Jan./Feb.�13th Annual Gatlinburg Winterfest�Gatlinburg, TN�The City of Gatlinburg �lights up� with millions of Christmas lights. The city sponsors 47 displays and there are others furnished by restaurants and area hotels. Special romantic displays will be added in February for Valentine�s Day, enhancing the city�s reputation as �Honeymoon Capital of the South.� 865-436-0500; George Hawkins; www.gatlinburg-tn.com.

Jan. 8-11�Elvis Presley Birthday Celebration�Memphis, TN�Elvis has left us, physically, but The King still rules Memphis and fans celebrate his birthday every year. Events include the Elvis Presley Day Ceremony at Graceland, the Elvis Birthday Dance Party, an Elvis birthday party for fans, Elvis videos and a dee-jay playing Elvis records for dancing and merriment, special evening tours of Graceland and more. 800-238-2000/901-332-3322; graceland@elvis.com; www.elvis.com.

Jan. 9-12�Professional Cowboy Finals Rodeo�Biloxi, MS�The top 15 contestants in nine events meet for the championship, four heart-racing nights of bull riding, steer wrestling, roping, barrel racing, and bareback riding during the annual Professional Cowboys Championship Finals at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. 251-947-4650; pcrarodeo@gulftel.com; www.pcarodeo.com.

Jan. 10-18�14th Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week�Pigeon Forge, TN�Recognized as one of the nation�s leading conservation events, the event features entertaining and educational presentations, seminars and hands-on demonstrations. Includes more than 50 hikes and field trips as well as 100 lectures, workshops and presentations. 800-251-9100; Lila Wilson; www.mypigeonforge.com.

Jan. 17-18�Cape Fear Model Railroad Show & Sale�Wilmington, NC�The Golden Days of rail travel might be gone, but railroading still has a grip on America and much of it is manifested through models. This event features operating train layouts, free modeling clinics, model railroad dealers as well as N Scale and HO Gauge modular layouts. 910-763-2634; shwilm@aol.com.

Jan. 20-Feb. 1�East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival�Washington, NC�A wealth of outdoor art, featuring paintings, carvings and more plus the North Carolina Decoy Carving Championships, the Southern Classic Duck, Goose & Swan Calling Championships, the Eastern North Carolina Wild Turkey Calling Championships and more. 252-946-2897; David Gossett; www.eastcarolinawildfowlguild.com.

Jan. 22-31�Augusta Futurity�Augusta, GA�A purse and awards in excess of more than $800,000 and a crowd exceeding 45,000, make this the largest and richest cutting horse event east of the Mississippi River and one of the top four in the world. The event is complemented by a western festival that includes western dance, a quarterhorse sale, authentic western cattle drive, Western Horse and Carriage parade plus more than 100 commercial exhibitors of quality western wear, jewelry and tack. 706-823-3370/706-823-3417; Skip Peterson; www.augustafuturity.com.

Jan. 25�Lowcountry Oyster Festival�Charleston, SC�Thousands flock to one of America�s oldest, most beautiful cities to dig into 65,000 pounds of steamed oysters at Boone Hall Plantation. Features fresh oysters, chili, barbeque, fried shrimp, oyster eating contest, music, children�s games and contest. Proceeds go to the Ronald McDonald House, Hollings Cancer Society and the Charleston county Science Materials Resource Center. 843-577-4030; Kathy Britzius.

Jan. 31-Feb. 22�66th Annual Edison Festival of Light�Fort Myers, FL�Commemorating the birthday of Fort Myers� most famous winter resident, Thomas Edison, the festival includes one of the area�s largest arts and crafts show, a downtown block party, orchid show, children�s parade, fireworks show and more. 239-334-2999/800-237-4659; www.edisonfestival.org.

Jan. 31-Feb. 29�Florida Renaissance Festival�Deerfield Beach, FL�Knights in full armor jousting, birds of prey, twelve stages with continuous entertainment, demonstrations of period trades and crafts, delicacies of the middle ages and more. 800-373-6337; Linda Granaghan; info@ren-fest.com; www.ren-fest.com.

FEBRUARY 2004

Feb. 1-24�Mississippi�s Gulf Coast Mardi Gras�Biloxi, d�Iberville, Gulfport, Long Beach, Pass Christian, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula�Held where the first Mardi Gras parade took place in 1699 when the French discovered the area, the tradition continues 300 years later with some southern refinements with parades every weekend in a different Gulf town featuring a different theme, but one thing�s always the same: Crowds eagerly beg the Krewes for �throws,� jewelry and doubloons; 228-896-6699; Janice Jones; www.gulfcoast.org.

Feb. 1-Feb. 29�Native Islander Gullah Celebration�Hilton Head Island, SC�Its origins are in slavery, but the Gullah culture is kept alive through vivid storytelling in the dialect that appears to be a combination of African languages and English. The Celebration, the only cultural festival on the island, showcases the arts, crafts, history, music and food of the Gullah culture. 877-650-0676; James Mitchell; www.gullahcelebration.com.

Feb. 5-16�Florida State Fair�Florida State Fairgrounds, FL�Always in Tampa, always in February, the Florida State Fair is a 12-day celebration of the Sunshine State on the 319-acre Florida State Fairgrounds site. With daily parades, horse shows, livestock competitions, roving entertainers, concerts and fabulous Fair food and Cracker Country, which recreates Florida in the era between 1870-1912. 800-345-FAIR; www.floridastatefair.com.

Feb. 11-14�National Farm Machinery Show & Championship Tractor Pull�Louisville, KY�The largest indoor farm show in America stresses the technological explosion that is revolutionizing the agriculture industry. Nearly 800 exhibitors display computer software and electronics, breeder services, tractors, combines and more and the nation�s top drivers compete for more than $200,000 in prize money. 502-367-5004; Amanda Storment; www.farmmachineryshow.org.

Feb. 20-24�Mardi Gras in Cajun Country�Lafayette, LA�The second largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States is in the heart of Cajun Country and features rides and games on the carnival midway, live bands on the sound stage, numerous parades, costume contests and street dances. 800-346-1958; info@lafayettetravel.com; www.lafayettetravel.com.

Feb. 24�Mardi Gras in Terrebonne Parish�Houma, LA�Houma celebrates the largest Mardi Gras outside the Metro Area of New Orleans. Thirteen parades, five of them at night, featuring elaborate floats, high school bands and maskers throwing beads roll through the streets and quaint surrounding bayou communities. 985-868-2732; www.houmatourism.com.

Feb. 26-28�Georgia National Rodeo�Perry, GA�The Georgia National Rodeo is sanctioned by the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association). The Rodeo features specialty acts plus cowboys and cowgirls from across the country competing in six events: saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, bull riding, and barrel racing. Points earned at the Georgia National Rodeo qualify riders for the National Finals Rodeo held every December in Las Vegas. 478-987-3247/800-987-3247; Michele Treptow; mtreptow@alltel.net; www.gnfa.com.

Feb. 26-March 7�Florida Strawberry Festival�Plant City, FL�Plant City, Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, struts its stuff with top-name entertainment, parades with scores of glorious floats, high-stepping marching bands moving to the musical beat, exhibits of agriculture, commerce, industry, livestock, fine arts, horticulture, and crafts. 813-752-9194; Patsy A. Brooks; berrypr@flstrawberryfestival.com; www.flstrawberryfestival.com.

Feb. 28-29�Kentucky Crafted: The Market�Louisville, KY�Exclusive Kentucky market, featuring 300 of Kentucky�s finest contemporary and traditional crafts. Stage activities are all Kentucky�musicians, actors, demonstrators. The Kentucky Cultural Stage spotlights performing artists and will feature folk, bluegrass, jazz, thumbpicking guitar and gospel. 888-KYCRAFT, x4801/502-564-3757, ext. 4801; Beau Haddock; www.kycraft.ky.gov.

Feb. 28�Casanova Hunt Point to Point Races�Warrenton, VA� The heart of hunt country hosts thoroughbreds racing over barriers, brush and water and riders just trying to survive in this most exciting brand of horse racing. And don�t ignore the sidelines where elaborate tailgate parties compete for their own prizes; 540-788-4806; Diane Jones.

MARCH 2004

March 1-Sept. 6�The Glory of Baroque Dresden Exhibition�Jackson, MS�More than 400 works, including paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Rubens and other Old Masters, rare prints and drawings, jewel-encrusted ceremonial arms and armor, sculpture from the State Arts Collections Dresden reflect Baroque art from the time of August the Strong and his son, August III, electors of Saxony and Poland. 866-216-5500/601-960-9900; Jack Kyle; www.gloryofdresden.com.

March-April�Spring at Callaway�Pine Mountain, GA�Millions of blooms from azaleas to dogwoods and tulips provide an enchanting spring visit. Special highlight is the first spring season for the John A. Sibley Horticultural Center after it�s $3.5 million renovation. 800-CALLAWAY (255-5292); Rachel Crumbley; www.callawayonline.com.

March 5-7�MTSU American Indian Festival�Murfreesboro, TN�The largest indoor American Indian festival in the southeast features more than 200 dancers, live demonstrations, cultural displays, specialty acts and drum groups. Goal is to build a fund that will generate a scholarship for American Indian students at MTSU. 615-898-2872; Georgia Dennis; www.mtsu.edu/~powwow.

March 7�Gasparilla Pirate Fest�Tampa, FL�For nearly 100 years, pirates have invaded Tampa Bay seeking treasure. Visitors will find similar �treasures� in jewelry, paintings, ceramics, sculpture, photography and other crafts plus a street festival and fireworks display. 813-353-8108; www.gasparillapiratefest.com.

March 10-14�10th Annual A Mountain Quilt Festival�Pigeon Forge, TN�Quilters and quilt lovers from across America will marvel at the creativity and artistry of others as well as learning the art themselves in instructional lectures and seminars on quilting led by national quilting experts. 800-251-9100; Lila Wilson; www.mypigeonforge.com.

March 12-14�Golden Corral 500 Weekend�Hampton, GA�The second-largest single day sporting event in Georgia attracts more than 200,000 to cheer for the best of NASCAR, roaring fender to fender around the huge banked oval to some of the most exciting finishes in racing; 770-946-4211; Angela Revell; www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

March 13-14�Coastal Living Show�Wilmington, NC�Everything for the home and garden�stonework, cabinets, fixup, clean-up, jewelry, clothing, stained glass, spas, books, demonstrations and seminars. 910-686-5904; 910-619-6180; Kathy Parker.

March 13-21�43rd Annual Canadian-American Days Festival�Myrtle Beach, SC�For more than four decades the fest has welcomed northern vacationers with warm South Carolina sunshine. The welcome has something for every age, including beach events, concerts, Big Band Dance sporting events, dances, food events and historical tours plus a number of St. Patrick�s Day events and parade. 843-916-7239; Holly D. Tanner; www.myrtlebeachinfo.com.

March 17-21�Cucalorus Film Festival-Wilmington, NC�The annual showcase of independent film makers includes shorts, features, documentaries and a host of education and social events. Each festival attracts works and audiences from all over the world, bringing people together to discuss the ever changing art. 910-343-5995; Dan Brawley; mail@cucalorus.org; www.cucalorus.org.

March 18-April 17�57th Annual Festival of Houses & Gardens�Charleston, SC�A unique opportunity to explore the interiors and gardens of some of the most beautiful private homes in America in Charleston�s Old and Historic District. Includes Luncheon Lecture Series, Glorious Gardens Luncheon and a Lowcountry Oyster Roast at Drayton Hall Plantation; 843-722-3405; Leigh Handal; www.historiccharleston.org.

March 18-28�Chasco Fiesta 2004--New Port Richey, FL�The Fiesta honors the romantic legend intertwining the lives of a Spanish boy and girl, a priest and the Calusa Indian tribe who captured them after defeating a Spanish expedition. Legend says the boy and girl were wed as Queen Chasco and her consort Pithla, and includes live entertainment, sporting events, barbeque, carnival and more. 727-842-7651/877-424-2726; Wendy Brenner; chasco@westpasco.com; www.chascofiesta.com.

March 19-21�Amite Oyster Festival�Amite, LA�A tribute to the local oyster industry, the festival has gained huge popularity over the years with its wide range of entertainment and other fun events. A highlight is the downtown chili cookout, plus with rides on the midway, concessions, and for sure, plenty of oysters; 985-748-8047; Bruce Cutrer; bstewart@i-55.com; www.tangi-cvb.org.

March 19-21�Arts & Crafts Festival in Fairhope�Fairhope, AL�Best known for its romantic, sweeping views of Mobile Bay and the storybook charm of its shops and flowers, Fairhope is also famous for the Festival. Some 245 artists and crafters from across the country are selected to participate. Add to that, live local entertainment, the special seafood of the area and it�s a place to go. 251-621-8222; Cris Smith; office@eschamber.com; www.eschamber.com.

March 20�Warrenton Hunt Point to Point Races�Warrenton, VA�Enjoy the colorful spectacle of beautiful thoroughbred hunters racing over wood fences, steeplechases over hurdles and flat races in the heart of Virginia horse country. Enjoy a social event in the outdoors as well with elaborate tailgate parties; 540-347-1888; Will Allison.

March 24-28�Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival�New Orleans, LA�Performances by Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson and a visit by Laurence Fishburn highlight the tribute to the legendary playwright, plus two dozen lively panel discussions, master classes with noted authors, citywide theater and musical offerings, literary and other French Quarter walking tours, wine and food tastings and a Stanley and Stella Shouting Contest. 504-581-1144; Shannon Stover; www.tennesseewilliams.net.

March 25-28�Providence Hospital Foundation�s Festival of Flowers�Mobile, AL�Experience �The Art of Gardening� at Mobile�s signature showcase of excellence in landscape and floral design and horticulture. The Festival of Flowers is acknowledged as the premier flower and garden event of the greater Gulf Coast. A community-wide celebration that has become the premier flower and garden event of the greater Gulf Coast; 251-639-2050/877-777-0529; Delaine Seamon; www.festivalofflowers.com.

March 25-April 3�57th Annual Gulf Coast Spring Pilgrimage�Diamondhead, Pascagoula, Moss Point, Gautier, Pass Christian, Bay St. Louis, Long Beach, Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, MS�Features tours through grand and historic homes, gardens, museums and historical landmarks covering 300 years. Private homes, as well as public buildings, will be open for complimentary tours, including Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library. Also includes hospitality teas, musical performances and a variety of events are held each day, showcasing different regions of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. 228-872-7738; Marge Shaunessy.

March 26-28�SeaFest 2004�Port Canaveral, FL�A celebration of food, sun and fun that highlights seafood specialties, including a Seafood Chowder Cook-Off, plus lobster, crawfish, shrimp, crab, scallops and a variety of fresh fish dishes, plus all the trimmings � corn-on-the-cob, cole slaw and hush puppies�carnival midway, Crafts Fair, Motorcycle Show & Poker Run, and continuous entertainment; 321-459-2200; Sandy Owens; www.seafest.com.

March 27�The Carolina Cup�Camden, SC�The state�s largest sporting/social event with six steeplechase races during the day plus a sea of fashions, sumptuous tailgate picnics and 50,000 fans enjoying a day outside with thoroughbreds. 803-432-6513/800-780-8117; racehorse@infoave.net; www.carolina-cup.org.

March 27-28�13th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival�Vacherie, LA�More than 150 artists and craft vendors will exhibit original and handmade creations in jewelry, furniture, clothing, home accessories, paintings and prints, pottery, woodcrafts and toys plus the delight of Louisiana cuisine�fried eggplant with crawfish sauce, soft shell crab po-boys and more. 800-442-5539; contactus@oakalleyplantation.com; www.oakalleyplantation.com.

About Southeast Tourism Society
Founded in 1983, the Southeast Tourism Society (southeasttourism.org) is dedicated to the promotion & development of tourism to its elevenmember states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. The membership includes state travel offices, attractions, hotels, motels, resorts, convention & visitors bureaus, airlines, bus companies, car rental agencies, newspapers, magazines and other travel related organizations as well as corporate partners American Express, Amtrak, Delta Air Lines, Morrison Printing Company, Smith Advertising, Southern Living Magazine, StateNets Radio Network and TRIPsouth. STS marked its 20th anniversary during 2003.

Contact:
Chuck Bonelli
Southeast Tourism Society
404-364-9847
chuck@southeasttourism.org