This year, we celebrate Columbus Day on Oct. 10 in remembrance of Christopher Columbus’ discovery of America 519 years ago. Traditionally, many states celebrate the holiday with parades, fairs or picnics.

Columbus Day has become a time that many Italian-Americans celebrate their heritage. These types of events can be found in the list below, like California’s Little Italy Festa and Nevada’s Eldorado's Great Italian Festival, and are broken down by state. AAA GEM (Great Experience for Member) events are also marked.

Have a great Columbus Day holiday!
ALABAMA
Oct. 1-8 CULLMAN Cullman Oktoberfest—Offerings include German food, music, dancing and entertainment. The Weiner Dog Race, a historic district bus tour and the Burgermeister's Ball also are featured. Location: Various locations. Contact: (256) 734-0454. Free.

Oct. 7-8 ATHENS  (AAA GEM event) Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention—Enjoy fiddle, harmonica, mandolin, banjo and dulcimer competitions along with country cooking, and arts and crafts.  Location: Athens State University. Contact: (256) 233-8200. $.

Oct. 7-9 MOBILE (AAA GEM event) Bayfest Music Festival—Seven outdoor stages  in  the  downtown historic district showcase top-name performers of classic rock, country, alternative, gospel, blues and jazz music. Location: Downtown. Contact: (251) 208-7782. $.

Oct. 8 DAUPHIN ISLAND "Colonial Isle Dauphine"—This living-history weekend explores life on the Gulf Coast before the fort was built. Location: Fort Gaines Historic Site. Contact: (251) 861-6992. $.

ALASKA
Oct. 10-18 SITKA Alaska Day Festival—This celebration commemorates the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States. Included are concerts, a re-enactment ceremony, a period costume ball, contests and a parade.  Location: Various locations. Contact:  (907) 747-5124.

ARIZONA
Oct. 7-9 TEMPE Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake—Polka dancing, live music and entertainment, bratwurst and a beer garden are just some of the offerings.  Location: Tempe Beach Park. Contact: (480) 491-FEST. Free.

Oct. 8-9 BENSON Butterfield Overland Stage Days—A parade, stagecoach rides, a car show, arts and crafts, a cowboy breakfast and a carnival are just some of the offerings.  Location: Lion's Park. Contact: (520) 586-2842.

ARKANSAS
Oct. 6-8 HELENA (AAA GEM event) King Biscuit Blues Festival—Enjoy the best in Delta Blues by nationally known and local talents. Many blues greats got their start in Helena on the 1940s-era King Biscuit Time radio show.  Location: Downtown. Contact: (870) 572-5223. Free.

Oct. 7-8 YELLVILLE Turkey Trot Festival—The National Wild Turkey Calling Contest, a turkey shoot, a turkey dinner, an art show, crafts, food, music and a parade are just some of the offerings.  Location: Various locations. Contact: (870) 449-4676. Free.

CALIFORNIA
Oct. 1-29 BIG BEAR LAKE (Sat.-Sun. only) Oktoberfest—Dancing, food, log-sawing demonstrations, stein-holding competitions and the crowning of an Oktoberfest queen are included. Location: Big Bear Lake Convention Center. Contact: (909) 585-3000. $.

Oct. 1-30 HUNTINGTON BEACH (Wed.-Sun. only) Oktoberfest—Complete with German bands from Europe, dancing, imported beers and tasty German foods--from bratwurst to potato salad to hot pretzels and apple strudel--Oktoberfest has something for everyone.  Location: Old World Festival Hall. Contact: (714) 895-8020.

Oct. 5-16 FRESNO Big Fresno Fair—What started out as a 5-day showcase of local produce, horse races and carnival rides, has evolved into a 12-day extravaganza. Location: Fresno Fairgrounds. Contact: (559) 650-3247. $.

Oct. 6-11 SAN FRANCISCO Fleet Week—Fleet Week is the bay area's opportunity to honor the nation's men and women of the Navy and marine services. Navy ship tours, the Parade of Ships, a Marine Corps band performance and an air show are highlights. Location: Aquatic Park, Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. Contact: (650) 599-5057.

Oct. 7-9 CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation Fall Festival—The festival celebrates the life and works of the early 20th century poet Robinson Jeffers. On Sunday, the festival ends with the Annual Jeffers Poetry Walk on Carmel River Beach. Location: Tor House. Contact: (831) 624-1813. $.

Oct. 8-9 LOS ANGELES Latino Book and Family Festival—In addition to book signings, storytelling and author discussions, this festival features arts and crafts, food and entertainment. Educational workshops and special appearances by Edward James Olmos also are featured.  Location: Greenlee Plaza. Contact: (760) 434-7474. Free.

Oct. 9 SAN DIEGO Little Italy Festa—Little Italy's Street Painting Festival, an Italian automobile show, a stickball tournament, and wine and beer gardens are featured along with Italian food and crafts. Location: India Street. Contact: (619) 233-3898. Free.

Oct. 9 SAN FRANCISCO Italian Heritage Columbus Day Parade—The parade begins at the foot of Jefferson and Stockton streets and ends in Washington Square in front of Saints Peter and Paul Church. Location: Fisherman's Wharf. Contact: (415) 986-4036. Free.

COLORADO
Oct.  8 AURORA Jack-O-Launch at Pumpkinfest—Jack-O-Launch, an event that promotes catapulting pumpkins, includes hayrides, scarecrow-making, music and a pumpkin patch. Location: DeLaney Farm. Contact: (303) 739-7000. Free.

CONNECTICUT
Oct. 1-9 SOUTHINGTON (Fri.-Sun. only) (AAA GEM event) Apple Harvest Festival—This street celebration includes arts and crafts, foot and bed races, a diaper derby, a carnival, apple products and entertainment. Location: Town Green. Contact: (800) 443-7753. Free.

Oct. 8-10 MYSTIC Chowder Days—Visitors taste a variety of chowders and other seasonal cuisine while getting a peep at fall foliage along the Mystic River.  Location: Mystic Seaport Museum. Contact: (888) 973-2767. $.

Oct. 8-9 BETHLEHEM Garlic and Harvest Festival—Such garlic demonstrations as braiding and cooking, a food court, crafts, amusement rides and musical entertainment are highlights.  Location: Fairgrounds. Contact: (203) 266-7350. $.

Oct. 9 SCOTLAND Scotland's Highland Festival—The Parade of Bands, the Kirkin' O' the Tartan and a clan village are offered along with piping and drumming, Highland dancing and athletic competitions.  Location: Edward Waldo Homestead. Contact: (860) 684-6584. $.

DELAWARE
Oct. 7-8 HARTLY Delmarva Folk Festival—Visitors will enjoy folk music, food, crafts and children's activities in a rural, family- oriented atmosphere.  Location: Field's Farm. Contact: (302) 736-2337.

FLORIDA
Oct. 1-11/13 LAKE BUENA VISTA Epcot  International  Food  and  Wine Festival — Offered are seminars, tasting events and dinners overseen by top Disney chefs as well as renowned guest chefs. Some 1,200 beers and wines will be featured as well.  Location: Epcot. Contact: (407) 939-3378. $.

Oct. 8  TAMPA Multicultural Festival of Florida—Offerings include more than 200 vendors offering food, cultural and business exhibits, art exhibits, workshops and seminars. Music and dance performances, and the Kidz Zone also are featured. Location: Florida State Fairgrounds. Contact: (813) 407-6866. Free.

Oct. 8-9 WINTER PARK Winter Park Autumn Arts Festival—The Winter Park Autumn Art Festival features Florida artists exclusively. In addition to presenting quality visual art, the festival provides entertainment and participatory events for the enjoyment of visitors and artists.  Location: Central Park. Contact: (407) 644-8281. Free.

GEORGIA
Oct. 1-30 HELEN Oktoberfest—Festhalle is the place to be for German bands, food, beer and fun. Spend the evening dancing the polka and the chicken dance, or just relax in the adjacent beer garden and enjoy the crisp night air.  Location: Helen Festhalle. Contact: (800) 858-8027. $.

Oct. 1-30 PINE MOUNTAIN (Sat.-Sun. only)—Chrysanthemum Festival at Callaway Festival activities take place on weekends, but the more than 10,000 mums of all shapes, sizes and hues may be enjoyed throughout the week.  Location: Callaway Gardens. Contact: (800) 225-5292.

Oct. 6-16 PERRY (AAA GEM event) Georgia National Fair—This fair has won national acclaim for its educational and farm-related programs. Exhibits, midway rides and games, street entertainers, family entertainment, a circus, nightly fireworks and major concerts are highlights.  Location: Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter. Contact: (800) 897-3247.

Oct. 7-9 SAVANNAH Savannah Folk Music Festival—Guests will enjoy concerts featuring internationally acclaimed singers, the Folkfest in City Market, the Youth Song Writing Competition, the Old-Time Country Dance and the Sunday Concert at Grayson Stadium. Location: Downtown and various locations. Contact: (912) 651-6417. Free.

Oct. 8-16 BLAIRSVILLE (Sat.-Sun. only) Sorghum Festival—Blairsville's longest running festival celebrates the ancient art of cooking sweet syrup from Sorghum Cane. Enjoy syrup making demonstrations in addition to such contests as Biskit Eatin', Pole Climbin', Log Sawin', Rock Throwin' and Horseshoe Throwin'.  Location: Downtown. Contact: (706) 745-5789.

Oct. 8-9 DALTON Prater's Mill Country Fair—This outdoor festival includes juried artisans, talented musicians and good cooks. Also, enjoy pony rides, canoeing, the nature trail, dancing, storytelling and corn grinding at the red mill.  Location: 500 Prater Mill Rd. Contact: (706) 694-6455. $.

Oct. 10-11 CARTERSVILLE Etowah Valley Indian Festival—A grand entry, dancing, drumming, warriors on horseback, a buffalo show, hoop dancers, Aztec dancers, a tepee village, and Native arts, crafts and food are highlights.  Location: Sam Smith Park. Contact: (800) 733-2280.

HAWAII
Oct. 9 KAUNAKAKAI (AAA GEM event) Molokai Hoe Outrigger Canoe Championship—This 41-mile, 6-person team championship outrigger canoe race, from Molokai to Oahu, features competitors from around the world. Contact: (808) 259-7112.

IDAHO
Oct. 6-8 BOISE The Promenade Music Festival—This 3-day festival features up to 100 local, regional and national bands as well as non- musical acts, at various downtown venues. Location: Downtown. Contact: (800) 635-5240. $.

Oct. 7-9 KETCHUM  (AAA GEM event)Trailing of the Sheep—Events  include  cultural  activities  and
programs relating to the history of sheep ranching in the Wood River Valley. Visitors may trail with local herders and their sheep during the Sheep Parade.  Location: Wood River Valley. Contact: (800) 634-3347.

Oct. 8-9 BOISE Oktoberfest at  the  Idaho  Botanical Gardens —Celebrate with traditional folk dancing and oompah music provided by the Edelweiss Band. Food and brews also are offered. Location: Idaho Botanical Garden. Contact: (877) 527-8233. $.

ILLINOIS
Oct. 1-9 GALESBURG (Sat.-Sun. only) Knox County Scenic Drive—This self-guiding fall foliage tour through historic Spoon River valley features displays, crafts, historic sites, museums, demonstrations and country cooking. Location: Various locations. Contact: (309) 343-2485 ext. 73.

Oct. 7-28 GODFREY (Fri. only) Great Godfrey Maze—Take a day or night adventure through two mazes cut out of seven acres of corn. The maze becomes haunted in early October, when goblins and ghosts join visitors on the dark pathways.  Location: Glazebrook Park. Contact: (618) 466-1483. $.

Oct. 7-8 PETERSBURG Candlelight Tour of New Salem—Tour the homes of New Salem after dark. Interpreters in period clothing welcome visitors into the reconstructed log homes of the historic village where Abraham Lincoln lived for 6 years.  Location: Lincoln's New Salem Historic Site. Contact: (217) 632-4000. Donation.

Oct. 7-9 ST. CHARLES (AAA GEM event) Scarecrow Festival—View hundreds of handcrafted scarecrows and vote for your favorite in five categories. Visit the children's carnival, the Autumn on the Fox Arts and Craft Show, and enjoy entertainment and music.  Location: Lincoln Park and citywide. Contact: (630) 377-6161. Free.

INDIANA
Oct. 1-9 NEW ALBANY Harvest Homecoming Festival—A parade, hot air balloons, some 300 craft booths, a juried art show, and costume and baking contests are just a few highlights of this event. Carnival midway rides and games, sports competitions and special children's activities add to the fun.   Location: Downtown. Contact: (812) 944-8572. Free.

Oct. 3-8 EVANSVILLE West Side Nut Club Fall Festival—Enjoy three parades, carnival rides, a tug of war, arts and crafts, and entertainment at this festival that has been in existence since 1921. Location: West Franklin Historic District. Contact: (812) 424-4881. Free.

Oct. 7-9 HARTFORD CITY Blackford County Civil War Days and Living History—Enjoy various period demonstrations, skirmishes, drills, Civil War entertainment, a ladies tea and dramatic presentations. Location: 322 E. Elm St. Contact: (765) 348-4319. $.

Oct. 7-9 MARION Mississinewa 1812—This living-history event includes battle re- enactments, a reconstructed American Indian village, trapper camps, craftspeople and food. Location: Mississinewa Battlefield. Contact: (800) 822-1812. $.

Oct. 7-9 WALKERTON Americana 1800 Rendezvous—Restored 1830s log homes, craftspeople and blanket traders, a knife/tomahawk throw and a rolling pin toss, antique equipment and miniature animals are highlights of this living-history event.  Location: Hesters Farm Log Homes. Contact: (574) 586-2105. Free.

IOWA
Oct. 1-30 BONDURANT (Sat.-Sun. only)—Growing Family Fun Harvest Moon Walk Explore a 10-acre corn maze under the harvest moon. Bring flashlights to read the maze maps. Location: Geisler Farms. Contact: (515) 964-2640.

Oct. 7-9 BLOOMFIELD Davis County Civil War Days and Living History Encampment—Civil War history comes to life with many period activities for all ages--on the route taken by raiders during a border raid on October 12, 1864.  Location: Shooter's Roost. Contact: (641) 675-3352.

Oct. 8 COLUMBUS JUNCTION Columbus Day Celebration—A parade, crafts, 5K and 10K runs, music, entertainment and a car show comprise this holiday event.    Location:  Downtown. Contact:  (319) 527-5182.

Oct. 8-9 WINTERSET (AAA GEM event) Madison County Covered Bridge Festival—Celebrate the county's historic covered bridges with old-time craft demonstrations, handmade arts and crafts, food vendors, music, bridge tours and an antique vehicle parade.  Location: Town Square. Contact: (515) 462-1185. $.

KANSAS
Oct. 1-16 BONNER SPRINGS (Sat.-Sun. only and Oct. 10) (AAA GEM event) 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. $.

Oct. 6-9 NORTH NEWTON (AAA GEM event) Bethel College Fall Festival—This annual celebration of education features local cultural traditions. The Taste of Newton, music and dance performances, and fine arts and crafts are just some of the offerings. Location: Various locations. Contact: (800) 899-0455. $.

Oct. 7-8 LINDSBORG (AAA GEM event) Svensk Hyllningsfest—This biennial celebration pays tribute to the founding Swiss pioneers. Featured are arts, crafts, music and a parade. One of the most popular events is Friday night's smorgasbord, a mammoth feast of Swedish cuisine. Location: Downtown. Contact: (888) 227-2227. $.

Oct. 7-9 COLUMBUS Columbus  Day  Festival  and  Hot  Air Balloon  Regatta —A Friday night balloon glow starts off the festival and is followed by races the next 2 days. Car and quilt shows, and a craft fair also are offered.  Location: Industrial Park. Contact: (620) 429-1492. $.

Oct. 8-9 LIBERAL OzFest—This annual celebration of "The Wizard of Oz" includes a parade, crafts and a look-alike contest. There's even an event for dogs as a tribute to Toto.  Location: Dorothy's House/ Land of Oz /Coronado Museum. Contact: (620) 624-7624. $.

KENTUCKY
Oct. 1-22 LOUISVILLE (Sat. only) Oktoberfest—Music, beer and bratwurst go hand in hand at this festival, which celebrates Louisville's rich German heritage.  Location: Fourth Street. Contact: (502) 583-0333. Free.

Oct. 1-8 RUSSELLVILLE Logan County Tobacco  and  Heritage Festival —A parade, carnival rides, musical entertainment, crafts, food, pageants, a rodeo, a road rally, walking tours and a pet show combine to make this a fun-filled event. Location: Various locations. Contact: (270)726-2206.

Oct. 5-8 LEXINGTON Kentucky Fall Classic Saddlebred Show—See American saddlebred, hackney and roadster breeds at this show.  Location: Kentucky Horse Park. Contact: (859) 333-1406.

Oct. 6-8 RENFRO VALLEY Appalachian Harvest Festival—This is an outdoor festival for the entire family. Watch molasses being made by a mule-drawn press and take in the antique farm machinery show. Also, enjoy a petting zoo, arts and crafts vendors, food and entertainment.  Location: Renfro Valley Entertainment Center. Contact: (800) 765-7464. $.

LOUISIANA
Oct. 1-8 SHREVEPORT (AAA GEM event) Red River Revel Arts Festival—Hundreds of the country's top artisans, entertainers and culinary masters gather for this annual festival of the arts. Food and children's activities also are included. Location: Festival Plaza. Contact: (318) 424-4000. $.

Oct. 7-9 GRETNA Gretna Heritage Festival—In addition to some 50 bands, enjoy a carnival, a German beer garden, an Italian Village and more than 100 arts and crafts vendors.  Location: Historic downtown. Contact:  (888) 447-3862.  $.

Oct. 7-9 NEW IBERIA World Championship Gumbo Cook-Off—More than 80 teams compete for the amateur and professional division title of Best Gumbo in the World. Enjoy booths and local music, and sample gumbos, including traditional chicken and sausage gumbo to more exotic duck, alligator and even rabbit gumbos. Location: Bouligny Plaza. Contact: (337) 364-1836. Free.

Oct. 8-9 LAFAYETTE (AAA GEM event) Festival Acadiens—Celebrate everything Cajun and Creole at this heritage festival.   Location: Downtown. Contact: (800) 346-1958. Free.

MAINE
Oct. 2-9 FRYEBURG Fryeburg Fair—One of Maine's largest agricultural fairs offers harness racing, pulling exhibitions, a midway and a farm equipment museum. The woodsmen's day includes ax throwing, log rolling and wood chopping contests. Location: Fairgrounds. Contact: (207) 935-3268.

Oct. 8 NEWRY (AAA GEM event) North American Wife Carrying Championship —Some 46 teams from across the country compete for a spot in the World Championship in Finland, as well as prizes including the wife's weight in beer and five times the wife's weight in cash.  Location: Sunday River Ski Resort. Contact: (207) 824-3000.

MARYLAND
Oct. 1-23 CROWNSVILLE (Sat.-Sun. only) (AAA GEM event) 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. $.

Oct. 6-10 ANNAPOLIS United States Sailboat Show—New sailboats and related products are the focus of this show, touted as one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the nation. Location: Annapolis City Dock and Harbor. Contact: (410) 268-8828. $.

Oct. 6-8 BALTIMORE Chocolate Festival—Envision every type of chocolate available--in one place. Music, cooking demonstrations, contests and children's entertainment are featured.  Location:  Lexington Market. Contact:  (410) 685-6169.

MASSACHUSETTS
Oct. 1-10 TOPSFIELD Topsfield Fair—The Fall Flower Show, agricultural exhibits, horse/oxen tractor pulls, a giant pumpkin, rides and games, and arts and crafts are just some of the offerings at this fair.  Location: Topsfield Fairgrounds. Contact: (978) 887-5000. $.

Oct. 3-9 PITTSFIELD Spinning and Weaving Week—Watch or participate in activities related to making cloth. Also, enjoy demonstrations of flax processing, spinning, dyeing and weaving skills.  Location: Hancock Shaker Village. Contact: (800) 817-1137. $.

Oct. 8-9 CARVER Cranberry Harvest Festival—The cranberry harvesting tours are a highlight of this event.  Location: Edaville USA. Contact:  (508) 866-8190.  Free.

MICHIGAN
Oct. 5-9 CARO Tuscola County Pumpkin Festival—Arts and crafts, a car show, a grand parade and, of course, hundreds of pumpkins are offered at this family festival.  Location: Various locations. Contact: (989) 673-2511. Free.

Oct. 6-9 ALPENA Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival—Experience lighthouse and life-saving exhibits, and tours of ships on the Thunder Bay River. Lighthouses from Saginaw to Mackinaw are open for tours and the October fall colors are sure to add to a great festival experience.   Location: Various locations. Contact: (586) 566-1603.

Oct. 7-8 LUDINGTON Autumn Days at Historic Pine Village—Watch as apples are pressed into cider, enjoy a hayride and the farm machinery display. Top the day off with a slice of fresh-baked apple pie, and experience entertainment surrounded by pumpkins, gourds and corn stalks.  Location: Historic White Pine Village.  Contact: (231) 843-4808. Free.

Oct. 8-9 TECUMSEH Appleumpkin Festival—Enjoy fresh apples, entertainment, a juried arts and crafts show, carnival rides, make-it- and-take-it crafts, children's activities, an antique flea market street fair and plenty of food.  Location: Downtown. Contact: (517) 424-6003. Free.

MINNESOTA
Oct. 1-31 SHAKOPEE (Sat.-Sun. only and Oct. 13-14) Sever's Corn Maze and Fall Festival—Sever's Corn Maze is reputed to be America's largest corn maze. Also enjoy hayrides, a corn pit, magic and wildlife shows, an exotic petting zoo, music, and camel and pig rides. Location: Canterbury Park. Contact: (952) 937-1315. $.

Oct. 1-8 NEW ULM (Fri.-Sat. only) Oktoberfest—Enjoy musical entertainment from local, regional and European bands. Also offered are German goods for sale, and plenty of food and beverages.  Location: Downtown and Holiday Inn. Contact: (507) 233-4300. $.

Oct. 1-9 GLENCOE (Sat.-Sun. only) Glencoe Corn Maze Festival—A 5-acre corn maze, a pumpkin patch, a hay maze and a corn pit are highlights of this Halloween event. Also, enjoy the Saturday evening Haunted Creepy Corn Maze. Location: Oak Leaf Park. Contact: (320) 864-3650. $.

MISSISSIPPI
Oct. 2-9 BILOXI Cruisin' the Coast—Car enthusiasts drive to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to display a variety of antique, classic and hot rod automobiles.  Location: Various locations. Contact: (228) 385-3842. Free.

Oct. 5-16 JACKSON Mississippi State Fair—This is reputed to be one of the oldest and largest state fairs in the nation. Featured are top name entertainment, rides and exhibits. Location: Mississippi State Fairgrounds. Contact: (601) 961-4000. $.

Oct. 7-8 CLEVELAND Octoberfest—A Memphis in May-sanctioned barbecue contest is offered along with children's activities, arts and crafts, and a custom car show. Also, enjoy street dances and musical entertainment.  Location: On the Green Strip Downtown. Contact: (662) 843-2712. Free.

MISSOURI
Oct. 1-23 HERMANN (Sat.-Sun. only) Oktoberfest in Hermann—This celebration of Old World heritage features four weekends of food and entertainment, including tours of local wineries, breweries and historic sites. Location:  Hermannhoff Winery and Festhalle.  Contact:  (573) 486-5959. $.

Oct. 1-23 KANSAS CITY (Sat.-Sun. only) Hoots and Howls—Activities include KidZoo Art (chalk art and self face painting), Hooping and Hooting (Hula Hoops), Plow and Pedal (Pedal Tractors), a pirate ship, hay rides, a rope maze, a KCZoo Live Spooky Show, a dance and a puppet show.  Location: Kansas City Zoo. Contact: (816) 513-5700. $.

Oct. 7-8 MOUNT VERNON Apple Butter Makin' Days—Apple butter is cooked using century-old methods in huge copper kettles over open fires. This juried festival also includes games, food and entertainment for all ages. Location: Downtown. Contact: (417) 466-7654.

Oct. 7-9 ST. JOSEPH Pony Express Pumpkinfest—The highlight of this fall art festival is the lighting of Great Pumpkin Mountain, which contains 750 carved and electrically lit pumpkins towering more than 20 feet. Location: Pony Express Museum and Patee Park. Contact: (800) 530-5930. Free.

Oct. 8 FROHNA Saxon Memorial Fall Festival—This festival includes horse and buggy rides, delicious German foods, a country store, craft booths and musical entertainment throughout the day. Also, enjoy the hands-on demonstrations of 1800s skills and tasks. Location:  Saxon Lutheran Memorial. Contact: (573) 824-5404.

Oct. 9 ST. LOUIS Columbus Day Parade and Festival—Join in as a predominantly Italian neighborhood celebrates the voyage of Columbus to the New World with a parade and a festival.  Location: Berra Park. Contact: (314) 837-8830.

MONTANA
Oct. 6-8 MISSOULA Humanities Montana Festival of the Book—This literary celebration offers some 50 events throughout historic downtown. More than 70 of the region's writers offer readings, panels, exhibits, demonstrations, a literary contest, signings, entertainment, receptions and tours.   Location: Downtown. Contact: (406) 243-6022.

Oct. 7-9 BOZEMAN Bridger Raptor Festival—Visitors may witness the largest known migration of golden eagles in North America. Location: Bridger Bowl Ski Area. Contact: (406) 585-1211.

NEBRASKA
Oct. 6-8 VALENTINE Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Old West Days—Musicians, poets and storytellers come from all over the country to celebrate the American Cowboy. Western art, a trade and quilt show and an old-time melodrama also are presented.  Location: Various locations. Contact: (800) 658-4024. $.

Oct. 8-9 BROWNVILLE Old Time Autumn—Visitors will enjoy autumn foliage, arts and crafts, boat rides on the Missouri River and a quilt show. Civil War re-enactments, pony and trolley rides, and a concert on Main Street also are featured.  Location: Various locations. Contact: (402) 825-4651. Free.

Oct. 9 AVOCA Schoolhouse Fiddling Bee—Competitions include the Singing Fiddler's, the Twin Fiddlers', the Fee-Fi-Faux Fiddler and the Hocus-Pocus contests.  Location: Old Avoca Schoolhouse. Contact: (402) 275-3221. $.

NEVADA
Oct. 5-8 LAS VEGAS Senior Nationals Final Rodeo—Cowboys and cowgirls compete to win a world championship in nine sanctioned events including bareback, bull riding, calf roping, ladies barrel racing, ladies breakaway roping, ribbon roping, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, and team roping.  Location: Horseman's Park. Contact: (928) 684-9566. $.

Oct. 7-9 LAS VEGAS  (AAA GEM event) Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival—War horses, jousting knights, storytellers, musicians, singers and dancers come together to present a 16th-century, living-history village.  Location: Sunset Park. Contact: (702) 455-8200. $.

Oct. 8-9 RENO Eldorado's Great Italian Festival—Offerings include the Columbus Day Parade, entertainment, a spaghetti sauce cook-off, a grape stomping contest, a bocce tournament, a gelato eating contest and gourmet Italian buffets.  Location:  Various locations. Contact:  (800) 648-5966.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Oct. 8-10 CENTER SANDWICH Sandwich Fair—Animal shows and competitions, a farmers market, a midway, exhibits, and entertainment, as well as arts and crafts, antique tractor and children's pedal tractor pulls and an antique automobile parade are some of the highlights.  Location: Sandwich Fairgrounds. Contact: (603) 284-7062. $.

Oct. 8-9 BARTLETT Attitash Oktoberfest—This traditional Bavarian celebration includes German food, music, dancing, children's activities and the Oktoberfest Biergarten featuring regional brewers.   Location: Attitash Bear Peak. Contact: (603) 374-2368. $.

NEW JERSEY
Oct. 7-11 CAPE MAY (AAA GEM event) Victorian Weekend—Private home tours, antique and craft shows, Victorian fashion shows and brass band concerts are some of the offerings during this weeklong festival.  Location: Citywide. Contact:  (609) 884-5404. $.

Oct. 7-9 SEASIDE HEIGHTS Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival—This street festival features entertainment and Italian food favorites, such as sausage and peppers, zeppoles, pizza and spaghetti. Enjoy the bands, floats and entertainment during the parade.  Location: Sherman Avenue and Bay Boulevard. Contact: (732) 477-6507.

Oct. 8-9 SOMERVILLE (AAA GEM event) Somerset  County's  Weekend Journey  through the Past —Enjoy exhibits, programs and tours at some 30 historic sites. Local historians will be on hand to share their knowledge and stories about Somerset County's history.  Location: Various Somerset County locations. Contact: (908) 231-7110. Free.

NEW MEXICO
Oct. 1-30 LAS CRUCES  (AAA GEM event) Mesilla Valley Maze—A corn maze, a pumpkin patch and hayrides are highlights of this family-oriented event. Location: Lyles Family Farm. Contact: (575) 526-1919. $.

Oct. 1-9 ALBUQUERQUE (AAA GEM event) Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta—Nearly 900 hot air balloons are featured in mass ascensions, rallies and competitions. Location: Balloon Fiesta Park. Contact: (888) 422-7277. $. 

Oct. 7-9 RUIDOSO DOWNS (AAA GEM event) Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium—Cowboy poets and storytellers are featured along with musicians, a dance, a chuck wagon cook-off, Western arts and crafts, demonstrations of horse-related activities and children's activities.  Location: Ruidoso Downs Racetrack. Contact: (505) 378-4142.

NEW YORK
Oct. 1-30 FLORAL PARK (Sat.-Sun. only and Oct. 10) The Amazing Maize Maze—Enjoy getting lost in a 3-acre interactive corn maze. Two nights offer Maze By Moonlight on October 8 and 15.  Location: Queens County Farm Museum. Contact: (718) 347-3276. $.

Oct. 8-9 SCHOHARIE Stone Fort History Fair—Encampments, gas engines, historians, museum displays, children's games and music are just some of the offerings.  Location: Old Stone Fort Museum Complex. Contact: (518) 295-7192. $.

Oct. 10 NEW YORK Columbus Day Parade—The parade begins on Fifth Avenue at 47th Street and continues north along Fifth Avenue to 79th Street. The Columbus Day Mass takes place at St. Patrick's Cathedral.  Location: Fifth Avenue. Contact: (212) 249-9923. Free.

NORTH CAROLINA
Oct. 1-9 WINSTON-SALEM Dixie Classic Fair—This agricultural fair offers a carnival, nationally known musical artists, rodeo bull- riding, demolition derbies and tractor pulls. Location: Winston-Salem Dixie Classic Fairgrounds. Contact: (336) 727-2236. $.

Oct. 7-9 HICKORY Oktoberfest—Oompah bands, the Becks Beer Garden, Fine Crafts on Union Square Commons, KidsFest and German food are highlights of this event. Location: Union Square. Contact: (828) 322-1121.

Oct. 7-9 WILMINGTON (AAA GEM event) Wilmington Riverfest—Offerings include arts and crafts, garden tours, fireworks, and the Invasion of the Pirates Flotilla and Treasure Hunt.  Location: Historic Downtown. Contact: (910) 452-6862.

Oct. 8 ABERDEEN International Sardine Festival—What could be better than a tin of sardines, a handful of crackers, an ice cold RC Cola and a MoonPie? From horseshoes to Sardine Shuffleboard this event is fun for all. Location: Aberdeen Lake Park. Contact: (910) 944-7275. Free.

Oct. 8-9 ASHEVILLE Carolina Bonsai Expo—Bonsai displays, demonstrations, workshops and a marketplace are featured.  Location: North Carolina Arboretum. Contact: (828) 665-2492. $.

Oct. 8-9 ASHEVILLE Chrysanthemum Show—This juried show highlights the wealth of flowers reminiscent of the autumn season from the smallest button mums to giant football mums.  Location: North Carolina Arboretum. Contact: (828) 665-2492.

Oct. 8-9 NEW BERN (AAA GEM event) MUMfest—Tour the Attmore-Oliver House and Tryon Palace Gardens, and enjoy stage and roving entertainment, and arts and crafts. A car show, a boat show and children's entertainment also are offered.  Location: Historic Downtown and Waterfront. Contact: (252) 638-5781.

Oct. 8-9 SWANSBORO Swansboro Mullet Festival—Enjoy mullet cooked many different way, arts and crafts, games and the Mullet Festival Parade.  Location: Downtown. Contact: (910) 326-7370. Free.

Oct. 10-14 BURLINGTON Colonial Living Week—Featured at this 5-day living-history event are demonstrations of 18th-century skills and crafts.  Location: Alamance Battleground State Historic Site. Contact: (336) 227-4785. Free.

NORTH DAKOTA
Oct. 6-9 MINOT Badlands ProRodeo Circuit Finals—This Badlands Circuit championship rodeo features 12 best cowboys and cowgirls in bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, roping and bucking horse riding.  Location: State Fair Center. Contact: (701) 852-5577. $.

Oct. 7-9 BOWDON Duck Fest—This is a celebration of duck hunting. Enjoy an art show, demonstrations, specialty foods, a talent show, a trap shoot, a historic tour, a duck walk and activities for children. Location: Various locations. Contact: (701) 962-3633.

OHIO
Oct. 1-16 HARVEYSBURG (Sat.-Sun. only) (AAA GEM event) 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. $.

Oct. 4-8 BRADFORD Bradford Pumpkin Show—A decorated and painted pumpkin contest, a diaper derby, royalty contests, a pet and novelty parade, arts and crafts, a talent show and a best baby contest are featured. Location: Downtown. Contact: (937) 448-2710. Free.

Oct. 7-9 COLUMBUS Columbus Italian Festival— Enjoy open-air markets, Italian music and
dancing, a Ducati display, church tours and plenty of Italian food--including a pizza cook- off.  Location: St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church. Contact: (614) 294-5319. $.

Oct. 7-9 OLD WASHINGTON Paul Bunyan Show—Offerings include chainsaw sculpting, heavy equipment demonstrations and displays, antique and steam logging equipment, a lumberjack water show and a horse log skidding competition.  Location: Guernsey County Fairgrounds. Contact: (888) 388- 7337. $.

Oct. 8-9 JEFFERSON Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival—This event coincides with peak fall foliage and offers tours of 16 covered bridges. Other highlights include quilt shows, a draft horse pull, crafts, a parade, and antique steam engines and cars.  Location: Ashtabula County Fairgrounds. Contact: (440) 576-3769. $.

Oct. 8-9 WAYNESVILLE Ohio Sauerkraut Festival—Arts and crafts exhibitors, commercial and food vendors, children's activities and games, and continuous entertainment are offered. Location: Old Main Street. Contact: (513) 897-8855. Free.

Oct. 8-9 WOODSFIELD Black Walnut Festival—This logging festival features a lumberjack contest, a horseshoe tournament, and a banjo and fiddle contest. A classic car show, a demolition derby and lots of food, including apple butter made over open fire and black walnut fudge also are offered.  Location: Monroe County Fairgrounds. Contact: (740) 926-1466. $.

Oct. 9 OREGONIA Devil's Staircase Motorcycle Hillclimb—This motorcycle race takes place on a wooded hillside.  Location: 1086 Corwin Rd. Contact: (937) 263-9321. $.

OKLAHOMA
Oct. 1-9 TULSA Tulsa State Fair—This fair has it all: midway rides, traditional fair food, an educational area, commercial exhibits, free concerts featuring national recording artists, arts and crafts and a PRCA sanctioned rodeo.  Location: Expo Square. Contact: (918) 744-1113. $.

Oct. 8 HARTSHORNE Hard Times Festival—Enjoy a day of looking back in time and experience 25-cent burgers, homemade pies, hobos, gangsters, arts and crafts, relays, music, a talent show and vintage cars. Location: Downtown. Contact: (918) 297-3651. Free.

Oct. 8-15 OKLAHOMA CITY Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show—This event features more than 1,000 horses competing from some 45 states and some four nations for some $300,000 in prize money and awards.  Location: State Fair Arena. Contact: (405) 948-6700.

OREGON
Oct. 7-9 MEDFORD Medford Jazz Festival—Some of the top traditional jazz bands in the nation are showcased during more than 100 hours of performances. Dancing demonstrations and instructions also are offered. Location: Various locations. Contact: (541) 770-6972.  $.

Oct. 8-9 LINCOLN CITY Fall Kite Festival—An illuminated night flight is a highlight of this annual event. Location: D-River Wayside State Park. Contact: (800) 452-2151.

PENNSYLVANIA
Oct. 1-30 ADAMSTOWN (Sun. only) Stoudt's Brewery Oktoberfest—Celebrate German traditions in Pennsylvania Dutch Country at Stoudt's Gemutlichkeit Bier Garden. The entire family will enjoy an afternoon of German musical entertainment and food.  Location: Stoudt's Brewing Company.  Contact:  (717) 484-4386.

Oct. 1-30 MANHEIM (Sat.-Sun. only) (AAA GEM event) 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. $.

Oct. 7-8 SPRINGS Springs Folk Festival—Join in a celebration of the arts, skills and labors of our forefathers. Watch women baking bread and weaving, men hewing logs and threshing grain and children enjoying themselves on an old-time hayride.  Location: Festival grounds. Contact: (814) 662-4158. $.

Oct. 7-9 CONFLUENCE Confluence Pumpkinfest—Among the offerings are the Pumpkinfest Queen Pageant, a 5K run/walk, an antique and classic automobile show, a parade and a largest pumpkin contest. Also, enjoy arts and crafts, a tough man fire truck pull, entertainment and an antique tractor show. Location: Downtown. Contact: (814) 395-0436.

Oct. 8 LEWISBURG Wooly Worm Festival—This wacky festival features a team of worm readers who measure, poke, and nudge the furry creatures to predict the winter weather. Enjoy food, crafts, musical entertainment, rides and Woolly Worm races.  Location: Hufnagle Park. Contact: (570) 412-1227. Free.

Oct. 8-9 FORKSVILLE Sullivan County Fall Festival and Lumberjack Competition —This event is held rain or shine. The Mid- Atlantic National Chainsaw Carving Competition is featured, which includes speed chopping, spring board chopping, ax throw, logrolling, chainsaw crosscut carving, and on Sunday, the chainsaw obstacle course. Location: Sullivan County Fairgrounds. Contact:  (570) 482-4088.  $.

Oct. 8-9 SHAWNEE ON DELAWARE Autumn Timber Festival—The Ironjack Timber Team provides logrolling, pole climbing and buck sawing demonstrations. Scenic chairlift rides, tethered hot air balloon rides, hot air balloon launches and entertainment add to the fun. Location: Shawnee Mountain Ski Resort. Contact: (570) 421-7231. $.

Oct. 9 PHILADELPHIA Columbus Day Parade—Visitors will enjoy a colorful parade on Broad Street marking the day of the great explorer. Location: South Broad Street. Contact: (215) 686-2085.

RHODE ISLAND
Oct. 8-10 NEWPORT Newport Festa Italiana—Newport County's Italian heritage is celebrated with cuisine and family activities. Location: Citywide. Contact: (800) 976-5122.

Oct. 8-10 NEWPORT International Oktoberfest—Musicians, yodelers and dancers from Germany perform at this festival on Columbus Day weekend. Seasonal crafts, activities and takeaways round out the family fun.  Location: Newport Yachting Center. Contact: (401) 846-1600 ext. 214. $.

Oct. 8-10 WOONSOCKET Woonsocket Autumnfest—A midway, a parade, arts and crafts, an international food court, the Kid's Fest, fireworks and entertainment are just some of the highlights.  Location: WWII Memorial Park. Contact: (401) 762-9072. Free.

SOUTH CAROLINA
Oct. 1-23 CHARLESTON Fall Tour of Homes and Gardens—Visit intimate gardens and architecturally significant private homes, churches and public buildings while strolling along the city's historic streets.  Location: Depart from The Preservation Society of Charleston. Contact:  (843) 722-4630.  $.

Oct. 1-9 CHARLESTON MOJA Arts Festival—Celebrate the contributions of the African- American and Caribbean cultures through visual arts, music, poetry, gospel, storytelling and food.  Location: Downtown. Contact: (843) 724-7305. $.

Oct. 8 LEXINGTON Oktoberfest—This German heritage celebration features an Oompah Tent offering German food, beer and entertainment, a parade and a carnival. Also included are a pageant, arts and crafts, golf and bass tournaments, a 5K and a street dance. Location: Gibson Road Sports Complex.  Contact:  (803) 808-6876.

Oct. 8-9 MOUNT PLEASANT Taste of Charleston—The main event of this family festival is sampling the taste tempting delights served at more than 50 of Charleston's finest restaurants. Also, enjoy the Waiter's Wine Race, cooking demonstrations, the Best of the Taste, and food and wine pairings.  Location: Boone Hall Plantation. Contact: (843) 577-4030.

SOUTH DAKOTA
Oct. 7-9 RAPID CITY (AAA GEM event) Black Hills Powwow—Where the past and present merge in an unforgettable living legacy, experience the proud heritage and majestic pageantry of American Indian dancers in the sacred Black Hills of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota nations.  Location: Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Contact: (605) 341-0925.

Oct. 7-9 SIOUX FALLS South Dakota Festival of Books—Celebrate the literary arts with events for the entire family. In addition to tribal writers, participants also may meet regional and South Dakota authors of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, children's literature and history.  Location: Deadwood Chamber Pavilion. Contact: (605) 688-6113. Free.

Oct. 10 CRAZY HORSE Native American Day—This celebration features American Indian singers, dancers, artists and storytellers. A blast on the mountain (weather permitting) and free buffalo stew for all follow the morning program. A donation of three cans of food per person is suggested.  Location: Crazy Horse Memorial. Contact: (605) 673-4681. Donation.

TENNESSEE
Oct. 1-29 PIGEON FORGE Southern Gospel and Harvest Celebration—As the leaves begin to fall, Dollywood gears up for its annual National Gospel and Harvest Celebration. More than 250 Southern gospel concerts ring throughout the park, along with arts and crafts, and fabulous foods.  Location: Dollywood Theme Park. Contact: (800) 965-5336. $.

Oct. 7-9 JONESBOROUGH National Storytelling Festival—Since 1972 accomplished storytellers and newcomers weave traditional tales, multicultural folklore, contemporary legends and bewitching ghost stories. Bring a blanket for seating. Advance registration is recommended.  Location: International Storytelling Center and various locations. Contact: (800) 952-8392. $.

Oct. 8 NASHVILLE Oktoberfest—Nashville celebrates its Old World heritage with authentic food and drink, live music, folk dancing and tours of Germantown's historic churches.  Location: Church of the Assumption. Contact: (615) 256-2729. Free.

TEXAS
Oct. 6-9 SEGUIN Guadalupe County Fair and PRCA Rodeo—In addition to a carnival midway and rides, enjoy the County Barrel Race, a ranch rodeo, a trade fair, the Fair Parade and a barbecue cook-off.  Location: Seguin Events Complex. Contact: (830) 379-6477. $.

Oct. 7-15 SAN ANTONIO (Fri.-Sat. only) Oktoberfest San Antonio—Entertainment from Germany is the centerpiece of this event, which also features food, singing and dancing.   Location: Beethoven Maennerchor. Contact: (210) 222-1521.

Oct. 7-23 TYLER (AAA GEM event) Texas Rose Festival—Among the festivities is a queen coronation, a parade and a concert in the park.  Location: Various locations. Contact: (903) 597-3130. $.

Oct. 7-8 MARSHALL Fire Ant Festival—Highlights include the Tour de Fire Ant bicycle race, a fire ant-calling contest, a fire ant roundup, rubber chicken chucking, a chili cook-off and a parade.  Location: Downtown. Contact: (903) 935-7868.

Oct. 7-9 ROCKPORT Rockport Seafair—Rockport Seafair is a sea-themed fun festival that features live entertainment, some 120 vendors, the Gumbo Cook-Off, seafood cooking classes and demonstrations, a carnival, education about the coast and a parade.  Location: National District Festival Grounds. Contact: (800) 242-0071. $.

Oct. 8-9 GRAND PRAIRIE International   Bar-B-Que Cookers Association Cook-off —Some 100 barbecue cooks will prepare more than 600 judging samples. Cook-off visitors will get a firsthand look at how seriously barbecue cooks take their cooking and their fun.  Location: Trader's Village. Contact: (972) 647-2331. Free.

Oct. 8-9 MIDLAND Commemorative Air Force AirSho—Enjoy one of the largest displays of World War II aircraft, a trade show, static displays and a performance by the Canadian Air Force Snowbirds.  Location: Midland International Airport. Contact: (432) 563-1000. $.

UTAH
Oct. 1-21 IVINS (AAA GEM event) Broadway in the Desert—Adding a decidedly Western touch to Broadway, is the chuck wagon dinner that is served before each performance.  Location: Tuacahn Amphitheatre. Contact: (800) 746-9882. $.

Oct. 1-29 CEDAR CITY (AAA GEM event) Utah Shakespearean Festival—Eight world-class plays, seminars, classes and free shows give just the right theatrical flourish. Between plays enjoy backstage tours, a fest of fools and the Royal Feast. Location: Adams Shakespearean Theater and Randall L. Jones Theater, Southern Utah University. Contact: (800) 752-9849. $.

Oct. 1-9 SNOWBIRD (Sat.-Sun. only) Oktoberfest—Oktoberfest Halle features the tastes of Bavaria with entertainment from local and national German bands and yodelers. Kinderland offers fun for children of all ages; Der Marktplatz allows shoppers to browse through a variety of crafts.  Location: Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort. Contact: (801) 933-2110. Free.

VERMONT
Oct. 8-9 WOODSTOCK Harvest Weekend—Activities include a husking bee, a barn dance, putting food by, cider pressing and a farm harvest.  Location: Billings Farm and Museum. Contact: (802) 457-2355. $.

Oct. 9 STRAFFORD 19th-Century Apple Festival—Pressing cider in a vintage 19th-century cider press is a highlight. The festival also includes many apple-related activities, heirloom apple varieties for tasting, a visit with Johnny Appleseed and tours of the historic orchard. Location: Justin Morrill State Historic Site. Contact: (802) 765-4484. $.

VIRGINIA
Oct. 1-9 DOSWELL State Fair of Virginia—Enjoy entertainment, a midway, livestock judging, exhibits, shows and fair foods. Location: Meadow Event Park. Contact: (804) 994-2800. $.

Oct. 8 CHINCOTEAGUE Oyster Festival—Showcased in this event is a menu of all-you- can-eat oysters prepared in various ways. Music and dancing also are featured. Location: Maddox Family Campground. Contact:  (757) 336-6161.  $.

Oct. 8 INDEPENDENCE Mountain Foliage Festival and Grand Privy Races—Visitors line Main Street to cheer on their favorite outhouse competitor in the Grand Privy Race. Other offerings include an arts and crafts show, children's activities, food booths, music and dancing.  Location: Main Street. Contact: (540) 773-3507.

Oct. 8 WARRENTON Fauquier County Fall Farm Tour—Milk cows, llamas, horses, Angus cattle, fresh produce, flowers, two giant corn mazes, hayrides and food are just some of the offerings of this annual tour.  Location: Various locations. Contact: (540) 349-5314.

Oct. 8-9 APPOMATTOX Historic Appomattox Railroad Festival—Highlights include a parade, arts and crafts, music, train exhibits, food and fireworks. Location: Downtown. Contact: (434) 352-2338. Free.

WASHINGTON
Oct. 1-15 LEAVENWORTH (Fri.-Sat. only) Oktoberfest—German music, food, arts and crafts and family activities are offered along with the Keg Tapping Ceremony on Saturdays. Location: Downtown. Contact: (509) 548-5807. Free.

Oct. 7-9 PUYALLUP Oktoberfest Northwest—The Hammerschlagen Tournament of Champions, where the goal is to drive a nail into a cross-section of wood faster than your opponent, and the Wiener Dog Races are highlights of this festival.   Location: Fairgrounds. Contact: (425) 283-5050. $.

Oct. 8-9 GRAYLAND Cranberry Harvest Festival—Music fills the air as the community gathers to celebrate the cranberry harvest. Cranberry bog tours, the Cranberry Cook-off, the Bog Jog, the Firefly Parade and Dueling Fiddlers are highlights.   Location: Festival headquarters at the Community Hall. Contact: (800) 473-6018. Free.

Oct. 8-9 PORT ANGELES Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festival—In addition to the crab feed, visitors will find wine tastings, a beer garden, chefs' demonstrations, entertainment, educational exhibits, crafts and a children's area. Location: Port Angeles City Pier. Contact: (360) 457-6110. Free.

Oct. 8-9 RIDGEFIELD Ridgefield Birdfest and Bluegrass Festival—Sandhill cranes, horned owls and bald eagles are on the birding list at this event, which offers guided walks, bluegrass music, food and children's activities.  Location: Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and downtown. Contact: (360) 887-9495. Free.

WEST VIRGINIA
Oct. 1-9 ELKINS  (AAA GEM event) Mountain State Forest Festival—Highlights include strong man   and lumberjack competitions, parades, arts and crafts, concerts, talent shows, amusement rides, street vendors and food.  Location: Various locations. Contact: (304) 636-1824.$.

Oct. 6-9 SALEM Apple Butter Festival—Watch apple butter being made in open copper kettles over slow-burning wood fires. Also, enjoy entertainment, pageants, a quilt show, a parade, a car show and a bicycle poker ride. Location: Depot Park.  Contact: (304) 782-3565. Free.

Oct. 7-9 MULLENS Lumberjackin' Bluegrassin' Jamboree—The colorful brilliance of southern West Virginia's deciduous forest provides the backdrop of  this family-oriented event that has been taking place since 1982. Enjoy a woodsman's competition, bluegrass music, Appalachian clogging, and arts and crafts. Location: Twin Falls Resort State Park. Contact: (304) 294-4000. Free.

Oct. 7-9 WELLSBURG Wellsburg Applefest—There are attractions as well as a wide variety of apple-related treats and other food, entertainment and activities for all ages at this family event.  Location: Brooke Hills Park. Contact: (304) 737-1212.

Oct. 8 WEBSTER Burgoo International Cook-Off—Enjoy an unusual cook-off that involves a combination of many different meats. Children's activities, entertainment, and arts and crafts also are offered.  Location: Baker's Island Recreation Area. Contact: (304) 847-7291.

Oct. 8-9 BERKELEY SPRINGS Apple Butter Festival—The festivities begin with the Saturday morning parade. Enjoy apple butter-making demonstrations, trolley rides, a turtle race, musical entertainment, a beard and mustache contest, a gallery show and a hog calling contest.  Location: Berkeley Springs State Park. Contact: (800) 447-8797.

WISCONSIN
Oct. 1-9 EAGLE (Sat.-Sun. only) Autumn on the Farms—Celebrate the harvest and help farmers bring in and preserve this season's crops. Experience how 19th-century farmers dried and canned the fruits of their gardens, smoked and preserved meat, and readied their homes and farms for the coming winter.  Location: Old World Wisconsin. Contact: (262) 594-6300. $.

Oct. 7-9 BAYFIELD  Bayfield Apple Festival—This event features some 46 orchard and apple delicacies booths, entertainment, a carnival, more than 150 arts and crafts booths, and boat cruises. Don't miss the Venetian Boat Parade, the Sunday grand parade and the Apple Dumpling Gang contest.  Location: Downtown. Contact: (800) 447-4094. Free.

Oct. 8-9 COON VALLEY Norskedalen's Civil War Heritage Weekend—Norskedalen and Company B 2nd Wisconsin Civil War Re-enactors present drills, battles and demonstrations. Also, visit living-history stations and cabins occupied by costumed re- enactors.  Location: Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center. Contact: (608) 452-3424. $.

Oct. 8-9 WASHINGTON ISLAND Cider Pressing Party and Fall Festival—Bring some apples and press them on the antique cider press to make cider. Horse- drawn wagon rides, activities at the Farm Museum and games for children are part of the fun.  Location: Washington Island Farm
Museum grounds. Contact: (920) 847-2179.