Favorite local festival, events or car shows - RV-Dreams Community Forum

ersanta · RV-Dreams Family Member

Favorite local festival, events or car shows

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

One recent event we have added to our favorites list is the 4th of July in St. Louis, MO. There are events (free) going on July 2, 3 and 4 including a very fun "hometown" parade, concerts, air shows and fireworks. We happened upon this last year and we are hopeful that we can find time to make it back this year. Our other 2 favorite 4th of July fireworks (only) events are Washington, DC and Vancouver, WA/Portland, OR. Best viewing is from the WA side of the river.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Oklahoma City has a number of events. While the dates vary, there is Affair of the Heart events (crafts - twice a year, I think), a street rod event and the Festival of the Arts, both those last two in April or May. The street rod event attracts older automobiles from around the country.

I would venture to guess that there are other events which are slipping my mind right now. While OKC lost the big rodeo a few years back, we still have a lot of horse shows at the fairgrounds.

While they are single day events, the National Cowboy and Western Museum also has various events.

All I can say is that when one is traveling, it can sometimes pay to look at the upcoming events in various cities on the internet. That way one might find an event that they are willing to reroute their travel plans to attend.

Terry

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry,
We do just that as we travel. We try to figure out where we will be and when and then search those areas for events. We were lucky enough to happen upon the Fermi Labs in Aurora, IL. It turns out that they were having an "open house" where the public was invited to tour the proton accelerators and have the scientists "try" to explain what they were doing there. I learned about Quarks and the God Particle and I learned that I was pretty stupid, but Janet and I left there feeling like we had learned something.
Later in that same year we were in Albuquerque, NM and found that that VLA (Very Large Array) antenna "farm" outside of Socorro, NM was also going to be open to the public for 1 day which only happens twice per year. Again, way over our heads but very interesting and we learned a lot about our universe and the folks that are trying to figure it all out. Interestingly enough, the VLA antennas (radio telescopes) only work to explore our own universe and the zillions of suns, the millions of planets which likely surround them. I believe that the number of planet discovered so far exceeds 50,000 and new ones are being discovered on a regular basis. Suns also form and die on a regular basis (daily?) so what we know today has very little to do with what we will discover tomorrow. Very cool.

Roz · RV-Dreams Family Member

One extremely wonderful event is on, or near, Memorial Day in Louisville, KY. It is billed as "Thunder Over Louisville". The better part of the day encompasses an air show of virtually every type of aircraft, and the day culminates with one of the best aerial firework displays ever!

The entire day's event is centered over the Ohio River adjacent to the Louisville's downtown area. Whether you enjoy air shows, pyrotechnic displays, fun, food and people watching, they are all integral and with abundance at Thunder Over Louisville.

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just a thought here, but you did mention car shows. Most cities have a "rod run" on Friday and Satuday night at some local drive in or sonic. Try running a google for the city you might be near for "rod run" or car meet, or something like it.

Jake62 · RV-Dreams Family Member

I agree with Bill that Washington, D.C. offers one of the "largest" 4th of July fireworks, but also offers great music when the National Symphony entertains the crowd near the end of the day leading up to the fireworks and the 1812 Overture. Of course it's centered on the Mall in D.C. which allows the crowds to spread out over a wide-area and speakers are set-up to allow the crowds to hear all the music and take-in any of the Monuments. But be prepared for large crowds (300,000-400,000).

In the middle, Colorado Springs, CO, has a great 4th of July fesitival in the downtown park with Fort Carson using their cannons during the 1812 overture (like D.C.).

On the smaller end, Pagosa Springs, CO, offers a whole day of activities on the 4th of July with parade and all. Much more of a small-town festival that's family-friendly, ending in great fireworks.

Aside from the 4th of July, two festivals that I've camped near are in Arizona. On is located in Patagonia, AZ in October and offers a fairly large show of artisans & crafters. Combine that with the four wineries in the area along with bands in the park and it makes for great entertainment.

Tubac, AZ, offers one of the largest artisan & crafters festival in February. Tubac is a year-round town for artisans & crafters and, once a year during February, holds their fair for several hundred artisans to set-up their booths to display their crafts.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

The second weekend of September Seaside, OR and Ocean Park, WA, which are about an hours drive apart, have hotrod festivals. The Seaside one is the fancy hotrods that come in enclosed trailers while the Ocean Park one is more shade tree mechanics. We have good friends who prefer the Ocean Park festival because they can relate to the cars better but obviously more go to Seaside since it is the larger festival.

flyone · RV-Dreams Family Member

Nelson if it's street rods you seek try the Frog Follies late Aug. in Evansville, In. 1,200 hot rods from all over the Mid-west and beyond gather for 3 days at the 4-H fairgrounds. The cars have to be PRE--1947 models and are modified as hot rods. If you like horse power and burn outs--you'll be in heaven. Good luck finding a place to stay within an hour of town. For a campsite I would recommend Harmonie State Park (1 hour away).

Flyone

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

Make it to Pecos TX for the oldest continuing rodeo in the US. Always July 4, and you get to sit on shaded wooden bleachers within feet of the arena. Dusty and a world of fun.
December 2 through 4 in Burnet TX they have a "Night in Old Bethlehem" that is well done. No fees, but of course donations are welcome. All done by volunteers from a local church.
Also a lot of fun is the Texas Presentation during the summer at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Musical history presentation by local college age people.

Bill Adams · RV-Dreams Family Member

While it pains me, I guess as an RVer you just have to know about Quartzsite, AZ. While folks start trickling into QZ in Dec. and Jan. the "big event" happens during the 2nd or 3rd week of Jan. each year. This is when something north of 50,000 RV's (100,000 RVers) descend on this town for the RV and Vacation show. This started as one of the largest flea markets in the Country with vendors just lining the streets from one end of the town to the other (plus some). Now, it's more organized but still spread out throughout the town. If you have not been there you should add it to your calendar. If you have been there you may or may not want to return. It's not for everyone, but it is something everyone should experience!

505ers · RV-Dreams Family Member

A great event that all should experience at least once is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The nine day fiesta begins the first Saturday in October. There are RV sites right next to the field, where as many as 600 balloons launch daily. The Fiesta organizers are always looking for volunteers to help on the field or to chase balloons. Volunteers will frequently get a free balloon ride for their efforts. It is a wonderful way to spend a couple of weeks. The Balloon Fiesta is the most photographed event in the world.

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

ersanta,

Since you're based in Southern California like we are, here are a few we enjoy:

California RV Show at LA Fairgrounds in Pomona- October
Any of the GoodGuys car shows
LA Roadster Show (also fairgrounds) - June

Out of State-

Quartzite, AZ January- February....not as good as it used to be but still fun for a couple of days.

Friendship Flea Market and National Muzzle Loaders Show in Friendship IN.
Here's the website- www.friendshipfleamarket.com Their server is currently down.

Ravenlotus · RV-Dreams Family Member

In Marriott/Slatersville, UT in May is the Renaissance and Fantasy Faire. It's loads of fun. With Gypsy dancers, Pirate shows, Jousting by the Knights of Mayhem. Lots of vendors, and great period food. We go every year. We are even going to try and have a booth there this time. Where my husband is selling all kinds of things and I will be doing Oracle readings. Look for Paramormal Oracle. More details, admission prices and map are on the website www.utahrenfest.com

Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Tuesday 11th of December 2012 06:55:15 PM

Millie · RV-Dreams Family Member

If you like motorcycles...

I was on my way up from Kansas City to Canada, one time.

I was wondering why there were so many bikes on the road!

As it turned out, they were all heading to a HUGE annual motorcycle gathering in Sturgis, South Dakota!

On August 5-11, 2013 there is the Sturgis motorcycle gathering.

(Tons of campgrounds in the area!)

http://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/travel-services/lodging/

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

biggrin

biggrin They told me Santa wasn't real! I knew they were wrong!!!!! Pieere!

ersanta wrote:
As we travel with our RV, we occasionally run across some memorable festivals and events or car shows. They are fun to attend and encompass local interest. Is there any festival or event that anyone has attended that they would recommend to others?
Nelson

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

It is sometimes the little ones that are the most memorable. Two we attended were the Kelseyville CA Pear Festival one September (http://www.pearfestival.com/ ) and Hymers Fall Fair (http://www.hymersfair.com/ ) in that small town close to Thunder Bay, Ontario, on Labour Day Weekend (spelled properly for Canada).

Millie · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well! ...OF ALL THINGS! ...A PEAR FESTIVAL!!!

This is the place to see the biggest pumpkins grown locally, horse and cattle shows, and to chat with the friendly people that come out each year to enjoy the real atmosphere of country living in Canada.

"Both PLACES" look like real GREAT fun, Bill!

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

For those of you interested in art shows, here's a fun link:
http://www.artfaircalendar.com/

-- Edited by NWescapee on Wednesday 12th of December 2012 11:32:44 AM

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

I also have a site I use, It is set up nationally for all types of venues....its real good for those that work them

http://www.artscraftsshowbusiness.com

it covers Festivals , craft shows , car shows ,BBQ.....its all there.....if you are a vendor there is a membership fee to unlock the vendor contact area....but well worth it and easy to use.

Edit by moderator: Activated link. Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Wednesday 12th of December 2012 07:59:05 PM