Are looking for something fun and a bit different to do this summer? Here is a list of 10 out-of-the-ordinary festivals to put a little wacky fun in your summer.
Superman Celebration
June 9-12
Metropolis, IL
http://www.supermancelebration.net/
A packed event schedule includes a carnival, car show, artists gallery, costume contests, BMX bike competitions, Man of Steel competitions, and much, much more.
Lumberjack World Championships
July 29-31
Wayward, WI
http://www.lumberjackworldchampionships.com/
The Lumberjack World Championships® is recognized as the premier timber sporting event. Lumberjacks and lumberjills from around the world including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Czech Republic come to compete for the gold.
National Tom Sawyer Days
Hannibal, MO
June 30-July 4
http://www.hannibaljaycees.org/NTSD.html
From the National Fence Painting Contest to a Frog Jumping Contest to Live Entertainment at Tanyard Gardens, National Tom Sawyer Days is for the young and old at heart. Visitors from all over the world come to experience the history of Hannibal, through the eyes of Mark Twain.
Roswell UFO Festival
July 1-4
Roswell, NM
http://ufofestivalroswell.com/
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 three-day event will feature guest speakers, authors, live entertainment, a costume contest, a pet costume contest, parade, family-friendly activities and more. All events and activities are free to the public.
International Cherry Pit Spitting Championship
July 2
Eau Claire, MI
http://www.treemendus-fruit.com/album1_009.htm
This year marks 37 years of unbroken competition. Tree-Mendus is a family-oriented, agri-tourism destination in Southwest Michigan. The farm features U-Pick fruit, family recreation, and a country store. Iit is the premier and epitome of summer Olym-pit events.
Redneck Games
July 9
East Dublin, GA
http://summerredneckgames.com/
What started off in 1996 as a goofy way to raise money for charity has evolved into a nationwide phenomenon. There’s the Hubcap Hurl, the Bobbin’ for Pig’s Feet Fest, and Redneck Horseshoes — in which toilet seats are the objects thrown. All profit — every last cent — from the Redneck Games goes to local charities. Everyone and their butt crack is welcome — even Yankees.
The Wayne Chicken Show
July 9-11
Wayne, NE
http://www.chickenshow.com/events/
The Chicken Show is a fun event held annually on the second Saturday in July. The theme of “chickens” was chosen because of 1) the potential for art materials; 2) most people have knowledge and familiarity with chickens; and, 3) chickens can be considered with humor. Events include the World’s Largest Chicken Dance, live chicken flying, best chicken legs competition, and the national cluck-off.
Yarmouth Clam Festival
July 15-17
Yarmouth, ME
http://www.clamfestival.com/home.php
The Yarmouth Clam Festival takes place every summer, during the third weekend in July in the charming coastal village of Yarmouth, Maine. This summertime tradition draws visitors from all over the country who come to enjoy the music and arts, events and competition, and of course, the delicious food. Main events include the Clam Festival Canoe and Kayak race, clam shucking contest, and the Firefighter’s Muster competition.
Gilroy Garlic Festival
July 29-31
Gilroy, CA
http://gilroygarlicfestival.com/
The Gilroy Garlic Festival is a celebration of all things garlic. This year’s 33rd annual “Ultimate Summer Food Fair” will feature three days of incredible food, beverages, arts & crafts and live entertainment.
Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw
September 2-3
Prairie Du Sac, WI
http://www.wiscowchip.com/
The entire Sauk Prairie Community welcomes you to join the fun of the light-hearted tradition of cow chip tossing. In addition to the main event, the Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw (the current state record is 248 feet), the weekend’s events include two stages of free entertainment, arts and crafts fair, a parade, food court, and a beer garden.
Do you have your own favorite wacky summer festival that isn’t listed here? We would love to hear about it!
The Cornbread, Bean and Outhouse races in Mountain View, AR is a fun event in the fall, and the annual Mule Jump Contest/festival in Pea Ridge, AR is also an eye-opener.