Fisherman's Feast — Photo courtesy of cherrylet
Boston's North End is the place to go to catch a good street fair, but don't call it that because the North End dedicates the month of August to weekly feasts. For some, the Fisherman's Feast is the feast to catch. Technically, each feast celebrates a different Saint in the Catholic Church, and although the religious undertones remain (think statues and blessings), they really are just one big party.
Over 100 years ago, the Fisherman's Feast started its mid-month reign (August 16-19, 2012) of the North End. It celebrates the Sciacca, Sicily tradition of the fishermen's devotion to the Madonna del Soccorso (Our Lady of Help) which goes back to the 16th century. When these Italian fishermen immigrated to America in the early 1900's, they brought this tradition with them. Religious roots aside, this feast warrants a stop. Vendors line the street selling food, memorabilia and games, while performers grace the stage making this one fun feast for the whole family.
Taste of Colorado — Photo courtesy of VISIT Denver
Since 1984, the Festival of Mountain and Plain has given Denverites a “Taste of Colorado.” Thousands of locals gather at the Civic Center Park in Downtown Denver for the annual Labor Day Weekend festival (Friday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept. 3, 2012). The taste of Colorado is a family-friendly, community event honoring Western heritage and culture.
Your free admission to the Taste of Colorado includes live music on 5 stages, activities for kids, chef demonstrations, a Fine Art in the Park exhibit and shopping opportunities galore. Chose from more than 280 vendor booths, ranging from arts & crafts to furniture and jewelry. The highlight of the Taste of Colorado is the opportunity to purchase food samples from more than 50 of Colorado’s favorite restaurants and food establishments. In the Fine Dining area of the Culinary Showcase, learn from local and nationally prominent chefs during chef demonstrations.
Enjoy a good stomp at the Rancho Cucamonga Grape Harvest Festival. — Photo courtesy of Mulsanne
Don't miss California's Oldest Grape Harvest Festival taking place in Rancho Cucamonga, CA every August since 1939. Enjoy a fun-filled weekend learning more about wine appreciation, eating delicious food and shopping for handmade arts and crafts. Meet local celebrities and celebrate the grape harvest, just minutes away from the bustling Ontario International Airport in Orange County. Featuring continuous live entertainment for all ages, this festival makes for a great family outing, too. And here’s the best news: The Grape Harvest Festival is one of the few festivals that still feature a traditional grape stomp for visitors, so roll up those pants and get to stomping!
[PHOTO_207615]Just hearing the name “Lobsterfest” can make a person start daydreaming of succulent pieces of fresh lobster dipped in melted butter. In Key West, seafood is something to celebrate, and each August the city throws a three-day festival to kick-start the Florida lobster season.
The event is free to attend (although vendors cost extra) and features lives music, cold beer, arts and crafts, a Duval Street pub crawl and a lobster brunch on Sunday. Booths are full of lobster fritters, grilled lobster tail, lobster cake, and lobster tacos, but no matter how they serve ‘em, the crustaceans are sure to have your mouth watering.
The Bite takes over Tom McCall Waterfront Park — Photo courtesy of The Bite of Oregon
In the summer, Portland's Tom McCall Waterfront Park hosts an almost continuous series of festivals and events. One of the largest is the The Bite of Oregon. A fundraiser for the Oregon Special Olympics, The Bite is the largest food festival in a serious foodie town. Last year drew an attendance of over 50,000 people.
With all the food, beer and wine locally produced, The Bite showcases Oregon's vast culinary talent. Sourcing much of the fare from local farms, the festival also highlights the vast array of agriculture that has made Oregon famous. Now, in its 29th year, this event celebrates Portland's enthusiasm for good food and spirits unlike any other.
