NC: Eat Like Pigs at Smithfield’s Ham and Yam Country Festival

Smithfield, NC Exit 95: Downtown Smithfield is the place to be on Saturday, May 5th for the much anticipated 34th annual Ham & Yam Festival,  which occupies several blocks and attracts thousands of people.FredDeesHam

With pig races, inflatables, vendors, entertainment, and ham and yam foods, it’s a fun day for the entire family.  Craft and commercial vendors line the streets, food vendors offer a variety of fair foods and menu items featuring country ham and sweet potatoes, and local bands and dance groups perform on the festival’s three stages throughout the day.

Ham&YamPigRacesThe festival features a barbecue cook-off, rubber duck race, 5k,  a petting zoo and the always popular “What’s That Yam Thing?” contest; where children are encouraged to play with their food by turning sweet potatoes into works of art.  As well as the Sweet Potato Pie Eating Contest where 10 participants will eat like pigs, competing to be the fastest person to eat their sweet potato pie without using their hands.Mikayla-SPCheesecakePie

Get to Smithfield and enjoy the Ham & Yam Festival,  packed with delicious homemade ham biscuits, barbeque pork, and sweet potato pie.

Location: Neuse River Amphitheatre, 200 S. Front Street, Smithfield, NC 27577
Date: Sat,  May 5, 2018
Time: 9am – 9pm
Tel: 919-934-0887
hamandyam.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: johnstoncountync.org

 

 

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MD: More Sheep and Wool Than You Can Imagine!

Columbia, MD Exit 38B to MD-32 W: 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.

Sheep1-1jyf79sWith 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.face_wool_sheep_75916_1920x1200

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.

Wool 8de3421d679f6b2f85cecd8e89c80b05With 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

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GA: Chalk-Art and “Living Pictures at 2018 Sidewalk Arts Festival

Savannah, GA Exit 99: The paved walkways of Savannah’s scenic Forsyth Park will spring to life at the 37th annual SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival.

Watch as talented SCAD artists, alumni and high school students create colorful chalk masterpieces and compete for coveted prizes in a tradition that’s nearly as old as the university itself.Chalk Art

In addition to the sidewalk art, visitors can also see the art of tableaux vivants, or “living pictures” in which actors and models will silently depict a scene as if in a photo. Chalk distribution begins at 10am, drawing at 11am, with judging and results announced in the afternoon.

Who needs technology; discover just how much a simple piece of chalk can inspire.  Be amazed and mesmerized at the colorful chalk designs these artists produce on chalked-up squares along the sidewalks that weave through Forsyth Park.

Families are encouraged to bring their own chalk and let their little ones color on the squares that are not being used as part of the festival.

Free, fun and impressive, go out and be inspired, and maybe even draw a masterpiece of your own.

Location: Forsyth Park, Between Drayton and Whitaker streets, Savannah 31401
Date: Apr 28, 2018
Time:
Tel: 800-869-7223
scad.edu/sidewalkarts

For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitsavannah.com

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SC: A Fun-Filled Family Weekend in the Lowcountry of South Carolina

Colleton County Rice Festival

Walterboro, SC Exit 53: The 43rd annual Colleton County Rice Festival is a celebration of the rice planting heritage that helped found Colleton County.Rice Run 5KIMG_9990-Custom-1030x686

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.Rice Fest Car Showimage-03-10-18-08-52-49

Rice Festival 718-Large

 

 

 

 

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 afternoonDock Dogs IMG_4499-Large

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

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VA: International Film Festival With Emphasis on Music

Richmond, Va Exit 75: Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF) brings more than 150 international cutting edge films to RVA, plus industry panels, Q&As, live musical performances, red carpet awards, and entertainment mixers that usher the spirit of Hollywood into Virginia’s  Bowtie Cinemas, various music venues, and the historic Byrd Theater, a venue touted by USA Today as “one of the top 10 places to still see a movie in splendor in the United States.”Byrd_Theatre_marquee_preview

With more than 20 countries represented, the RIFF Official Selection consists of a diverse range of films (features and shorts), music videos, and screenplays across all genres.

RIFF_photo_4_previewRIFF is known for placing a heavy focus on music each year. The 2018 Festival will again include more than 50 music performances, industry networking events, panels, music business roundtable discussions, industry mixers, and more. On top of providing great entertainment from some of the music industry’s hottest talent, RIFF utilizes this area as a platform for filmmakers and musicians to forge new working relationships. Top awards will be given out across a variety of music categories during the annual red carpet awards.

2018 Special guests include: Kate Bosworth, Michael Polish, Danny Glover, Lee Aronsohn, Rene Balcer & Carolyn Hsu-Balcer.RIFF_photo_7_preview

It’s a one-of-a-kind festival honoring some of the most singularly entertaining projects on the international film scene.

Location: Various
Date: Mon, Apr 23, 2018 – Sun, Apr 29, 2018
Tel: 804-219-0675
rvafilmfestival.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitrichmondva.com

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SC: Go Nuts for Pecans in Florence and Snag some Free Swag

Florence, SC Exit 160: April is National Pecan month so why not celebrate by following a culinary trail dedicated to the pecan.

Julie Belle's - White Russian Pecan PieFlorence is home to the South Carolina Pecan Trail, showcasing 22 local restaurants and specialty shops offering pecan dishes or products, putting pecans in the spotlight. From pecan-encrusted grouper to pecan pie martinis, those venturing on the trail will experience a variety of originality.Rebel Pie - Danish Pizza

Pick up a passport at the visitors center, 3290 W. Radio Drive, or any of the participating restaurants to start the journey. Feast on the featured pecan item at each establishment, or try something else, any purchase will earn  you a stamp in the passport.

 

Pecan Pie Martini - Victors

Return your passport to the Visitors Center in person or by mail for some sweet Pecan Trail swag. Show up with four stamps, and receive a charming metal nutcracker. Eight stamps will get you a drawstring bag and the nutcracker. Present a fully stamped passport and  walk away with a T-shirt, drawstring bag and the nutcracker. SC Pecan Trail

 

 

 

Get your stamps and enjoy tasty pecan offerings, such as White Russian Pecan Pie, Pecan Encrusted Salmon, Pecan Pesto and Danish Pizza, at these restaurants and specialty shops:

Block and Vino

Boxcar Market

Coast Line Café

Dolce Vita Cafe & More

Freeman’s Bakery

Green Acres Country Market

Julia Belle’s

The Library

Lobster Express Co.

Local Motive Brewing

Rebel Pie Wood-fired Pizza

Red Bone Alley

Seminar Brewing

Stefanos

Sweet Cafe & Bakery

Top Hat Special-Teas

Town Hall

Tubb’s Shrimp and Fish Co.

Venus Restaurant and Catering

Victors

Wholly Smokin’

Young Plantations

Location: Visitor Information Center, 3290 W. Radio Drive, Florence Center Upper Level, Florence, SC 29501
Time: Daily 9am – 5pm
Tel: 800-325-9005
visitflo.com/sc-pecan-trail
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions:  visitflo.com

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NC: Ink Art Convention to Honor the Troops

Fayetteville, NC  I95 Southbound Exit 46B,  Northbound Exit 40: It is no coincidence that this unique event is being held in Fayetteville, close to Fort Bragg, one of the largest military bases in the free world.17990462_1914Flag 610302119043_6011670747646193990_o

The goal of the All American Tattoo Convention is to give some of the best tattoo artists in the world the opportunity to showcase their talents to some of the bravest heroes in the world, all while raising money to assist soldiers with PTSD, and other combat related injuries, veterans and families of soldiers.17972220_1914Drawing 776505435756_8151835351952770871_o

Tattoos and the US armed forces have a history dating back as far as the early 1900’s. There are countless inked active duty and war veterans. Tattoos and body art can tell a story that words fail to provide, giving these veterans an outlet to express themselves and show the pride in being a part of something bigger than themselves.17917871_1913Actual Tattooing 683735545033_4120548602365661136_o

Just a few of the many special events being planned include: Tattoo Contest, All Veteran Parachute Team, Air Born Aerial Performers and Fitness, Emcee Johnny “Awesome” Ivey, Ms. All American Pin-Up Contest and Fayetteville Roller Derby Rogue Rollergirls.

17966933_1913 Red Hair man Tatooing 710455542361_4464730085774597215_oRefer to the website for all artist, vendor and event information.17966207_1913Back Tattoo 683318878408_6840197784271585593_o

 

 

 

This is just not a Military event, everyone is invited so go out and support our troops while  experiencing all that this three-day convention has to offer. To buy- Tickets

Location: The Crown Complex Expo Center, 131 E. Mountain Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28306
Dates:  April 13-15th, 2018
Times: Fri, Apr 13th, 2pm – 11pm, Sat, Apr 14th, 12pm – 11pm, Sun, Apr 15th, 12pm -8pm
Tel: 910- 850-2566
allamericantattooconvention.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitfayettevillenc.com

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FL: Beach Music Concert Supports Ocean Conservation

Distance Crowd 33811966561_00448d84e3_o_previewFt. Lauderdale, FL Exit 24: Held on the white sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach Park in a beautiful oceanside setting, Tortuga Music Festival is a 3-day, multi-stage music festival featuring some of the biggest names in country, rock and roots music.crowd Beachballs33791818311_91bd2b186d_k_preview

Tortuga Music Festival brings like-minded fans together for an unforgettable beach weekend experience that pairs music with meaning to raise awareness for marine conservation.

The Academy of Country Music named it the Festival of the Year in 2017 when more than 100,000 folks attended, including fans from all 50 states and 22 countries. Friday headliners are Florida Georgia Line, Snoop Dog and Lee Brice. Saturday’s biggies are Keith Urban, Dwight Yoakam, Kim Moore and Shaggy. Sunday’s featured acts are Eric Church, the Brothers Osborne and Cheap Trick.

stage crowd 33941637475_461cf19aba_o_previewTortuga Music Festival works hand in hand with the Rock The Ocean Foundation to increase public awareness about the issues impacting the world’s oceans and to support scientific research, education, and ocean conservation initiatives.

Over $1,000,000 has been given back to the Conservation Village partners as a direct result of ticket sales and donations from Rock The Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival.Crowd Night33793114461_f02725cdbf_o_preview

Check out the lineup here, and learn more about ocean conservation and how you can help. All ages welcome,  children 6 and under will receive free general admission.
Single-Day & 3-DAY Passes On Sale click here

Location: Fort Lauderdale Beach, 1100 Seabreeze Blvd. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316.
Dates: April 6-8, 2018
Time: 12pm – 10pm daily
Tel: 512-674-9300
tortugamusicfestival.com

For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: sunny.org

 

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MA: New England Bear, Doll and Folk Art Show

Dedham, MA Exit 16: The New England Bear, Doll & Folk Art Show is a 1 day event being held on April 8th, 2018 at the Holiday Inn Boston Dedham Htl & Conf Ctr in Dedham, MA.

Collector Dolls addddsThis eclectic and one-of-a-kind display showcases a spectacular selection of dolls, teddy bears and folk art including antique, collectible, fashion, Barbie, reborns & original artist dolls and bears from the 18th century to the 21st century.Barbiesaddds2

 

 

 

 

Also featured are a wide range of doll houses and miniatures based creations, plus vintage clothing & linens, furniture and doll parts, toys, American Girl clothing and much more. UFDC information table and door prizes.Elvisaddds1

There will also be available identification, valuation, restringing and minor repairs.

Free Parking

Location: Holiday Inn Boston-Dedham, 55 Ariadne Rd, Dedham, MA 02026
Date: Sun, April 8, 2018
Time: 10am – 3pm
Tel: 603-969-1699
collinsgifts.com/events
For Regional Accommodation, Restaurants & Attraction: bostonusa.com

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DC: Cherry Blossom Kite Festival

Washington, DC : The National Cherry Blossom Festival is one the nation’s most cheerful springtime celebration. The 2018 Festival, March 20 – April 15, includes four weeks of events featuring diverse and creative programming promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty, and community spirit.Cherry Blossom kite-fest

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is kicking off kite season. Held on the grounds of the Washington Monument near 17th Street and Constitution Avenue NW in Washington, DC, the Blossom Kite Festival is family-friendly, free and open to the public.colorful Kiteindex

The seventh annual Blossom Kite Festival showcases the creativity of kite makers and skill of fliers from across the US and other countries through a variety of competitions and demonstrations, Rokkaku Battles and the Hot Tricks Showdown. Bring your own kites or children can make a kite at an activity station (while supplies last) to fly on the Public Field. Kites will also be available for purchase onsite.coloringNCBF17-1378-768x511

Photo Credit: National Cherry Blossom Festival

2018 Activity Schedule:

Competition and Demonstration Field

Kick-Off Parade…………………………….…………………………..10:00 AM
Kite Ballets & Demos…………………………………………….10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Adult Kite Makers Competition……………………………….11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wind Jammers and Wings Over Washington…………….12:00 – 12:30 PM
Demonstrations…………………………………………………….……12:30 – 1:30 PM
Hot Tricks Showdown…………………………………………….1:30 – 2:30 PM
Rokkaku Battle………………………………………………………2:45 – 3:30 PM
Wind Jammers and Wings Over Washington………………3:30 – 4:00 PM
Kite Arch and Awards……………………………………………..4:00 – 4:30 PM

Family Field

Practice Fly for Youth Kite Makers……………………………10:30 – 11:00 A
Youth Kite Makers Competition……………………………….11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Youth Kite Makers Awards………………………………………12:00 – 12:30 PM
Blossom Build-off Competition………………………………..12:30 – 1:45 PMBol Races………………………………………………………………2:00 – 4:30 PM

Location: Grounds of the Washington Monument, near 17th St NW and Constitution Ave., Washington, DC 20006
Date: Sat., March 31st, 2018 (Rain Date: Sun., April 1st, 2018)
Time: 10 AM – 4:30 PM
Tel: 877-442-5666
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

 

 

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