GREAT EVENTS ACROSS THE NATION
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanIt’s that time of year when the fresh spring breeze overcomes us and we look forward to daffodils popping up from the moist soil. In cities across our great nation, there are memorable and diverse events to look forward to that are sure to entertain and enthrall you.
Starting over on the West Coast of the United States:
In Los Angeles, the 17th Annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, will be a 2-day prestigious literary event taking place on April 21st and 22nd on the enchanting University of Southern California campus. The festival was specifically created to promote literacy, celebrate the written word and bring readers and writers to a common plateau. It is one of the largest literary events in the country. Over 150,000 attendees will be enjoying lively panel discussions on thought-provoking topics, appearances by renowned authors and artists such as the remarkable Judy Blume, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, John Cusack, Julie Andrews, Ricki Lake, Anne Rice, Molly Shannon, Betty White and more. Screenings will take place of genre films and you can look forward to live music, cooking demonstrations, book signings and all kinds of culturally stimulating programs. Check it out at www.latimesfestivalofbooks.com.
From L.A., we move to Chicago, the Windy City. You might not realize it but Chicago has one of the largest Hispanic populations in the United States and Cinco de Mayo is a way to celebrate this heritage full of tradition. For three days, May 4th through the 6th, bring out the family to enjoy parades, live music, food, carnival rides and games. It will all take place in Douglas Park. Get more information at www.chicagoincodemayo.com.
From Winter to Spring, Chicago Maifest 2012 heralds in milder temperatures. This traditional German celebration centers around the maypole decorated to show off the history and crafts of the local village or town. This 13th Annual German Festival takes place in Lincoln Square providing authentic food, music and dancing. Enjoy it from May 31st through June 3rd. www.mayfestchicago.com.
Moving on down, let’s stop by Houston, Texas and see what is going on there. On Sunday, April 7th, from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., we go GREEN. This Back to Nature Day is presented by Air Alliance Houston and takes place at Discovery Green. This Party For Our Planet promises family entertainment, environmental education and the Green Expo. It is free to attend and you get a lesson in how to preserve, conserve and enhance the city. A Farmer’s Market will be offering locally-grown produce and kids can take part in their own Energy Zone. There will be recycled art projects and live musical entertainment. www.earthdayhouston.org.
Next is Washington, D.C. where you definitely want to be this time of year. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, the nation’s greatest springtime celebration, takes place between March 20th and April 27th. This festival signifies the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan. It commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to Washington, D.C.. In 1915, the US Government reciprocated with a gift of flowering dogwood trees to the Japanese people. Over the years, the crowds that visit have grown and grown to treasure the everlasting beauty. Not only will you be able to appreciate the gifts of nature but art and music are also a large part of this historic event. www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.
We all love New York City for the fashion that it beholds and all the fabulous events that take place in this Fashion Capitol. This coming Monday evening, April 2nd, at Liberty Theater in the heart of Times Square, romance and fashion collide in “From Scotland With Love”. This 10th anniversary celebrity fashion show supports Wounded Warrior Project (a non-profit organization helping thousands of injured American soldiers returning home from overseas) and Cash For Kids (serving thousands of sick and underprivileged children in Scotland). It will be a night of honor and salutation. Live entertainment will set the stage for creative couture. Longtime designer, Vivienne Westwood, will be showcasing her fashions with the Scottish inspiration along with some American designers. Models will include some of the cast of ‘Gossip Girl’ who are none other than Ed Westwick, Matthew Settle and Kelly Rutherford along with sports stars of the New York Giants and Yankees and more surprises that will spark your curiosity. Ticket information and more details can be found at www.FromScotlandWithLove.net.
The Great Bridal Expo draws in prospective brides on April 16th at 5:30 P.M. to the Marriott Marquis in Times Square where the event will be held. For over 25 years, this has been the leading trade fair for the apparel, garments, gems and jewelry sector of the nation. Everything you will need to make your wedding and honeymoon special can be found at this event. Go to www.greatbridalexpo.com
Drive out to The Hamptons for the weekend and visit the North Fork Wine Vineyard. All tours are personalized and you can gain a wealth of knowledge about wine. Enjoy lunch, dinner and live music. You have your choice of five wineries. It is a great idea for that special couple or a girls’ getaway. They don’t call it Long Island Wine Country for nothing. www.hamptons.com.
Now that we have gone clear across the country, let’s head south to Palm Beach, Florida. On Wednesday, April 18th at 6:30 PM, the lavish fashion fundraiser, “The Proper Affair” will be held at The Boca Raton Resort and Club. Get ready for an exciting evening to celebrate the collaboration of Boston Proper (a leading national catalog and online retailer of distinctive clothing and accessories for women) and Achievement Centers for Children and Families (a nonprofit organization assisting low-income children and families). http://www.delraychild.org. This marks the 4th year of fashion and frolic along with an extensive high-end silent auction for a great cause. There will be savory food, drinks and a raffle with incredible prizes. It will be the most fashionable fundraiser of the year with exotic and provocative fashions for today’s woman. www.properaffair.com.
The Palm Beach International Film Festival kicks off in the sunny setting of Palm Beach County on April 12th and runs through the 19th. This 17th edition features 25 World Premieres, 14 U.S. Premieres and 2 North American Premieres. Film buffs will be absolutely thrilled with this year’s talented lineup including Judy and Lawrence Blume. Visit www.pbifilmfest.org.
Starting the month of May will be West Palm Beach’s biggest waterfront festival from the 2nd through the 6th with an all-star musical lineup including such iconic artists as Herbie Hancock, Marshall Tucker Band, Creed, The Fray, Counting Crows, Snoop Dogg, Foreigner, Third Eye Blind, Joan Jett and The Blackhearts and more in store. There is also a juried art festival and all kinds of delicious foods and fireworks. This festival attracts more than 270,000 visitors to the county each year. This marks its 30th anniversary. It is a family affair with activities for the whole gang. Don’t miss out on this one. www.sunfest.com.
There is much to do in our nation and much to see and partake in all throughout the seasons. Enjoy this spring and head joyfully into summer.
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