By Maria King, Grandmother extraordinaire, Founder/President of EventCrazy,com
Events can be fun, serious, historical, commemorative, topical and celebratory; they can be held for almost any reason. But while the themes may be interesting and different, overall most events have several pieces which are the same. One is the days an event takes place. Typically they take place one day or over a weekend. There are however cases where events are held for longer periods of time. And while they are not that common, they aren’t extremely rare either. And this week we are featuring events that fit that profile.
Now there can be various reasons why events need multiple days. Sometimes the event is so well attended that the idea is to spread out the crowds for the enjoyment of everyone. Also that way the event can accommodate anyone who wishes to go by offering more options. The promoter can afford to occupy facilities for longer periods because the attendees are so high in number that they offset the costs. A great example of such a show is The Philadelphia Flower Show. It is a monumental undertaking to create this event and it would not be worth the time and expense involved if it were only a weekend. Also, the ticket demand could never be met in that short span. The crowds would be so huge that you would need a ladder and binoculars to see the displays. So for practical reasons, it is actually held for 10 days.
Another reason why events are stretched out over longer time periods is that they are more then one event under one umbrella event name. A great example of this taking place now is Carnivale in Miami. There is one main event, Calle Ocho that is celebrated the last Sunday of the event however there are many other events taking place prior to that day. You could consider Calle Ocho like the closing ceremony at the Olympics; the culmination of all the other events.
Also included this week others that are excellent examples of longer events. There are a few fairs, a Renaissance Festival and an Auto Show. There is a commemorate, historical event such as the Bridge Crossing Jubilee which is also a series of events. And then there are the North Dakota Winter Days and Snowfest which use the time of year and the weather as the basis for their theme. And still others celebrate something famously local like the Strawberry Festival, Charro Days and the Ostrich Fest.
Whatever the reason or theme, these events have proven that they need to offer many opportunities for people to come and visit. Try to make sure that you check out events like these because they offer a multitude of options for attendees. Not just in the number of days but also in a variety of different events within an event. Be sure to grab the kids, the neighbors and your significant other and head on out to an event this week. It is a great way to spend a day, or even a few days, having fun with family and friends.
Greater Cleveland International Auto Show
Mar 01, 2014 – Mar 09, 2014
I-X Center Cleveland, OH 44135
Since 1928, one of the nations four major auto expositions. New cars, trucks, vans, sport utility vehicles, antiques, classic, custom and competition cars. Parking is always free at the Cleveland Auto Show compliments of your New Motor Vehicle Dealer. 635,000+ Attendees
North Dakota Winter Show
Mar 04, 2014 – Mar 09, 2014
North Dakota Winter Show Event Center Valley City, ND 58072
An indoor state fair, the winter show features a rodeo, country music, dances, livestock competitions and horse shows, along with farm and home exhibits. 71,000+ Attendees
Central Florida Fair
Feb 27, 2014 – Mar 09, 2014
Central Florida Fairgrounds Orlando, FL 32808
Since 1912, food, exhibits, music, rides and entertainment for the whole family. 185,000 Attendees
Charro Days
Feb 27, 2014 – Mar 09, 2014
Downtown Brownsville Brownsville, TX 78520
Since 1938, promotes international harmony and cooperation by honoring the legendary Mexican horseman, forerunner of the American cowboy, and features a carnival, live entertainment, fiesta, children’s activities, food and more. Great Food, Folklorico Dancers, El Mariachi Mexico Lindo, and much more. There are three large parades culminating on the final day of the fiesta with The Grand International Parade down Elizabeth street at noon. 94,000+ Attendees
Florida Strawberry Festival
Feb 27, 2014 – Mar 09, 2014
Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds Plant City, FL 33567
Since 1953, this festival celebrates Plant City’s position as a winter strawberry capital of the world. With over 300 exhibitors, high profile entertainment, arts and crafts, livestock, agriculture exhibits, homemade goods, competitions and contests. 850,000 Attendees
Mar 07, 2014 – Mar 09, 2014
Tumbleweed Park Chandler, AZ 85225
Since 1989, festival includes ostrich races, daily ostrich alley, parade, 2 midways, thrill rides, 3 stages of live local, regional and national entertainment, kid’s entertainment and activities, large marketplace and food court. Exhibitors displaying arts and crafts, clothing, jewelry, novelties, imports, pre-packaged foods, gift baskets, herbs and plants.
300,000 Attendees
Midnight at the Oasis Festival
Mar 07, 2014 – Mar 09, 2014
Ray Kroc Complex Desert Sun Stadium Yuma, AZ 85365
Since 1993, featuring cars and music of the 50’s and 60’s. Concerts and dance, vendors displaying and selling their wares, Show n’ Shine of 800+ pre-72 cars and trucks, good food and great entertainment.
50,000 Attendees
Philadelphia Flower Show
Mar 01, 2014 – Mar 09, 2014
Pennsylvania Convention Center Philadelphia, PA 19102
Since 1829, one of the largest and most prestigious indoor flower shows in the world. The Philadelphia Flower Show week will pay tribute to Philadelphia’s Horticultural Heritage, 60 major exhibits and 130 vendors.
275,000 Attendees
Bridge Crossing Jubilee
Mar 06, 2014 – Mar 10, 2014
National Voting Rights Museum and Institute Selma, AL 36702
Commemorating and Celebrating “Bloody Sunday,” The Selma to Montgomery March and The Voting Rights Struggle with over 40 events. Various events featuring the re-enactment of Civil Rights Bridge Crossing. Events held throughout Selma.
Carnaval Miami
Feb 23, 2014 – Mar 09, 2014
Little Havana District Miami, FL 33299
Since 1976, features many events on different days, including Sun Day On The Mile featuring an upscale musical event celebrating the very best in Latin Jazz. Noche De Carnaval features an international line-up of top Latin performers, held at American Airlines Arena. Carnaval Miami Internacional features a concert of “salsa” groups and balladeers of the Americas, televised from the Bayfront Park Amphitheater. Carnaval Miami Poster Contest, where hundreds of artists submit their work from all over the country and internationally as well. Cooking Contest features A “El Concurso de Cocina de Calle Ocho”, well known among local community chefs, Carnaval Miami Golf Classic, 8K Run and Calle Ocho, Spanish for 8th Street is the single largest celebration of Hispanic culture in the United States. Most events takes place at different locations throughout the area. 1,000,000+ Attendees
Knights and Queens rejoice, the Florida Renaissance Festival arises to its throne
Feb 08, 2014 – Mar 16, 2014
Quiet Waters Park Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
Six entertainment weekends full of Romance, Pirates, Wenches, Time Travelers, Game of Thrones and Celtic Fun… Premier musical acts such as festival circuit favorite Cantiga; performing historical music on original instruments such as the medieval bagpipes, shawms and bombastic Wolgemut; bringing traditional sea music, history and stories to the stage, Rambling Sailors. First time ever at Deerfield Beach, the comedy acrobatic sensations known as Kamikaze Fireflies and back due to popular demand, The Duelists, with their dazzling display of comedy and sword fighting brilliance. Labeled as “Don’t Miss” acts in festivals throughout North America, The Limeybirds, combining high-energy antics with sharp wit, banter and their stunning harmonies, and vocal arrangements.
Maria can be reached directly at eventsblog@eventcrazy.com or @eventcrazy on Twitter or visit her website at www.eventcrazy.com
Copyright © 1998-2014 Events Media Network, Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Photos are copyright of their respective owners.
