The AAA Travel Editors have compiled their top Labor Day weekend activities to inspire some holiday fun. Be sure to confirm the locations and event times before going, as schedules may vary due to weather or other factors.

ALABAMA
Sept. 5 McCALLA McCalla Labor Day Celebration and MoonPie Eatin' Contest- Crafts, music, a barbecue and the MoonPie Eatin' Contest are highlights of this family- oriented event.  Location: Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park. Contact: (205) 477-5711. $.

Sept.5 TUSCUMBIA Coon Dog Cemetery Labor Day Celebration- While exploring the cemetery, visitors will enjoy bluegrass music, buck dancing, a liar's contest and barbecue.  Location: Coon Dog Cemetery. Contact: (800) 344-0783. Free.

ALASKA
Sept. 1-5 PALMER Alaska State Fair- This event features crafts, rides, exhibits, non-stop entertainment and food booths. Don't miss the flower gardens, featuring more than 20,000 blooming plants, and stop by the exhibit of Alaska's legendary giant vegetables. Location: Fairgrounds. Contact: (907) 745-4827. $.

ARIZONA
Sept.3-5 TOMBSTONE Rendezvous of Gunfighters- Gunfighter groups from throughout the United States gather to participate in this event. An 1800s walking parade also is included. Contact: (520) 457-3548. $.

ARKANSAS
Sept. 1-4 CLINTON National Championship Chuckwagon Races- Some 150 teams compete in five different divisions for the title of national champion. The Snowy River race, a buffalo hunt, dances, a Western trade show, trail rides, Western music and a barbecue are featured. Location: Eoff Ranch. Contact: (501) 745-8407. $.

CALIFORNIA
Sept.2-4 SACRAMENTO Gold Rush Days- Life in the 1850s is recalled with music, story-tellers, dramatic re-enactments, encampments and activities.  Location: Old Sacramento State Historic Park. Contact: (916) 264-8142.

Sept.2-4 WATSONVILLE Watsonville Fly-In and Air Show- More than 500 classic aircraft, an array of warbirds and aerobatics performances by modern and vintage planes are highlights. Location: Watsonville Municipal Airport. Contact: (831) 763-5600. $.

Sept.2-5 FORT BRAGG Paul Bunyan Days- Family fun includes a water fight, a logging show, dog contests, a craft fair and the Paul Bunyan Parade.  Location: Various locations. Contact: (707) 961-6300. Free.

Sept.3- Oct.2 POMONA (Tues.-Sun. only and Sept. 5) Los Angeles County Fair- Exhibits, livestock competitions, carnival rides, contests, entertainment and an old- fashioned cattle drive round out this event. Location: Fairplex. Contact: (909) 865-4263. $.

Sept.3-5 LOS ANGELES- African Marketplace and Cultural Faire- For three weekends more than 350 artisans and importers from the African continent and other parts of the world will re-create an outdoor marketplace. Music, dance performances and sports tournaments also are offered. Location: Rancho Cienega Recreation Center. Contact: (323) 734-1164. $.

COLORADO
Sept.2-5 DENVER A Taste of Colorado- More than 400,000 gather at one of the city's largest celebrations. Featured are culinary delights from local restaurants, craft exhibits and booths and entertainment from top-name acts.  Location: Civic Center Park. Contact: (303) 295-6330. Free.

Sept.3-5 COLORADO SPRINGS Colorado Balloon Classic- Some 100 colorful hot air balloons are the focus. A balloon glow, concerts, a chili cook- off and a photography contest also are offered.  Location: Memorial Park. Contact: (719) 471-4833. Free.

CONNECTICUT
Sept.2-5 SOUTH WOODSTOCK Woodstock Fair- This harvest celebration features a midway, a horse show, go-cart races, arts and crafts, a livestock area, antique automobiles, trucks and farm equipment and entertainment. Location: Fairgrounds. Contact: (860) 928-3246. $.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Sept. 4 WASHINGTON National Symphony Orchestra: Labor Day Capitol Concert-The National Symphony Orchestra performs a free Labor Day concert each year, the Sunday before Labor Day.  Location: West Lawn, United States Capitol. Contact: (202) 416-8113. Free.

FLORIDA
Sept. 2-5 COCOA BEACH NKF Pro Am Surf Festival- This annual surfing competition also includes a golf championship, a 5K walk/run, bikini contests, music and children's activities. Proceeds benefit the National Kidney Foundation.  Location: Cocoa Beach Pier. Contact: (321) 784-0830.

Sept. 3-5 TARPON SPRINGS Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Labor Day Festival- Visitors will enjoy a juried arts and crafts show, food booths, live entertainment and games.  Location: Dodecanese Boulevard. Contact: (352) 344-0657.

GEORGIA
Sept. 3 HAMPTON Great Clips 300- This Nationwide Series stock car race on NASCAR's Labor Day weekend race schedule serves as an accompanying race to the Emory Healthcare 500. Be at the track earlier in the day for practice sessions and qualifying for the Sprint Cup Series. Location: Atlanta Motor Speedway. Contact: (770) 946-4211. $.

Sept. 3-4 DECATUR The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Decatur Book Festival -The Decatur Book Festival is said to be the largest independent book festival in the country. Author readings, children and teen activities, cooking demonstrations, live music, poetry readings and a street fair are offered.  Location: Downtown. Contact: (404) 645-9331. Free.

Sept. 3-5 KINGSLAND Labor Day Weekend Catfish Festival- A golf tournament kicks off this event that includes a catfish fishing tournament, a parade, arts and crafts, games, musical entertainment and, of course, Southern-fried and Cajun catfish.  Location: Downtown. Contact: (912) 729-5999. Free.

Sept. 4 HAMPTON Emory Healthcare 500- This Sprint Cup Series stock car race on NASCAR's Labor Day weekend race schedule serves as an accompanying race to the Great Clips 300. It is preceded by a concert featuring renowned performers. Location: Atlanta Motor Speedway. Contact: (770) 946-4211. $.

HAWAII
Sept. 3-5 KAILUA-KONA Queen Lili'uokalani Outrigger Canoe Races- This long distance canoe race course covers 18 miles between Kailua and Honaunau. Contact: (808) 938-8577.

IDAHO
Sept. 1-4 BOISE Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic- This family festival features as many as 50 hot air balloons lifting off from Ann Morrison Park each of the four mornings.  Location: Ann Morrison Park. Contact: (208) 375-0512.

Sept. 2-5 KETCHUM Wagon Days Celebration- Western entertainment includes a shoot-out and the Big Hitch Parade, a non-motorized procession featuring the enormous wagons once used for hauling ore. A mountain man rendezvous, antique shows, a craft fair and a rodeo also are offered.  Location: Various locations. Contact: (208) 726-3423. Free.

ILLINOIS
Sept. 1-5 HOOPESTON National Sweet Corn Festival- The festival boasts 29 tons of free corn on the cob, a parade, a carnival, demolition derbies, an art show, a flea market and the National Sweet Corn Pageant. Location: McFerren Park. Contact: (217) 283-5833. $.

Sept. 2-4 CHICAGO Chicago Jazz Festival- Labor Day weekend brings a great tradition of America's true original music form, jazz. Location: Grant and Millennium parks. Contact:  (312) 744-3370.  Free.

Sept. 3-5 ARTHUR Arthur's Amish Country Cheese Festival- Enjoy 600 pounds of free cheese, crafts, food, games for young and old, a tractor pull and entertainment.  Also enter or watch the National Cheese Eating Championships and the   International Cheese Curling Championships. Location: Downtown. Contact:  (217) 543-2242.  Free.

Sept. 5-10 GALESBURG National Stearman Fly-In- This is considered to be the largest gathering of Stearman airplanes (a World War II biplane trainer) in the world. Enjoy fun flying, commercial exhibits, a mini-air show, flour bombing, precision aerobatics, wing walkers and aviation antics.  Location: Galesburg Municipal Airport. Contact: (309)343-6409. $.

INDIANA
Sept. 1- Oct.1 ELKHART Quilt Gardens Along the Heritage Trail- This tour features more than 100,000 blooms,18 quilt-inspired gardens and 18 super-sized murals at 12 locations--all placed along the Heritage Trail Route.  Location: Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, Nappanee, Shipshewana and Wakarusa. Contact: (800) 377-3579. Free.

Sept. 1-5 AUBURN Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival- Featured are the Parade of Classics, an antique show, an arts and crafts show, a cruise-in, a decorator showcase home, a quilt show, a chocolate factory tour and the Last Stop Cemetery Tour.  Location: Courthouse Square. Contact: (260) 925-3600. $.

Sept. 1-5 CLERMONT National Hot Rod Association Mac Tools U.S. Nationals- This is considered to be the biggest, oldest, richest and most prestigious NHRA drag race in the world. The marathon of races also hosts two high-dollar bonus events: Funny Cars and Pro Stock Motorcycle Riders.  Location: O'Reilly Raceway Park. Contact: (317) 291-4090. $.

Sept. 2-5 INDIANAPOLIS Indianapolis Rib America Festival- Rib America features entertainment, ribs from some of the best vendors in America and fun for the entire family. Location: Military Park. Contact: (317) 249-2710.

Sept. 2-5 PLYMOUTH Marshall County Blueberry Festival- Included  are  some  550  craft,  food  and commercial booths, an antique car show, hot air balloons, a carnival, a parade, fireworks, an abundance of blueberry treats and entertainment on three stages. Location: Centennial Park. Contact: (888) 936-5020. Free.

IOWA
Sept. 1-5 MOUNT PLEASANT Midwest Old Threshers Reunion- Visit one of the country's largest theme shows based on agricultural heritage. Highlights range from steam engines and exhibits to an1850s village and craft items. Location: McMillan Park. Contact: (319) 385-8937.

Sept. 3-4 ELK HORN Viking Meet- This living-history event is performed by re- enactors from the United States and Canada. Stroll through the camp, watch the VikingHjem steel combat and Vikings in training, and view a replica of the long ship Yrsa.  Location: Danish Windmill and the Immigrant Museum. Contact: (712) 764-7472. Free.

KANSAS
Sept. 3- Oct.16 BONNER SPRINGS (Sat.-Sun. only and Oct. 10) Renaissance Festival- Visitors step back into a 16th-century English Village. Featured are some 500 costumed characters, more than 160 artisans, 13 entertainment stages and food fit for a king. Location: 628 N. 126th St. Contact: (800)373-0357. $.

KENTUCKY
Sept. 2-4 WINCHESTER Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival- The festivities begin with a Friday evening street dance in front of the courthouse. Also enjoy a 5k run, a talent contest, arts and crafts, food vendors and the Sunday evening concert at Lykins Park. Location: Various locations. Contact: (800) 298-9105.

Sept. 3-5 PIKEVILLE Tri-State Gospel Sing- This is said to be the most attended event at the park. The Tri-State Gospel Sing has been taking place here since 1951.  Location: Breaks Interstate Park Amphitheater. Contact: (800) 982-5122.

LOUISANA
Sept. 1-5 MORGAN CITY Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival- Rich in tradition, one of Louisiana's oldest chartered festivals highlights two of the state's major industries. Offerings include lots of Cajun music and food, arts and crafts, and children's activities. Location: Downtown Historic District. Contact: (985) 385-0703. Free.

Sept. 1-5 NEW ORLEANS Southern Decadence- One of the largest annual celebrations in New Orleans, this has become known as the Gay Mardi Gras. The city's wildest neighborhood gets even crazier as the French Quarter is packed for the entire event. Don't miss Sunday's Grand Marshall-led parade. Location: Various French Quarter locations. Contact: (504) 524-3788. $.

Sept. 3-5 OPELOUSAS Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival- Zydeco music is the highlight of this festival. Regional cuisine and African-American arts and crafts also are featured.  Location: Plaisance Community. Contact: (337) 942-2392. $.

MAINE
Sept. 2-4 CAMDEN Camden Windjammer Festival- This is an opportunity to view a gathering of classic windjammers. Enjoy the parade of sail on Sunday.  Location: Camden Harbor. Contact:  (207) 236-4404.  Free.

Sept. 3-4 OWLS HEAD Vintage Motorcycle Meet and Antique Aeroplane Show- Antique and vintage motorcycles take center stage. The entire family will enjoy demonstrations of a few of the museum's turn-of-the-century automobiles as well as a free rides in Ford Model Ts. Special children's activities and museum tours are planned. Location: Owls Head Transportation Museum.  Contact:  (207) 594-4418. $.

MARYLAND
Sept. 1-5 TIMONIUM Maryland State Fair- The more than half-million visitors each year attest to what has become a favorite summer tradition: the Maryland State Fair.  Location: Timonium State Fairgrounds. Contact: (410) 252-0200 ext. 225. $.

Sept. 2-4 BALTIMORE Baltimore Grand Prix- This event features world-class motorsports competition from several racing series, culminating in Sunday's IZOD IndyCar Series race.  Location: Inner Harbor area. Contact: (410) 659-7300. $.

Sept. 3 OCEAN CITY Labor Day Concerts- Enjoy a free concert on the beach and fireworks over the ocean.  Location: N. Division Street Beach. Contact: (410) 250-0125. Free.

Sept. 3- Oct.23 CROWNSVILLE (Sat.-Sun. only and Sept. 5) Maryland Renaissance Festival- Sixteenth-century England is recreated with entertainment on 10 stages, jousting tournaments at a 5,000-seat arena, and some 140 booths of period food and crafts. Location: Crownsville Road. Contact: (800) 296-7304. $.

Sept. 3-4 CRISFIELD Hard Crab Derby and Fair. The Governor's National Hard Crab Derby is the centerpiece for this fair. Also included are amusement rides, entertainment, food, fireworks, contests and a parade. Location: Somers Cove Marina. Contact: (410) 968-2500. $.

MASSACHUSETS
Sept. 3- Oct.23 CARVER (Sat.-Sun. only, Sept. 5 and Oct. 10) King Richard's Faire- King Richard's Faire is a re-creation of a 16th-century English marketplace at festival time. Royalty, beggars, highwaymen, guards, knights, wenches, swordsmen and soothsayers roam throughout the 80-acre wooded village.  Location: US 44 and SR 58. Contact: (508) 866-5391. $.

Sept. 5 LAWRENCE The Bread and Roses Festival- This event commemorates the 1912 textile workers' strike. Historic tours and demonstrations, musical entertainment, dancing, a petting zoo, pony rides, crafts and multi-ethnic foods are featured.  Location: Lawrence Common. Contact: (978) 682-8055 ext. 11. Free.

MICHIGAN
Sept. 2-5 ROYAL OAK Arts, Beats and Eats- More than 200 performances on ten stages, a juried fine arts show and local restaurants with some of the finest cuisine in metro Detroit. Location: Downtown. Contact: (248) 334-4600. $.

Sept. 5 MACKINAW CITY Labor Day Bridge Walk- Join thousands of pedestrians as they participate in this long-standing tradition. This is the only day of the year walking the Mighty Mac is allowed; participants are awarded a certificate of completion. Location: Mackinac Bridge. Contact: (800) 666-0160. Free.

MINNESOTA
Sept. 1-5 ST. PAUL Minnesota State Fair- Twelve action-packed days are filled with agriculture, food, parades, horse shows, contests, a midway and exhibits.  Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Contact: (651) 642-2200. $.

Sept. 3-4 MCGREGOR McGregor Wild Rice Days and Lions Corn Feed- The Saturday Wild Rice Festival and the Sunday Corn Feed are a part of a weekend filled with parades, a carnival, sidewalk vendors, crafts, an antique car show and children's activities. Location: Downtown. Contact: (218) 768-3692.

MISSISSIPPI
Sept. 2-3 JACKSON Farish Street Heritage Festival- This African-American community festival features three stages of entertainment from national, regional, and local artists and performers. Location: Downtown. Contact: (601) 948-5667.

Sept. 3-5 HATTIESBURG Great Southern Stampede- Celebrate the Western lifestyle with concerts, clinics, seminars, bull-riding, barrel racing, calf roping, and children's games and activities.  Location: Forrest County Multi Purpose Center. Contact: (601) 583-7500. Free.

MISSOURI
Sept. 2-5 INDEPENDENCE (Except Sept. 4) Santa-Cali-Gon Days Festival- This festival celebrates the heritage of the City of Independence as the starting point of the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails. Visitors will enjoy arts and crafts, entertainment, dances, a carnival, vendors and food.  Location: Historic Independence Square.  Contact:  (816) 252-4745.  Free.

MONTANA
Sept. 2-5 ASHLAND Ashland Labor Day PowWow- The highway comes alive with drummers and dancers from many tribes. Enjoy Native American food, art, and bead work, along with gourd dancing and hand games. Location: US 212, between Ashland and St. Labre Mission. Contact: (406) 784-2883. Free.

Sept. 4 REEDPOINT Running of the Sheep Drive- This end-of-summer celebration is highlighted by a spoof of the annual running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. Here, hundreds of Montana-bred sheep charge down Reedpoint's main street. Spectators may race, pet or mingle with the docile animals. Location: Citywide. Contact: (406) 326-2325.

NEBRASKA
Sept. 1-5 GRAND ISLAND Nebraska State Fair- A showcase of the people and products of Nebraska, this fair offers a livestock exhibition, a farming equipment trade show, and competitions in such fields as handmade crafts and baked goods.  Location: Nebraska State Fairgrounds at Fonner Park. Contact: (308) 382-1620. $.

Sept. 2-5 ARCADIA Arcadia Fall Festival- A talent show, sports, games, the Little Britches rodeo, a parade, a demolition derby and a barbecue are some of the highlights of this annual event.  Location: Bridge Street. Contact: (308) 789-6528.

Sept. 3-5 GRAND ISLAND 1897 Fair Time in Railroad Town- Celebrate a traditional county fair from the 1890s. Wagon rides, agricultural demonstrations and midway games are included. Location: Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer. Contact: (308) 385-5316. $.

Sept. 3-5 PAXTON Labor Day Celebration and Thunder in the Valley Bull Riding Classic- A parade, a tractor pull, horseshoes, children's games, crafts and food are offered. Bull- riding, mutton-busting and comedy acts are featured on Saturday.  Contact: (308) 239-4388. Free.

NEVADA
Sept. 1-5 ELKO Elko County Fair- The Nevada Stallion Stakes, the Nevada Blackjack Challenge, NRCHA events, home arts exhibits and judging, 4-H judging, a rancher's ball, a dance, a parade and vendors are highlights of this fair.  Location: Elko Fairgrounds. Contact: (775) 738-3616. $.

Sept. 2-5 FALLON Heart o' Gold Cantaloupe Festival and Country Market- Concerts, a farmers market, cantaloupe foods, a carnival and a petting zoo are some of the offerings at this country fair.  Location: Churchill County Fairgrounds. Contact: (775) 423-2544.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Sept. 4 WATERVILLE VALLEY September-Fest- Enjoy burgers, bratwurst, and fall microbrews, accompanied by free outdoor concerts, children's games and the annual charity Duck Race on Snow's Brook with cash prizes for the fastest three ducks. Location: Town Square. Contact: (603) 236-8175.

NEW JERSEY
Sept. 5 RIVERDALE Riverdale Food and Music Street Fair- This event features arts, crafts and collectibles in Crafter's Corner and Sponsor Row, where visitors are treated to free giveaways and promotions. Entertainment, street performers, children's rides and activities, and food also are offered. Location: Newark Pompton Turnpike. Contact: (201) 665-1144.

NEW MEXICO
Sept. 3-4 FARMINGTON Totah Festival- This annual juried arts and crafts show and marketplace features artists from some 17 American Indian nations. Also included are a rug auction and a powwow in which some 150 dancers participate.  Location: Farmington City Civic Center. Contact: (800) 448-1240.

Sept. 3-5 BERNALILLO New Mexico Wine Festival- Wineries offer customers an opportunity to taste and purchase New Mexico wines. Also offered are arts and crafts, food and music. Location: Wine Fest Park. Contact: (505) 867-8687.

Sept. 5 RUIDOSO DOWNS All-American Futurity Horse Race- Enjoy 2-year olds racing 440 yards in this race which is said to be the richest race in quarter horse racing.  Location: Ruidoso Downs Racetrack. Contact: (505) 378-4431. $.

NEW YORK
Sept. 1-11 FLUSHING U.S. Open Tennis Tournament- This tournament has evolved from an exclusive men's singles and doubles tournament in 1881, to a 2-week sports and entertainment extravaganza.  Location: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Contact: (800) 378-5321. $.

Sept. 1-5 SYRACUSE   Great New York State Fair- More than 1 million visitors attend this fair to view some of the best in agricultural competition, entertainment and the International Horse Show.  Location: Empire Expo Center. Contact: (800) 475-3247. $.

Sept. 3-4 BUFFALO National Buffalo Wing Festival- This fun-filled family weekend features music, the United States Chicken Wing Eating Championship, and a car and truck show. Location: Dunn Tire Park. Contact: (716) 565-4141. $.

Sept. 3-5 TARRYTOWN Green Corn Festival- Native American culture is explored through storytelling, dancing, games and hands-on activities for children.  Location: Philipsburg Manor. Contact: (914) 631-8200. $.

NORTH CAROLINA
Sept. 2-5 HENDERSONVILLE North Carolina Apple Festival- Highlights include the King Apple Parade, a mountain music jamboree, a street fair, an arts and crafts fair, an 8K road race, a 1-mile run/walk and an apple recipe contest. Location: Citywide. Contact: (828) 697-4557.

NORTH DAKOTA
Sept. 3-5 WILLISTON Fort Union Living-History Weekend- Enjoy first-person living-history tours of the fort. Re-enactors portray American Fur Company employees and American Indians of the historic 19th century.  Location: Fort Union Trading Post NHS. Contact: (701) 572-9083. Free.

OHIO
Sept. 1-3 MILLERSPORT Sweet Corn Festival- Piping hot sweet corn, four entertainment stages, a carnival, a tractor pull, a parade and dancing are featured. Proceeds benefit some 75 charities.  Location: Historic Lions Park. Contact: (740) 467-3943. $.

Sept. 3- Oct.16 HARVEYSBURG (Sat.-Sun. only and Sept. 5) Ohio Renaissance Festival- Offerings include continuous entertainment, arts and crafts, food and drink in this 30-acre replica of a 16th-century English village. Location: SR 73. Contact: (513) 897-7000. $.

Sept. 3-5 MALVERN Great Trail Arts and Crafts Festival- This festival celebrates American folk art with contemporary and country crafts. Music, Scottish pipers, a working grist mill and the Tomahawk Throwing Championship are offered along with the Rendezvous de la Grande Trace.  Location: 6331 Canton Rd. Contact: (330) 794-9100. $.

OKLAHOMA
Sept. 1-5 TUSKAHOMA Choctaw Nation Labor Day Festival and Powwow- Vendors selling food and treats, more than 100 arts and crafts booths, various sports competitions, free concerts, cultural exhibits, children's activities, Choctaw storytelling and free carnival rides are highlights. Bring a lawn chair for seating.  Location: Choctaw Capitol grounds. Contact: (580) 924-8280. Free.

OREGON
Sept. 1-5 SALEM Oregon State Fair- Concerts, magic shows, animal shows and musical entertainment are offered along with a carnival, pony rides and lots of traditional fair food.  Location: State Fair and Exposition Center. Contact: (503) 947-3247. $.

PENNSYLVANIA
Sept. 1- Oct.30 MANHEIM (Sat.-Sun. only and Sept. 5) Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire- Meet the queen of 16th-century England and her knights, lords and ladies, pirates, puppeteers, sword swallowers, tightrope walkers, minstrels and troubadours throughout this 35-acre town of yore. Location: Mount Hope Estate and Winery. Contact: (717) 665-7021 ext. 231. $.

Sept. 1-4 PITTSBURGH Holy Trinity Greek Food Festival- Great Greek food, including complete dinners, gyros and salads, and pastries and desserts are highlights. Also enjoy the Greek Marketplace, music and nightly dancing, and church tours.  Location: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Contact: (412) 321-9282. Free.

Sept. 3-4 ERIE Erie German Heritage Festival- Festival highlights include German music, dancing and food, the Marktplatz vendors and the Kinderplatz featuring a petting zoo. Location: Saint Nick's Grove. Contact: (814) 871-7669. $.

Sept. 3-4 SHAWNEE ON DELAWARE Pocono Garlic Festival- Some of the region's most pungent garlic is showcased, along with samples from the finest eateries and recognized wineries. Artisans and performers add to the festivities. Location:  Shawnee Mountain ski area. Contact:  (570) 421-7231.

Sept. 4 KENNETT SQUARE Fireworks and Fountains- Explosive fireworks and colorful fountains light up the sky and dance to spectacular music. Reservations are required for this 30- minute event.  Location: Longwood Gardens. Contact: (610) 388-1000. $.

RHODE ISLAND
Sept. 2-4 NEWPORT Classic Yacht Regatta and Parade- The weekend includes racing, parties and the ever popular Sunday Classic Yacht Parade. The regatta is a convergence of three events: the New England Huckins Rendezvous, the Annual Classic Yacht Regatta, and the 6- Meter North Americans as they tune up. Location: The Museum of Yachting. Contact: (401) 847-1018. Free.

Sept. 3-5 NEWPORT Newport Waterfront Irish Festival- This is one of the largest Irish festivals in the country featuring continuous Celtic entertainment, arts and crafts, Irish step- dancers and pipe-and-drum ensembles. The wee folk will enjoy the Rainbow's End. Location: Newport Yachting Center. Contact: (401) 846-1600 ext. 214.

SOUTH CAROLINA
Sept. 5-10 HILTON HEAD ISLAND Seafood, Jazz and Brew- Jazz performances, craft beer tasting and beer and seafood pairing are highlights of this island festival.  Location: Shelter Cove Community Park. Contact: (800) 424-3387. $.

SOUTH DAKOTA
Sept. 1-5 HURON South Dakota State Fair- Fair food, music, carnival rides and championship bull riding are just some of the endless activities offered.  Location: South Dakota State Fairgrounds. Contact: (800) 529-0900. $.

Sept. 3-5 NEWELL Newell Labor Day Celebration- A parade, flower and quilt shows, car and antique tractor shows, a tractor pull and a ranch rodeo are just some of the activities visitors can enjoy to celebrate this holiday. Location: Newell Rodeo Arena and Main Street. Contact: (605) 456-2999. $.

TENNESSEE
Sept. 3-4 MEMPHIS Memphis Music and Heritage Festival- This event has become a destination for music aficionados from around the world. Assembled for a weekend of music are some of the best artists and musicians the South has to offer. Location: Pembroke Square. Contact:  (901) 525-3655.  Free.

Sept. 4 KNOXVILLE Boomsday Festival- This event claims to have the largest Labor Day weekend fireworks show in the nation. Also enjoy amusement games, a family fun zone, children's activities, a petting zoo and the Boom in the Park Music Festival. Location: Thompson-Boling Arena. Contact: (865) 342-9191.

TEXAS
Sept. 2-4 BANDERA Celebrate Bandera- The Cowboy Capital of the World celebrates its heritage with music, horses, longhorn cattle, gunfights, an American Indian powwow, gospel singing and cowboy church on the river.  Location: Various locations. Contact: (800) 364-3833.

Sept. 2-4 WEST Westfest- This is one of the largest ethnic festivals in the state. Czech food, including kolaches (fruit- or meat-filled pastries), a parade, arts and crafts, and a children's area are featured. Location: West Fair and Rodeo grounds. Contact: (254) 826-5058. $.

UTAH
Sept. 1-5 PAYSON Payson Golden Onion Days- The onion is king of this festival, which includes amusement rides, fireworks, a parade, arts and crafts, food booths and a demolition derby. Location:  Various locations.  Contact:  (801) 465-5226

Sept. 2-5 MIDWAY Soldier Hollow Classic: Sheepdog Championship and Country Festival- Top canine teams from around the world compete at this event, which includes sheep and duck herding and a dock-jumping splash competition.  An arts and crafts festival features demonstrations in weaving, spinning and pottery-making.   Location: Soldier Hollow Resort. Contact: (435) 649-6619. $.

VERMONT
Sept. 2-11 RUTLAND Vermont State Fair- The fair features a midway, exhibits, livestock competitions, top entertainers, stunt performances, demolition derbies, racing pigs, fair food and a petting zoo.  Location: Vermont State Fairgrounds. Contact: (802) 775-5200. $.

Sept. 3-4 BENNINGTON Southern Vermont Garlic and Herb Festival- Join garlic-lovers from throughout the Northeast who come to sample food and crafts from some 50 vendors, along with garlic planting and braiding, and cooking demonstrations. Take a weed walk with a herbalist to learn about uses of every day weeds.  Location: Camelot Village. Contact: (802) 368-7147. $.

Sept. 4 RANDOLPH New World Festival- This event celebrates Vermont's Celtic and French-Canadian roots. Some 100 musicians and folk dancers from Northern New England, Canada, and the British Isles perform.  Location: Downtown and Chandler Music Hall. Contact: (802) 728-9878.

VIRGINIA
Sept. 2-4 VIRGINIA BEACH Verizon Wireless American Music Festival- Some 30 bands offer a variety of musical entertainment. Such styles as dance, soul, rock, bluegrass and blues are featured. Location: Oceanfront. Contact: (757) 425-3111. $.

Sept. 3-4 THE PLAINS Virginia Scottish Games- One of the nation's largest exhibitions of Scottish culture, this event includes Highland dancing, piping, and fiddle and harp competitions. A British antique automobile show, a Celtic crafts fair and a Scottish-breed dog exhibition also are featured.  Location: Great Meadow. Contact: (540) 592-3556. $.

WASHINGTON
Sept. 2-5 ELLENSBURG Kittitas County Fair/Ellensburg Rodeo- Some of the best riders, ropers and wrestlers compete in this rodeo that leads up to the Labor Day Monday Championship Finals. Along with the rodeo, visitors will enjoy an old-fashioned county fair.   Location: Ellensburg Rodeo Grounds. Contact: (800) 637-2444. $.

Sept. 3-5 SEATTLE Bumbershoot: Seattle's Music & Arts Festival- This festival celebrates the gamut of artistic forms including music, comedy, visual arts, literary arts, theater and dance.  Location: Seattle Center. Contact: (206) 281-8111.

WEST VIRGINIA
Sept. 2-5 CLARKSBURG West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival- Thousands descend upon Clarksburg to celebrate a little bit of Italy in the hills of West Virginia. Enjoy Italian food, a pasta cook-off, a parade, craft booths, a bocce tournament, concerts, a wine garden and children's entertainment.  Location: Various locations. Contact: (304) 622-7314.

Sept. 3-5 WESTON Jackson's Mill Jubilee- Heritage crafts, food vendors, Civil War re-enactments and an encampment, and tours are offered along with gospel, country and Christian music, a vintage car show and fireworks.  Location: WVU Jackson's Mill. Contact: (304) 269-7328.

WISCONSIN
Sept. 1-10 BAYFIELD Apostle Islands Lighthouse Celebration- This event features cruises to view or tour the historic Apostle Islands lighthouses, including the newly renovated Raspberry Island Lighthouse. Visiting artists, book signings, lectures, a Keeper's Reunion and a photography contest also are featured. Location: Various locations. Contact: (800)779-4487. $.

Sept. 2-3 PRAIRIE DU SAC Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw- This event features flying cow pies, music, an art and craft fair, a parade and food. Location: Marion Park. Contact: (608) 643-5463.

Sept. 2-4 SHEBOYGAN Dairyland Surf Classic- Reputed to be the largest freshwater surfing competition in the world, this event includes surfing and paddling competitions, and a Saturday night surf party.   Location: Lakefront. Contact: (920) 254-1050. Free

Sept. 3-4 TWO RIVERS Kites Over Lake Michigan- This event features huge show kites flying over the lake and banners along the beach, kite demonstrations, children's activities, a Saturday night kite fly and a bonfire on the beach.  Location: Neshotah Beach. Contact: (920) 793-9599.

WYOMING
Sept. 2-5 FORT BRIDGER Fort Bridger Rendezvous- This mountain man rendezvous celebrates the Fur Trade Rendezvous Era in the Rocky Mountains from 1825 to 1840. This is one of the largest mountain man gatherings in the nation.  Location: Fort Bridger Museum. Contact: (307) 787-6738. $.

ALBERTA
Sept. 2-5 EDMONTON Symphony Under the Sky- Say goodbye to summer at this outdoor summer festival featuring orchestral concerts, workshops, clinics and recitals.  Location: William Hawrelak Park. Contact: (800) 563-5031. $.

Sept. 3 CALGARY Calgary Highland Games- Enjoy all things Celtic, including harp, pipe band and fiddle music, sheepdog demonstrations, Scottish dancing and athletic events. Location: Calgary Shouldice Athletic Park. Contact: (403) 538-3513. $.

Sept. 4 CANMORE Canmore Highland Games- Harp, pipe band and fiddle music, sheepdog demonstrations, Scottish dancing and athletic games are highlights of this event. Celtic wares, and traditional food and drink also are offered. Location: Centennial Park. Contact: (403) 678-9454. $.

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Sept. 1-4 VICTORIA Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival- Visitors will enjoy 12 days of comedy, improv, drama, performance art and dance from around the world.  Location: Various downtown locations. Contact: (250) 383-2663. $.

Sept. 1-5 VANCOUVER The Fair at Pacific National Exhibition- A variety of concerts, agricultural exhibitions and an amusement park highlight this family fair.  Location: Pacific National Exhibition. Contact: (604) 253-2311.

NEW BRUNSWICK
Sept. 4-10 FREDERICTON Fredericton Exhibition- Known locally as FREX, agricultural exhibits, a livestock show, a 4-H show, a midway, and tractor and truck pulls are presented.  Location: Fredericton Exhibition Center. Contact: (506) 458-9819. $.

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Sept. 1-17 COW HEAD Gros Morne Theatre Festival- This festival includes eight plays in various genres and venues, including dinner theater. Also enjoy evenings of Newfoundland music and recitations. A different author is featured each year.  Location: Gros Morne National Park. Contact: (877) 243-2899. $.

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Sept. 3-5 AKLAVIK Aklavik Dizzy Daze- Enjoy this fall celebration featuring fun activities for the whole family. Contact: (867) 978-2351.

NOVA SCOTIA
Sept. 1-11 HALIFAX Atlantic Fringe Festival- Presented is more than 250 performances. Entertainment includes musicals, dramas, comedies and dances. Location: Various locations. Contact: (902) 435-4837. $.

ONTARIO
Sept. 1-5 TORONTO Canadian National Exhibition- Features include agricultural exhibits, livestock shows and competitions, international displays, a midway, a casino, parades, classic cars, sports events, animal shows, concerts, fireworks and an air show. Location: Exhibition Place. Contact: (416) 263-3800. $.

Sept. 1-5 TORONTO Harbourfront Centre World Routes- Artists from around the world present more than 200 concerts during this summer music festival. Films, food festivals, dance and theatrical performances, visual arts, crafts, interactive activities and workshops complement the concerts. Location: Harbourfront Centre. Contact: (416) 973-4000.

Sept. 2-5 SUDBURY Downtown Sudbury Ribfest- Come for the tastiest lip-smacking ribs, chicken and pulled pork, and enjoy the professional competition among some of the best barbecue cooks in the area.  Location: Downtown. Contact: (705) 674-5115.

Sept. 2-5 TORONTO Hispanic Fiesta- Enjoy music and dance by performers from some 20 Spanish-speaking countries during this cultural celebration of Hispanic heritage. Location: Mel Lastman Square. Contact: (416) 240-9338. Free.

Sept. 3-18 LEAMINGTON Monarch Migration Festival- Enjoy viewing this natural phenomenon as thousands of monarch butterflies and other insect and bird species stop over on their annual migration south.  Location: Point Pelee National Park. Contact: (519) 322-2365. $.

Sept. 3-5 MISSISSAUGA Dodge Rodeo Tour Mississauga Championship Weekend- This event features cowboys and cowgirls competing for the championship. Don't forget the after-show meet and greet. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Location: Hershey Centre. Contact: (905) 502-9100. $.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Sept. 1- Oct.10 CHARLOTTETOWN The Charlottetown Festival- In addition to productions including "Anne of Green Gables-The Musical," visitors will find Confederation Brass Quintet concerts on the outdoor plaza, and art exhibitions. Location: Various locations. Contact: (800) 565-0278. $.

QUEBEC
Sept. 1- Oct.2 GRAND-METIS International Garden Festival- The main attraction is the temporary gardens created by designers from Canada and around the world. Workshops, lectures and exhibitions complete the program. Location: Reford Gardens. Contact: (418) 775-2222.

Sept. 2-5 GATINEAU Festival de Montgolfieres (Hot Air Balloon Festival) - Up to 80 balloons in unusual shapes take to the air for this event, which boasts 300 shows and performances, plus amusement rides, fireworks and children's activities.  Location: La Baie Park. Contact: (819) 243-2331. $.

SASKATCHEWAN
Sept. 2-3 SASKATOON Saskatoon Fireworks Festival- A cultural showcase of ethnic groups present dance, song, music and drum performances. Both nights the festival culminates in a display of fireworks choreographed to music. Location: Rotary Park and various locations. Contact: (800) 567-2444. Free.

YUKON TERRITORY
Sept. 3 DAWSON CITY Great Klondike International Outhouse Race- Rent an outhouse (or bring your own) and participate in the race. Teams race and perform a scavenger hunt in decorated outhouses through the streets of Dawson. Location: Various locations. Contact: (867) 993-5575.