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Getting Festive By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Mouthwatering images of candy apples, ice cream cones, fresh watermelon, pink lemonade, and cold micro-brews swirl in my memory when I think about summer festivals. After all, hot summer days aren't just for lazing around beachside. I love when city streets are closed to cars, welcoming pedestrians to wander freely. When I close my eyes, I can hear the bands playing everything from live acoustic folk songs to symphonies. Scents of fresh flowers and produce alight the air, and smiling faces marvel at the plentiful handcrafted goods. Whether gathering with friends or family, or even on your own, festivals are a great way to enjoy a community. (I've also made some of my favorite purchases at street festivals.) Like a beachcomber looking for special shells, I keep an eye out for items that are as unique as the festivals. I've found that even when I return to a festival year after year, no two are exactly alike. Festivals make for great adventures, and there’s one for just about everyone. Whether you're going to road-trip, walk, or hop a flight, you can find festivals in nearly every community. If you want to find something for a classic car enthusiast, try the Hot August Nights in Sparks, Nevada. For someone mad about bluegrass, make a trip to the Anderson Bluegrass and Country Music Festival in Anderson, Alaska. For the wacky, sweet tooth in your life, there’s the Watermelon Festival in Hope, Arkansas (they even have a watermelon Olympics and a seed-spitting contest. For the more mature--and perhaps talented—there’s the sandcastle building competition in Oregon. When planning an excursion to a summer festival, it’s important to remember that they draw large crowds. Try to use mass transportation instead of struggling to find local parking. (Or arrive early to be sure to get a spot.) If you're going in a group, devise a meeting place so no one panics if they get separated. If you have to purchase a ticket to enter, inquire about student, senior, or other group affiliations, which may get you reduced admission. And whenever you're out, remember to keep your items secure and be mindful of where your wallet is at all times. Don't carry a purse or other items that dangle off your arm or neck and might be easily swiped. Festivals are a wonderful way to make the most of summer, especially as people are pressed to save money with rising fuel costs. Local festivals can make someplace old feel new again. Consult your local newspaper or town website for more information on what's happening near you. If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at askamy@travelocity.com And remember to look here for your topic each week! FESTIVALS Anderson Bluegrass and Country Music Festival – Anderson, Alaska July 30-Aug. 1, 2004 Hope Watermelon Festival – Hope, Ark. Aug. 12-15, 2004 www.hopemelonfest.com PortFest and State Catfish Cooking Contest – Newport, Ark. June 4-5, 2004 www.newportarchamber.org Stern Grove Festival – San Francisco, Calif. June 13-Aug. 15, 2004 www.sterngrove.org Jazz Aspen Snowmass June Festival – Aspen, Colo. June 24-27, 2004 www.jazzaspen.com Blues, Brews and Barbecue Festival – Beaver Creek, Colo. May 29-30, 2004 www.beavercreek.snow.com The Festival at Sandpoint – Sandpoint, Idaho Aug. 5-15, 2004 www.festivalatsandpoint.com Cedar Basin Dixieland Jazz Festival – Cedar Falls, Iowa June 25-27, 2004 www.cedarbasinjazz.org Amelia Earhardt Festival – Atchison, Kan. July 23-24, 2004 www.atchisonhistory.org Hot August Nights – Sparks, Nev. July 31-Aug. 8, 2004 www.hotaugustnights.net Sandcastle Day – Cannon Beach, Ore. June 5, 2004 www.cannonbeach.org Newport Folk Festival – Middletown, R.I. Aug. 6-8, 2004 www.newportfolk.com Fourth of July Black Hills Round-up Rodeo – Belle Fourche, S.D. July 1-4, 2004 www.bellefourche.org Days of 76 – Deadwood, S.D. July 27-Aug. 1, 2004 www.deadwood.org Riverboat Days and Summer Arts Festival – Yankton, S.D. Aug. 20-22, 2004 www.riverboatdays.com Riverbend Festival – Chattanooga, Tenn. June 11-19, 2004 www.riverbendfestival.com

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