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Peter’s Travel Log
America The Beautiful.com
When it comes to special events, fairs and festivals, Missouri has something for everyone. Whether it's honoring food, history, heritage, or one of the four seasons, Missouri’s celebrations are known for their authentic charm. The following is just a sample of the events taking place year round.
Soulard Mardi Gras - Lumiére Place Grand Parade
January 6 - March 4, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri
A parade featuring floats, marching bands, colorful masks and outlandish costumes rolls from Downtown St. Louis through the historic Soulard neighborhood. Families can view all the excitement from the Family Fun Area in Kiener Plaza. Mardi Gras events include a wine tasting, Cajun cook-off, pet parade, wiener dog derby and more. Visit: www.stlmardigras.org
Polar Bear Plunge
February 2014 in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
This "unbearable" event is a unique opportunity for individuals, businesses and organizations to support local Special Olympic athletes by jumping, diving or crawling into the sparkling, frigid waters of lakes across the state. An estimated 500-plus participants take the challenge at the Lake of the Ozarks’ freezing waters, or braved the elements on a 5K run/walk in the seventh annual Polar Beat Strut, both held at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Visit: Polar Bear
Missouri Trout Opening Day
March 1 in Missouri
The state of Missouri has four trout parks that celebrate the opening day of its Catch-and-Keep Trout Season on March 1. They are Bennett Spring State Park, Lebanon; Roaring River State Park, Cassville; Montauk State Park, Salem; and Maramec Spring Park, St. James. All of them offer exceptional fishing in crystal clear waters. This Ozark tradition attracts thousands of anglers. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic beauty, hiking trails and other amenities. Visit: www.missouritrout.com
National Tom Sawyer Days
July 4-6, 2014 in Hannibal, Missouri
A Hannibal tradition for over 50 years, the Hannibal Jaycees’ National Tom Sawyer Days celebration focuses on wholesome family fun. 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 the young at heart. Visitors from all over the world come to experience the history of Hannibal, through the eyes of Mark Twain. Visitors of all ages can watch or join in many of the activities, including three Fence Painting Contests, a frog jumping competition, the Sam Clemens-Kiwanis Arts & Crafts Show, Mississippi Mud Volleyball, a carnival, a parade, stage entertainment, dancing, food, a spectacular 4th of July fireworks display over the Mississippi River and much more. Downtown Hannibal during National Tom Sawyer Days truly offers something for everyone. Visit: www.hannibaljaycees.org
Missouri State Fair
August 7-17, 2014 in Sedalia, Missouri
Since the first fair in 1901, thousands of Missouri families have made the annual "pilgrimage" every August to Sedalia for this 11-day event. From entertainment to livestock shows to traditional fare, the Missouri State Fair is one of the state’s oldest and most tradition-rich events for summer family fun. Among the popular attractions, one of the more famous parts of the fair is the mule show that has run ever since the start of the fair in 1901. Visit: www.mostatefair.com
61st Annual Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo
August 6-9, 2014 in Sikeston, Missouri
The 61st Annual Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo host top PRCA cowboys and cowgirls in one of Missouri's largest rodeos. Activities include nationally known recording artists and entertainment. Join them in August for this PRCA sanctioned rodeo. The largest in the state and one of the largest in the USA. The event hosts nationally known country music nightly. Visit: www.sikestonrodeo.com/
35th Annual World Series of BBQ Contest
October in Kansas City, Missouri
The first American Royal Barbecue was held in 1980..Today, spreading over 20 acres in Kansas City’s historic Stockyards District and with nearly 500 teams competing in four culinary contests, The American Royal BBQ Contest is one of the largest barbecue contests in the world. Combine this with a barbecue-related trade expo, this two-day food festival is truly the “World Series of Barbecue.” Visit: www.americanroyal.com
Oktoberfest
October in Hermann, Missouri
Oktoberfest is held the first four weekends of October and has become a fall tradition for thousands of people. Each weekend there are special activities around town, held amid the spectacular fall colors of Missouri's most beautiful town. Here is what the editors had to say about Oktoberfest: "There's no better way to get to know a town or region than to attend one of the many festivals around the state. Perhaps the best reflection of a town's heritage is the Oktoberfest held in Hermann. Visit: www.hermannmo.com
National Harvest Festival
September 12– October 25, 2014 in Branson, Missouri
Silver Dollar City, The Home of American Craftsmanship, Silver Dollar City, presents The Country's Premier Craft Festival - National Harvest Festival! Including: New Texas Trick Riders, showcasing trick, fancy stunt and Roman riding, plus trick shooting and whip acts atop legendary stallions! Western Stunt Show featuring professional stuntmen and women performing amazing feats! Over 125 Visiting Craftsmen from around the country demonstrate their art in the nation's largest festival of demonstrating craftsmen. Family entertainment includes the Timberworks Lumberjack Show, the Birds of Prey Show featuring hawks, owls and bald eagles, and Headin’ West, Silver Dollar City’s original musical production. Visit: www.silverdollarcity.com
48th Annual Maple Leaf Festival
October 11-19, 2014 in Carthage, Missouri
A tradition for over 47 years, this week-long celebration features a variety of events ranging from the Annual Queen Pageant to the Three Minutes of Fame Lip-Sync Competition. Visitors attend what is considered to be one of Southwest Missouri’s largest parades followed by a variety of special events including more than 80 craft booths and food vendors. Visit: www.carthagechamber.com
- Kansas City, Missouri October 2014-
