In North America Presented by the American Bus Association

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IN NORTH AMERICA PRESENTED BY THE AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION

A supplement to Destinations magazine

• South Dakota’s largest city • Centrally located at I-29 and I-90 • • Year-round entertainment and attractions • • Abundant shopping • Local flavor cuisine • your group tour to new • Customized itineraries and complimentary services available • Request a Free Group Tour Planners Guide today! Raise VisitSiouxFalls.com/GroupTours HEIGHTS

Downtown Riverfest - Photo Courtesy Reistroffer Design 800.333.2072 • South Dakota’s largest city • Centrally located at I-29 and I-90 • • Year-round entertainment and attractions • • Abundant shopping • Local flavor cuisine • your group tour to new • Customized itineraries and complimentary services available • Request a Free Group Tour Planners Guide today! Raise VisitSiouxFalls.com/GroupTours HEIGHTS

Downtown Riverfest - Photo Courtesy Reistroffer Design 800.333.2072 Contents

Q 47 in North America presented by the American Bus Association

AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION (800) 283-2877 www.buses.org [email protected] Q President and CEO Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS

Project Manager Vicki Osman, CTIS

Accounting: (202) 218-7226 ABA Marketplace: (202) 218-7234 42 Communications: (202) 218-7220 Q Education/CTIS: (202) 218-7230 Q Executive Office: (202) 218-7229 Government Affairs: (202) 218-7228 Membership Services: (202) 218-7216

PUBLICATION MANAGEMENT The Pohly Company 437 D St., Unit 2F Boston, MA 02210 15 (617) 451-1700 www.pohlyco.com

Senior Managing Editor: Linh Tran Senior Art Director: Carolyn Bowes 32 Production Manager: Travis Ritch Managing Supervisor: Bethany Fraser President: Diana Pohly

Winning ADVERTISING Eastern Region: Kristen Gillespie Events (857) 250-0096, [email protected] Midwest and West Regions: Candace McDonough TOP EVENTS TOP 100 LISTINGS (617) 969-2137, [email protected]

Destinations (ISSN 0279-8468) is published 10 U.S. Top Event 12 The East bimonthly by the American Bus Association, Annual Buffalo New England, Mid-Atlantic, 111 K St. NE, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20002. (800) 283-2877 or (202) 842-1645; Fax: Roundup and Arts East Central, and Southeast (202) 842-0850. Periodicals postage paid at Festival Washington, DC, and additional mailing offices. 30 Central Subscriptions $25 in the U.S. and $30 in Canada. 11 Canada Top Event Great Lakes, the Heartland, “Postmaster: Send change of address to: and the South Destinations, c/o American Bus Association, Canadian Tulip 111 K St. NE, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20002.” Festival 40 The West All advertising revenues directly support programs The Rockies, the Southwest, of the American Bus Association. For advertising rates, please contact the sales representatives listed and the West above. ©2014 by the American Bus Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part 45 Canada without permission is prohibited.

51 Chronological Listings

6 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION More than 100,000 visitors each year explore the state-of-the-art exhibits at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte. When they discover what God did with an ordinary farm boy, they see their own potential in a whole new way. Inspire your future.

FREE ADMISSION Monday to Saturday, 9:30–5:00 • BillyGrahamLibrary.org • 704-401-3200 • Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more; email [email protected] or call 704-401-3270 • 4330 Westmont Drive • Charlotte, North Carolina

55503 Library_Destinations Ad_Sept.indd 1 8/1/14 4:00 PM Top 100 Information General Information About the Top 100 Program

BA’s Top 100 Events in North America is an annual compendium of the best events for group travel in the United States and Canada. Each spring, a committee of ABA member Amotorcoach and tour operators selects the Top 100 Events for the subsequent year. Winners are chosen from hundreds of celebrations, festivals, fairs, commemorative events, and more that have been nominated by ABA members. From among the winners, ABA names the Number One Event Annual for both the United States and Canada. All current ABA members of all membership categories may submit nomina- Events tions for the Top 100 Events in North America. Nominations These events receive are solicited via e-mail from those eligible to nominate. The separate recognition nomination process begins in February and ends in May. All because they have been ABA members may submit ten (10) nominations as part of consistently selected as a Top 100 Event in North their membership benefits. Non-ABA members may submit America and they continu- one (1) nomination for a nominal fee. ally attract group and motorcoach business. These are the best of the best group events and offer broad appeal, including international audiences. The Events to Watch committee reviews and votes annually to elevate vents to Watch were added in 2013 as a new part of the Top 100 Events events to this prestigious in North America for Group Travel publication. A panel of ABA member status or to remove events that no longer meet this bus and tour operators created this section in the publication to highlight level of distinction. Once events and festivals that were not selected as a Top 100 Event but were an event has acquired E this status, they no longer great examples of new motorcoach-friendly events or events that have recently become group-friendly, and show great potential to become future Top 100 events. have to be nominated with other annual Top 100 Event nominations. How- ever, if the Top 100 Selec- tion Committee decides to remove an event’s AE Information on status, that event will be reconsidered in the pool of How to Plan Itineraries all Top 100 Event nominations for that year. This status allows us to publish for Top 100 Events on these annually recognized events, while also offering GroupConnect 100 other events for creating itineraries. roupConnect is your online planning tool for Top 100 Events. From departure to return you can build itineraries utilizing ABA and OMCA travel industry members for all your tour components in one Gplace. We make it easy to request and receive quotes and research Icon Key destinations for all Top 100 Events destinations. For Anniversary Year more information contact Offers Group Incentives GroupConnect today at Designated Motorcoach Parking 866-644-1664 or info@ Food groupconnect.com.

8 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION OUR HISTORY IS NOT THE SAME OLD

Plan a motor coach trip into St. Augustine’s beautiful past. Stroll down St. George Street or seemingly endless beaches. Discover unique dining, art and attractions at every turn. Hop on a sightseeing train or trolley and visit the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. Or tour the majestic citadel that is Castillo de San Marcos.

And at night, sleep soundly at lodging options from intimate B&Bs to oceanfront resorts.

From November 22 to January 31, St. Augustine’s Historic District illuminates with Nights of Lights – one of ABA’s 2015 Top 100 Events in North America.

Plan your tour at FloridasHistoricCoast.com St. Augustineor call 800-418-7529.

SJC100_4873_ABADestinations_8.5x10.875_09022014_P.indd 1 Ponte Vedra 8/13/14 1:52 PM Annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival The Old West in action

s far as I’m concerned, it’s the single greatest experience Custer, S.D. you can have in the West,” Sept. 25–27, 2015 said Western music star “ A nearby attractions: Michael Martin Murphy in the Febru- • Mt. Rushmore ary 2013 special edition of American • Crazy Horse Volksmarch Cowboy magazine. More than 14,000 • Arts Festival spectators attend the annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival each year contact: to experience true Old West action as Craig Gill Custer State Park’s herd of 1,300 bison (605) 255-4772 is rounded up by cowboys on horseback. (888) 875-0001 Special bus parking. Free admission, open seat- [email protected] ing. Featured on ABC’s Born to Explore in 2012. Stay www.custerresorts.com the weekend and join in on the Volksmarch up Crazy Horse

Memorial! (TOP). OF TOURISM DEPARTMENT SOUTH DAKOTA

10 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION Canadian Ottawa-Gatineau, Ontario Tulip Festival May 8–18, 2015 Flower power spectacular

nearby attractions: • Museums • Galleries n 1945, Princess Juliana of the • Casinos Netherlands presented Ottawa with 100,000 tulip bulbs in ap- contact: preciation of Canada’s role in The Canadian Tulip I aiding her country during World Festival Inc. War II. Since 1953, this symbol of (613) 567-5757 international friendship and the (800) 668-8547 beauty of spring is celebrated annually. [email protected] OTTAWA TOURISM (BOTTOM). Each May, Ottawa and Canada’s Capital www.tulipfestival.ca Region are ablaze with more than 1 million tulips. The nine-mile Tulip Route winds throughout Ottawa and Gatineau, highlighting major tulip beds and attractions, including three spectacular nights of fireworks, live music, and attractions for all ages. This Festival is the largest Tulip Festival in the world.

AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 11 Annual League of NH Craftsmen Fair Concord, N.H. The East TBD From Maine to Florida, the East Coast's most contact: Susie Lowe-Stockwell spectacular group-friendly events feature bright (603) 224-3375 [email protected] lights and mouthwatering delights. www.nhcrafts.org/craftsmen -fair-overview.php

The Annual League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair is the oldest continuously running fine craft fair in the country. It features the work of only League juried craftspeople, crafts demonstrations, workshops, exhibitions, and live performances. It is a Anniversary Year family friendly event at the Mt. Sunapee Resort which Offers Group Incentives offers an adventure park and chair lift rides during the Fair. Designated Motorcoach nearby attractions: The Fells Parking National Historic Site, Newbury, Indian Museum, Warner Food

New England 49th Annual America’s Hometown Hampton Beach Bar Harbor Thanksgiving Seafood Festival 30th Annual Citizens Music Festival Celebration Hampton, N.H. Bank Pops by the Sea Bar Harbor, Maine Plymouth, Mass. Sept. 11–13, 2015 Centerville, Mass. June 28–July 26, 2015 Nov. 20–22, 2015 contact: Ginni McNamara Aug. 9, 2015 contact: Francis Fortier contact: Sharon Liddell (603) 926-8718 contact: Abigail Adams (207) 288-5744 (508) 746-1818 [email protected] (508) 362-0066 [email protected] [email protected] www.hamptonbeachseafood [email protected] www.barharbormusicfestival.org www.usathanksgiving.com festival.com www.artsfoundation.org/pops -by-the-sea We are celebrating our 49th The weekend of festivities has At the 26th annual Seafood Fes- season in 2015 with 12 exciting become a beloved holiday oc- tival, sample our world-famous The Pops by the Sea concert, performances June 28–July 26. casion. For 20 years, hundreds seafood at New England’s largest viewed by an enthusiastic The Festival is unrivaled in the of thousands of people from beach party! There are 60 res- annual audience of 15,000, is variety of music we offer, rang- all walks of life have traveled taurants, hundreds of merchants scheduled for Aug. 9, 2015, from ing from opera to to the historic Plymouth Mas- with sidewalk sales, arts and 5 to 7 p.m. on the Hyannis jazz. WGBH Classi- sachusetts Harbor and Water- crafts vendors, and Radio Disney Village Green, featuring the cal New England in front to experience a bounty Kiddie Land: rides, games, Boston Pops Esplanade Orches- Boston recently se- of authentic Americana. The face painting, entertainment, tra, conducted by Keith Lock- lected us as “Maine’s celebration of Thanksgiving be- and more surprises! Plus, chef hart. Many levels of seating Premier Music comes history-brought-to-life demonstrations by Pat Whitley, are available and tickets can be Festival.” as Pilgrims, Native Americans, continuous entertainment on purchased online at www.arts nearby attrac- soldiers, patriots, and pioneers two stages, and spectacular foundation.org or by calling the tions: Acadia proudly climb out of the history fireworks on Saturday night and Arts Foundation of Cape Cod at National Park, books and onto the streets of a sky diving extravaganza on (508) 362-0066. LuLu Lobster Plymouth. Sunday. nearby attractions: JFK Hyannis Boat & Whale nearby attractions: nearby attractions: Art ’Round Museum, Hy-Line Harbor Cruise, Watch, Bar Mayflower II, Plimoth Plantation, Town Gallery Walk, Rochester Whale Watching Harbor Lantern Tours Fair Grounds, Windsor Fair

12 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION Kennebunkport Maine Lobster NH Highland Newport Christmas Prelude Festival Games & Festival Flower Show Kennebunk, Maine Rockland, Maine Concord, N.H. Newport, R.I. Dec. 4–13, 2015 July 29–Aug. 2, 2015 Sept. 18–20, 2015 June 19–21, 2015 contact: Sheila Matthews-Bull; contact: Cynthia Powell; contact: Lois Meredith contact: Dan Fryer Ashley Mills Shannon Kinney (603) 229-1975, (401) 847-1000 (207) 967-5457, (800) 337-4862 (207) 596-0376, (800) 358-7268 [email protected] [email protected]; (800) LOB-CLAW [email protected] www.newportmansions.org [email protected] [email protected] www.nhscot.org www.christmasprelude.com www.mainelobsterfestival.com The 20th annual Newport The New Hampshire Highland Flower Show takes place at This two-weekend event in- What do you get when you mix Games & Festival is the largest Rosecliff from June 19–21, cludes four tree lightings, one of nine tents, the world’s largest Scottish Festival in the North- 2015. Floral designs, horticul- them being our famous Lobster lobster cooker, a sea goddess, a east featuring Scottish Heavy ture exhibits, garden displays, Trap Tree; a fife and drum duo; a parade, entertainment, fine art, Athletics, highland dance, and more will grace the rooms hat parade; a pooch parade; and craftspeople and vendors, U.S. piping and drumming, fiddle, and grounds of the Gilded Age much more. We offer a fantastic ship tours, free shuttle service, harp, sheep dog trials, semi- mansion. Throughout the week- fireworks display that begins our a cooking contest, road races, nars, multiple music venues, end, there will be a series of Prelude Finale weekend. The kids’ events, more than 20,000 and Scottish food and goods. informative lectures and work- Historic Inns of the Kennebunks pounds of lobster, plus more than Whisky and beer tastings, the shops by floral and horticulture open their establishments dur- 1,000 volunteers and a group of tartan dinner, a great youth experts. Unique and exclusive ing the Walk to Bethlehem. Let’s dedicated directors? The Maine program, and more fill three shopping opportunities abound not forget Santa arriving in a Lobster Festival! Five days of fun days of family fun! in the Oceanside Boutiques and lobster boat. and feasting on the fabulous coast Gardeners’ Marketplace. nearby attractions: Seashore of Rockland, Maine! nearby attractions: Loon Trolley Museum, Victorian nearby attractions: Owls Head Mountain Resort, Whale’s Tale & nearby attractions: Green Mansion, Kittery & Freeport Transportation, Wine Tasting & Alpine Adventures, Polar Caves Animals Topiary Garden, The Outlet Shopping Winery, Fransworth Museum / Elms, The Breakers Downtown Rockland

Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude

AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 13 The East New England

Salem Haunted Scallop Fest Strolling of the Heifers Vermont Maple Happenings Buzzards Bay, Mass. East Dummerston, Vt. Festival Salem, Mass. Sept. 25–27, 2015 June 5–7, 2015 St. Albans, Vt. Oct. 1–31, 2015 contact: Regina Fitzpatrick contact: Orly Munzing April 24–26, 2015 contact: Kate Fox (508) 759-6000 (802) 258-7070 contact: Jo-Anne Rock; (978) 741-3252, (877) 725-3662 member@capecodcanal [email protected] Betty Ann Lockhart [email protected] chamber.org www.strollingoftheheifers.com (802) 524-5800; (802) 425-2783 www.hauntedhappenings.org www.scallopfest.org [email protected]; Brattleboro’s agriculturally [email protected] The 34th annual Salem Haunted New Location: Cape Cod themed Strolling of the Heifers www.vtmaplefestival.org Happenings celebrates Hal- Fairgrounds, 1220 Nathan weekend begins on Friday with a loween and fall in New England Ellis Highway (Rte 151), East downtown block party featuring You can find “all things maple” with a variety of programs, Falmouth. Enjoy New England’s music, food, and fun. On Satur- at the Vermont Maple Festival in events, and attractions for all largest Scallop Festival. A fam- day, at the Strolling of the Heifers St. Albans including traditional ages. Highlights include the ily event with great entertain- Parade, watch farm animals, maple treats, sugar-on-snow, Grand Parade, Salem Open ment, Juried Arts & Craft Show heifer calves led by future farm- maple creemees, maple cotton Market artisan booths, Festival with distinctive gifts, a midway ers, bands, tractors, floats, clowns, candy, maple cream doughnuts, of the Dead’s series of parties of rides and games, and new and much more parade down maple candies, pancake break- and events, Spirits of the Gables exhibits for the fall. Famous Main Street. Then enjoy the all- fasts, a maple dinner, maple syrup dramatic programming at the fried scallop and herb-roasted day Slow Living Expo showcasing tasting, sugarhouse visits, and House of the Seven Gables, and chicken dinners, plus a food family farms. The weekend ends maple cooking demonstrations! the Haunted Biz Baz Street Fair. court offering hamburgers, hot with the Famous Farmers Break- There are also antiques, crafts, For complete information, visit dogs, lobster rolls, chowder, fast and Farm Tours, or groups and specialty food shows and free HauntedHappenings.org. salads, raw bar, strawberry can experience the Tour de Heifer Main Street stage entertainment. shortcake, beer, wine, and more. Cycling Tours. It’s all staffed by friendly, knowl- nearby attractions: Salem nearby attractions: Grafton Vil- edgeable volunteers. Witch Museum, The House of the nearby attractions: Hy-Line lage Cheese, Southern Vermont nearby attractions: Jay Peak Seven Gables, Witch Dungeon Cruises, JFK Hyannis Museum, Natural History Museum, Putney Resort, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Museum Heritage Museum & Gardens Winery Factory, Boyden Valley Winery

Vermont’s Wine and Harvest Festival Strolling of the Heifers Wilmington, Vt. Sept. 18–20, 2015 contact: Michele Mazur (802) 464-8092 [email protected] www.thevermontfestival.com

The Vermont Wine and Har- vest Festival is set in the backdrop of our world-renowned Vermont fall foliage. You’ll discover and enjoy meeting Ver- mont vintners, small specialty food producers, chefs, painters, publishers, cheesemakers, pot- ters, jewelers, photographers, and farmers. nearby attractions: Honora Winery, Mt. Snow Lift Rides

14 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 15 Finger Lakes Wine Festival Watkins Glen, N.Y. July 10–12, 2015 contact: Rob Murphy (607) 535-2486 [email protected] www.flwinefest.com

The Finger Lakes Wine Festival Presented by Yancey’s Fancy offers the largest showcase of wines produced in New York State with over 90 wineries paired with regional artisans, live music, culinary classes, and cooking demonstrations. Join us Friday evening for the Yancey’s Fancy Launch of The Lakes kickoff party and continue the festivities Saturday and Sunday— festival opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. each day. One Day Tasters Passes include a complimentary Tasting Glass and a Ford’s 150: Remembering the Lincoln Assassination Taster’s Guide. nearby attractions: Corning Mu- seum of Glass, Rockwell Museum, Watkins Glen State Park

Windjammer Days Mid-Atlantic Apple-Scrapple Ford’s 150: Festival Festival Remembering the Boothbay Harbor, Maine 51st Annual National Bridgeville, Del. Lincoln Assassination June 21–27, 2015 Apple Harvest Festival Oct. 9–10, 2015 Washington, D.C. contact: Dianne Gimbel Gettysburg, Pa. contact: Karen Johnson Jan. 23–May 25, 2015 (207) 504-0242 Oct. 3–11, 2015 (302) 245-2038 contact: Joshua Feldman [email protected] contact: Caitlin Hartzel [email protected] (202) 638-2367 www.windjammerdays.org (717) 338-3062, (800) 337-5015 www.applescrapple.com [email protected] [email protected] www.fordstheatre.org/home The Windjammer Days Festival www.appleharvest.com A fun two-day food festival and /performances-events offers visitors the opportunity fundraising event, the Apple- /civil-war-150; www.fordstheatre to view Windjammers of the Harvest time is celebrated in this Scrapple Festival is an annual .org/home/performances late 19th and 20th century. old time festival held at the South celebration of Delaware’s agricul- -events/2014-2015-season In addition to the Parade of Mountain Fair Grounds, 10 miles tural community that features Sail, enjoy live concerts in the northwest of Gettysburg. Don’t live entertainment, carnival rides Ford’s Theatre commemorates Whale Park, a codfish race, a miss the live entertainment, more and games, scrapple chunkin’ and 150 years since President lobster-eating contest, a craft than 300 craft and art vendors, carving, an iron skillet toss, trade Lincoln’s assassination with show, Maine State Aquarium farm displays, antique and classic and craft shows, a car show, Little special programming including an and U.S. Coast Guard tours, a cars, steam engines, antique cider Miss Apple Scrapple, the 5K Hogg exhibition returning items con- one-design boat race, golf tour- press, orchard tours, pony rides, Jogg, plenty of apples, scrapple, nected with Lincoln’s assassina- nament, parades, a spectacular petting zoo, and so much more! and a host of other tempting tion to the Ford’s campus; a vigil; fireworks display, and the Be sure to sample all of the great treats! More than 25,000 visitors walking tours; panel discussions; Rocky Coast Road Race. The food. This event takes place rain flock here each year to experience a world-premiere play titled The Windjammer Days Festival is a or shine. our rich rural heritage; free ad- Widow Lincoln and the musi- free fun family event. nearby attractions: Gettysburg mission and parking. cal Freedom’s Song: Abraham nearby attractions: Coastal National Military Museum & Visi- nearby attractions: Harrington Lincoln and the Civil War on the Maine Botanical Gardens, tors Center, Gettysburg Wine & Raceway & Casino, Rehoboth historic stage. Boothbay Railway Village, Maine Fruit Trail, Gettysburg Heritage Tanger Outlet Centers, Dogfish nearby attractions: U.S. Capitol, Maritime Museum Center Head Brewery White House, Lincoln Memorial

14 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 15 The East Mid-Atlantic

GlassFest

Anniversary GlassFest The Great Jack Koziar’s Christmas Commemoration of the Corning, N.Y. O’Lantern Blaze Village Battle of Gettysburg May 21–24, 2015 Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y. Bernville, Pa. Gettysburg, Pa. contact: Coleen Fabrizi Oct. 3–Nov. 8, 2015 (tentative) Nov. 7, 2015–Jan. 3, 2016 July 1–6, 2015 (607) 937-6292 contact: Louise O’Rourke contact: Sonia Koziar contact: Caitlin Hartzel [email protected] (914) 366-6911 (610) 488-1138, (610) 488-1110 (717) 338-3062 www.glassfest.org [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.hudsonvalley.org www.koziarschristmasvillage.com www.gettysburgreenactment.com GlassFest is a four-day celebration of glass and the fire arts in See more than 5,000 individually With indoor and outdoor Commemorate the anniversary “America’s Crystal City,” Corning, hand-carved, illuminated jack displays, shops, trains, gift of the Battle of Gettysburg with N.Y. The festival features live o’ lanterns in this walk-through barns, refreshments, and Santa, events including special ranger outdoor glassmaking demonstra- experience. Meander through a it’s truly like “Walking in a walks, the Sacred Trust Talks, and tions, world-class museums and historic riverside landscape and Winter Wonderland” at Koziar’s book signings held at the Museum galleries, music from a number discover a breathtaking display— Christmas Village. Christmas and Visitor Center. Living history of nationally known acts and all made of jack o’ lanterns! Plus, Village received the Award of encampments and the full 152nd entertainers, an outdoor art show making its debut at this year’s Excellence from the Pennsyl- Gettysburg anniversary battle featuring glass, pottery, ceramics, Blaze and featuring more than vania Travel Council as one of reenactment bring history to life. metal, and a variety of fine arts 20 new works from professional the top Ten Travel Attractions Experience period music and a from across the country, and a artists, the Museum of Pumpkin in Pennsylvania. Celebrating variety of food and camp life as breathtaking fireworks display. Art will be the first ever exhibition its 68th anniversary, Koziar’s you stroll through both Union and Visitors can enjoy beautiful His- space devoted to sculptural works Christmas Village has received Confederate camps. Visitors will toric Market Street and special inspired by (but not made from) many awards including Best also enjoy shopping in the 1860s shopping and dining promotions. pumpkins. Outdoor Christmas Display sutler village. Admission is free! nearby attractions: Kykuit, the in the World by Display World nearby attractions: Eisenhower nearby attractions: Corning Mu- Rockefeller Estate tours, Wash- Magazine. Historic Site, Gettysburg Historic seum of Glass, Rockwell Museum, ington Irving’s Sunnyside Home nearby attractions: VF Outlet Train Station, Seminary Ridge Finger Lakes Region Tours, Horseman’s Hollow at Shopping, Mid-Atlantic Air Museum Philipsburg Manor Museum, Roadside America

16 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 17 Kutztown Folk Festival Kutztown, Pa. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze June 27–July 5, 2015 contact: Steve Sharadin (610) 683-1537, (888) 674-6136 [email protected] www.kutztownfestival.com

At the Kutztown Folk Festival, a visitor experiences more music, A Longwood Christmas more entertainment, more fun, Kennett Square, Pa. and far less work than they would Nov. 26, 2015–Jan. 10, 2016 in a Pennsylvania Dutch house- contact: Marnie Conley hold. But the purpose of the fes- (610) 388-5439 tival is still fulfilled, as evidenced [email protected] by the continued participation www.longwoodgardens.org of the local Pennsylvania Dutch community, as well as many of A half-million twinkling lights, the foremost experts and scholars thousands of poinsettias, of this fascinating microcosm of and magnificently decorated America. This unusual nine-day trees herald the arrival of A festival had been featured twice in Longwood Christmas. Festive National Geographic and has been performances share the sounds called “one of the most unique of the season, and illuminated festivals on the East Coast” by fountains dance to music. The Washington Post, with good nearby attractions: Brandywine reason. River Museum, Winterthur nearby attractions: Crystal Museum, Garden, and Library, Cave, Main Street Kutztown Herr’s Snack Factory Tour

April 2015 will mark 150 years since the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Ford’s 150 honors the life and legacy of our 16th President. Programming includes: The Widow Lincoln | Jan. 23-Feb. 22, 2015 By James Still; Directed by Stephen Rayne A riveting world-premiere drama exploring the tenacity, fragility and grief of Mary Todd Lincoln. Freedom’s Song: Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War | March 13-May 20, 2015 By Frank Wildhorn, Gregory Boyd and Jack Murphy; Music by Frank Wildhorn; Directed by Jeﬀ Calhoun; Adapted by Richard Hellesen and Mark Ramont An epic concert-style musical inspired by Lincoln’s words and the people of the Civil War. Special Exhibition | March 23-May 25, 2015 A hallmark exhibition reuniting – for the rst time since April 1865 – an extraordinary collection of artifacts that resided in Ford’s Theatre and on Lincoln’s person the night of the assassination. The Lincoln Vigil | April 14-15, 2015 An around-the-clock event marking the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. www.fords.org/groups Tickets: (800) 899-2367

Background image © Maxwell MacKenzie. Lincoln photo courtesy of Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site.

16 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 17 The East Mid-Atlantic

Middletown Olde-Tyme National Independence Passport DC Peach Festival Day Celebration Washington, D.C. Middletown, Del. Washington, D.C. May 1–31, 2015 Aug. 15, 2015 July 4, 2015 contact: Michelle Cragle contact: Brian Rickards contact: Morgan Maravich (202) 661-7581 (302) 218-4708 (800) 422-8644 [email protected] [email protected] morgan.maravich@destina- www.passportdc.org; www. www.middletownpeachfestival.com tiondc.com culturaltourismdc.org www.washington.org A peachy-keen festival reflecting Visitors have the opportunity to Delaware’s agricultural heritage, The Nation’s Capital celebrates travel around the world without this fun-filled, rain-or-shine the Fourth of July with a ever leaving the city with tours event attracts 30,000 parade birthday party that starts with a of more than 70 embassies and and peach lovers, car and craft parade of more than 100 march- hundreds of other international buffs, and carnival seekers. Other ing units. In the afternoon, the cultural activities that include activities include historic exhibits National Mall is the place to be, street festivals, performances, and reenactments, local artisans with concerts at historic sites and exhibitions. and crafters, a classic car show, featuring local and military nearby attractions: National bands, dance groups, martial arts music groups. After sunset, the Mall, Washington Monument, demonstrations, food, a peach pie National Symphony Orchestra, White House contest, games, rides, children’s along with guest stars and solo- activities, and, of course, plenty of ists, perform patriotic songs peaches. Offering free admission that set the stage for the grand and ample bus parking, this event finale—the spectacular fireworks is a ripe pick! display over the Washington Whoopie Pie Festival at nearby attractions: Middle- Monument grounds. Hershey Farm Restaurant town Historic Museum, Historic nearby attractions: National and Inn Odessa, Ft. Delaware on Pea Mall & Museums, Washington Patch Island Monument, White House

Sea Witch Halloween Whoopie Pie Festival National Independence Day Celebration & Fiddler’s Festival at Hershey Farm Rehoboth Beach, Del. Restaurant and Inn Oct. 23–25, 2015 Ronks (Strasburg), Pa. contact: Carol Everhart Sept. 5, 2015 (302) 227-2233 contact: Sherry Wertz [email protected] (717) 687-8635, (800) 822-7866 www.beach-fun.com [email protected] www.hersheyfarm.com Enjoy the 26th annual Sea Witch Halloween & Fiddler’s Festival. It’s the most delicious day in Beginning Friday, there’s the Lancaster County! The an- Tyke Bike race on the Board- nual Whoopie Pie Festival walk, movie in Grove Park, and features more than 100 different a Dewey Beach bonfire. Watch Whoopie Pie flavors and is held thousands of costumed partici- at the Hershey Farm Restaurant pants, bands, and decorated cars & Inn, located in the heart of the at Saturday’s parade. Take part Pennsylvania Dutch Country. in dozens of activities such as the Whoopie pie activities include Sea Witch Hunt, artisan shop- treasure hunt, race, slingshot, ping, Mummers performance, eating contest, checkers, and and horse shows on the beach! more. It’s been a favorite Lan- Don’t miss live entertainment caster County confection for including top acts. years, and now the Whoopie Pie nearby attractions: Rehoboth isn’t just for eating anymore! Beach & Historic Boardwalk, Rehoboth Tanger Outlet Centers nearby attractions: American & Downtown Tax-free Shopping, Music Theatre, Rockvale Outlet, Cape May-Lewes Ferry Strasburg Railroad

18 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 19 East Central Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2015 Tennessee Civil Bristol, Va. War Sesquicentennial Sept. 18–20, 2015 Commemoration + contact: Tracey Childress Blue & Gray Reunion (423) 573-1927 & Jubilee tchildress@birthplaceofcountry Knoxville, Tenn. music.org April 30–May 3, 2015 www.birthplaceofcountrymusic contact: Calvin Chappelle; .org Stephanie Henry (865) 522-8661; (865) 215-8824 Walk the line between two states! [email protected]; The Bristol Rhythm & Roots [email protected] Reunion is an infectious, three- www.knoxcivilwar.org day music experience. State Street in Historic Downtown Bristol, This once-in-a-lifetime event re- Tenn./Va. boasts 20 stages and members the Union and Confed- more than 100 artists. Bristol is erate soldiers, African American home to the Bristol Sessions—the men of the 1st U.S. Colored Heavy first recordings of The Carter Artillery, and others who played a Family. Explore Bristol’s authen- role in the Civil War. Activities in- tic music history through the clude tours of historic homes and interactive, state-of-the art Birth- battlefields, a parade, music, and a place of Country Music Museum. Civil War Exposition. 2015 Tennessee Civil War nearby attractions: Museum nearby attractions: Bristol Sesquicentennial Commemoration + of East Tennessee History, Hogh Motor Speedway & Dragway, Blue & Gray Reunion & Jubilee Ground Park (Ft. Higley), Historic Birthplace of Country Music Homes of Knoxville Museum, Stickley Farms

Bourbon. History.

Barrels. Glamping. Turtleman. www.VisitLebanonKY.com 270.692.0021 Facebook.com/VisitLebanon explore!

18 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 19 The East East Central

Busch Gardens Christmas at the Christmas in Hinton Railroad Days Christmas Town Galt House Hotel Williamsburg Hinton, W. Va. Williamsburg, Va. Louisville, Ky. Williamsburg, Va. Oct. 17–18, 2015 and Nov. 20–Dec. 31, 2015 Nov. 14, 2015–Jan. 1, 2016 Nov. 20–Dec. 31, 2015 Oct. 24–25, 2015 contact: Candace Masengale contact: Kelly Gream contact: Vivian Bunting contact: Dorothy Jean Boley (757) 253-3361, (800) 343-7946 (502) 589-5200 (757) 229-6511, (800) 368-6511 (304) 466-6100 candace.masengale@busch [email protected] [email protected] hintonrailroadmuseum@frontier gardens.com www.christmasatthegalthouse.com www.christmasinwilliamsburg .com www.buschgardens.com .com www.hintonwva.com/railroad Celebrating its fifth anniversary, days Bask in the glow of more than Christmas at the Galt House Christmas in Williamsburg seven million lights as you stroll Hotel undergoes a complete trans- begins just before Thanksgiv- Hinton Railroad Days is held through the world’s most beauti- formation that promises to delight ing and extends through First annually for two weekends in ful theme park surrounded by all the senses. Guests are invited Night. The entire community October. The streets are filled hundreds of buildings and trees to experience a unique Christmas comes together with holiday with craft and food vendors. draped in holiday sparkle. It’s Village, be transported back to a décor, special programs, and Vendors are selling unusual your group’s chance to start a Victorian-era English village, and events. Many events are free crafts, and the food is delicious. holiday tradition and be part be entertained by two-time Gram- and suitable for all audiences. The festival coincides with the of one of the most spectacular my Award winner Pam Tillis. All Attractions, museums, and New River Train Excursions. Christmas celebrations in the new KaLightoscope luminaries theme parks offer group rates The New River Train arrives country. tell the story of A Christmas Carol. and have complimentary each afternoon of the festival. nearby attractions: Colonial Other returning favorites include policies which varies by venue. Each year is different. Come on Williamsburg, Jamestown Set- the Snow Fairy Princess and her Parking is complimentary in out and see what this year will tlement, Yorktown Settlement castle and Dancing Bellmen. most locations. For more infor- bring! mation visit www.Christmas nearby attractions: New River nearby attractions: Derby InWilliamsburg.com. Train Excursions, Sandstone Falls, Dinner Playhouse, Louisville Bat nearby attractions: Busch Pipestem State Park Museum & Factory, Evan Williams Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, Bourbon Experience Jamestown Settlement

Christmas in Williamsburg

20 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 21 Kentucky Bourbon National Cornbread Festival, Inc. Festival Bardstown, Ky. South Pittsburg, Tenn. Sept. 15–20, 2015 April 25–26, 2015 Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Inc. contact: Linda Harrison contact: Megan Ferrell (502) 348-3623, (800) 638-4877 (423) 837-0022 [email protected] [email protected] www.kybourbonfestival.com www.nationalcornbread.com

The Kentucky Bourbon Festi- This Southern cuisine festival val is a six-day Festival dedi- honors Cornbread with the cated to the legendary spirit National Cornbread Cook-Off. of Kentucky. Distillers from Enjoy juried arts and crafts, across the state of Kentucky music, exhibits, cornbread, will come together to share carnival, entertainment, food, their Bourbon in a variety of cook-offs, a children’s corner, a events. The 2015 Festival will car show (Saturday night). Tour be the 24th annual Kentucky the Lodge foundry to see how Bourbon Festival in his- Lodge Cast Iron is made. Visit toric Bardstown, Kentucky, the by bus the residential historic Bourbon Capital of the World. district. Participate in the 5K There is fun—and activities for walk-fun run. Come see what’s all ages. cookin’ in South Pittsburg, nearby attractions: Getz Tenn. Whiskey Museum, Kentucky nearby attractions: Lodge Cast Bourbon Trail, My Old Kentucky Iron Foundry Tour, Russell Cave Home National Monument, Children’s Holocaust Memorial, South Pitts- burg Heritage Museum

VIRGINIAINTERNATIONALTATTOO

A SCOTTISH TRADITION WITH AN AMERICAN SOUL

APRIL 23-26, 2015 GREAT GROUP RATES SCOPE ARENA, NORFOLK, VIRGINIA & TRAVEL PACKAGES TICKETS STARTING AT $20 AVAILABLE! 1-877-741-2787 • VATATTOO.ORG

20 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 21 The East East Central

Rivers and Spires Winter Festival of Festival Lights Clarksville, Tenn. Wheeling, W.Va. Rivers and Spires Festival April 16–18, 2015 Nov. 13, 2015–Jan. 3, 2016 contact: Frances Manzitto contact: David Flatley (931) 245-4345 (304) 243-4000, (800) 624-6988 [email protected] [email protected] www.riversandspires.com www.oglebay-resort.com

For three days each April, Rivers The Winter Festival of Lights & Spires Festival transforms His- delights visitors of all ages. This toric Downtown Clarksville into annual light show is one of the an entertainment paradise. Live nation’s largest, covering more music and art and interactive dis- than 300 acres over a six-mile plays line the 10 block radius and drive through the resort. Listed delight more than 40,000 people as one of the 10 Best Christmas each year. Whether your interest Light Displays in the U.S. by AOL is arts, sports, cars, military, Travel, the show was named as a music, or family activities you’ll Top 100 event by EventCrazy find what you desire at Rivers .com and was recently listed as and Spires. The best part about one of the top 200 events in the the entire event is it is free! No country by Discover America. admission, gate fees, or concert The festival was also featured tickets required. Just a fun time on Travel Channel’s Extreme with your closest friends and Christmas Celebrations. family. nearby attractions: Beachhaven nearby attractions: Wheeling Winery, Ft. Defiance, Customs Island Hotel Casino, Cabela’s, House Museum Capitol Theatre

Discover Corning and the Southern Finger Lakes Mark your calendars and plan to visit our ABA Top 100 Events! Visit these great attractions year-round •The Corning Museum of Glass •The Rockwell Museum •Glenn H. Curtiss Museum •Finger Lakes wineries

EXPERIENCE INSPIRE SAVOR

• Live Hot Glass Show • Live Music & Entertainment • Wine & Craft Beer Tastings • Shopping & Dining • Fireworks Saturday Night

FREE MOTORCOACH PARKING FREE ADMISSION ACCESSIBLE, WALKABLE Visit the Finger Lakes Wine Festival ABA Top 100 Event again in 2015 ABA Top 100 Event again in 2015, May 21-24, 2015 July 10-12, 2015 For planning assistance, contact Danielle Roman, CTIS at 866-946-3386 or visit DiscoverCorning.com

22 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 23 Southeast Dickens Christmas International Cherry Myrtle Beach Holiday Show & Festivals Blossom Festival FantaSea 29th Annual Myrtle Beach, S.C. Macon, Ga. Myrtle Beach, S.C. NC Seafood Festival Nov. 12–15, 2015 March 19–April 4, 2015 Nov. 3–17, 2015 Morehead City, N.C. contact: Myra Starnes contact: Jake Ferro contact: Sandy Haines Oct. 2–4, 2015 (843) 448-9483 (478) 330-7050 (843) 916-7248 contact: Stephanie McIntyre [email protected] [email protected] sandyhaines@visitmyrtlebeach (252) 726-6273 www.dickenschristmasshow.com www.cherryblossom.com .com [email protected] www.coastalnetworkcooperative www.ncseafoodfestival.org Attracting 15,000 visitors annual- Macon Georgia’s International .com/holiday-fantasea.html ly from all over the U.S. and Cana- Cherry Blossom Festival has at- The 29th annual NC Seafood da, this Victorian-themed gift and tracted people to Macon from all The annual Myrtle Beach Holi- Festival takes place on the craft show is the crown jewel event over the world since 1982. Each day FantaSea serves as a thank Waterfront in Morehead City, of the holiday season. Taking its year, more than 350,000 Yoshino you to our groups for booking N.C. Visitors enjoy multiple inspiration from Charles Dickens’ cherry trees bloom. Central City at least one night in the Myrtle stages of entertainment, vendors A Christmas Carol, its Victorian Park, the hub of the Festival, Beach area. It has become a selling fresh seafood, arts and theme is the cornerstone of events features live music, fair food, wonderful value-added attrac- craft vendors, amusement rides, including Punch & Judy Shows, rides, and vendors. Other events tion for tour operators. The a Boat & Outdoor Show, sporting Holiday Teas and Tours, as well as include concerts, parades, shows, event is held on two days (9:30– events, children’s area, and, of the Festivals of Trees and Tables. and shopping. Every year, more 11:30 am) over two weeks during course, the celebration of our Even Santa pays a very special events are added to the pre- and the holiday season. It showcases local seafood highlighted by the visit. It’s the perfect opportunity post-festival activities spanning award-winning entertainment, Cooking with the Chefs Tent. to create a unique holiday shop- nearly a month of pink fun. spectacular giveaways, a grand Admission is free. Come hungry ping experience at an economical prize shopping spree and a ton and enjoy the Crystal Coast at its price. nearby attractions: Georgia of Southern Hospitality; all at best! nearby attractions: Holiday Sports Hall of Fame, Ocmulgee no cost. nearby attractions: Beach, Teas & Tours, Local Holiday National Monument, The Big nearby attractions: The Caro- Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Ft. Theater Shows, Shadrack’s Light House: Allman Brothers Band lina Opry, Brookgreen Gardens, Macon State Park Show Museum Shadrack’s Light Display

Christmas at the Library Charlotte, N.C. International Cherry Blossom Festival Dec. 1–23, 2015 contact: Sonya Johnson (704) 401-3200 [email protected] www.billygrahamlibrary.org

Christmas at the Library features a live Nativity; horse-drawn carriage rides through one of Charlotte’s most beautiful light displays; and the heartwarming sounds of caroling and festive music, as well as story time for children of all ages. Enjoy holiday goodies in the Dairy Bar, exclusive Library ornaments and holiday shopping in Ruth’s Attic, and the self-guided Journey of Faith Library tour. A special Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings is offered on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. nearby attractions: McAdenville — Christmastown, USA, Nascar Hall of Fame, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

22 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 23 The East Southeast

Nights of Lights Parade of Lights SC Festival of Flowers Sumter Iris Festival St Augustine, Fla. Savannah, Ga. Greenwood, S.C. Sumter, S.C. Nov. 22, 2014–Jan. 31, 2015 Nov. 28, 2015 June 25–27, 2015 May 22–24, 2015 contact: Kathy Catron contact: Deborah Bouchea contact: Ellesor Holder contact: Lynn Kennedy [email protected] (912) 629-2637, (800) 786-6404 (864) 223-8411 (803) 436-2640, (800) 688-4748 www.nightsoflights.com dbouchea@savannahriverboat ellesor@greenwoodsscchamber [email protected] .com .org www.irisfestival.org Nearly three million tiny white www.savannahriverboat.com www.scfestivalofflowers.org lights glow along the ancient Every Memorial Day Weekend the streets and historic buildings Kick off the Holiday Season June 25–27, 2015 will prove to Swan Lake Iris Gardens form the of the nation’s oldest city when (always the Saturday after be most entertaining for all ages. backdrop for three days of flowers, the 21st annual Nights of Lights Thanksgiving) at this annual Enjoy a full schedule of activi- food and family fun. The Sumter celebration sparkles to life at event. See every boat up close as ties the whole family can enjoy. Iris Festival is South Carolina’s 6:30 p.m. Nov. 22 in St. Augus- we lead this festive procession View the works of top artists and oldest continuous festival and tine’s Plaza de la Constitucion. of colorfully lit and decorated craftsmen at the Arts & Crafts named one of the Top 20 Events The event kicks off with holiday privately owned vessels parading Show. Dance to live bluegrass in the Southeast by the Southeast music, the lighting of the city’s both ways on the River. Includes music or enjoy a nice leisure-day Tourism Society. Swan Lake is a Christmas tree, and an exciting heavy hors d’oeuvres, house en- strolling through one of our public garden and home to gor- countdown to the lighting of one tertainment, drink specials, and beautiful gardens on tour. Plus, geous Japanese iris beds and the of the world’s greatest holiday Santa Claus. Choose our festive see our now famous “Signature” only location with all eight known light displays, which continues party cruise or dance on our din- Topiary Display with more than species of swan. The annual through the month of January. ner entertainment cruise. 40 living sculptures in Uptown festival makes a great bus trip for nearby attractions: Holiday Greenwood. Join us in Green- groups, especially gardeners, mu- nearby attractions: Castillo de Trolley Tour, Dickens Walking wood, S.C., for a blooming good sic fans, nature lovers, arts & craft San Marcos, Colonial Quarter, Tour, Light Festival time! lovers and car buffs! Fountain of Youth nearby attractions: Ninety Six nearby attractions: Sumter National Historic Site, Emerald Opera House, Sumter County Goat Farms, Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Museum, Sumter County Cultural Historic Preservation Site Center

SC Festival of Flowers

24 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS PB National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center

“...words-Diana from Mi cannot describe the emotions you will experience.” “profoundly moving.”-Visitor from NC “A must for every American”-Visitor from NJ

Museum Cyclorama Painting Film Licensed Guides Ranger Walks www.gettysburgfoundation.org Christmas at Biltmore® Asheville, N.C. The East Nov. 6, 2015–Jan. 3, 2016 Annual Events (tentative) contact: Group Sales/ Leslie Brewer (866) 851-4661 [email protected] www.biltmore.com

Be inspired by Biltmore’s grand holiday celebration during our daytime Christmas at Biltmore® celebration. Miles of ribbon and lights, sparkling ornaments, fra- grant evergreen swags, and dozens of Christmas trees decorate Biltmore House and the entire estate throughout the holiday season. A Candlelight Christmas Evenings experience will be the highlight of your visit. Imagine the wonder of America’s largest home® after dark, illuminated Colonial Williamsburg Grand Illumination by sparkling candles and flicker- ing firelight with traditional Christmas carols performed by musicians and choirs.

34th Annual Boston 60th Kentucky Derby The Big E Colonial Williamsburg Harborfest 2015 Festival & 141st West Springfield, Mass. Grand Illumination Boston, Mass. Kentucky Derby Sept. 18–Oct. 4, 2015 Williamsburg, Va. TBD Louisville, Ky. contact: Gillian Palmer Dec. 6, 2015 contact: Fiona Campbell April 16–May 2, 2015 (800) 334-2443 contact: Charles Efird (617) 227-1528 contact: Dineene Bradley [email protected] (757) 220-7462, (888) 293-5627 [email protected] (800) 626-5646 www.thebige.com [email protected] www.bostonharborfest.com [email protected] www.colonialwilliamsburg.com www.kentuckyderby.com; One million plus guests enjoy The 34th annual Boston Har- www.gotolouisville.com top-name entertainment, Big E Colonial Williamsburg’s borfest is a five-day Fourth of cream puffs, Mardi Gras Parade, Christmas season officially July festival that showcases the The Kentucky Derby Festival is Circus Spectacular, Horse Show, begins with Grand Illumina- colonial and maritime heritage a whirlwind of 70 events starting the Avenue of States, Storrowton tion, a spectacular evening of the cradle of the American with Thunder Over Louisville, Village Museum and competi- where candles twinkle in the Revolution: the historic city of the opening ceremonies of the tions. Located at the crossroads windows of historic area homes Boston. The award-winning two-week festival. With an of New England on 175 acres and buildings, fatwood crackles festival strives to honor and estimated average attendance in West Springfield, The Big E in street-side cressets, and the remember the past, celebrate the of half a million people, it is the attracts groups from across the heavens explode with fireworks. present, and educate the future largest annual event in the region, country and beyond. More than Enjoy music, holiday events, hot with reenactments, concerts, the largest annual pyrotechnics 800 motorcoaches visit The Big chocolate and apple cider, and and historical tours. Each day is display in North America, and E each year. many more festive activities on packed with events that will be one of the top five air shows in the the streets of Colonial Williams- fun for the whole family. country. Other highlights include burg. Entering its 80th year, a half and full marathon and live Grand Illumination is sure to bed racing! The event that started inspire many holiday traditions it all, the Pegasus Parade marches to come. down Broadway the Thursday before the Derby.

26 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 27 “A Country Christmas” CMA Music Festival Daytona 500 Macy’s at Gaylord Opryland Nashville, Tenn. Daytona Beach, Fla. Thanksgiving Day Resort June 11–14, 2015 Feb. 22, 2015 Parade Nashville, Tenn. contact: Chris Harrington contact: Brandon R. Little New York, N.Y. Nov. 20, 2015–Jan. 3, 2016 (615) 244-2840 (386) 681-5514 Nov. 27, 2015 contact: Tina Abellanosa [email protected] blittle@daytonainternational contact: Kristin Esposito (615) 458-2821 www.cmafest.com speedway.com (646) 429-7432 [email protected] www.daytonainternational [email protected] www.christmasatgaylordopry Created for the fans in 1972, speedway.com www.nycgo.com land.com CMA Music Festival brings it all together—artists, music, It’s called “The Great American This annual tradition often There’s no better place for the autographs, pictures, activities, Race” but it’s the race the entire signals the beginning of the holidays than Nashville’s iconic and more—all for country music world bears witness to. Because Christmas holiday season. Gaylord Opryland Resort with its fans, the most devoted fans in no race has the guaranteed pow- The Tom Turkey float leads two million twinkling lights, stun- the world! Thousands of passion- er to elevate careers and change the parade of more than 200 ning decorations, and exceptional ate country music fans will enjoy lives, generation after genera- different elements, with Santa entertainment. There are more multiple music stages filled with tion, like the Daytona 500 does. Claus in his sleigh as the grand than a dozen shows and attrac- new artists, superstars, legends Many greats have captured the finale. In between are giant tions, including larger-than-life and more. It’s your chance to Harley J. Earl Trophy over the balloons, marching bands, and nativity displays, Christmas din- discover music, and make a years such as Dale Earnhardt, floats. Performers and march- ner shows, and ICE!—astonishing connection with stars and fellow Jeff Gordon, and most recently ers include celebrities, clowns, colorful sculptures hand-carved fans. And remember proceeds Dale Earnhardt Jr. It doesn’t and costumed characters. On from two million pounds of ice. from the Festival support music matter if it’s from the driver’s Thanksgiving Eve, visitors can The resort’s nine acres of indoor education in Metro Nashville seat or a grandstand seat—being watch the parade’s signature gardens and waterfalls are Public Schools and other pro- a part of the Daytona 500 is the giant character and novelty transformed into a fanciful world grams through the CMA Foun- thrill of a lifetime. balloons come to life as they are of towering Christmas trees, over- dation’s Keep the Music Playing inflated with helium. sized wreaths, and ornate details program. that provide breathtaking views.

“A Country Christmas” at Gaylord Opryland Resort

26 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 27 The East

MummersFest & National Cherry PHS Philadelphia Pigeon Forge Fancy Brigade Finale: Blossom Festival Flower Show Winterfest Philadelphia Mummers Washington, D.C. Philadelphia, Pa. Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Parade March 20–April 12, 2015 Feb. 28–March 8, 2015 Nov. 10, 2015–Feb. 28, 2016 Philadelphia, Pa. contact: Diana Mayhew contact: Nick Pytel contact: Joy McNealy Jan. 1, 2015 (202) 661-7596 (215) 988-8814 (865) 453-8574 contact: Jim Julia [email protected]; [email protected] [email protected] (302) 893-4937 [email protected] www.theflowershow.com www.mypigeonforge.com/ [email protected]; www.nationalcherryblossom events_winterfest.aspx [email protected] festival.org The magic of the movies will www.fancybrigade.com move from silver screen to living Our festival features more than The nation’s greatest springtime color when the world’s great floral five million lights on display While the Mummers Parade has celebration, the National Cherry and garden designers gather at throughout the city. Our Trolley been held in Philadelphia on New Blossom Festival includes the 2015 Philadelphia Flower Tour of Lights, an event trade- Year’s Day since 1901, the Phila- spectacular events featuring Show for the ultimate “reel mark, allows you to enjoy our delphia Mummers Brigade As- diverse and creative program- to real” experience. From the holiday lights with guides for a sociation decided in 1997 to move ming promoting traditional and poppy fields of Oz to the jungles tour you’ll never forget. Wilder- its show indoors. No weather con- contemporary arts and culture, of Avatar, guests will be treated ness Wildlife Week in January cerns means a guaranteed event natural beauty, and community to the endless possibilities is the ultimate Smoky Mountain and reserved comfortable seating. spirit. Each year, the Festival sprouting from these Technicolor experience; it’s a series of activi- Refreshments and restrooms are commemorates the anniversary creations. The nation’s largest ties designed to connect visitors available as well as family friendly of the gift of the cherry blos- flower show will celebrate all with the great outdoors. Get events at MummersFest. Our som trees and the enduring that is great about the movies— close to nature with more than venue, the Pennsylvania Conven- friendship between the U. S. and Hollywood, Bollywood, and 50 guided walks/hikes, lectures, tion Center in historic Downtown Japan. Events are primarily free the Blockbusters of 2015—with seminars, and hands-on work- Philadelphia, offers the best place and open to the public, and more Flower Show displays and special shops. Forget the winter dol- to see the Philadelphia Mummers. than 1.5 million people each attractions that provide an excit- drums—let Winterfest embrace Come and see the most dynamic year take part in this annual rite ing, glamorous, and inspirational your holidays with our multiple division in the Mummers Parade. of spring. experience for all ages. events and themed celebration!

Virginia International Tattoo and Arts Festival Norfolk, Va. April 23–26, 2015 contact: Dianna Starkey (757) 282-2819 [email protected] www.vafest.org

Every year the Virginia Inter- national Tattoo captures the imagination and ignites the soul of a worldwide audience with an incomparable and emo- tional spectacle of Music and Might. The term “tattoo” refers to a Scottish military last call, when pipes and drums called troops back to post for an evening ceremony. Considered the most patriotic of the world’s great tattoos, the Virginia International Tattoo is a Scottish tradition with an Virginia International Tattoo and Arts Festival American soul! The Tattoo features more than 800 military and civilian performers from eight nations.

28 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS PB Home to RAILROAD DAYS named as a 2015 “Top 100” Event!

Your Time. Our Place. VisitWV.com or call 800.VisitWV for a custom itinerary for your group.

Celebrate railroad history and natural beauty at our Railroad Days Festival. Experience the great outdoors while rafting or ziplining in the New River Gorge. Research area coal mining history on the Coal Heritage Trail. Explore gristmills and taste award-winning salsa along the Midland Trail Scenic Highway. Spend a day sampling wineries, antique shops and art galleries located throughout the region. We have it all and it is all closer than you think in Southern West Virginia.

It’s about time your group discovered Southern West Virginia.

14-SWV-381-ABA Full Page Ad-vff.indd 1 8/25/14 4:40 PM History Comes Alive Springfield, Ill. Central June 1–Aug. 31, 2015 contact: Sarah Watson; Whether it’s reveling in history and culture or Gina Gemmerling celebrating the holidays in style, plenty of incredible (217) 782-6817, (217) 789-2360 [email protected] events await in the heart of the United States. www.visit-springfieldillinois.com /history-comes-alive.aspx

History lives in Springfield. Throughout the summer, many sites and attractions in historic Springfield will be brimming with free live performances and fun activities that will transport you back in time—to the Spring- field Abraham Lincoln knew Anniversary Year and loved. From storytelling and interaction with costumed Offers Group Incentives interpreters to visits with Mr. Lincoln, himself, this is a trip to the past you won’t want to miss! Designated Motorcoach Parking nearby attractions: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Food Museum, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Lincoln’s Tomb

Great Lakes ArtPrize Dublin Irish Festival Meet Jungle Jack Grand Rapids, Mich. Dublin, Ohio Hanna 53rd Annual Arts & Sept. 22–Oct. 11, 2015 July 31–Aug. 2, 2015 Columbus, Ohio Crafts Festival contact: Mary Manier contact: Katie Rich June 19, 2015 and Nappanee, Ind. (616) 233-3554 (614) 792-7666, (800) 245-8387 Sept. 18–19, 2015 Aug. 6–9, 2015 [email protected] [email protected] contact: Marceline Dyer, CTIS contact: Jenni Wysong www.dublinirishfestival.org (614) 222-6146, (800) 354-2657 (574) 773-4188, (800) 800-4942 ArtPrize is a radically open, inde- [email protected] [email protected] pendently organized international Irish attitude is all you need www.experiencecolumbus.com www.amishacres.com/arts art competition, and a 501c3 to experience the Dublin Irish /meetjack _crafts_festival/arts_crafts non-profit. For 19 days, three Festival in Dublin, Ohio. For _festival_2014.php square miles of downtown Grand 27 years, the first weekend in In the ultimate animal-lover’s Rapids become an open playing August has been reserved for experience, Columbus Zoo and More than 300 vendors will set up field where anyone can find a voice what is now the world’s second Aquarium hosts the opportunity around the historic farm’s pond in the conversation about what is largest Irish celebration. With to meet Jungle Jack Hanna June during this four-day event. Wagon art and why it matters. Art from seven stages, 65 acts and more 19 and Sept. 18 and 19. Groups rides, marionette and magic around the world pops up in every than 535 performers, there staying the night in a Columbus shows, a Threshers Dinner in inch of downtown, and it’s all free. is something for everyone. In hotel have the chance to meet the century-old barn restaurant, ArtPrize is a great event for the addition to world-class enter- the director emeritus—also af- and guided tours intertwine the untraditional group market. CNN tainment, guests will enjoy food, fectionately known as “America’s festival’s and farm’s attractions. Featured ArtPrize as Michigan’s dance, cultural activities, Irish favorite zookeeper”—and enjoy Free entertainment on four stages must-see destination in 2014 and storytelling, a 10th century Irish a private animal show from him and festive food concoctions bring Time magazine named it one of Village, traditional Irish sport- before exploring the zoo voted a distinctive flavor to the annual the Five Festive Events You Won’t ing events and so much more! No. 1 in America by USA Travel event. Want to Miss in 2013. Gates open at 4 p.m. on Friday at Guide. nearby attractions: The Round nearby attractions: Frederik Coffman Park. nearby attractions: The Wilds, Barn Theatre, Amish Acres Historic Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, nearby attractions: Columbus Franklin Park Conservatory, Ohio Farm and Heritage Resort, Quilt Gerald R. Ford Presidential Mu- Zoo & Aquarium, Ohio Amish History Center Garden Tour seum, Grand Rapids Art Museum Country, US Air Force Museum

30 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 31 National Cherry History Comes Alive Festival Traverse City, Mich. July 4–11, 2015 contact: Mandy DePuy (231) 947-4230, (800) 968-3380 [email protected] www.cherryfestival.org

Remember the sights, sounds and smells of a summer celebration in your hometown when you were a kid? Happy days return to Traverse City’s beautiful Lake Michigan shores each summer with more than 100 events, including free air shows over the bay, colorful parades, wine and culinary galas, music shows, sporting events, marching bands, rides, pie-eating contests, classic car show, arts and craft fair, orchard tours, and loads of luscious cherries prepared every way you can imagine. nearby attractions: Sleeping Bear Dunes, Winery, Brewery & Distillery Tours, Lighthouses

Watch thousands of railcars, everyday! Open Daily Eight-story Tower offers a panoramic view of the world’s largest rail yard; Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard,Yard, Historic Displays, Hall of Fame, Railroad Artifacts & Gift Shop.Shop. www.goldenspiketower.com 1249 North Homestead Rd

North Platte North Platte, Nebraska Omaha Grand Island Lincoln 308.532.9920

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

30 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 31 Central Great Lakes

Quilt Gardens Along Shipshewana Quilt The Heartland Branson Veterans the Heritage Trail Festival Homecoming Week Elkhart, Ind. Shipshewana, Ind. Big Iron Farm Show Branson, Mo. May 30–Oct. 1, 2015 June 24–27, 2015 West Fargo, N.D. Nov. 5–11, 2015 contact: Sonya Nash contact: JoDee Hooley Sept. 9–11, 2015 contact: Lenni Neimeyer (574) 262-8161, (800) 517-9657 (260) 768-4008, (866) 243-9434 contact: Bryan Schulz (417) 243-2105, (877) BRANSON [email protected] [email protected] (701) 282-2200, (800) 456-6408 [email protected] www.quiltgardens.com www.shipshewanaquiltfest.com [email protected] www.explorebranson.com www.bigironfarmshow.com /veterans More than a million vibrant The Shipshewana Quilt Festival, blooms. Plus, gigantic gardens, held annually in the heart of The Big Iron Farm Show in Every day of the year, Branson hand-painted super-sized Indiana’s Amish Country, is the West Fargo, N.D., is held in honors our veterans, but Nov. murals, and welcoming com- region’s largest event of its kind September, which includes fall 5–11 each year, Branson hosts munities. Travel a 90-mile featuring lectures by nationally colors, beautiful sunny days, Veterans Homecoming, the scenic Heritage Trail through known speakers, a Quilt & Vendor and gentle breezes at night. largest veterans celebration the Amish Country of Northern Show, Backroads Shop Hop, Groups are invited to attend the in the nation. During this Indiana passing farms, dining educational activities, and more! top-rated seminars conducted week, which concludes with a in homes, touring shops, busi- Groups attending also have the by agricultural and technology Veterans Day parade in historic nesses, and small towns. See one opportunity to view the beautiful professionals. Visit the 800- downtown Branson, thousands quilt garden or see all 20. Master Barn Quilt Trail and Quilt Gar- plus vendors, be first to see the of veterans, active-duty gardener and quilter step-on dens Tour throughout the county farm equipment demonstra- military personnel and their guides are available. Free and neighboring towns. Addition- tions, and stroll through the families attend more than 40 customized itinerary planning ally, each year a different special arts and crafts sections. There special events honoring their offered by the CVB. exhibit is displayed in Hostetler’s is always more to explore at service and sacrifice. nearby attractions: Shipshe- Hudson Auto Museum. www.fargomoorhead.org. wana Flea Market, Amish Acres nearby attractions: Shipshe- nearby attractions: Veterans Historic Farm, Dinner & Theatre, wana Flea Market, Blue Gate nearby attractions: Fargo Air Memorial Museum, Special Live Das Dutchman Essenhaus Inn, Theater, Hostetler’s Hudson Auto Museum, Bonazaville USA, Roger Shows, Special Performance on Restaurant and Theatre Museum Maris Baseball Museum Showboat Branson Belle

Branson Veterans Homecoming Week

32 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION Contact your favorite Branson Receptive or call 800.339.2216 www.bransontravelplanning.com Central The Heartland

Norsk Høstfest Scandinavian Festival

Dodge City Days NEBRASKAland DAYS Norsk Høstfest See The World In Dodge City, Kan. North Platte, Neb. Scandinavian Festival Branson Music Fest July 24–Aug. 2, 2015 June 17–28, 2015 Minot, N.D. Branson, Mo. contact: Dan Schenkein contact: David Fudge Sept. 29–Oct. 3, 2015 April 22–23, 2015 (620) 227-3119 (308) 532-7939, (800) 313-5606 contact: Pamela Alme Davy contact: Toyea Youngblood [email protected] [email protected] (701) 852-2368 (417) 348-1434, (800) 339-2216 www.dodgecitydays.com www.nebraskalanddays.com [email protected] [email protected] www.hostfest.com www.seetheworldInbranson.com Feel Dodge City’s history come Now in its 51st year, Nebraska’s to life during the annual Dodge official state celebration takes The Norsk Høstfest welcomes Branson’s largest springtime City Days! This 10-day celebration place in North Platte each June. international and national event, the festival offers a hosts more than 50 events includ- A consolidated schedule assures groups and provides you the op- sampling of more than 20 dif- ing the award-winning PRCA that not a day during the 11 day portunity to create new memories ferent Branson entertainers Hall of Fame Dodge City Rodeo. celebration goes by without and friendships with the people during two days of matinee They call it the “Greatest Show on non-stop entertainment for your you meet. More than 200 inter- performances. Located on the Dirt,” and it’s hard to argue. Other group. Enjoy the historic Buffalo nationally recognized artisans, festival grounds is a market- event highlights include a classic Bill Rodeo in the town where craftsmen, and chefs participate place tent that features the car show, a carnival, an arts and Buffalo Bill invented the sport. each year. Here, you will find fine Savor the Flavors of Branson crafts show, professional barbecue Combine that with top-name quality and exquisitely Nordic cooking demonstrations and contest, a Western parade, and the concert entertainment, music, cuisine, clothing, art, jewelry, and Branson’s Celebrity Chef crowning of Miss Rodeo Kansas. food, art and history events, and much more! The Great Hall of the Cookoff. Entertainers are on The festival kicks off on July 24, parades and North Platte’s great Vikings and seven Håll stages of- hand for autograph and photo 2015, with the Boot Hill Bull Fry lodging and dining, and you’ve fer top entertainment in country, opportunities, along with prize and Bash. Saddle up and enjoy the got a recipe for success. comedic, and contemporary music drawings, and giveaways and ride! and variety acts. games for visitors to enjoy. nearby attractions: Boot Hill nearby attractions: Golden nearby attractions: Scandi- Museum, Boot Hill Casino, Santa Spike Tower, Buffalo Bill Ranch, navian Heritage Park, Dakota nearby attractions: Clay Cooper Fe Depot & Depot Theater Lincoln County Historical Territory Air Museum, Pointe of Theater, Branson, Oak Ridge Company Museum View Winery Boys Theater

34 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION The South 50th Anniversary of Carnival on the Coast— Mardi Gras on Selma to Montgomery Mardi Gras Season Bayou Lafourche 20th Anniversary of March—Annual Bridge Biloxi, Miss. Raceland, La. Galaxy of Lights Crossing Jubilee in Jan. 31–Feb. 17, 2015 Feb. 15–16, 2015 Montgomery, Ala. Selma contact: Group Sales contact: Peggy Benoit Nov. 24–Dec. 31, 2015 Montgomery, Ala. (228) 432-8806 (985) 537-5800 contact: Rosemary Judkins March 5–8, 2015 info@gulfcoastcarnival [email protected] (334) 242-4493 contact: Rosemary Judkins association.com www.visitlafourche.com rosemary.judkins@tourism (334) 242-4493 www.gulfcoastcarnival .alabama.gov rosemary.judkins@tourism association.com Your group is invited to the www.alabama.travel .alabama.gov “Greatest Free Show on the www.alabama.travel Carnival on the Coast is an Bayou”! Mardi Gras on Bayou The Galaxy of Lights is the exciting season. Decorated floats Lafourche includes exciting largest holiday light display in The Bridge Crossing Jubilee is crowded with Krewe members parades and a colorful tableau. the state. More than 170 differ- an annual event organized by the throw beads, stuffed animals, dou- Along with a Cajun Music Jam ent scenes make up the galaxy National Voting Rights Museum bloons, and other treasures to ea- Session and King Cake, your displays. Galaxy is a mile-and- & Institute with the Wallace ger bystanders. On the Mississippi clients will be able to take a-half-long drive-through tour Community College Selma, 21st Gulf Coast, there are 23+ parades; part in traditional Carnival that features larger than life dis- Century Youth Leadership Move- from state line to state line, every celebrations. Only 40 miles SW plays including scenes from the ment, the Southern Christian town celebrates for several weeks of New Orleans and 20 miles holidays,beautiful bontanicals, Leadership Conference, and the before Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras from the beautiful antebellum and animals. City of Selma. It commemorates Day. The Mardi Gras Season at- plantations of the Great River nearby attractions: Huntsville the triumph of the Civil Rights tracts more than 450,000 people Road. Experience Mardi Gras Space & Rocket Center, Con- Movement and the entire African annually and continues to grow in without the large crowds. We’re stitution Village, Burritt on the American community against popularity. real Cajun—real close! Mountain segregation. nearby attractions: Mardi Gras nearby attractions: National Vot- Museum in the Rue Magnolia Arts nearby attractions: Distillery ing Rights Museum, Browns Bap- District, Downtown Ocean Springs, Tours, Swamp Tours, Cajun Cul- tist Church, Old Depot Museum Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art tural Attractions

The Greatest Free Show on the Bayou!

Over 15 Parades, Tableaus, Carnival Balls and many other Mardi Gras Celebrations in a family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy authentic Louisiana cuisine, swamp tours, sugarcane plantations and many other Cajun cultural attractions only 40 miles SW of New Orleans. Accommodations available for any style or budget. 1-877-537-5800 40 miles Southwest of New Orleans via Exit 215A US 90 West, or Exit 215 US 90 East • 4484 LA. Hwy. 1 • Raceland, LA 70394 [email protected] • www. visitlafourche.com facebook.com/VisitBayouLafourche

AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 35 Central The South

W. C. Handy Music Festival

Mudbug Madness National Shrimp New Orleans Jazz & W. C. Handy Music Shreveport, La. Festival Heritage Festival Festival May 21–24, 2015 Gulf Shores, Ala. New Orleans, La. Florence, Ala. contact: Melanie Bacon Oct. 8–11, 2015 April 24–May 3, 2015 July 17–26, 2015 (318) 226-5641 contact: Ann von Eberstein contact: Mandy DeLong contact: Nancy Gonce mbacon@downtownshreveport (251) 968-6091 (504) 410-4100 (256) 766-9719, (256) 766-7642 .com [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.mudbugmadness.com www.nationalshrimpfestival.com www.nojazzfest.com www.w.c.handymusicfestival.org

Recognized as one of the The National Shrimp Festival The New Orleans Jazz & Hosted by the Music Preservation Southeast Tourism Society’s is one of the nation’s premier Heritage Festival, aka Jazz Society, Inc. annually since 1982, Top 20 events, the Mudbug outdoor festivals featuring Fest, is a 10-day cultural feast the W. C. Handy Music Festival Madness Festival is a sure live entertainment, more than when thousands of musicians, celebrates the musical heritage of bet for group tours looking 300 vendors, fine art, arts and cooks, and craftspeople welcome Alabama native son, W. C. Handy, for a special experience. This crafts, a retail marketplace, 400,000 visitors each year. “The Father of the Blues,” and of Memorial Day weekend event and wonderful fresh-from-the– The Louisiana Heritage Fair “The Muscle Shoals Sound.” The in downtown Shreveport Gulf Coast seafood, especially showcases unforgettable music lineup includes concerts, exhibits, at Festival Plaza celebrates shrimp. on multiple stages, delicious educational programs, parades, Louisiana’s Cajun heritage. nearby attractions: Annual Mul- Louisiana cuisine in two large a street strut, athletic events, Honoring the beloved crawfish, let Toss, Hangout Music Festival, food areas, and crafts artisans theater, as well as music along the festival features mouth- Annual Balloon Festival from the region and around the the Tennessee River and other watering Cajun/Creole food, world demonstrating and selling locations featuring Muscle Shoals renowned Cajun/zydeco/blues their work. artists and songwriters and jazz, artists, raucous crawfish eating nearby attractions: R&B , gospel, contemporary, soul, contests, a children’s area, and Mardi Gras World, and blues artists. crafts. WWII Museum, nearby attractions: W. C. Handy nearby attractions: Outlets at Audubon Institute Home and Museum, Alabama the Louisiana Boardwalk, Great Music Hall of Fame, Ivy Green— Raft Brewing, Casinos Helen Keller Birthplace Home

36 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION Ed Hall Ed

Oprah loves Selma! Your groups will, too!

To honor the 50th anniversary of the historic Selma to Montgomery March, Oprah Winfrey has produced the movie “Selma” that stars David Oyelowo (“The Butler”) as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Oprah stayed here while all Alabama scenes were filmed, including her scenes as voting- rights activist Annie Lee Cooper, who famously slugged Selma’s racist sheriff. See the motion picture when it opens nationwide on Jan. 9, 2015, then make the journey to the real Selma.

Oprah and David each received the “Sacred Ground” certificate for crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Repeat history when your groups walk across the bridge during your pilgrimage. Each of your participants will receive the same “Sacred Ground” certificate if you book withAlabama Tourism Department Sales Manager Rosemary Judkins in 2015 and 2016 .

Tour the historic Brown Chapel AME Church where the marches began. Stay at the historic St.

James Hotel, a block from the bridge, where many of the film crew and cast stayed. Visit the Rev. King’s church National Park Service’s free interpretive center on U.S. Highway 80. In Montgomery, tour Dr. King’s Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. Visit the parsonage that is filled with King’s personal items and furniture.

Most importantly, feel what Rev. King meant when he spoke the words, “Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

To learn how your group can experience this legacy, contact Rosemary Judkins at [email protected] or 334-242-4493.

Selma hotel .org Ozark Mountain Christmas Central Branson, Mo. Annual Events Nov. 1, 2015–Dec. 31, 2015 contact: Lynn Berry (877) BRANSON [email protected] www.explorebranson.com Indy 500 Celebration Just like the ending of a fantastic show, this nationally acclaimed holiday destination, with its broad mix of world-class entertainment and Christmas spirit, creates a grand finale for the year. See the Branson Area Fes- tival of Lights and lots of Christ- mas shows! Silver Dollar City, the award-winning 1880s theme park, has their Old Time Christ- mas. The legacy continues with the Andy Williams Christmas Show featuring the Osmonds and the Lennon Sisters. Sight & Sound Theatre’s production of The Miracle of Christmas will warm the hearts and bless the souls of everyone that sees it. Branson—it’s your show!

Holland Tulip Time Indy 500 Celebration Mardi Gras St. Paul Winter Festival Indianapolis, Ind. New Orleans, La. Carnival Holland, Mich. May 2–24, 2015 Feb. 17, 2015 St. Paul, Minn. May 2–9, 2015 contact: Lisa Wallace contact: Lisa Holland Jan. 22–Feb. 1, 2015 contact: Susan Zalnis (317) 262-8260 (800) 748-8695 contact: Michael Hernandez (616) 396-4221 ext. 107 [email protected] [email protected] (651) 265-4906 [email protected] www.500festival.com www.neworleanscvb.com [email protected] www.tuliptime.com www.winter-carnival.com The Indy 500 Celebration fea- Although New Orleans is known The Tulip Time Festival in tures a three-week/four-week- for many things, including jazz, The St. Paul Winter Carnival Holland, Mich., celebrating its end event schedule that provides Creole and Cajun cooking, and is an 11-day winter festival 86th year, invites everyone to an opening week of busy daily the French Quarter, Mardi Gras that fosters a sense of com- join the dance as we welcome track activity, two pressure- eclipses all as New Orleans’ munity, pride, belonging and spring. You won’t want to packed days of qualifications and most famous centerpiece. Fat connectedness by celebrating miss our premier parades, a traditional Race Week format Tuesday this year will be Feb. St. Paul’s unique history and performances by more than a that includes a parade and all of 17, but the festivities begin emerging heritage. The carnival thousand costumed dancers, the pageantry of “The Greatest weeks in advance. A time of welcomes more than 400,000 floats, and special surprises. In Spectacle in Racing.” There will revelry, fraternity, festivity, and people to St. Paul and creates addition to all this, enjoy a wide be 12 days of on-track action unabashed indulgence, Mardi $3.5 to $5 million in economic selection of superb local and during the month of May at the Gras reflects New Orleanians’ activity. The St. Paul Festival & world class national entertain- Indianapolis Motor Speedway, rich heritage, unleashes the joy- Heritage Foundation maintains ment, which has previously kicking off with the country’s ous soul of the city and invites an ongoing administration. included Kenny Rogers and largest half marathon, the 500 everyone to join in the fun. The This year-round management Bill Cosby. Stroll through our Festival Mini Marathon on festival embraces the city’s provides the volunteer support, Dutch marketplace, or shop Saturday, May 2. The month will social and cultural variety, from programming continuity, and our award winning Downtown culminate with the world’s larg- the Mardi Gras Indians to the fiscal administration necessary Holland. All this while enjoy- est single-day sporting event, the Zulu parade and the Endymion to assure the continued growth ing the stars of the show: our Indianapolis 500 taking place on ball, and brings everyone to- and success of the St. Paul Win- millions of tulips. May 24, 2015. gether in the spirit of revelry. ter Carnival. SPEEDWAY. OF THE INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR COURTESY PHOTO

38 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2011 TOP 100 EVENTS PB Celebrating ArtPrize – the world’s richest, most radical art competition – has been named one of ABA’s Top 100 Events for 2015. Bring your group to see more than 1,500 works of art covering every inch of downtown Grand Rapids. Visitor votes determine the $200,000 prize winner!

September 22 – October 11, 2015 September 21 – October 9, 2016

Find tour ideas, visit ExperienceGR.com/group-travel

Or contact: Mary L. Manier, CTP/CTIS [email protected] • 616.233.3554 Gathering of Nations Native American The West Powwow Albuquerque, N.M. With events ranging from April 24-25, 2015 hot-air balloon festivals to contact: Derek Mathews (505) 836-2810 quilt shows, there’s something [email protected] for everyone in the West. www.gatheringofnations.com

The Gathering of Nations Pow- wow is North America’s largest Native American competition and powwow. The event celebrates Native American pageantry and culture with more than 500 tribes represented from across the U.S. and Canada. Attracting more than Anniversary Year 3,000 participants from all over the world, the powwow features Offers Group Incentives aisles of shopping at the Indian Trader’s Market and native foods and music. Also featured during Designated Motorcoach the powwow is the crowning of Parking Miss Indian World. nearby attractions: Indian Food Pueblo Cultural Center, Native American Owned Casinos, Acoma Pueblo

The Rockies The Southwest Christmas Capital Havasu Balloon of Texas Festival & Fair Donkey Derby Days Albuquerque Grapevine, Texas Lake Havasu City, Ariz. Cripple Creek, Colo. American Indian Nov. 20, 2015–Jan. 3, 2016 Jan. 16–18, 2015 June 27–28, 2015 Art Festival contact: Heather Boehm contact: Ida Jones contact: Pat Martin Albuquerque, N.M. (817) 410-3185, (800) 457-6338 (928) 453-3444, (800) 242-8278 (719) 689-3461 Oct. 3–4, 2015 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] contact: Tazbah McCullah www.grapevinetexasusa.com www.havasuballoonfest.com www.visitcripplecreek.com (505) 724-3519 /christmas-capital-of-texas [email protected] The Havasu Balloon Festival and Donkey Derby Days celebrates www.indianpueblo.com See Grapevine as the city becomes Fair hosts more than 65 hot air its 84th anniversary. People from blanketed with millions of lights, balloons, launching from an island all over the world descend on Hear Native drums as you enter decorations, animated characters, in the middle of the lake. Chat our mountain town, drawn by a into the Albuquerque American and more! Festivities include with pilots preparing for a morn- chance to watch a race inspired by Indian Art Festival at the Indian ICE! at the Gaylord Texan Resort; ing or midafternoon flight, taking the town’s resident free-roaming Pueblo Cultural Center. At the Christmas on Main; North Pole them over Lake Havasu. See them donkey herd. They’re thought to outdoor plaza , there’s a market- Express; and the largest lighted “splash and dash” as they dip in be descendants of the original place filled with tribal artists from Christmas parade in North Texas. the lake and float over the London donkeys from the town’s 1900s across the country, selling hand- There are also holiday musical Bridge. On Sat. and Sun. morning, gold rush. Families can watch or made items. Dancers perform performances, the Grapevine be close to the balloons during participate in the donkey races. tribal dances every hour. Groups Opry’s Christmas Spectacular, staging on the “Island Fantasy” This two-day event includes can also enjoy a wide selection of family Christmas movies, Murder field. At night, tethered balloons heritage competitions, live enter- Native and American cuisine at Mystery Dinner Theater, and prepare for the evening glow, tainment, children’s activities, the award-winning Pueblo Har- Lone Star Christmas at the Gay- resembling Chinese lanterns. Be vendors, and much more. This is a vest Café. lord Texan Resort. awed from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. free event! nearby attractions: Acoma “Sky nearby attractions: ICE! at the nearby attractions: Garden of City” Pueblo, Albuquerque Inter- Gaylord Texan Resort, Live Christ- nearby attractions: London the Gods, Air Force Academy, national Balloon Fiesta, National mas Musicals & Entertainment, Bridge, Topcock Gorge Boat Pikes Peak Cog Railroad Hispanic Cultural Center Parade of Lights Tour, Lake Havasu Museum

40 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 41 La Fiesta de los MAIN ST. Ft. Worth SalsaFest! The West Vaqueros Tucson Arts Festival Las Cruces, N.M. Rodeo Ft. Worth, Texas Aug. 29–30, 2015 Best in the West Tucson, Ariz. April 9–12, 2015 contact: Carrie La Tour Nugget Rib Cook-Off Feb. 21–March 1, 2015 contact: Jay Downie (575) 525-1955 Sparks, Nev. contact: Gary Williams (817) 336-2787 [email protected] Sept. 2–7, 2015 (520) 741-2233, (800) 964-5662 [email protected] www.downtownlascruces.org contact: Lisa Jansen [email protected] www.mainstreetartsfest.org (775) 356-3428 www.tucsonrodeo.com Spice up your tour with SalsaFest! [email protected] The MAIN ST. Ft. Worth Arts a signature of Las Cruces, N.M. www.nuggetribcookoff.com The Tucson Rodeo, the first Festival celebrates its 30th year in SalsaFest! serves up some of major outdoor event on the PRCA Downtown Ft. Worth, showcasing the most creative samples. Chow down at the Best in the schedule, gives visitors an op- a juried art fair, live music from Join nearly 10,000 locals who West Nugget Rib Cook-Off, held portunity to see real-life cowboys local, regional, and national tal- attend to sample sauces made annually over Labor Day week- and cowgirls display their abil- ent, local cuisine, family-friendly from scratch by professional end in downtown Sparks, Nev. ity in the only sport in the world activities, and much more. The and amateur teams. SalsaFest! It’s a culinary, music, craft, and developed from work skills. The crown jewel of Texas events, also features salsa music, the family-friendly extravaganza Tucson Rodeo Parade is billed as MAIN ST. is one of the finest arts Best-Dressed Chihuahua con- guaranteed to send summer out the world’s longest non-motorized festivals in the U.S., as referenced test, an excellent assortment in style. Hosted by JA Nugget, parade. This two-hour spectacle in both the Art Fair Sourcebook of food and Mexican beers, more than 500,000 people features Western-themed floats and The Harris List, and is the crafts, and people watching. devour 233,000 pounds of ribs and buggies, historic horse-drawn winner of the IFEA’s Grand Pin- When things heat up, grab a cooked by the world’s best rib coaches, festive Mexican folk nacle Award for three of the past shady seat, sip a cold beverage cookers vying for prize money. dancers, marching bands, and five years. or slurp a snow cone, relax and For more information, visit www outfitted riders. nearby attractions: Ft. Worth enjoy the view. .nuggetribcookoff.com or www nearby attractions: Tucson Stockyards, Ft. Worth Cultural nearby attractions: White Sands .janugget.com. Rodeo Museum, Arizona-Sonora District with Museums, Sundance National Monument, Historic nearby attractions: Beautiful Desert Museum, Pima Air & Square Events, Downtown Ft. Mesilla, New Mexico Farm & Lake Tahoe, Historic Virginia City, Space Museum Worth Ranch Heritage Museum Downtown Reno

Dungeness Crab and Havasu Balloon Festival & Fair Seafood Festival Port Angeles, Wash. Oct. 9–11, 2015 contact: Scott Nagel (360) 452-6300 [email protected] www.crabfestival.org

Taste the bounty of the Olympic coast at the 13th annual Dunge- ness Crab and Seafood Festival, Oct. 9–11, 2015, in Port Angeles, Wash. “Crabfest” is the annual celebration of our region’s diverse bounty—the seafood, agriculture and maritime traditions, and the breathtaking coastal environment that is home to the Dungeness crab. This amazing food Festival takes place downtown at the City Pier, overlooking the beautiful Strait of Juan de Fuca and Victoria, B.C. Hours: Fri., 4–10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.–10 p.m.,Sun., 10 a.m.–5 p.m. nearby attractions: Victoria, BC, Olympic National Park, Port Townsend

40 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 41 The West The West

Fairbanks Summer Sisters Quilt Show Southwest Arts Arts Festival “The World’s Largest Festival Fairbanks, Alaska Outdoor Quilt Show” Indio, Calif. July 12–26, 2015 Sisters, Ore. Jan. 23–25, 2015 contact: Terese Kaptur July 11–12, 2015 contact: Joshua Bonner (907) 474-8869 contact: Jeanette Pilak (760) 347-0676 [email protected] (541) 549-0989 [email protected] www.fsaf.org [email protected] www.southwestartsfest.com Tulip Fest www.sistersoutdoorquiltshow.org Woodburn, Ore. At the Fairbanks Summer Arts Welcome to the 29th annual March 25–May 5, 2015 Festival in Alaska, there are ar- Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show is Southwest Arts Festival. With a contact: Barb Iverson tistic and cultural experiences of- a nonprofit organization whose unique blend of culture and art, (503) 634-2243 fered throughout a two-week long, mission is to educate and inspire the festival is one of the oldest [email protected] mid-summer period, including about the art of quilting. The and largest in the region playing www.woodenshoe.com more than 80 mini-workshops in World’s Largest Outdoor Quilt host to more than 280 artists. music, visual arts, dance, writing, Show, celebrating its 40th an- Featuring highly acclaimed work Our favorite time of year is when theater, and healing and culinary niversary, is free and features in the fields of traditional, con- the tulips bloom! There is noth- arts, plus 100 performances held 1,300 quilts from all over the temporary, and abstract art, the ing like the colors of our tulip at locations all over town. There world displayed on buildings, festival is located in the beautiful fields in the spring. Every year are also free lunchtime concerts fences, railings, and porches Empire Polo Club, a Coachella the varieties are arranged differ- and full evening performances. throughout our 1890s Western- Valley landmark that is home ently in a new pattern of color as Think of it as “a summer camp for themed town. Quilts and quilters to the world-renowned Coach- we rotate our tulip fields to a new adults” where participants can attend from across the U.S., ella Music and Arts Festival and location. Enjoy more than 40 stay for one concert or the full England, Europe, Australia, other national sporting events acres of Tulips. Only 45 minutes two-week festival. New Zealand, and South Africa. and festivals. from Portland and 30 minutes nearby attractions: University nearby attractions: HITS Horse from Salem. of Alaska Museum of the North, nearby attractions: High Desert Jumping Show, Coachella Valley nearby attractions: Oregon Fountainhead Antique Auto Mu- Museum, Sunriver Resort, Long History Museum, Palm Springs Garden, Woodburn Company seum, Riverboat Discovery Hollow Ranch Art Museum Stores, Oregon Wine Country

Road to California Quilters Conference & Showcase Sisters Quilt Show Ontario, Calif. Jan. 22–25, 2015 contact: Lisa Grove (909) 937-3000, (800) 455-5755 [email protected] www.road2ca.com

Road to California Quilters Conference & Showcase draws tens of thousands of people annually to the Ontario Conven- tion Center. Vendors, exhibits, contests, lectures, workshops, demonstrations, and classes by some of the nation’s top quilters highlight the event. More than 1,000 quilts are on display. New this year will be the 20th Anniversary Road to California Fabric designed especially for Road by Alexander Henry. nearby attractions: Shopping at Ontario Mills, Victoria Gardens, Dining and Entertainment, Historic Graber Olive House

42 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS PB Pasadena Tournament of Roses The West Pasadena, Calif. Annual Events Jan. 1, 2015 contact: Jeff Allen (626) 449-4100 [email protected] Fiesta San Antonio www.tournamentofroses.com San Antonio, Texas April 16–26, 2015 The Pasadena Tournament of contact: Shannon Houghtaling Roses is a volunteer organization (210) 227-5191 that annually hosts the Rose [email protected] Parade®, CFP Semi-Final at the www.fiesta-sa.org Rose Bowl Game®, and various associated events. The 126th Fiesta San Antonio celebrates Rose Parade, themed Inspiring the Alamo City’s diverse histo- Stories, will take place Thurs- ry and culture with more than day, Jan. 1, 2015, at 8 a.m. (PST) 100 events over 11 days. Fiesta featuring majestic floral floats, includes parades, parties, coro- equestrian units, and march- nations, fashion shows, athletic ing bands. Following the Rose events, art exhibits, and much Parade, the Tournament will more. Fiesta is the party with host the CFP (College Football Fiesta San Antonio a purpose because every of- Playoff) Semi-Final at the 101st ficial event is produced by a Rose Bowl Game that will kick local nonprofit that uses the off at 2:10 p.m. and feature an proceeds from its event to fund exciting matchup between two programs year-round in the of the top four collegiate football community. teams in the nation.

Albuquerque Cheyenne Iditarod Trail Portland Rose Festival International Frontier Days Sled Dog Race Portland, Ore. Balloon Fiesta Cheyenne, Wyo. Anchorage, Alaska (start) and May 22–June 7, 2015 Albuquerque, N.M. July 17–26, 2015 Willow, Alaska (restart) contact: Carol Ross Oct. 3–11, 2015 contact: Nicole Gamst March 7, 2015 (503) 227-2681 contact: Linda Ryan (307) 778-7200 contact: (907) 376-5155 [email protected] (800) 733-9918 [email protected] www.iditarod.com www.rosefestival.org [email protected] www.cfdrodeo.com www.itsatrip.org; You can’t compare it to any The Portland Rose Festival has www.balloonfiesta.com Since 1897, Cheyenne has other competitive event in the been making memories since celebrated its Old West roots world! It’s a race through ap- 1907 and is finding contempo- For nine days in October, the with this eye-popping festival. proximately 1,000 miles of the rary ways to connect with the New Mexico skies are painted Central to this Western cel- roughest, most beautiful terrain community and visitors alike. as hundreds of balloons lift off ebration is the world’s largest Mother Nature has to offer. She More than two million annual from Albuquerque’s Balloon outdoor rodeo. Complement- throws jagged mountain ranges, visitors enjoy the world-class Fiesta Park. For ballooning fans ing the daily rodeo action are frozen rivers, dense forests, events for which the festival worldwide, the Albuquerque behind-the-chutes tours, trick desolate tundra, and miles of is famous. Portland’s Official International Balloon Fiesta is a riding, and a wild-horse race. A windswept coast at the mushers Festival features the Grand pilgrimage. There is something Native American Village, an Old and their dog teams. Add to Floral Parade as its centerpiece for everyone to enjoy … whimsi- West town, a chuck wagon cook- that temperatures far below on June 6, 2015. cal special shapes filled with off, pancake breakfasts, and zero, winds that can cause a equal parts hot air and wonder, an art show carry through the complete loss of visibility, and Balloon Glows that create frontier theme. Rounding out the the hazards of overflow, a magical night landscape for program are a carnival midway, long hours of darkness, spectators to wander. No matter an air show, top-name entertain- and treacherous climbs who you are, the Albuquerque ment, professional bull riding and side hills, and you International Balloon Fiesta shows, and several parades that have the Iditarod. A race

will leave you awestruck and include antique carriages and extraordinaire, a race only PHOTOGRAPHY, ALONZO COMMISSION/©JONATHAN ANTONIO SAN FIESTA® wanting more. automobiles. possible in Alaska.

AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 43 GREATER ONTARIO CALIFORNIA

HUCK FINN JUBILEE®– JUNE 13-15, 2015 Enjoy grammy award-winning artists such as The Del McCoury band and Rhonda Vincent perform Father’s Day Weekend at the beautiful Cucamonga- Guasti Regional Park. Come enjoy this three-day bluegrass music festival at its finest with events and vendors all throughout the weekend. Great family fun for the past 38 years, come make this year even better!

ROUTE 66 CRUISIN’ REUNION® – THIRD WEEKEND OF SEPT. See amazing hot rods, muscle cars, customs and classic vehicles as they park & cruise historic Euclid Avenue in downtown Ontario, CA. This amazing three-day event is free to the public! Come on down and see what the buzz is about! There will be fun for the whole family with food, vendors, kid zone and two stages of free entertainment! ROAD TO CALIFORNIA – JAN. 22-25, 2015 Explore all our events in Experience the art, culture and creativity of quilting at its best at the Road to California Quilters Conference and Showcase. Greater Ontario! For more information visit: discoverontariocalifornia.org/events

2000 E. Convention Center Way I Ontario, California 91764 909.937.3000 I 800.455.5755 I [email protected] Craven Country Jamboree Canada Regina, Saskatchewan July 9–12, 2015 From cultural celebrations to great music, Canada’s top contact: Kim Blevins events bring out the beauty and the arts of a vast nation. (306) 757-0007, (866) 388-0007 [email protected] www.cravencountryjamboree.com

The Craven Country Jamboree is called the World’s Greatest Country Music Festival for good reason. For four days in July, thousands visit from every corner of the globe to enjoy prairie charm and the biggest and best artists in country music. Besides the amazing musical talent, fans Anniversary Year can participate in many other activities and enjoy fabulous Offers Group Incentives food and merchandise vendors in an Old West setting. With its storied history, amazing talent, Designated Motorcoach and friendly appeal, the Craven Parking Country Jamboree is one of the best events in Canada. Food nearby attractions: Area Golf Courses, Area Lakes, Antiques and Shopping

29th Saskatoon Festival of Trees Craven Country Jamboree Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Nov. 22–28, 2015 contact: Cheyenne Steffen (306) 221-2079 communications@festival-of -trees.com www.festival-of-trees.com

Enjoy the 2015 Saskatoon Festival of Trees at the Western Development Museum. Beauti- fully decorated and themed Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands, aromatic gingerbread house displays, and live entertainment throughout the festival thrill visitors of all ages. The festival is open from 9 a.m.– 9 p.m. daily. Special events are held each evening; please see the website for details. Funds raised support projects at Saskatoon City Hospital. nearby attractions: Enchanted Forest Holiday Light Show, Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Saskatoon Farmers’ Market

PB 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 45 Canada

GlobalFest Calgary, Alberta Aug. 20–29, 2015 contact: Ken Goosen (403) 569-9679 contactus@globalfest.ca www.globalfest.ca

Known as Calgary’s second largest annual festival, GlobalFest attracts more than 100,000 visitors from around the world. GlobalFest is the umbrella organization for the OneWorld and Trico Homes International Fire- works Festivals. The OneWorld Festival presents diversity through music and dance, food and drink, and arts and crafts. It boasts a Tipi Village, cultural pavilions, ethnic food, performance stages, a night market, and a children’s village. The Trico Homes International Fire- works Festival will present five nights of pyromusical beauty. Lake Louise Fall Festival nearby attractions: Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park, Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology

Just For Laughs Kamloopa Powwow Lake Louise Fall New Brunswick Montreal Comedy Kamloops, British Columbia Festival Highland Games Festival Presented July 31–Aug. 2, 2015 Banff, Alberta Festival by Videotron in contact: Delyla Daniels Sept. 4–Oct. 4, 2015 Fredericton, New Brunswick Association with (250) 828-9828 contact: Julia Freeman July 24–26, 2015 Loto-Quebec [email protected] (403) 762-0270 contact: Melissa Morton Montréal, Québec www.tkemlups.ca [email protected] (888) 368-4444 July 1–31, 2015 www.banfflakelouise.com [email protected] contact: Group Sales The Kamloopa Powwow is /fallfestival www.highlandgames.ca (514) 845-3155 one of the largest celebrations [email protected] of First Nations’ culture and At the Lake Louise Fall Festival, The New Brunswick Highland www.hahaha.com heritage in Western Canada! majestic peaks and sparkling blue Games Festival is a Celtic infu- The Powwow is a spectacular water offer the perfect backdrop sion of music, bagpipes, highland Something funny is going on in expression of the Secwepemc for outdoor exploration and dance, Scottish foods, whiskies, Montréal. The world’s largest people’s heritage and is a world-class accommodations. and crafts, and more. The event comedy festival features more vibrant display of storytelling, Take advantage of the best features Highland Games (piping than 2,000 shows, international song, and dance in traditional autumn has to offer: comfortable and drumming, highland dancing, artists performing in both Eng- regalia. The Kamloopa Powwow temperatures, seasonally inspired and traditional athletics) and lish and French, and the biggest represents many years of stories menus, and forests lit up with the Scottish Festival (entertain- names in comedy, as well as the and events from previous years golden larches. Spice up your ment, clans, and workshops). The brightest up-and-coming talent. packed into three exciting days festival experience with a variety festival takes place on the grounds The festival’s magic transforms at the Secwepemc Powwow of events—from special programs of a National Historic Site, Gov- the streets into a giant open-air Grounds located two minutes and activities to hiking challenges ernment House, overlooking the theater with more than 1,200 from the city center, alongside and photography workshops—or St. John River, national heritage free performances spread the South Thompson River in take in the mountain life at a river. through the month of July. Kamloops. slower pace. nearby attractions: Govern- nearby attractions: Olympic nearby attractions: BC Wildlife nearby attractions: Glacier ment House, Beaverbrook Art Park of Montréal/Montréal Tower, Park, Secwepemc Museum, Skywalk, Glacier Adventure, Lake Gallery, Kings Landing Historical Québec’s Casinos Tranquille Farm Fresh Louise Gondola Settlement

46 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 47 Niagara Icewine RCMP Sunset Retreat SnowDays Trails, Tales & Festival Ceremonies 2015 Banff, Alberta Tunes Festival St. Catharines, Ontario Regina, Saskatchewan Jan. 9–Feb. 8, 2015 Norris Point, Newfoundland/ Jan. 9–25, 2015 July 1–Aug. 11, 2015 contact: Diana Gould Labrador contact: Kimberly Hundertmark contact: Erin Odishaw (403) 762-0270 May 15–24, 2015 (905) 688-0212 (306) 780-5900 [email protected] contact: Shirley kimberlyh@niagarawinefestival depot_communications@rcmp- www.banfflakelouise.com Montague .com grc.gc.ca /snowdays (709) 458-3604 www.niagarawinefestival.com www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/depot info@trailstales /page/icewine_home /visitors-visiteurs/sunset Banff National Park knows how tunes.ca -crepuscule-eng to do winter best! SnowDays is a www.trailstales Niagara is pleased to invite month-long festival with events tunes.ca everyone to raise a glass of one The RCMP Academy, “Depot” that celebrate Banff’s historic of Canada’s most cherished Division, is pleased to present love for winter. Enjoy world-class This unique 10-day products, Ontario Icewine. the Sunset-Retreat Ceremonies. ice carving in Lake Louise at the celebration of arts, People from far and wide will This colorful event lasts ap- Ice Magic Festival, watch thrill heritage, culture, make the Niagara Region their proximately 45 minutes and seekers tackle an ice climbing wall and community offers something winter getaway this year to par- includes a troop drill display at the MEC Ice Climbing Festival, for everyone. The intimate venues ticipate in a number of amazing performed by cadets dressed or witness top-level curling at bring performers, community, wine and culinary events. This in the famous scarlet tunic, The Travelers All-Star Curling and visitors together like family. Festival is a uniquely Canadian military music, the lowering Skins Game. Weekend events can A mix of daily outdoor activities, winter experience for all. From of the Canadian flag, and the be paired with ongoing activities uplifting entertainment, and de- Gala evening toasts to chestnut March Past. You are also invited such as skating, skiing, snowshoe- lectable culinary offerings makes roasts, ornate ice bars, and to meet our mounted riders, ing, dog sledding, or Geocaching, the Trails Tales & Tunes Festival winery tours, the Festival offers horses, and Safety Bear follow- just to mention a few! one of a kind. plenty for every taste. ing the ceremony. nearby attractions: Banff nearby attractions: Gros Morne nearby attractions: Winery nearby attractions: RCMP Heri- Gondola, Banff Upper Hot National Park, L’Anse aux Mead- Tours & Tastings, Niagara Falls, tage Centre, Government House, Springs, Cave & Basin National ows National Historic Site, Red Theatres Wascana Centre Attractions Historic Site Bay National Historic Site

Ontario Power Generation Winter RCMP Sunset Retreat Ceremonies 2015 Festival of Lights Niagara Falls, Ontario Nov. 15, 2014–Jan. 12, 2015 contact: Dino Fazio (905) 374-1616, (800) 563-2557 [email protected] www.wfol.com

Enjoy the Ontario Power Genera- tion Winter Festival of Lights, Canada’s foremost illumination festival. Niagara Falls is transformed into a palette of breathtaking color with millions of holiday lights and animated displays including the world’s largest Canadian-American Flag. Located within the Niagara Parks Winter Wonderland and adjacent tourist districts, the Festival attracts more than 1.5 million visitors and hundreds of motor coaches annually. nearby attractions: Niagara Parks Wonder Pass, Niagara Falls Tourism Booking Engine, Greg Frewin Theatre

46 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 47 Canada Annual Events Calgary Stampede

Calgary Stampede Festival du Voyageur Festival International Folklorama—The Calgary, Alberta Winnipeg, Manitoba de Jazz de Montréal Largest Multicultural July 3–12, 2015 Feb. 13–22, 2015 Montréal, Québec Festival of Its Kind in contact: Lindsay Jardine contact: Irina Ivanov Bissonnette June 26–July 5, 2015 the World (403) 261-0366 (204) 237-7692 contact: Normand Paquette Winnipeg, Manitoba [email protected] [email protected] (514) 525-7732 Aug. 2–15, 2015 www.calgarystampede.com www.festivalvoyageur.mb.ca normand.paquette@equipe contact: Murray Greenfield spectra.ca (800) 665-0234 The Calgary Stampede is called The Festival du Voyageur is held www.montrealjazzfest.com [email protected] “The Greatest Outdoor Show on in Saint-Boniface, Winnipeg’s www.folklorama.ca Earth” for good reason. For 10 French Quarter, in the month The gigantic summer music days every July we welcome the of February. The largest winter celebration features 11 days of The Folklorama festival is an world to a spectacular celebration festival in Western Canada has nonstop entertainment, from annual 14-day celebration of of western hospitality. Stampede evolved into a 10-day province- noon to midnight, right in the more than 40 global cultures. Park, located in downtown wide celebration of sights, heart of downtown Montréal. Partnering with several cul- Calgary, is the world’s greatest sounds, snow, culture, history Several city blocks are closed tural communities who host gathering of cowboy culture. and spirit. It is a celebration of to traffic, creating a festive pavilions throughout Winnipeg, Each year, more than 1.2 million the fur traders who established and secure spot with cafes and Folklorama attracts more than visitors from around the world the Red River Colony and the bistros, an art gallery, street 400,000 visitors every year, who come to Calgary to experience joie de vivre of the ever growing performers, and a musical park experience first-hand a wide va- the heart-stopping action of the French Canadian community for children. It’s the summer riety of rich and vibrant cultures world’s roughest and richest in Western Canada. The spirit celebration par excellence for through authentic song, dance, rodeo, featuring bull riding, bar- and culture of the Voyageur people of all ages and origins, a food, drink, and cultural displays. rel racing, and more. The GMC are present in the vibrant com- cultural breath of fresh air, and Group tours can experience Rangeland Derby is the world’s munity that comes together a place to discover music from Folklorama in style with air- top Chuckwagon Races. And every to celebrate with numerous such diverse genres as jazz, conditioned transportation, re- night is capped off with the Grand- historical, educational and blues, Latin-jazz, Brazilian, served seating, and a progressive stand Show and fireworks finale entertaining activities. Cuban, African, reggae, con- cultural meal through a variety

that lights up the sky. temporary, and electronica. of VIP group tour options. STAMPEDE. BILL MARSH/CALGARY

48 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 49 Québec Winter Royal Nova Scotia Stratford Festival Carnival International Tattoo Stratford, Ontario Québec City, Québec Halifax, Nova Scotia April–November Jan. 30–Feb. 15, 2015 June 1–8, 2015 (tentative) contact: Stratford Festival Québec Winter Carnival contact: Patrick Lemaire contact: Meng Zhao (800) 567-1600 (866) 4CARNAVAL (902) 420-4620 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.stratfordfestival.ca www.carnaval.qc.ca; www.nstattoo.ca www.quebecregion.com Besides works by Shakespeare A different show every year, and other classical dramatists, For its 61th anniversary, the the Royal Nova Scotia Inter- North America’s largest reper- Québec Winter Carnival fea- national Tattoo is a national tory theater festival presents tures amazing new activities treasure featuring more than spectacular productions of and reinvented classics that 2,000 world-class performers. Broadway-style musicals and will dazzle everyone! The city In this two-and-a-half hour contemporary plays, including will vibrate with family activi- show, prepare to be amazed by world premieres. The season ties, nightlife fun, and extreme everything from traditional generally features a dozen sports competitions. Canada’s pipes and drums to intense titles on the playbill each year. premier winter event promises acrobatics. The Tattoo strikes On most days two different a festive atmosphere with bus- a unique balance featuring shows can be seen at each of tling commercial streets and military and civilian bands, the festival’s four theaters, thus a ton of new activities. This historic reenactments, dancers, giving patrons plenty to choose is a time of real celebration choirs, military displays and from, even on a short visit. Other for families, young adults, competitions, and drama and events include music concerts, and winter lovers who will be comedy. discussions, and lectures. thrilled with the urban, sports, Visitors can also take tours of and outdoor experiences made backstage areas, the extensive available to them. costume warehouse, and the Shakespearean gardens.

Stratford Festival ERIN SAMUELL/COURTESY OF THE STRATFORD FESTIVAL; COURTESY OF CARNAVAL DE QUÉBEC/QUÉBEC WINTER CARNIVAL. DE QUÉBEC/QUÉBEC OF CARNAVAL COURTESY FESTIVAL; OF THE STRATFORD ERIN SAMUELL/COURTESY

48 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 49 National Buffalo Garden Festival Events Buffalo, N.Y. June 19–Aug. 1, 2015 contact: Jim Charlier to Watch Corvallis Fall Festival (716) 884-3274 Keep an eye on these new Corvallis, Ore. [email protected] Sept. 26–27, 2015 www.nationalgardenfestival.com motorcoach-friendly events contact: Christine Hackenbruck that show great potential (541) 752-9655 The National Garden Festival is to be included in future [email protected]; the largest garden tourism event Top 100 listings. [email protected] in the nation! Visit a selection of www.corvallisfallfestival.org the region’s residential gardens, meet the gardeners, and enjoy The fall is a beautiful time of boutique shopping. Highlights year to visit the Willamette Val- include several motorcoach tours: Anniversary Year ley! Set in Corvallis, which bor- Wine & Flowers, Lakeside Cottag- Offers Group Incentives ders the Willamette River with es and Estates, Passionate Plant stunning views, the event draws Collectors’ Gardens, and Great Designated Motorcoach Parking over 30,000 attendees. There Architecture and Gardens. Other are more than 160 artisans, food features include a Garden Art Food carts, wine and spirits tastings, Sale, Open Gardens, and Garden and live music. Corvallis is a Walk Buffalo–America’s Larg- group friendly city with a vibrant est Garden Tour. Private garden downtown area with many shops tours can also be arranged. and restaurants along the river- nearby attractions: Frank Lloyd front. Wright’s Darwin Martin House, nearby attractions: Wineries, Grand Lady Lunch/Dinner Cruise, Distilleries, Farm to Table Buffalo Botanical Gardens

4th Annual World Bridging the Blues Great Northwest Niagara New Vintage Champion Squirrel Greenville, Miss. Oktoberfest Festival—Tailgate Party Cookoff and Bacon Sept. 25–Oct. 11, 2015 Whitefish, Mont. St. Catharines, Ontario Bowl contact: Wesley Smith Sept. 25–27, 2015 & June 20, 2015 Bentonville, Ark. (662) 334-2711, (800) 467-3582 Oct. 2–4, 2015 contact: Kimberly Hundertmark Sept. 1, 2015 info@ bridgingtheblues.com contact: Kevin Gartland (905) 688-0212 contact: Joe Wilson www.bridgingtheblues.com (406) 862-3501 kimberlyh@niagarawinefestival (479) 270-4005 [email protected] .com squirrelcookoff@squirrelcookoff Bridging the Blues (BTB), a se- www.whitefishoktoberfest.com www.niagarawinefestival.com/ .com ries of blues events taking place page/newvintage_home www.squirrelcookoff.com over several consecutive weeks, Located in beautiful Whitefish, aims to maximize the opportu- Mont., Great Northwest Oktober- Travel the wine route and savor The World Championship Squir- nities for visitors to discover the fest provides authentic German the tastes of the season over two rel Cookoff and Bacon Bowl richness of the blues tradition beer, food, music, dancing and weekends in June. Join the an- are two cooking competitions in the Mississippi Delta region. fun—with Montana-style fare! nual Tailgate Party in celebration stationed side-by-side. Chefs from Sponsored by organizations The Great Northwest Oktoberfest of summer and the longest days across the nation travel in to craft in three states—Mississippi, takes place under the “Okto- of the year. More than 35 Ni- dishes using either squirrel or Arkansas, and Tennessee—BTB berfest Bigtop.” Take part in the agara wineries will uncork their bacon. Winners of the Squirrel serves as an umbrella organiza- stein-holding, log-sawing, and seasonal best alongside top local Cookoff gain enormous bragging tion to promote a wide variety of keg-hurling contests; dance to chefs preparing farm-to-table fa- rights, and the winners of the blues-related activities. Festivals great oom-pah, polka, and West- vorites in the Grower of the Year’s Bacon Bowl move on to compete included in this event are the ern swing music; savor authentic own vineyard. Welcome summer in the national competition in Mighty Mississippi Music Festi- German food; and enjoy beers with award-winning wines, Win- New Orleans. val in Greenville, Miss., and the from Warsteiner German Brew- ery Tours and Tastings, delicious King Biscuit Blues Festival in ery and our own Great Northern foods, live entertainment, and nearby attractions: Crystal Helena, Ark. Brewing Company. great friends. Bridges Museum of American nearby attractions: B. B. King nearby attractions: Glacier nearby attractions: Winery Art, 21c Museum/ Hotel, Walmart Museum, Delta Blues Museum, National Park, Flathead Lake, tours and tastings, Shaw Festival, Museum Beale Street Whitefish Mountain Resort Niagara Falls

50 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS PB Index Events in Order by Date

2015 Top 100 Events, Annual Events, Events to Watch No. 1 Event in the United States No. 1 Event in Canada Top 100 Event Annual Event Event to Watch

Ontar io Power Québec Winter Carnival National Cherry Blossom New Orleans Jazz & Generation Winter Québec City, Québec Festival Heritage Festival Festival of Lights 1/30/2015–2/15/2015 Washington D.C. New Orleans, La. Niagara Falls, Ontario 3/20/2015–4/12/2015 4/24/2015–5/3/2015 11/15/2014–1/12/2015 Carnival on the Coast - Mardi Gras Season Tulip Fest National Cornbread Nights of Lights Biloxi, Miss. Woodburn, Ore. Festival St Augustine, Fla. 1/31/2015–2/17/2015 3/25/2015–5/5/2015 South Pittsburg, Tenn. 11/22/2014–1/31/2015 4/25/2015–4/26/2015 Festival du Voyageur Stratford Festival MummersFest & Winnipeg, Manitoba Stratford, Ontario 2015 Tennessee Civil Fancy Brigade Finale: 2/13/2015–2/22/2015 4/1/2015–11/30/2015 War Sesquicentennial Philadelphia’s Commemoration + Blue & Mummers Parade Mardi Gras on Bayou Gray Reunion & Jubilee Philadelphia, Pa. MAIN ST. Ft. Worth Arts Knoxville, Tenn. 1/1/2015 Lafourche Festival Raceland, La. Ft. Worth, Texas 4/30/2015–5/3/2015 2/15/2015–2/16/2015 4/9/2015–4/12/2015 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Passport DC Pasadena, Calif. Mardi Gras Rivers and Spires Festival Washington, D.C. 1/1/2015 New Orleans, La. Clarksville, Tenn. 5/1/2015–5/31/2015 2/17/2015 4/16/2015–4/18/2015 Niagara Icewine Festival Holland Tulip Time St. Catharines, Ontario La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Fiesta San Antonio Festival 1/9/2015–1/25/2015 Tucson Rodeo San Antonio, Texas Holland, Mich. Tucson, Ariz. 4/16/2015–4/26/2015 5/2/2015–5/9/2015 SnowDays 2/21/2015–3/1/2015 Banff, Alberta 60th Kentucky Derby Indy 500 Celebration 1/9/2015–2/8/2015 Daytona 500 Festival & 141st Kentucky Indianapolis, Ind. Daytona Beach, Fla. Derby 5/2/2015–5/24/2015 Havasu Balloon 2/22/2015 Louisville, Ky. Festival & Fair 4/16/2015–5/2/2015 Canadian Tulip Festival Lake Havasu City, Ariz. PHS Philadelphia Flower Ottawa-Gatineau, Ontario 1/16/2015–1/18/2015 Show See The World In Branson 5/8/2015–5/18/2015 Philadelphia, Pa. Music Fest 2/28/2015–3/8/2015 Road to California Branson, Mo. Trails, Tales & Tunes Quilters Conference & 4/22/2015–4/23/2015 Festival Showcase 50th Anniversary of Norris Point, Newfoundland/ Ontario, Calif. Selma to Montgomery Virginia International Labrador 1/22/2015–1/25/2015 March - Annual Bridge Tattoo and Arts Festival 5/15/2015–5/24/2015 Crossing Jubilee in Selma Norfolk, Va. St. Paul Winter Carnival Montgomery, Ala. 4/23/2015–4/26/2015 St. Paul, Minn. 3/5/2015–3/8/2015 GlassFest 1/22/2015–2/1/2015 Corning, N.Y. 5/21/2015–5/24/2015 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Gathering of Nations Southwest Arts Festival Race Native American Indio, Calif. Anchorage, Alaska Powwow Mudbug Madness 1/23/2015–1/25/2015 3/7/2015 Albuquerque, N.M. Shreveport, La. 4/24/2015–4/25/2015 5/21/2015–5/24/2015 Ford’s 150: Remembering International Cherry the Lincoln Assassination Blossom Festival Vermont Maple Festival Sumter Iris Festival Washington, D.C. Macon, Ga. St Albans, Vt. Sumter, S.C. 1/23/2015–5/25/2015 3/19/2015–4/4/2015 4/24/2015–4/26/2015 5/22/2015–5/24/2015

PB 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 51 Index

Portland Rose Festival Shipshewana Quilt National Cherry Festival Folklorama Portland, Ore. Festival Traverse City, Mich. Winnipeg, Manitoba 5/22/2015–6/7/2015 Shipshewana, Ind. 7/4/2015–7/11/2015 8/2/2015–8/15/2015 6/24/2015–6/27/2015 Quilt Gardens along the Craven Country 53rd Annual Arts & Crafts Heritage Trail SC Festival of Flowers Jamboree Festival Nappanee, Ind. Elkhart, Ind. Greenwood, S.C. Regina, Saskatchewan 8/6/2015–8/9/2015 5/30/2015–10/1/2015 6/25/2015–6/27/2015 7/9/2015–7/12/2015

30th Annual Citizens Royal Nova Scotia Festival International Finger Lakes Wine Bank Pops by the Sea International Tattoo de Jazz de Montréal Festival Centerville, Mass. Montréal, Québec Watkins Glen, N.Y. Halifax, Nova Scotia 8/9/2015 6/1/2015–6/8/2015 (tentative) 6/26/2015–7/5/2015 7/10/2015–7/12/2015

Middletown Olde-Tyme Donkey Derby Days Sisters Quilt Show History Comes Alive Peach Festival Cripple Creek, Colo. Springfield, Ill. “The World’s Largest Middletown, Del. 6/1/2015–8/31/2015 6/27/2015–6/28/2015 Outdoor Quilt Show” 8/15/2015 Sisters, Ore. 7/11/2015–7/12/2015 Strolling of the Heifers Kutztown Folk Festival GlobalFest East Dummerston, Vt. Kutztown, Pa. Calgary, Alberta 6/5/2015–6/7/2015 6/27/2015–7/5/2015 Fairbanks Summer Arts 8/20/2015–8/29/2015 Festival Fairbanks, Alaska CMA Music Festival 49th Annual Bar Harbor Salsafest! Music Festival 7/12/2015–7/26/2015 Nashville, Tenn. Las Cruces, N.M. Bar Harbor, Maine 8/29/2015–8/30/2015 6/11/2015–6/14/2015 6/28/2015–7/26/2015 Cheyenne Frontier Days Cheyenne, Wyo. 4th Annual World NEBRASKAland DAYS Anniversary 7/17/2015–7/26/2015 Champion Squirrel North Platte, Neb. Commemoration of the Cookoff and Bacon Bowl 6/17/2015–6/28/2015 Battle of Gettysburg W. C. Handy Music Bentonville, Ark. 9/1/2015 Gettysburg, Pa. Festival Newport Flower Show 7/1/2015–7/6/2015 Florence, Ala. Newport, R.I. 7/17/2015–7/26/2015 Best in the West Nugget 6/19/2015–6/21/2015 Just For Laughs Rib Cook-Off Sparks, Nev. Montréal Comedy N ew Brunswick Highland National Buffalo Garden 9/2/2015–9/7/2015 Festival presented by Games Festival Festival Videotron in association Fredericton, New Brunswick Lake Louise Fall Festival Buffalo, N.Y. with Loto-Québec 7/24/2015–7/26/2015 Banff, Alberta 6/19/2015–8/1/2015 Montréal, Québec 9/4/2015–10/4/2015 7/1/2015–7/31/2015 Dodge City Days Meet Jungle Jack Hanna Dodge City, Kan. Whoopie Pie Festival at Columbus, Ohio RCMP Sunset Retreat 7/24/2015–8/2/2015 Hershey Farm Restaurant 6/19/2015 & 9/18/2015– Ceremonies 2015 and Inn 9/19/2015 Regina, Saskatchewan Maine Lobster Festival Ronks (Strasburg), Pa. 7/1/2015–8/11/2015 Rockland, Maine 9/5/2015 Niagara New Vintage 7/29/2015–8/2/2015 Festival—Tailgate Party Calgary Stampede Big Iron Farm Show St. Catharines, Ontario Calgary, Alberta Dublin Irish Festival West Fargo, N.D. 6/20/2015 7/3/2015–7/12/2015 Dublin, Ohio 9/9/2015–9/11/2015 7/31/2015–8/2/2015 Windjammer Days National Independence Hampton Beach Seafood Festival Day Celebration Kamloopa Powwow Festival Boothbay Harbor, Maine Washington, D.C. Kamloops, British Columbia Hampton, N.H. 6/21/2015–6/27/2015 7/4/2015 7/31/2015–8/2/2015 9/11/2015–9/13/2015

52 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 53 Kentucky Bourbon Salem Haunted Ozark Mountain “A Country Christmas” at Festival, Inc. Happenings Christmas Gaylord Opryland Resort Bardstown, Ky. Salem, Mass. Branson, Mo. Nashville, Tenn. 9/15/2015–9/20/2015 10/1/2015–10/31/2015 11/1/2015–12/31/2015 11/20/2015–1/3/2016

Christmas Capital of Bristol Rhythm & Roots 29th Annual NC Seafood Myrtle Beach Holiday FantaSea Texas Reunion Festival Myrtle Beach, S.C. Grapevine, Texas Bristol, Va. Morehead City, N.C. 9/18/2015–9/20/2015 11/3/2015–11/17/2015 11/20/2015–1/3/2016 10/2/2015–10/4/2015

NH Highland Games & Branson Veterans 29th Saskatoon Festival Albuquerque American Festival Homecoming Week of Trees Indian Art Festival Concord, N.H. Branson, Mo. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Albuquerque, N.M. 11/22/2015–11/28/2015 9/18/2015–9/20/2015 11/5/2015–11/11/2015 10/3/2015–10/4/2015 20th Anniversary of Vermont’s Wine and Christmas at Biltmore Albuquerque Galaxy of Lights Harvest Festival Asheville, N.C. Montgomery, Ala. Wilmington, Vt. International Balloon 11/6/2015–1/3/2016 (tentative) 11/24/2015–12/31/2015 9/18/2015–9/20/2015 Fiesta Albuquerque, N.M. Koziar’s Christmas 10/3/2015–10/11/2015 Village A Longwood Christmas The Big E Bernville, Pa. Kennett Square, Pa. West Springfield, Mass. 11/7/2015–1/3/2016 11/26/2015–1/10/2016 9/18/2015–10/4/2015 51st Annual National Apple Harvest Festival Pigeon Forge Winterfest Macy’s Thanksgiving Day ArtPrize Gettysburg, Pa. Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Parade Grand Rapids, Mich. 10/3/2015–10/11/2015 11/10/2015–2/28/2016 New York, N.Y. 9/22/2015–10/11/2015 11/27/2015 The Great Jack O’Lantern Dickens Christmas Show Annual Buffalo Roundup Blaze & Festivals Parade of Lights and Arts Festival Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y. Myrtle Beach, S.C. Savannah, Ga. Custer, S.D. 10/3/2015–11/8/2015 (tentative) 11/12/2015–11/15/2015 11/28/2015 9/25/2015–9/27/2015

National Shrimp Festival Winter Festival of Lights Christmas at the Library Scallop Fest Gulf Shores, Ala. Wheeling, W. Va. Charlotte, N.C. Buzzards Bay, Mass. 10/8/2015–10/11/2015 11/13/2015–01/03/2016 12/1/2015–12/23/2015 9/25/2015–9/27/2015

Apple-Scrapple Festival Christmas at the Galt Kennebunkport Great Northwest Bridgeville, Del. House Hotel Christmas Prelude Oktoberfest 10/9/2015–10/10/2015 Louisville, Ky. Kennebunk, Maine Whitefish, Mont. 11/14/2015–1/1/2016 12/4/2015–12/13/2015 9/25/2015–9/27/2015 & Dungeness Crab and 10/2/2015–10/4/2015 Colonial Williamsburg Seafood Festival America’s Hometown Grand Illumination Port Angeles, Wash. Thanksgiving Celebration Bridging the Blues Williamsburg, Va. 10/9/2015–10/11/2015 Plymouth, Mass. Greenville, Miss. 11/20/2015–11/22/2015 12/6/2015 9/25/2015–10/11/2015 Hinton Railroad Days Busch Gardens Christmas 34th Annual Boston Hinton, W. Va. Corvallis Fall Festival Town Harborfest 2015 10/17/2015–10/18/2015 and Corvallis, Ore. Williamsburg, Va. Boston, Mass. 9/26/2015–9/27/2015 10/24/2015–10/25/2015 11/20/2015–12/31/2015 TBD

Norsk Høstfest Sea Witch Halloween & Christmas in Annual League of NH Scandinavian Festival Fiddler’s Festival Williamsburg Craftsmen Fair Minot, N.D. Rehoboth Beach, Del. Williamsburg, Va. Concord, N.H. 9/29/2015–10/3/2015 10/23/2015–10/25/2015 11/20/2015–12/31/2015 TBD

52 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS / AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION AMERICAN BUS ASSOCIATION \ 2015 TOP 100 EVENTS 53 Selection TOP 100 Committee SELECTION COMMITTEE Sandy Borowsky Committee Meeting American Bus Starr Bus Charters & Tours Sponsors Association Diane Diebel Hanover Holiday Tours ABA would like to thank Visit Indy for The American Bus Association is Limited their hospitality in hosting the 2015 the North American trade organi- Chris Donnelly Top 100 Selection Committee Meeting zation representing the intercity Sugar Tours Inc. and FAM. Additionally, we would like bus industry. Its members include Michael Embrey to thank the following partners: bus companies that offer tours, FunME Events, Excursions charters, and scheduled service; & Entertainment Presenting Partners: travel members representing virtu- Paul Grant, CTIS Lakefront Lines Inc. Toledo Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites; ally every segment of the travel Office Indiana Office of Tourism and tourism industry; and associate Gerry Hartman Development members who supply the industry Delaware Express Tours with goods and services. David Hnatiw Premier Partners: Voyages Terra Natura Inc. The Children’s Museum of The Group Melinda Hughey Indianapolis; Eiteljorg Museum of The RH Factor American Indians and Western Art; Travel Tish Losure, CSTP Indianapolis Zoo; Ruth’s Chris Steak Family L.E.A.D. USA House; The Skyline Club of In partnership Edward Mason Indianapolis with ABA, The Group Travel Family First Priority Tours Inc. dba promotes ABA's Top 100 Events. First Priority Trailways These promotions result in leads Experience Partners: Teresa Paolini Indiana State Museum; Indianapolis for the winning members and Northeast Unlimited Tours events, which are distributed to Motor Speedway; Indiana Museum of Mario Poulin Art; Mind Tripping Show; NCAA Hall the nominating member and the Voyages Rockland Travel of Champions; Old World Gondoliers winning event/festival contacts. Inc. Christine Tripod Tripod Vacations Mary Young Capitol Bus Lines Inc. The 2015 Top 100 Selection Committee met in June in Indianapolis, Ind., for the judging and selection of the events published for 2015 from hundreds of nominations.

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