Special community events

[Square Peg]

This weekend, we had our local celebration to our favorite regional legume, the lentil (http://www.lentilfest.com/)

We had the gubernatorial candidate at the fest, and it was cool to hear him wax poetic about the mighty bean.

Meanwhile, in the neighborhood where I used to live, there is a celebration of hyperlocal agriculture. Love Our Local Fest (http://olyblog.net/re-skilling-events-love-our-local-fest-2012)

As well as a block party.

What kinds of specialized events can be found in your community?

[KayLR]

My hometown (pop. ~1,600) is really big on local events.They have a HUGE 4th of July celebration with a salmon barbecue (over alder wood, yum).

They have a Hometown Celebration in September where they honor local folks and the last several years they've begun a tradition of honoring decades. That is, they'll haul out old photos, newpaper clippings and yearbooks from (say, this year for example) 1932, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82...etc. This year my high school yearbook and class photos will be featured. It's kind of a fun thing. Last year they had a fashion show (with mannequins) of old prom and wedding gowns that ladies in the community had kept from their youth. They were absolutely gorgeous! Most were from the 40's or 50's.

Every second Sat-Sun. in October the town also has BirdFest and Bluegrass. There is a National Wildlife Refuge bookending the town, and it's on the major west coast flyway. So, the locals and agencies put on an educational program, kayak tours, van tours, birdwatching tours by foot. The Audubon Society brings out a raptor show for the kids. We have a replica Chinookan Plankhouse where they do native demonstrations and also some other pioneer stuff like flintknapping. Then, at probably 6-8 venues throughout town there are bluegrass bands playing throughout the weekend. You have to buy a wristband to get in. Plus there are a couple art shows and a crafts market. It's really a great weekend for such a little town to put on....folks come from far and wide.

http://www.ridgefieldfriends.org/birdfestandbluegrass.php

[Square Peg]

The Hometown Celebration sounds like a whole lot of fun! I have never heard of anything like that.

Have you ever gone up to Toledo? The Cowlitz tribe has an incredible powwow every year, complete with a salmon dinner.

[KayLR]

I have actually been to Toledo before, but never to the powwow. I would eat salmon anywhere, anytime.

[Square Peg]

Here is the info. Unless they have changed, it is all free, including the dinner.
http://www.cowlitz.org/index.php/announcements/96-thirteenth-annual-cowlitz-pow-wow

[Lainey]

The first annual Prickly Pear Festival is this Saturday, about an hours drive from my house:
http://www.superiorazchamber.net/index.php?Itemid=310&option=com_content&view=article&id=363

[ashleenshannon]

Hi we are going to celebrate this week end to beach... its very beautiful location celebrating any event.. we are going to enjoy this weekend soooooooo enjoy

[Azure]

Would you believe - Gizzard Fest?

Yep, every June we celebrate deep fried chicken gizzards.