Mount Holyoke College Botanic Garden 413-538-2116; www.mtholyoke.edu/offices/botan/show.htm.

    6. Home, flowers, crafts. March 3-5, 10-12. Timonium, Md. Maryland Home and Flower Show and Maryland Spring Craft Show beckon homeowners and decorators, with landscaped gardens, home products, seminars. Fairgrounds. 410-863-1180; www.mdhomeandgarden.com. 

    7. St. Patrick's parade. March 5. Belmar, N.J. The 33rd annual Belmar St. Patrick's celebration, promoted as the state's largest, features armed forces entries, marching bands, pipe bands, floats. 732-280-2648; www.belmarparade.com.  

    8. Mid-Atlantic Garden Show. March 2-5. York, Pa. Combination flower and garden show includes flowers, musical entertainment, seminars, natural craft demonstrations. Fairgrounds. 717-755-8115; www.midatlanticgardenshow.com.

    9. Gramercy Park antiques. March 3-5. New York. Gramercy Park Antiques & Fine Art Show includes 80 exhibitors offering antiques, paintings, prints, sculpture, jewelry, accessories. 69^th Regiment Armory, Lexington at 26^th Street. 212-255-0020; www.stellashows.com.

    10. Washington Antiquarian Book Fair. March 3-4. Arlington, Va. The 31st annual show features 75 dealers offering rare books, maps, prints, autographs, plus restoration demonstrations. Holiday Inn Rosslyn at Key Bridge. 301-654-2626; www.wabf.com.

• Weekend of Feb. 25-26, 2006

  • 1. Pa. Horse World Expo. Feb. 24-26. Harrisburg, Pa. Annual expo draws tens of thousands of enthusiasts to see horses, horse shows, riding clinics, vendors. Also, on Feb. 24-25, Theatre Equus, A Musical Equine Revue. Farm Show Arena. 301-916-0852; www.horseworldexpo.com.
    
    2. NYC antiquarian books. Feb. 24-26. New York. Greenwich Village Antiquarian Book Fair features more than 50 dealers offering rare and out of print books, photographica, autographs, ephemera. Public School 3, 490 Hudson Street. 212.925.3910; www.gvabf.org.
    
    3. Atlantic City Classic Cars. Feb. 23-26. Atlantic City. Show billed as the country's largest indoor classic-car event presents more than 600 vehicles, hot rod alley, big swap meet and flea market. Convention Center. 1-800-227-3868, 856-768-6900; www.acclassiccars.com.
    
    4. Pa. Homebuilders Show. Feb. 25-March 5. Harrisburg, Pa. About 350 exhibitors present home-building, renovation and furnishing products, plus a Designers Expo. Farm Show Complex. 1-800-281-5539; www.pahomeshow.com.
    
    5. Fine Craft Show. Feb. 24-26. Baltimore. Show promoted as the country’s largest juried, indoor fine craft show includes over 700 exhibitors. Convention Center. 1-800-836-3470; www.craftcouncil.org/baltimore.

    6. Springfield Sportsmen's Show. Feb. 23-26. West Springfield, Mass. Show features fishing and hunting outfitters, guides, charter boat operators, retailers, and manufacturers, plus demonstrations, seminars, birds of prey, trout ponds, casting pool. Eastern States Exposition. 413-467-2171; www.osegsportsmens.com.
    
    7. Stowe Derby. Feb. 26. Stowe, Vt. One of the country's oldest combination downhill/cross-country skiing events, held since 1945, attracts amateurs, children and international competitors gliding over 10 miles from the top of Mount Mansfield to village of Stowe. Stowe Mountain Resort. 802-253-7704; www.mmsc-stowevt.org/stowederby/home.html.

    8. Empire State Games. Feb. 24-26. Lake Placid, N.Y. New York winter athletes compete in cross country skiing, alpine skiing, biathlon, ski orienteering, snowshoe racing, figure skating, women's ice hockey, ski jumping, bobsled, and luge. Olympic Center. 518-474-8889; www.empirestategames.org/winter
    
    9. Conn. Flower & Garden Show. Feb. 23-26. Hartford, Conn. The 25th annual show with "Gardens of Zen & Now" theme includes 18 landscaped gardens, plus floral demonstrations, plants, flowers, seminars, garden-related products. Expo Center. 1-866-529-2123; www.ctflowershow.com.
    
    10. The Modern Show. Feb. 24-26. New York. Annual show includes 100 U.S. and European exhibitors offering 20th century antiques, Art Deco and other designer furniture, art, textiles, glass, ceramics, silver, jewelry, books, photography. 69th Regiment Armory. 212-255-0020; www.stellashows.com

• Weekend of Feb. 18-19, 2006

  • 1. George’s birthday. Feb. 18-20. Mount Vernon, Va. Washingon’s estate notes his 274th birthday anniversary by offering his favorite breakfast, cooked over an open fire, on Feb. 18-19, parade, 18^th-century music, farm animals, and, on Feb. 20, the annual free day at Mount Vernon. 703-780-2000; www.mountvernon.org.

    2. Jazz festival. Feb. 16-20. Rockville, Md. The 15th annual East Coast Jazz Festival offers dozens of jazz performances on multiple stages, plus dancers, vocalists, jam sessions. Walter Johnson High School, Doubletree Hotel. 301-933-1822; www.fmjseastcoastjazz.com.

    3. Sleigh rally. Feb. 19. Forksville, Pa. Sullivan County Sleigh Rally is one of only a handful of such events in the U.S. and Canada, featuring juried horse and sleigh competitions, bobsled rides, steaming food. Sleigh contest categories include multiples, single light horse, single pony, single horse or pony, Currier & Ives, single draft-type horse or pony, single horse/pony championship, timed obstacle class, double jeopardy. Montanvale Farm. 570-946-4160; Endless Mountains.

    4. Newport Winter Festival. Feb. 17-26. Newport, R.I. Annual festival features more than 150 events, including scavenger hunt, hayrides, ice and sand sculpture competition, musical performances, children’s fair, drink contests, beach festival day, other entertainment. Citywide. 401-847-7666; www.newportwinterfestival.com.

    5. Conn. River Eagle Festival. Feb. 18-19. Essex, Conn. Seventh annual event features environmental activities revolving around the bald eagles that fish the lower Connecticut River. Parade, eagle tours, nature programs, carriage rides. Main Street, elsewhere. 1-800-714-7201; www.ctaudubon.org/about/eaglefestival.htm.

    6. Seaside Boat Show. Feb. 17-19. Ocean City, Md. Large power boat show with fishing boats, electronics, motors, fishing tackle, accessories, nautical artwork. Convention Center. 1-800-626-2326; 410-632-3676. www.ocboatshow.com.

    7. New England Boat Show. Feb. 18-26. Boston. More than 600 boats, from large yachts to dinghies, fill the exhibition hall floor, plus accessories and new products. Bayside Expo Center. 1-800-225-1577; www.naexpo.com.

    8. Hunting & fishing show. Feb. 16-19. Hartford, Conn. Sixth annual Northeast Fishing & Hunting Expo includes hundreds of fishing- and hunting-related exhibitors, seminars. Connecticut Expo Center. 860-529-2123; www.northeastpromo.com.

    9. Super 8 & video festival. Feb. 17-19. New Brunswick, N.J. U.S. Super 8 Film + Digital Video Festival screens work from around the world, including features, short subjects, documentary films and video. Rutgers University. 732-932-8482; www.njfilmfest.com. 

    10. Dance Flurry. Feb. 17-19. Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The Dance Flurry is a festival of traditional dance and music featuring more than 700 performers, plus workshops and crafts, at eight venues. 518-292-0133; www.danceflurry.org

• Weekend of Feb. 11-12, 2006

  •  1. Maymont Flower & Garden Show. Feb. 9-12. Richmond, Va. "Table for Two" is this theme of this annual show, where each landscape includes an intimate seating arrangement in the garden. Also, experts offering garden tips. Convention Center. 804-358-7166; www.maymont.com/events/annual.asp.

    2. Wildfowl art & decoys. Feb. 11-12. Brick, N.J. The 22nd annual Ocean County Wildfowl Art & Decoy Show includes more than 125 artists, carvers and suppliers from around the country. High School. 732-341-9622, ext. 2214; www.ocymca.org.

    3. Cabin Fever Festival. Feb. 11-12. Frederick, Md. Arts and crafts festival features 200 professional artists and juried craft exhibitors showing traditional and contemporary work in six buildings and heated tents. Fairgrounds. 301-898-5466; www.cabinfeverfestival.com.

    4. Hot Rod and Custom Car Show. Feb. 10-12. Ocean City, Md. Custom car show features hot rods with more than 150 awards in the Street Show Division with more than 30 various street classes, plus commercial vendors, live entertainment, special attractions. Convention Center. 410-798-6304. www.specialeventpro.com./hotrod.html

    5. North American Home Show. Feb. 9-12. Foxborough, Mass. More than 500 exhibits from decorators, contractors and suppliers for building or refurbishing homes. Gillette Stadium. 1-800-225-1577; www.naexpo.com/homeshow/attendees.htm.

    6. Camping & leisure show. Feb. 10-12. Allentown, Pa. Eastern Pa. RV Camping & Family Leisure Expo offers RV models and exhibits geared to RV camping. 610-336-9100; www.bmgevents.com.

     

• Weekend of Feb. 4-5, 2006

  • 1. Saranac Winter Carnival. Feb. 3-12. Saranac Lake, N.Y. Winter festival billed as the oldest in the eastern United States has a "Roaring ‘20s" theme for this, it’s 109th year, including snow and ice sculptures, curling and other sporting events, concerts, fireworks and more. 1-800-347-1992; www.saranaclake.com/carny.shtml.
    
    2. Chocolate Lovers Festival. Feb. 4-5. Fairfax, Va. A Taste of Chocolate offers vendors, plus Chocolate Challenge arts extravaganza, acrobatics, chocolate-covered fairytales, tours, open houses, chocolate history. Old Town Hall, elsewhere. 703-385-1661; www.chocolatefestival.net.
    
    3. Okemo Valley Winter Carnival. Feb. 4. Ludlow, Vt. Chamber-sponsored festival includes snow sculptures, parade, snowmen decorating contest, bonfire and fireworks. 802-228-5830; www.okemo.com.

    4. Winterfest. Feb. 4-5. Troy, Pa. Festival has snowmobile radar run and drag races, vintage sled show, variety auction, horse-drawn wagon rides, winter sports vendors, skating, ice sculpting. Alparon Park. 570-297-4305; www.winterfestpa.com.
    
    5. Lake George Winter Carnival. Feb. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26. Lake George, N.Y. The festival includes snowmobile drag races, chowder cook-off, 1700s encampment, winter games and contests. Shepard Park, elsewhere. 518-240-0809; www.lakegeorgewintercarnival.com.
    
    6. World of Wheels. Feb. 3-5. Baltimore, Md. Annual World of Wheels is a custom hot rod, classic and custom show, plus BMX extreme performers, guest appearances. Convention Center, 248-373-1700; www.autorama.com/casi/baltimore.htm.
    
    7. Toboggan competition. Feb. 3-5. Camden, Maine. U.S. National Toboggan Championships offers more than 200 teams competing in 2-, 3- and 4-person toboggan races, plus Chili & Chowder Challenge, other activities. Camden Snow Bowl. 207-236-3438; www.camdensnowbowl.com.
    
    8. Saratoga Winterfest. Feb. 2-5. Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Events include indoor and outdoor winter activities, games, chowderfest, culinary treats and demonstrations, activities for kids, sleigh rides. Various locations. 518-587-3241; www.saratoga.org.
    
    9. Garden State Home Show. Feb. 3-5. Somerset, N.J. The annual show features exhibitors for home improvement, remodeling, interior decorating, landscaping. Convention Center. 1-800-332-3976; www.macevents.com.
    
    10. Power boats. Feb. 1-5. Atlantic City, N.J. The big Atlantic City International Power Boat Show offers yachts, sport fisherman boats, trawlers, performance boats and sport boats. Convention Center. 609-449-2000; www.atlanticcityboatshow.com.

• Weekend of Jan. 28-29, 2006

  • 1. Boston Wine Expo. Jan. 28-29. Boston . More than 440 wineries from 18 countries tout their vintages in event billed as the largest consumer wine event in the country. Also, cheeses and samples from chefs. 1-877-946-3976; www.wine-expos.com.
    
    2. Outsider Art Fair. Jan. 27-29. New York . This show features the work of self-taught, visionary and intuitive artists from more than 30 U.S. and international exhibitors. Puck Building . Lafayette Street (Prince & W Houston ). 212-777-5218; www.sanfordsmith.com.
    
    3. Groundhog Day events. Jan. 28-Feb. 3. Punxsutawney , Pa. A whole range of family-style events revolves around Groundhog Day on Feb. 2, including woodchuck whittle carving show, ice carving, music, food. Townwide. 814-938-7700; www.groundhog.org.
    
    4. Early Bird Sports Expo. Jan. 26-29. Bloomsburg , Pa. Hunting, fishing and outdoor show includes exhibits, seminars, Pa. state turkey calling championship, indoor archery contest, kids' casting contest, bass tub. Fairgrounds. 570-799-0896; www.earlybirdexpo.com.
    
    5. Brookfield Ice Harvest. Jan. 28. Brookfield , Vt. Annual event features harvesting of ice from Sunset Lake using traditional equipment, with group participation. Also, ice sculpting and an ice-hauling contest. Brookfield Floating Bridge . 802-276-3959; www.vtliving.com.
    
    6. Northeast International Auto Show. Jan. 26-29. Providence , R.I. Hundreds of new cards, trucks, minivans and SUVS cover the floor of the Rhode Island Convention Center . 717-566-6100; www.motortrendautoshows.com.
    
    7. Primitive biathlon. Jan. 28-29. Jeffersonville, Vt. Smugglers' Notch Primitive Biathlon pits competitors - many garbed in historical clothing -- using wood-frame snowshoes and muzzle-load firearms. Sterling Ridge Log Cabins. 802-644-8232; www.primitivebiathlon.com
    
    8. Bluegrass festival. Feb. 5. Waretown, N.J. The Ocean County Bluegrass Festival offers five hours of music from noon to 5 p.m., with a new act each 30 minutes. Albert Music Hall. 609-971-1593; www.alberthall.org.
    
    9. Chautauqua sleigh rides. Now through early February. Chautauqua, N.Y. Horse drawn sleigh - or wagon -- rides are held each Saturday and Sunday through early February on the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution, weather permitting. 716-357-2151; http://bookstore.ciweb.org.
    
    10. Paper Americana Show. Jan. 28. Elkton, Md. The 19th annual show includes more than 35 dealers of antique books, advertising, postcards, photographs, ephemera, collectibles, and trading cards. Singerly Fire Hall. 410-398-7735.

• Weekend of Dec. 3-4, 2005

  • 1. Pageant of Peace. Dec. 1-Jan 1. Washington , D.C. National Christmas Tree, usually lighted by the President, goes on Dec. 1. Each night thereafter, choral performances and lighted trees represent each state and territory. On the Ellipse. Park service, 202-619-7222; ellipse visitors center: 202-208-1631; www.pageantofpeace.org.
    
    2. Main Street at Christmas. Dec. 2-4. Stockbridge, Mass. The Norman Rockwell town decks out Main Street for the holidays, with tours, luminaria walk, music, and on Dec.  4 the famous Rockwell painting is recreated as Main is closed to all but antique cars. 413-298-5200; www.stockbridgechamber.org.
    
    3. Cape May tours. Dec. 3, 10, 17. Cape May, N.J. Christmas Candlelight House Tours are self-guided evening tours of festively decorated homes, inns, hotels and churches. Washington Street Mall info booth. 1-800-275-4278; www.capemaymac.org.
    
    4. Mount Vernon Christmas. Nov. 25-27, Dec. 2-4, 9-11. Mount Vernon , Va. Mount Vernon by Candlelight, an evening program, includes historical characters and Washington family traditions. 703-780-2000; www.mountvernon.org.
    
    5. Hawley Winterfest. Dec. 9-11. Hawley, Pa. Festival features nonmotorized Victorian parade, Victorian barn dance, costume gala, brunch with costumed readings from Dickens, train excursion, caroling, bonfires, music, carriage rides, more. 570-226-3191; www.hawleywinterfest.com.
    
    6. Steamtown Christmas story. Nov. 26-27; Dec. 1-4, 8-10. Scranton , Pa. Children take a steam train ride to the "North Pole" while listening to the story Slocum Hollow's Christmas Magic, followed by cocoa and cookies. Each evening at 5, 6:30 , 8.  Steamtown. 1-888-693-9391, ext. 5204; www.nps.gov/stea.
     
    7. Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination. Dec. 3. Sharpsburg , Md. Volunteers place more than 23,000 candles on the Civil War battlefield, each representing a casualty from "the bloodiest one-day battle in American history.” Antietam National Battlefield. 301-432-5124; www.nps.gov/anti/Luminary.htm.
    
    8. Scottish Walk Weekend. Dec. 1-3. Alexandria , Va. Hundreds of bagpiping clansmen march in holiday finery Dec. 3, plus historic home tours, holiday parade of boats, Christmas marketplace. Old Town , waterfront. 1-800-388-9119; www.funside.com.
    
    9. Crafts at the Castle. Dec. 2-4. Boston .  About 150 juried exhibitors feature work in clay, glass,  metals, fiber, wood, leather and paper. Expanded show now at the Hynes Convention Center .  617-523-6400;  www.fsgb.org/catc.htm.

    10. Antiques & Fine Arts at the Armory. Dec. 8-12. New York . Annual show features 100 dealers offering furniture, decorative accessories, prints, posters, porcelain, jewelry. 7th Regiment Armory, Park Ave. at 67th St. 914-698-3442; www.wendyantiquesshows.com.  

• Weekend of Nov. 12-13, 2005

  • 1. Cape May Jazz Festival. Nov. 11-13. Cape May, N.J. Festival offers more than 20 acts, including Herbie Mann’s Band led by Geoffrey Mann, Hubert Laws Quintet with David "Fathead" Newman; Gerald Veasley Quintet, Bobby Watson’s Horizon with Terell Stafford, Charlie Hunter, Andy Bey, Mary Stallings, and others performing jazz, gospel, blues, reggae. This year’s festival honors the music of Herbie Mann. Also, a memorial service for Oscar Brown Jr. Various locations. 609-884-7277; www.capemayjazz.com.
    
    2. Antiques at Bloomsburg. Nov. 12-13. Bloomsburg, Pa. More than 75 exhibitors offer thousands of items at event billed as the area's largest indoor antique show and sale. Fairgrounds. 570-323-5108; www.cmtpa.org.
    
    3. Rehoboth film festival. Nov. 9-13. Rehoboth Beach, Del. Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival includes more than 200 feature-length and short films from many countries. Movies at Midway. 302-645-9095: www.rehobothfilm.com.
    
    4. Chocolate Show. Nov. 10-13. New York. Chocoholic fantasy festival includes more than 50 chocolate exhibitors, dozens of culinary demonstrations, tastings, chocolate showpieces. Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St. 1-866-246-2692 or 212-307-7171 for tickets; www.chocolateshow.com.
    
    5. Equine Affaire. Nov. 10-13. West Springfield, Mass. Horse exposition that attracts tens of thousands of visitors includes evening entertainment – horse routines set to music -- clinics, demonstrations, seminars, breed pavilion, youth pavilion, trade show, horse training. Eastern States Exposition. 740-845-0085; www.equineaffaire.com.
    
    6. Victorian Christmas Tours. Nov. 10-13. Newport, R.I. First weekend for the annual holiday tours at the Astors' Beechwood Mansion, with festively decorated mansion, wassail sipping, caroling. Tours most days to Dec. 30. 401-846-3772; www.astors-beechwood.com.
    
    7. Triple Pier Antiques Show. Nov. 5-6, 12-13. New York. Six hundred exhibitors offer huge range of antiques each weekend. Passenger Ship Terminal Piers 88, 90, 92. 212-255-0020; www.stellashows.com.
    
    8. Waterfowl Festival. Nov. 11-13. Easton, Md. Annual show includes carvings, paintings, sculptures, and decoys from about 400 artists and craftspeople, plus duck calling, and music. Multiple sites around the historic town. 410-822-4567; www.waterfowlfestival.org.
    
    9. Boston International Fine Art Show. Nov. 10-13. Boston. More than 40 international galleries offer paintings, works on paper, ancient art, sculpture, photography, tribal art, furniture, prints. Boston Center for the Arts. 617-787-2637. www.bifas.net.
    
    10. McLean Antiques Show & Sale. Nov. 10-12. McLean, Va. The 29th annual show features 60 quality dealers offering American, English and European antiques, decorative accessories, furniture, folk art,  porcelains, silver, paintings, prints, linens and more Community Center. 703-790-0123; www.mcleancenter.org.

   

• Weekend of Oct. 22-23, 2005

  • 1. Extreme jack-o-lanterns. Oct. 22. Keene, N.H. Costume party and other events surround the big task: exceeding the Guinness record of 28,952 lighted jack-o-lanterns, set in 2003. Keene Pumpkin Festival celebrants add their own carved pumpkins with votive candles. 603-358-5344; www.pumpkinfestival.com.
    
    2. Head of the Charles Regatta. Oct. 22-23. Cambridge, Mass. The 41^st regatta, among world's largest rowing events, includes more than 4,500 rowers in dozens of races. Charles River. 617-864-8415; www.hocr.org.
    
    3. Gay & lesbian film festival. Oct. 13-22. Washington, D.C. Reel Affirmations Film Festival presents more than 125 films by, about and of interest to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Lincoln Theatre, other venues. 202-986-1119; www.reelaffirmations.org.
    
    4. Polkafest. Oct. 21-23. Scranton, Pa. Annual festival features ethnic foods, pierogi contest, dance contest, music but such groups as the GB’s from Milford, N.J.; Ray J and the Carousels from Pittsburgh, and the Great Chuck Pendrak Orchestra from Philadelphia.  Scranton Cultural Center. 570-344-1111; www.scrantonculturalcenter.org.

    5. Halloween in Hershey. October 14-16, 21-23, 28-30. Hershey, Pa. Hersheypark in the Dark offers themed rides, entertainment, fall foods, storytelling, children's activities. Admission free, but pay-as-you-go for select rides, entertainment. 1-800-437-7439; www.hersheypa.com.
    
    6. Crafts & cuisine. Oct. 21-23. Morristown, N.J. CraftMarket and Fancy Food Fest includes juried, handcrafted work in many media, gourmet food area. Morristown Armory. 973-631-6277; www.morristowncraftmarket.com.
    
    7. Arabian Sights Festival. Oct. 14-16, 21-23. Washington, D.C. Series offers 19 viewings of films from today's Arab world, all with English subtitles. Loews Cineplex Wisconsin Avenue. 202-628-3456; www.filmfestdc.org/arabian/index.asp.
    
    8. Horror Film Festival. Oct. 27-30. Providence, R.I. Rhode Island International Film Festival hosts short- and feature-length horror films in observance of Halloween. Columbus Theatre. 401-861-4445; www.film-festival.org.
    
    9. Iroquois festival. Oct. 22-23. Rhinebeck, N.Y. Iroquois Indian Festival includes social dancing and singing, Native American crafts, demonstrations, children's activities. Fairgrounds. 845-876-4001; www.dutchessfair.com.
    
    10. Fall Harvest Family Days. Oct. 22-23. Mount Vernon, Va. Harvest celebration offers dancing, blacksmithing, wagon rides, bake sale, pumpkins for children under 11. Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. 703-780-2000; www.mountvernon.org.

• Weekend of Oct. 15-16, 2005

  • 1. Pa. National Horse Show. Oct. 13-22. Harrisburg, Pa. Show billed as the country's largest multi-breed indoor show, includes nearly 1,500 horses, $340,000 in prize money, and 11 national championships, plus boutiques, draft horses, terrier races. Farm Show Complex. 717-770-0222; www.panational.org. 
    
    2. Rehoboth jazz. Oct. 12-16. Rehoboth Beach, Del. Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival includes Heads Up Super Band, The Original Funk Brothers, Al Jarreau,
    Booker T and the MG's, Al Green, Jazz Attack, and others, Grand Jam, food and wine tasting, more. Venues in Rehoboth and Dewey Beach. 1-800-296-8742; www.rehobothjazz.com.
    
    3. Atlantique City . Oct. 15-16. Atlantic City. Atlantique City fair, promoted as the largest indoor antique and collectibles show, includes more than 1,600 booths of collectibles. Convention Center. 1-800-526-2724; www.atlantiquecity.com.
    
    4. Poconos balloons. Oct. 14-16. Shawnee-on-Delaware, Pa. Fall Foliage Balloon Festival includes mass ascensions, tethered rides, music, crafts, food, children's entertainment. Shawnee Inn. 1-800-742-9633; www.shawneeinn.com.
    
    5. Waterfront seafood. Oct. 15-16. Newport, R.I. Bowen's Wharf Waterfront Seafood Festival is a restaurant celebration with seafood, live entertainment, pony rides, juggling, wine tasting, pumpkin pie contest. Bowen's Wharf. 401-849-2120; www.bowenswharf.com. 
    
    6. N.J. Lighthouse Challenge. Oct. 15-16. Eleven New Jersey lighthouses open their doors, including Sandy Hook, Sea Girt, Barnegat, Absecon, Tinicum, Hereford Inlet, Cape May. (609) 884-5404; www.njlhs.burlco.org.

    
    7. Black Bear Film Festival. Oct. 14-16. Milford, Pa. Annual festival celebrates independent films and filmmakers, with feature films, many shorts, lectures, two tents with free film salon. Various venues. 570-409-0909; www.blackbearfilm.com.
    
    8. Tilghman Island Day. Oct. 15. Tilghman Island, Md. Chesapeake Bay community celebrates its heritage with oyster tonging, clamming, crabbing, skipjack cruises, crab-picking and oyster-shucking contests. 410-886-2677; www.tilghmanisland.com.
    
    9. Sheep & wool festival. Oct. 15-16. Rhinebeck, N.Y. New York State Sheep and Wool Festival features about 150 sheep and wool vendors, state bred ewe show and sale, fleece sale, llamas, alpacas, angora rabbits, colored sheep show, sheep dogs. Fairgrounds. 845-876-4001; www.sheepandwool.com.
    
    10. Cranberry Festival. Oct. 15-16. Chatsworth. The 21st annual festival salutes New Jersey's cranberry harvest and Pine Barrens culture with 160 arts and crafts vendors, 35 antiques dealers, antique and classic cars, the Bullzeye Band. Downtown. 609-726-9237; www.cranfest.org.

     

• Weekend of Oct. 1-2, 2005

  • 1. Apple festival. Oct. 1-2, 8-9. Arendtsville, Pa. National Apple Harvest Festival features apple products, live music, arts, crafts, antique autos, orchard tours, more. 10 miles north of Gettysburg. S. Mountain Fairgrounds. 1-800-337-5015; www.appleharvest.com.
    
    2. Chowderfest Weekend. Oct. 1-2. Beach Haven, N.J. Annual festival on Long Beach Island includes a merchants mart on Oct. 1 and a chowder cook-off on Oct. 2, plus entertainment. 9th Street & Taylor Avenue. 1-800-292-6372; www.discoversouthernocean.org.
    
    3. Topsfield Fair. Sept. 30-Oct. 10. Topsfield, Mass. Fair promoted as the longest-running fair in the country offers agricultural exhibits and contests, fall flower show, arena entertainment, wildlife exhibition. Fairgrounds. 978-887-5000; www.topsfieldfair.org.
    
    4. Chesapeake Celtic Festival. Oct. 1-2. Snow Hill, Md. Festival has continuous performances, art, music, bagpipes, pageantry, Celtic dancing, ethnic foods. Furnace Town. 410-632-2032; www.celticfest.net.
    
    5. Sheep & wool. Oct. 1-2. Essex Junction, Vt. Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival offers more than 70 exhibitors, contests for mohair fleece, llama fiber, handspun yarn. Featured breed: the Angora goat. Champlain Valley Expo. 802-453-6467; www.vermontsheep.org. 
    
    6. Barbershop singers. Sept. 29-Oct. 1. Wildwood, N.J. Barbershoppers Mid-Atlantic District Convention spotlights old-fashioned barbershop quartet harmony competition, quartet and chorus performances. Convention Center. 1-888-729-0033; http://mad.spebsqsa.org.
    
    7. Fryeburg Fair. Oct. 2-9. Fryeburg, Maine. Renowned Fair includes more than 4,000 animals, carnival, agricultural exhibits, traditional events such as the skillet throw. Fairgrounds. 207-935-3268; www.FryeburgFair.com
    
    8. Nantucket Arts Festival. Oct. 1-9. Nantucket, Mass. The island plays host to its annual show of performing, visual and literary arts, with plays, readings, concerts, dance and crafts. Various venues. 508-325-8588; www.nantucketchamber.org.
    
    9. Crafts on Columbus. Oct. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16. New York. Annual outdoor show features about 150 fine craft artisans each weekend along Columbus Avenue from 77th to 81st Streets. 212-866-2239.
    
    10. Crafts at Rhinebeck. Oct. 1-2. Rhinebeck, N.Y. Juried show features about 350 artists offering jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, wood and leather goods. Also, children's activities, music. Fairgrounds. 845-876-4001; www.dutchessfair.com.

• Weekend of Sept. 17-18, 2005

  • 1. Classic cars in Wildwood. Sept. 22-25. Wildwood, N.J. Boardwalk Classic Car Show offers more than 1,500 vehicles on display and competing, including custom, classic, muscle cars, street rods, antiques, Corvettes. Boardwalk. 609-523-8051; www.njhra.com.

    2. Bloomsburg Fair. Sept. 24-Oct. 1. Bloomsburg, Pa. The 151st fair includes agricultural exhibits, arts and crafts, dog show, demolition derby, big-name acts, harness racing, horses, cattle, free stage. Fairgrounds. 570-784-4949; www.bloomsburgfair.com.

    3. Decoy & gunning show. Sept. 24-25. Tuckerton, Md. Hundreds of vendors and exhibitors salute baymen’s heritage and lifestyle with wildlife art, decoys, crafts, contests, food. Tip Seaman Park, other venues. 609-971-3085; www.co.ocean.nj.us/parks.

    4. Highland games. Sept. 23-25. Bethlehem, Pa. Celtic Classic Highland Games and Festival features the music, arts, dance, and athletic competitions of the seven Celtic nations. Caber tossing, haggis eating, bagpipe contests. 610-868-9599; www.celticfest.org.

    5. Swamp Yankee Days. Sept. 24-25. Westerly, R.I. Festival includes antique tractors, chain saws, cars, hay rides, food, crafts, rides, displays, live music. Crandall Field. 401-539-0120; www.visitwesterly.com.

    6. Harley open house. York, Pa. Sept. 22-24. Motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson Inc. offers tours at its assembly plant on Route 30 each day 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and events at the Expo Center on Sept. 23-25, including demo rides. 717-243-7855; www.yorkopenhouse.com.

    8. Taste of Rhode Island. Sept. 24-25. Newport, R.I. Over 40 restaurants and caterers sell appetizer-size portions, plus culinary demonstrations, wine garden, oyster festival, entertainment stages. Yachting Center. 401-846-1600, ext. 200; www.newportfestivals.com/Taste_of_RI.

    9. Elk expo. Sept. 23-24. Kersey, Pa. Northwest Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Elk Expo offers entertainment, seminars, contests, wildlife calling, outdoors equipment market, arts and crafts, elk-watching shuttles. Elk County Fairgrounds. 814-834-3723; www.pagreatoutdoors.com.

    10. Rock Hall FallFest. Sept. 23-24. Rock Hall, Md. Festival includes blues, bluegrass, and folk music; pony and wagon rides; crafts; working Eastern Shore watermen; food and drink. Main Street. 410-778-0416; www.kentcounty.com.

• Weekend of Sept. 17-18, 2005

  • 1. Pa. RV & camping show. Sept. 14-18. Hershey, Pa. Promoted as the largest RV show in the country, it has more than 1,200 RVs and 200 vendors, plus seminars. New location this year, Hersheypark Entertainment Complex. 1-888-303-2887; www.prvca.org.

    2. Wings 'n Water Festival. Sept. 17-18. Stone Harbor. The 23rd annual wildlife arts festival includes wildlife and maritime art, bird and fish carvings, watercolors and photography, bird walks, boat cruises, kayaking, children's nature games, more. Wetlands Institute. 609-368-1211; www.wetlandsinstitute.org.
    
    3. International Children's Festival. Sept. 17-18. Vienna, Va. This big outdoor arts celebration for families features several stages of performances, craft and other workshops, and student performers from around the world. Wolf Trap Farm Park. 703-642-0862, ext. 5; www.artsfairfax.org.
    
    4. The Big E. Sept. 16-Oct. 2. West Springfield, Mass. The Eastern States Exposition showcases all six New England states, including big-name entertainers, products from each state, the Farm-a-Rama, international plaza, horse show, livestock shows and farm displays. 413-737-2443; www.thebige.com.
    
    5. Antietam observances. Sept. 16-17. Hagerstown, Md. Hikes, ceremony, torchlight tour mark the 144th  anniversary of the Civil War battle. Reservations needed for some events. Antietam National Battlefield. 301-432-5124; Antietam National Battlefield.
    
    6. Comics convention. Sept. 17-18. Baltimore. Spiderman, X-men, Batman, Superman and other comic book heroes figure into the sixth annual Comic-Con, featuring  comic book and toy dealers, comic book writers and artists, small press area, guest panels, autograph sessions. Convention Center. 410-526-7410; www.comicon.com/baltimore.

    7. Boats in Newport . Sept. 15-18. Newport, R.I. The 35th annual Newport International Boat Show, largest in the Northeast, features sailing and power boats from hundreds of companies, plus demonstrations, workshops, music, more. Yachting Center, adjacent marinas. 401-846-1115; www.newportboatshow.com.
    
    8. Small farm expo. Sept. 17-18. New Paltz, N.Y. Northeast Small Farm and Rural Living Expo is aimed at those interested in farming and country living, with more than 50 workshops, farmers market, demonstration gardens, farm animals. Ulster County Fair Grounds. 845-677-8223; www.smallfarmexpo.org.
    
    9. Cranberry celebration. Sept. 17-18. South Harwich, Mass. Annual festival includes block party; music, fireworks and parade; children's events; hundreds of juried arts and crafts exhibitors. Various locations. 508-430-2811; www.harwichcranberryfestival.com
    
    10. Four Town Fair. Sept. 15-18. Somers, Conn. Connecticut's oldest fair - 166 years - offers pulls, parade, livestock shows, raffle, chicken barbecue, bingo, midway, stage entertainment, lots of exhibits and displays. Fairgrounds. 860-749-6527; www.somersnow.com/fourtownfair.  

• Weekend of Sept. 10-11, 2005

  • 1. Maryland Seafood Festival. Sept. 9-11.