By Maria King, Founder/President of Event Crazy and grandmother extraordinaire.
Few things are more fun about events than the “gathering together” element. That’s not to say that the ancillary benefits like rides, entertainment and food aren’t important, but they are the fringe benefits of gathering, not the reason. The reason for the gathering is what we are addressing here. What is it that managed to get everyone to come together in the first place? That typically is the theme of the event but it can also be the competition at the event.
This week there is a “gathering” of competitors in a boat regatta which features speed boat races. Also air races giving pilots a chance to compete in different categories of planes takes place as well. In addition there is a Pow-Wow featuring over 30 different competitions for prize money of $100,000+, a roundup of rodeo stars competing for money and bragging rights, and even a car corral with class and type categories.
But it’s not all just about the competitors. Even those attending can be a gathering of sorts by being drawn together by a theme. A convention is a well-defined gathering. For instance, we have a Fireman’s convention coming up this week. That is a gathering and a competition within their own group. The Morton Pumpkin Festival is a gathering of lovers of all things pumpkin and orange.(they have a parade of people all wearing orange) It salutes the town for producing over 80% of the world’s canned pumpkin. If you ever spent time wrestling with cooking a real pumpkin before the pure pumpkin in a can, you will know why this is significant. If you haven’t, trust me on the fact that people like me who have, would have created this event themselves if the town of Morton hadn’t decided to do it. I am not sure everyone at the event is there for that reason but it would be the reason I would be there. Especially since I don’t look very good in orange!
Near you this week I am sure many events will feature a theme which will bring out attendees or a competition which will bring out participants. Either way, it will be an event worth a visit whether you want to be part of the event or an observer of the event. Once you check out the list of events for this week it will help you decide. And remember that it’s always more fun if you gather someone up to take along to share the experience with you.
National Championship Air Races
Sep 11, 2013 – Sep 15, 2013
Reno/Stead Air Base Reno, NV89506
Since 1964, race for the gold, aerobatic performers, assault jump, military jets, stunt planes and much more. The true Air Race experience is in the sights and sounds. It’s the breathtaking aircraft, the roar of an engine. It’s the take-off, the landing, the high speeds and the competition.
150,000 Attendees
 On the Waterfront Swap Meet and Car Corral
Sep 14, 2013
Downtown Saint Ignace, MI49781
Since 1991, this car show features a swap meet, toy show, a big boy cruise and party. There is an expanded show area with Corvette and Chevy national judging. The Big Custom Show features 49-50-51 Mercurys and there is also a truck show and street rod awards given.
100,000 Attendees
 Grapefest
Sep 12, 2013 – Sep 15, 2013
Historic Downtown Grapevine Grapevine, TX76099
Fall festival honoring grapevines namesake and the Texas wine industry. Peoples choice wine tasting classic, vintage and classic car show, live entertainment, arts and crafts, carnival and more.
120,000 Attendees
 Castro Valley Fall Festival
Sep 14, 2013 – Sep 15, 2013
Downtown Castro Valley, CA94546
Since 1972. This year’s event will feature live entertainment, arts and crafts, wine, food, fun, children’s activities and a classic car show. The festival will include more than 150 booths. They will include jewelry and other handcrafted items and artwork. In addition, representatives from local nonprofit agencies and businesses will be represented. Several music groups will fill the air as they perform on three stages. Join us for this free weekend festival in the heart of the greater Bay Area. You won’t want to miss it!
60,000 Attendees
 Morton Pumpkin Festival
Sep 11, 2013 – Sep 14, 2013
Jefferson School Grounds Morton, IL61550
Since 1967. As the home of Libby’s Pumpkin, Morton is proud to say that over 80% of the world’s canned pumpkin is processed right here. Each September, in celebration of the pumpkin canning season, Morton hosts the Morton Pumpkin Festival. Come and celebrate with us!
50,000 Attendees
Summerset Festival
Sep 13, 2013 – Sep 15, 2013
Clement Park Littleton, CO 80166
Since 1985. Annual festival held at ClementPark with food, activities and fun for the whole family.Proceeds benefit the FoothillsParks and Recreation District.
50,000 Attendees
 Blue Springs Fall Fun Fest
Sep 13, 2013 – Sep 15, 2013
1000 Main Street Blue Springs, MO64015
Since 1969, the festival features 500 booths filled with 250 exhibitors displaying and selling arts and crafts, food, games, childrens activities, carnival, live entertainment and parade.
130,000 Attendees
 Wo Zha Wa Days Falls Festival
Sep 13, 2013 – Sep 15, 2013
Downtown Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Since 1968, come and join the celebration of Autumn with a 100 unit parade on Sunday, arts and crafts fair, childrens activities, an antique flea market, concessions, live entertainment, street carnival, family activities, entertainment and Maxwell Street Days. Takes place in BowmanPark and Downtown. parade Sunday at 1:30pm.
100,000 Attendees
 Sycuan Pow-Wow
Sep 13, 2013 – Sep 15, 2013
Sycuan Indian Reservation El Cajon, CA92019
Since 1991, this event features an Indian Pow Wow, foods, arts and crafts. Featuring drum contest, bird dancing, bird singing, arts and crafts, Indian food and much more. Many contests with over a total prize give- away of over $125,000.
80,000 Attendees
 Lanesville Heritage Weekend
Sep 13, 2013 – Sep 15, 2013
Lanesville – Heritage Park Lanesville, IN47136
Since 1977, Sawmill, steam engines, hit n’ miss gas engines, parade, horseshoe contest, log sawing contest, parade, Queen and Princess, fiddlers, fiesta rides, craft demonstrations, truck and tractor pulls, free parking, free admission.
70,000 Attendees
 San Diego Thunderboat Regatta
Sep 13, 2013 – Sep 15, 2013
Waterfront at Crowne Point San Diego, CA92109
The San Diego Thunderboat Regatta brings some of the fastest boats in the world to the shores of sparkling MissionBay for an exhilarating weekend of racing and a not-to-miss beach festival. Featuring the Bill Muncey Memorial Cup for Unlimited Hydroplanes, The Champ Boat Racing Series and International Hot Boats Association Drag Boats. Also a military air display, kids activities, fireworks, music and so much more.
140,000 Attendees
 New Jersey State Firemans Convention
Sep 13, 2013 – Sep 14, 2013
Wildwood Convention and Civic Center Wildwood, NJ08260
Six hour parade culminates the convention highlighting more than 80,000 firefighters, fire apparatus, equipment, craft show, bands and floats.
80,000 Attendees
 Pendleton Round-up
Sep 11, 2013 – Sep 14, 2013
Happy Canyon Arena Pendleton, OR97801
Since 1910, one of the nations most famous rodeos attracts leading competitors from throughout the world. A traditional Indian pow wow and other colorful activities take place during happy canyon dance and pageant.
55,000 Attendees
Maria can be reached directly at eventsblog@eventcrazy.com or @eventcrazy on Twitter or  visit her website at www.eventcrazy.com
Copyright © 1998-2013 Events Media Network, Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Photos are copyright of their respective owners.
Copyright © 1998-2013 Events Media Network, Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Photos are copyright of their respective owners.