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US: Brunswick, GA – Coastfest For Circus, Sharks, Cannons, and Shrimp, of Course
The 24th edition of CoastFest, Georgia’s largest celebration highlighting their state’s unique coastal environment and natural resources, takes center stage on Saturday, October 6th from 10 am ’til 4pm with a family-friendly day of fun and education. 
Over 70 environmental, educational, research and resource organizations from around the southeast will be represented at CoastFest 2018, offering visitors a chance to learn about Georgia’s coastal resources through interactive exhibits and displays and have some fun at the same time.
Visitors of all ages can participate in activities from recycling to learning about coastal weather, native plants to sea turtles, water conservation to archeology, herpetology to geology, sharks to shrimp.
Be captivated throughout the day under the Big Top by many unique events: Arthur Atsma and his Science Circus amaze the audience with science and Newtonian physics taught through fast-paced circus stunts and magic tricks keeping you on the edge of your seat. Jim Sawgrass and his Creek Indian encampment entertain with Native American songs and ritual dances, master juggler Rhys Thomas performing amazing juggling feats with tons of audience participation and Bubble-ologist Keith Johnson uses imagination and science to explore how bubbles work, and reptiles and raptors from the Center for Wildlife Education at Georgia Southern University will take center stage for two shows throughout the day.
CoastFest 2018 will offer new experiences around every corner. Put your hands into the touch tanks with unique coastal Georgia sea life, participate in living history demonstrations with military re-enactors from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War and witness cannon firings. Learn boating safety, master kayaking, try your hand at archery, or how about holding live snakes or even an alligator. You can tour the US Coast Guard boats, Plenty of ‘make-it-take-it’ projects, walk up to a bull moose, a bear, an elk, a wolf, and too many more activities to list.
Catch the excitement at this fun and kid-friendly, family-friendly FREE event with an abundance of educational games, activities and experiences.
Location: MaryRoss Waterfront Park , Bay Street at Gloucester St., Brunswick, GA 31520
Date: Sat, Oct 6, 2018
Time: 10am – 4pm
Tel: 912-264-7218
coastalgadnr.org/CoastFest
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: goldenisles.com
US: Mystic, CT – Mystic Garlic Festival – You Supply the Mints and They’ll Supply the Flavor
The 11th Annual Mystic Garlic Festival features freshly harvested local garlic, garlic infused goodies, music, and activities scattered throughout Olde Mistick Village.
To celebrate the abundant fall harvest, farmers will present an amazing variety of Garlic for sale in addition to fresh produce. More farmers than ever will have honey, jams, preserves, ice cream, baked goods, and syrups.
Besides the proven health benefits of garlic, there is just something irresistible about the aroma of roasted garlic. Throughout the day and evening, dozens of local restaurants and food service establishments will be serving, for purchase, delicious garlic related foods, such as garlic fried dough and garlic fries, as well as non-garlic favorites.
A host of merchants, artisans, authors and artists will line the pathways of Olde Mistick Village displaying their foods, crafts, gifts, and talents. Along with over 45 vendors, you will find Olde Mistick Village merchants offering garlic related activities or products at their stores.
Don’t miss the live birds of prey, reptile show, and martial arts demonstration.
So, you bring the mints and Olde Mistick Village will supply the flavor. A great weekend of music, food, and family fun. Stroller friendly, Free entry and Free parking.
Location: Olde Mistick Village, 27 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT 06355
Date: Sept 15 – 16, 2018
Time: Sat 11am – 7pm, Sun 11am – 6pm
Tel: 860 -536-4941
oldemistickvillage.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: thisismystic.com
US: Kennett Square, PA – Jaw-Dropping Fountains Dance with Colors and Music
Located only 12 miles from Wilmington, Delaware, Longwood Gardens attracts visitors from around the globe to its 11,000 varieties of plants spread out across more than 1,000+ acres of gardens, meadows, woodlands and elaborate horticultural displays.
Longwood’s celebration of the Main Fountain Garden, which returned in 2017 after a $90 million, more than two-year revitalization. Renowned for its spectacular Festival of Fountains, the astonishing shows gather attention from far and wide, and are a favorite among visitors of all ages.
Watch in awe when the fountains dance to stirring music and water jets shoot up to 175 feet high. You don’t want to miss Longwood’s Illuminated Fountain Performances where you’ll see an infinite mix of color, sound and music. The fountains perform daily at 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 5:15 and extended hours for illuminated fountain performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:15.
In addition, the wildly popular Fireworks & Fountains return with new shows: September 29 at 8:15 pm: Solid Gold ’70s – Take a bell-bottomed step back in time to the disco decade featuring iconic music from The Bee Gees, Kool and the Gang, Donna Summer, and more cool cats you’ll really dig. For Tickets: Fireworks & Fountains 2018 
Festival of Fountains also features the Gardens in their summer splendor. The refreshed garden design invites guests to wander and discover new garden gems, including the Grotto, Pumphouse Plaza, and Historic Pumphouse display. Flowering annuals and perennials abound plus a breathtaking Waterlily Display that showcases aquatic plants from all over the world.
Take a hike in the expansive Meadow Garden or enjoy a shady stroll among Longwood’s historic trees. The outdoor Children’s Corner offers younger guests a garden designed just for them, while the Idea Garden is a showcase of plant combinations, innovative vegetable gardens, and unusual plant varieties to inspire guests to try at home.
Longwood Gardens allows a limited number of visitors per day, so purchase Tickets in advance to guarantee admission.
Illuminated Fountain Performances continue through October 27 and Daytime Fountain Performances continue through October 28 during Autumn’s Colors.
Photo Credit: Daniel Traub
Location: Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348
Dates: until – September 30, 2018 (check website for later schedule)
Time: Sun–Wed 9am–6pm, Thurs–Sat 9am–10pm
Tel: 610-388-1000
longwoodgardens.org
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitwilmingtonde.com
US: Florence, SC – Darlington Car Hauler Parade & Festival Kicks off Race Week
Join the excitement of the 14th Annual Darlington Car Hauler Parade and Racefest featuring NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Teams transporters making their way through cheering fans from the Florence Civic Center to the Darlington Square and into the track that’s “Too Tough to Tame” – Darlington Raceway.
There is plenty of FUN for the whole family, beginning at the Florence Civic Center with entertainment and live music. Kids play all afternoon for FREE on the KidsZone inflatable ride and games. The Game Truck will bring a wide selection of games for Xbox360, Wii and PS3 and can accommodate up to 16 players at one time. There will be refreshments for purchase with the proceeds supporting Camp Pee Dee Pride. 
The main attraction continues to be the NASCAR transporters, which fans can take photos with with their favorite team’s hauler and driver before the haulers take off. This year famous former drivers are back such as Hut Stricklin, former champ of NASCAR’s Dash Series, and Donnie Allison, who won ten races in the Cup Series.
Fans will enjoy the exciting silent auction full of great NASCAR items and race memorabilia. Proceeds benefit local charities.
At 7 p.m. the parade of NASCAR haulers leave the Florence Civic Center and make the 12-mile trek to RaceFest on the Darlington Square, where there will be more entertainment, food, a car show and an incredible fireworks display. The transports will continue through Darlington until they reach the track Darlington Raceway where they can park, unload and begin preparation for the Bojangles’ Southern 500 race taking place on on September 2nd.
As if it could not get any better, admission to the Darlington Car Hauler Parade is FREE.
Location: Florence Center, 3300 W Radio Dr , Florence, SC 29501
Date: Thurs, Aug 30, 2018
Time: 4pm – 7pm
Tel: 800-325-9005
darlingtoncarhaulerparade.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitflo.com
US: West Friendship, MD – Nothing Compares to the Howard County Fair
For some good wholesome family fun you aren’t going to want to miss the 73rd Annual Howard County Fair. An American tradition, the fair is a celebration of Howard County’s farming past and present.
The Howard County Fair offers something for all ages including: interactive exhibits, livestock exhibits, agricultural displays, petting zoo, contests, entertainment, amusement rides and games, food and loads of family-oriented fun.
Featured events at the fair are: horse shows, pony rides, Antique tractor pulls, and livestock competitions, 4-H shows/exhibits, Demo Derby, Rodeo, Horse-Pulling Contest, Antique Automobile Show, Pie Eating Contest, Pig Races, Bingo, AG Displays and Farm produce. Enjoy some of the area’s best live music, from rock and country, to bluegrass.
Schedule of Some Featured Events:
Pig Races – 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, & 8pm
Bingo Hall – Opens Daily at 6pm
Pony Rides – 10am – 10pm
AG Displays – Daily
Farm Produce – Daily
Mule Pulling Contest First Sat @ 9am
Coon Mule Jump – immediately after the Mule Pulling Contest
Horse Pulling Contest – First Sat- @ 10am
Antique Tractor Pull – First Sat @ 4pm
Draft Horse & Mule Show – Sun @ 8:30 am
Pretty Animal Contest – Sun @ 11am
Pie Eating Contest-Sun @ 12:30
Sheep Dog Demonstrations – Sun – 4, 6, & 8pm.
Kids and Critters – Barn Hours @ 10:30 am – 2pm & 4pm – 8:30pm
Parade of Floats -Sat, Aug 11 @ 5pm
Auto Demolition Derby#1– Wed, Aug 8 @ 7pm
Auto Demolition Derby#2 – Sat, Aug 11@ 6pm
For a complete schedule of events: HowardCountyFair.org
Family time that’s so much fun and affordable. Parking for the Howard County Fair is always FREE!
Location: Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Rd, West Friendship, MD 21794
Date: Aug 4th – 11th, 2018
Time: daily from 8am – 11pm
Tel: 410-442-1022
howardcountyfair.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visithowardcounty.com
US: Boston, MA – Boston Pops 4th of July Concert & Fireworks in Boston
Music and fireworks will once again fill the air as part of Boston’s legendary July 4 celebrations attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to the birthplace of American independence.
Deemed one of the most popular Massachusetts summer events, the Pops will once again throw one of the country’s largest Fourth-of-July parties. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular concert is FREE and open to the public.
Entering their 133rd season of entertaining audiences in Boston and beyond, feature Conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston POPS Orchestra will take the stage at the Hatch Shell, on the Esplanade, performing the identical concerts on July 3rd and 4th, and on July 4th when the concert wraps up, a stunning half-hour display of pyrotechnics.
The headliner for the 2018 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, is American singer/songwriter Rachel Platten, whose mega hit “Fight Song” topped the charts, will headline the 2018 Boston POPS Fireworks Spectacular Concert. The event will also feature 2 Grammy Award-winning artists, Rhiannon Giddens from The Carolina Chocolate Drops and Folk-Rock Duo Amy Ray and Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls.
The legendary singer/actor/dancer, Academy Award Winner Rita Moreno will make a special appearance on the July 3 and 4 performances in honor of the Leonard Bernstein centennial tribute.
Event Schedule:
| Tuesday, JULY 3 Official Rehearsal of the July 4 Show. Includes all guest artists. No fireworks. GATES OPEN AT APPROXIMATELY 5PM 8:00PM: Concert begins 10:00PM: Concert ends |
Wednesday, JULY 4 Concert & Fireworks GATES OPEN AT 9AM 8:00PM: Concert begins 10:30PM: Fireworks begin 11:00PM: Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular ends |
Celebrate America with this amazing concert and 4th of July fireworks extravaganza.
Photo Credits: Michael Blanchard
Location: DCR Hatch Shell, 47 David G. Mugar Way, Boston, MA 02108
Date: July 3- July4, 2018
Time: July 3rd, concert 8pm -10pm, July 4th, concert 8pm – 10:30pm, fireworks display 10:30pm – 11pm.
bostonpopsjuly4th.org
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: bostonusa.com
US: Providence, RI – From the Loom of a Goddess: Reverberations of Guatemalan Mayan Weaving
Established in 1877 part of a vibrant creative community, the RISD Museum’s art represents diverse cultures from ancient times to the present. Their newest featured exhibit – From the Loom of a Goddess: Reverberations of Guatemalan Mayan Weaving Costume and Textiles is presently on display.
At the heart of Guatemalan Maya culture lies weaving. For more than 2,000 years, Maya women have woven intricate textiles on backstrap looms, and this exhibition celebrates Maya weaving today in southern New England’s thriving Guatemalan heritage community. The objects on view include textiles and garments made before 1917 and donated as a collection to the RISD Museum in 1982.
Displayed alongside these historic pieces are new works by Providence artist Sandra Lopez Naz and videos commissioned from local artists that show the resonance of Maya culture within contemporary conversations about activism and artistic production.
Exhibition Events:
Location: RISD Museum , 20 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02903
Date: until Aug 19, 2018
Hours: Tues–Sun, 10 -5 pm, 3rd Thursday of each month, open until 9 pm
Tel: 401-454-6500
risdmuseum.org
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: goprovidence.com
US: Daytona Beach, FL- Power Boats, Sail Boats, Yachts, Kayaks…at The Florida Boat Show
The Florida Boat Show at Halifax Harbor and Marina is where the marine industry comes together to highlight new boats with live music, a seafood festival, boating safety and seminars, and exciting festivities for a weekend of family fun.
The 3 day event includes hundreds of new boats and quality brokerage boats of all styles are displayed and available for purchase. The broad selection includes power boats, sail boats, yachts, kayaks and marine accessories of all types will be featured throughout the over four acres of dry park space and ‘in-water’ marina dock.
Other attractions include: Kayak and SUP Demos, Bikini Contest, Cornhole Tournament, Fishing Seminars, Fishing Village, Kayak Relay Races and SUP Yoga & Fitness.
If you enjoy boating and sailing you’re going to want to attend. Children under 16 are FREE.
Location: Halifax Harbor Marina, 450 Basin Street Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Date: May 18 -20, 2018
Hours: Fri + Sat 10-8, Sun 10-6
Tel: 904-673-0093
thefloridaboatshow.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: daytonabeach.com
US: Columbia, MD – More Sheep and Wool Than You Can Imagine!
Discover the beauty of sheep, the warmth of wool and the delicious taste of lamb during a fun-filled weekend at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival, 45 years of celebrating all things sheep, from hoof to handwoven.
With over 275 vendors, more than 800 sheep, and workshops, food, and entertainment, there is something for everyone. Check out the working sheep dogs or sheep shearing demonstrations, learn how to prepare lamb, cheese making, take a spinning class, or shop for a variety of fleece, yarn and roving.
The Parade of Breeds will introduce you to a large variety of sheep breeds, and the Sheep to Shawl Contest will demonstrate shearing, carding, spinning, and weaving a final product in just a few hours.
There are auctions and sales for sheep equipment, fiber equipment, and fleeces. You can get many new ideas from the beautiful products on display from the many competitions.
With workshops and seminars galore, special activities for kids, cooking demonstrations, food booths, musical entertainment, this festival is going to be a hit with the whole family.
Location: Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Rd, West Friendship, MD 21794-9604
Date: May 5 & 6, 2018
Time: Sat 8:30am – 6pm, Sun 8:30am – 5pm
Tel: 410- 531-3647
sheepandwool.org
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visithowardcounty.com
US: Walterboro, SC – A Fun-Filled Family Weekend in the Lowcountry of South Carolina
The 43rd annual Colleton County Rice Festival is a celebration of the rice planting heritage that helped found Colleton County.
Enjoy a fun-filled week of family activities in the warm Carolina sun that includes a fireworks display, live musical entertainment, arts and crafts, 5k run, food concessions, corn-hole tournament, a BMX bike show with riders performing tricks and acrobatics, a crowd favorite DockDogs® a sport in which dogs compete in distance or height while jumping from a 40 foot dock into water, as well as cultural displays and performances depicting their local heritage.
They also claim to show off the worlds largest pot of rice along with a rice cooking contest. Best of all Admission is FREE.
BMX Bike Shows – 3 shows daily
Rice Festival Parade – Saturday, April 28 @11am
Rice Festival Dog Show– Saturday, April 28 @2pm
Palmetto Dock Dogs –April 27 & 28: Competition all day and finals on Saturday afternoon
Rice Run/Walk– April 28 @ 8am
Chad Gainey Sculpture –Chainsaw Art by Chad Gainey -April 27 & 28: Hampton Street
Biggest Pot of Rice -April 27 & 28
Corn Hole Tournament– Saturday, April 28 @4pm
Live Entertainment – throughout the 2 days
Fireworks – Saturday, April 28, 2017 8:45pm: Rice Festival finale
Location: Downtown Walterboro, Walterboro, SC 29488
Dates: Fri, Apr 27 – Sat, Apr 28, 2018
Times: Fri 10am -10pm, Sat 10-7pm
Tel: 843.549.1079
ricefestival.org
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: walterborosc.org