.... or maybe you have! At any rate, if you're planning family travel to one of these areas this summer, these fun, yet quirky, festivals are worth a visit!
Roswell UFO Festival. Roswell, New Mexico. You've likely heard the story of the mysterious and debated Roswell UFO sighting reported over 60 years ago. The City of Roswell invites UFO enthusiasts and skeptics alike to join in the celebration of one of the most debated incidents in history. The four-day event will feature guest speakers, authors, live entertainment, a costume contest, a pet costume contest, parade, family-friendly activities and more.
National Cherry Festival. Traverse City, Michigan. The National Cherry Festival brings people from all over the world to Traverse City, Michigan for a week-long celebration of, you guessed it, the cherry. In addition to a spectacular airshow, the National Cherry Festival has over 150 events and activities - many of which are free for all! And the kids will love pit-spitting and pie-eating contests, turtle races and much more!
The Great Texas Mosquito Festival. Clute, Texas. The BUZZ you hear in July is coming from Clute, Texas, the Home of the Great Texas Mosquito Festival, where Willie-Man-Chew greets visitors from near and far to enjoy three fun filled days of entertainment, food, contests, and family fun. The festival's mascot is the world’s largest mosquito, standing 26’ tall with a large cowboy hat, boots, and a large proboscis. In addition to a major photo-opp with a giant mosquito, this festival offers a carnival, games, contests, races, tours and live nightly entertainment.
The Gilroy Garlic Festival. Gilroy, California. The Gilroy Garlic Festival features garlicky food, live cooking competitions, and lots of fun for the whole family! The heart of the Garlic Festival is Gourmet Alley, the gigantic outdoor kitchen where the world-famous “Pyro Chefs” put on a spectacular flame-up show while preparing garlic-laced calamari and scampi in huge iron skillets. Guests will also find live entertainment on three stages, cooking contests and demonstrations, arts & crafts, wine tasting, and a children's area (with its own schedule!).
Sauerkraut Weekend. Phelps, New York. At one time, Phelps in New York was the sauerkraut capital of the world. From August 5-7, in celebration of their great cabbage legacy, Phelps enjoys Sauerkraut Weekend. Guests can look forward to plenty of sauerkraut, kraut eating contests, live music, a parade, arts and crafts, cabbage bowling, fireworks, and the cutting of the famous sauerkraut cake!
National Lentil Festival. Pullman, Washington. This annual celebration is a whole festival honoring the lentil! The region grows 18% of all the lentils in the nation - all the more reason to celebrate this legume. Highlights of the festival include live entertainment, a grand parade, and the Tour de Lentil Bike Ride. Don't miss the Lentil Land Kids Area, with a kid's stage, inflatables, and more!
