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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: Mystic, CT – Sharkfest Swim, Kayak and SUP Races Down the Mystic River
It’s the inaugural Mystic River Day, a day celebrating the Mystic River Community.
Festivities include: children’s activities and games on the Mystic River Park green, discover Mystic River history, many local non-profits, animal encounters, meet the Mystic Mermaid in the park – photo op, Sharkfest Swim, Kayak and SUP races down the Mystic River.
Cheer on the Mystic Sharkfest Swimmers from 8:30 am – 11:30 am, on their 1500 meter swim from Middle Wharf at Mystic Seaport, down the Mystic River, under the famous Bascule drawbridge, finishing at Dock A at Seaport Marine.
This swim will give you the perfect excuse to visit a classic New England seaport on Long Island Sound. The swim course will take you past the fully restored whaling ship, Charles Morgan and around the Mystic Harbor lighthouse and down river through the picturesque village that is steeped in shipbuilding history.
Participating downtown shops, restaurants, and bars will offer specials, discounts and extended happy hours throughout the day.
Location:Mystic River Park, Cottrell Street, Mystic, 06355
Date: Sun, July 8, 2018
Time: 9am – 2:30pm
Tel: 860-572-9578
thisismystic.com/event/mystic-river-day
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: mysticchamber.org
US: Fredericksburg, VA – Bourbon Barrel Regatta at Distillery’s Father’s Day Fest
Father’s Day is a special day, so why not treat Dad to a fun-filled day at A. Smith Bowman Distillery, the home of World’s Best Bourbon 2016 & 2017, for their 7th Annual Father’s Day Festival.
Admission is FREE to the festival and entertaining for the whole family. Highlights include: Distillery tours on the half hour, tastings & cocktails, local beer & wine, Live music, mouthwatering food, vendors, games, and the much anticipated Annual Barrel Regatta.
The Annual Barrel Regatta is an amusing watery tradition. Taking place from noon – 1pm, individuals or teams from around the create their own boats made from used bourbon barrels and race them in Deep Run. There will be prizes and awards for the two fastest finishes, most spirited and best sinking. You don’t want to miss the race.
No pets with the exception of service animals are allowed in the festival areas.
Location: A. Smith Bowman Distillery, One Bowman Drive, At Deep Run, Fredericksburg, VA 22408
Date: Sat, June 16th, 2018
Time: 11am – 5pm
Tel: 540-373-4555
asmithbowman.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: visitfred.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: Smithfield, NC – Eat Like Pigs at Smithfield’s Ham and Yam Country Festival
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.
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.
The 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.
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
US: Daytona Beach, FL – Wow – Over 500,000 Motorcyclists During Daytona Bike Week
Dubbed the “World’s Largest Motorcycle Event,” Bike Week is a 10-day event filled with high-octane street festivals, concerts, motorcycle races, bike shows, rallies, manufacturer showcases and more.
Established more than seven decades ago, nowadays over 500,000 motorcyclists make it an annual pilgrimage. Motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world enjoy spring riding in Daytona Beach along historic Main Street and Beach Streets, Scenic A1A Highway or through the best of old Florida, the Ormond Beach Scenic Loop.
There will be celebrating at Daytona International Speedway, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona, the U.S. 1 corridors in Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach, and at Riverfront Park in downtown Daytona Beach.
With so many events taking place, use the calendar below to make sure that you don’t miss anything.
OFFICIAL BIKE WEEK CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
77th Anniversary of Bike Week 2018 March 09 to March 18, 2018
Bobby Friss at Dirty Harry’s Pub March 09 to March 10, 2018
Cabbage Patch March 09 to March 18, 2018
Cacklebery Campground Bike Week 2018 March 09 to March 09, 2018
Crush performed at Full Moon Saloon March 09 to March 17, 2018
Daytona Bike Week Swapmeet 40th Annual March 09 to March 18, 2018
Dirty Harry’s 2018 Bike Week Event March 09 to March 18, 2018
Downtown Campground for Bike Week March 09 to March 18, 2018
Fastlane Motorcycle Swap Meet and Bike Show March 09 to March 18, 2018
Hayfire March 09 to March 18, 2018
Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort Bike Week 2018 March 09 to March 18,2018
Hypersona March 09 to March 18, 2018
Main Street Station the Heart of Bike Week 2018 March 09 to March 18, 2018
Official Bike Week Welcome Center March 09 to March 18, 2018
Retirement Sale Carls Speed Shop March 09 to March 18, 2018
Riverfront Park Rocks March 09 to March 18, 2018
Selwyn Birchwood Band March 09 to March 09, 2018
Visit Hot Leathers March 09 to March 18, 2018
Cacklebery Campground with Broken Halo Girls March 10, 2018
Cacklebery Campground Bike Week Event March 10, 2018
Hot Bike Southeast FXR Dyna Day March 10, 2018
Indian Motorcycle Show March 10, 2018
Bike Blessing & FREE BBQ March 11, 2018
Bike Week Annual Bike Blessing March 11, 2018
Cacklebery Campground with Jurassic Rock and more March 11, 2018
Free Sober Clean Hog Roast and Live Music March 11 to March 12, 2018
Greg Billings Band March 11, 2018
Cacklebery Campground Bike Week Concert March 13, 2018
Jasmine Cain at Dirty Harry s Pub March 13 to March 14, 2018
Cacklebery Campground March 14, 2018
Cacklebery Campground Miss Cacklebery Contest March 14, 2018
Micro Championship Wrestling March 14, 2018
Bike Rodeo and Party March 15, 2018
Buffalo Wild Wings Facebook Meet and Greet March 15, 2018
Halifax Humane Society’s Ruff Ride Poker Run March 15, 2018
Harley Davidson TT presented by Russ Brown at Daytona March 15, 2018
RideHard Originals Sound Competition March 15 to March 16, 2018
Side Car and Trike Day and Show March 15, 2018
Sons of Speed March 15, 2018
Willie’s Tropical Tattoo ChopperTime Bike Show March 15, 2018
Burning Bike March 16, 2018
Cafe Racer and Classic Biker Day Show March 16, 2018
Motorcycle Demolition Derby and Stunt Show March 16, 2018
Ride Forever Wedding Ceremony by Clerk of the Court March 16, 2018
Rockit Fly March 16 to March 17, 2018
World’s Largest V8 Parade March 16, 2018
45th Annual Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show March 17, 2018
Cacklebery Campground Events March 17, 2018
Rats Hole Custom Bike and Chopper Show March 17 to March 18, 2018
Women Riders World Record Meetup March 17, 2018
Photo Credits: Daytona Beach Area CVB
Location: Various
Dates: March 9 – 18, 2018
Times: various
Tel: 386-255-0981
officialbikeweek.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: daytonabeach.com
US: Brunswick, GA – Bring Your Appetite to Sample at the Birthplace of Brunswick Stew
Brunswick Rockin’ Stewbilee takes place annually at Mary Ross Waterfront Park, recognizing Brunswick, Georgia as the birthplace of the original Brunswick Stew. As the oft-told tale goes, a slave cook named Jimmy Matthews created the concoction in 1828. Nearly two centuries later, the original meat – squirrel – is out and, today, chicken, is in.
Each year, cooking teams from near and far compete to see who has the best stew, in a cook-off where the culinary skills and secret recipes are challenged by amateur and professional chefs, vying for the coveted Peoples’ Choice and Judges’ Award.
In addition to stew tasting there will be loads of other fun family activities. The day long event begins with the 5k Road Race followed by the Pet Supplies Plus Pooch Parade, Live Entertainment, The Kid’s Junior Stewbilee Central Fun Zone, Classic and Antique Car Show, Arts & Crafts displays and of course, sampling of the Best Brunswick Stew in the nation. 
Schedule:
9am – Motor Cycle Ride
10am – Live Music – Pier Pressure
10:15am – Pooch Parade
12:15pm – Live Music – 3 Day Weekend
11am – 2pm – Brunswick Rockin’ Stew Tasting
Location: Mary Ross Waterfront Park, Bay & Gloucester Street, Brunswick, GA 31520
Date: Sat, Jan 27th, 2018
Time: 9am – 2pm
Tel: 912-996-4593
stewbilee.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: goldenisles.com
US: Daytona Beach, FL – Rolex 24 at Daytona – Grueling 24 Hour Endurance Race
Since 1962, racing legends from around the world have come to Daytona to compete in a grueling 24-hour marathon. The Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona is infamously relentless on both driver and machine as sleep-deprived crews perform mechanical phenomenons. From sunrise to sunset to sunrise again, witness as both man and machine are pushed to the limit in this twice-around-the-clock marathon.
The Rolex 24 at DAYTONA, a 24-hour sports car endurance race executed on the track’s 3.56-mile road course, is a perfect battle between machine, driver and time.
The four-day event begins with qualifying races on January 25, a BMW Endurance race January 26 and the Rolex 24 January 27-28. Two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso brings the driver star power to this most challenging race.
Schedule of Events:
Thursday, January 25th
9:00 AM
Stadium & UNOH Fanzone opens
9:20 AM – 10:20 AM
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship practice session #1
10:40 AM – 11:25 AM
Ferrari Challenge practice session #3
11:40 AM – 11:55 AM
IMSA Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge practice session #3
12:05 PM – 12:20 PM
IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge ST qualifying
12:25 PM – 12:40 PM
IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge GS / TCR qualifying
1:40 PM – 2:40 PM
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship practice session #2
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Ferrari Challenge qualifying #1 group 1
3:20 PM – 3:35 PM
Ferrari Challenge qualifying #1 group 2
3:55 PM – 4:10 PM
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD qualifying
4:20 PM – 4:35 PM
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTLM qualifying
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship P qualifying
5:00 PM – 5:20 PM
IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge practice session #4
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship practice session #3
Friday, January 26th
8:30 AM
Stadium & UNOH Fanzone opens
8:45 AM – 9:00 AM
Ferrari Challenge qualifying #2 group 1
9:05 AM – 9:20 AM
Ferrari Challenge qualifying #2 group 2
9:40 AM – 10:40 AM
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship practice session #4
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Ferrari Challenge race #1
11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Carnival Rides at the Boardwalk Experience
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Grid opens for fan access to pre-race ceremonies on Pit Road
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
BMW Endurance Challenge At DAYTONA
Saturday, January 27th
6:30 AM
Stadium & UNOH Fanzone opens
7:00 AM
DAYTONA 5K Run & Fun Walk
8:00 AM
Rolex 24 Heritage Exhibition Display at the FPL Solar Patio inside UNOH Fanzone
9:00 AM
Stadium open
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
UNOH Fanzone Kids Zone open
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Motorsports Hall of Fame open in Daytona Ticket and Tours building
9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Daytona Rewards stations open in stadium & UNOH Fanzone
9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Grassroots Motorsports Experience located at the Grassroots Motorsports tent along Lake Lloyd
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Ferrari Challenge race #2
10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Carnival Rides at the Boardwalk Experience
10:30 AM
Rolex 24 Heritage Exhibition laps
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Photos with the 56th Rolex 24 At Daytona trophy inside Gatorade Victory Lane
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship driver autograph session inside UNOH Fanzone
1:05 PM – 2:20 PM
Grid opens for fan access to pre-race ceremonies on Pit Road
1:05 PM – 2:20 PM
Crossover gates open
2:40 PM
START – 56th Rolex 24 At Daytona
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wine & Cheese Party – Café 24 Activity Zone
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Taste of the 24 in Stadium Midway Suites
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Live band on the Main Stage inside UNOH Fanzone
10:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Karaoke on the Main Stage inside UNOH Fanzone
Sunday, January 28th
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Café 24 Breakfast Garage inside the Café 24 Activity Zone
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Photos with the 56th Rolex 24 At Daytona trophy inside Gatorade Victory Lane
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
UNOH Fanzone Kids Zone open
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fanatics merchandise store open in Stadium
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Grassroots Motorsports Experience located at the Grassroots Motorsports tent along Lake Lloyd
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Motorsports Hall of Fame open in Daytona Ticket and Tours building
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Carnival Rides at the Boardwalk Experience
2:00 PM
Rolex 24 Heritage Exhibition parade begins in UNOH Fanzone
2:40 PM
FINISH – 56th Rolex 24 At Daytona
Photo Credit: Daytona International Speedway
Location: Daytona International Speedway, 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Date: Jan 25 – 28, 2018
Time: Various – See Schedule Above
Tel: 386-253-7223
daytonainternationalspeedway.com/Events/2018/Rolex-24-At-DAYTONA/Rolex-24-At-Daytona.aspx
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: daytonabeach.com
US: Benson, NC – A Celebration For Farmer’s Best Friend – the Mule
The small town of Benson, North Carolina, with a population of around 3500, will swell to approximately 30,000 come September 21-24, 2017 when the 68th Annual Benson Mule Days Celebration, which honors the farmer’s best friend, the mule, is 
sponsored by the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce.
This festival is filled with family fun and activities for everyone young and old. The weekend is packed with rodeos, a mule pulling contest, arts and crafts, vendors, street dances, carnival rides, camping, parades, bluegrass shows and more.
Friday, visitors can enjoy many events including the Mule Competitions held in the Chamber Park and Arena. They will see mule coon jumping, a mule race, Best of Show and many other events. If you haven’t seen a mule competition this is a must see for the whole family.
Saturday is a big day at Benson Mule Days as thousands of spectators grapple for a place to sit or stand to observe the one of the biggest parades in North Carolina. Bands, floats, Shriner units, classic cars, antique tractors, unique entries, beauty queens, and hundreds of horses, mules, buggies, wagons make their way down Main Street of Benson beginning at 10am.
There are three rodeos of which the first begins on Friday night followed by a Saturday night and Sunday afternoon performance. A new event this year are Mule Day Dances. After the rodeos on Friday and Saturday nights, kick up your heels at the Chamber Park.
Get a complete schedule of events- here
Location: Various – see schedule
Date: Sept 21-24, 2017
Hours: Various – see schedule
Tel: 919-894-3825
bensonmuledays.com
For Regional Accommodations, Restaurants & Attractions: johnstoncountync.org