Southern Byways

Don’t let the summer slip away without getting out and enjoying yourself at one of the many festivals or events happening in the region. Here’s a quick sample of what you can find going this weekend:

• Come one, come all to the 120th Gillespie County Fair in Fredericksburg, Texas on August 21-24. Enjoy a carnival, arts & crafts booths, dancing and more. Be sure not to miss the county’s largest parade on August 22.

• Are you a history buff? If so, you might want to attend the 9th Annual “Muster on the Tallapoosa” Living History events on August 23. Taking place in Alexander City, Ala., at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, activities include living history camps and speakers on the Civil War.

• It’s all about butterflies at the WV Monarch Butterfly State Festival happening August 22-24 at Snowshoe Mountain Resort in Snowshoe. Visit a walk-in butterfly pavilion, learn how to create a butterfly garden at your house, see caterpillar races, watch a butterfly release and much, much more.

• Take a walk on the “wild” side at the 2nd Annual Big Haynes Creek Wildlife Festival in Conyers, Ga., August 23-24. Happening at the Georgia International Horse Park, enjoy the outdoors as you can learn more about wildlife, see demonstrations and listen to experts talk about the animals.

• It’s a full two-days of fun during the 24th Annual Frisco Festival in Rogers, Ark. Scheduled for August 22-23, in the town’s downtown district, the event features all the necessary activities for a successful festival: food (includes a chili-cook off), kids activities, live entertainment and a CHILISALSAPENO Competition. Wondering what exactly is a CHILISALSAPENO? You have to attend the Frisco Festival to find out.

Photo credit: Some Calendar Prints, flickr, creative commons by aperryz302