Weird And Wacky Family Friendly Festivalsby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 15 Oct 2007 11:48 PM If you think the only family friendly activities held in the fall are ones that deal with hay, pumpkins and apples, think again. Try worms and beans. I've got the lowdown on some weird and wacky festivals taking place around the country. And, some advice---before you snub your noses at the following "unique" events know that thousands of people travel thousands of miles to attend these unusual fests. Woolly Worm Festival - Banner Elk, North Carolina And you thought the only racing that drew crowds in North Carolina was NASCAR... Not in Banner Elk, North Carolina. October means Woolly Worm Racing. No left turns here--just a lot of crawling. That's right; woolly worms crawling up a string for a $1000 Grand Prize and the right to forecast the weather for the winter 2007-2008. How's that for excitement? It's no joke. Thousands are expected to attend the 30th Annual Woolly Worm Festival on October 20-21 in downtown Banner Elk. In addition to the woolly worm races, the festival includes crafts, food, games, music and fun for the whole family. 25th Annual Arkansas Bean Fest and Championship Outhouse Races - Mountain View, Arkansas You may have seen this competition featured as a "water cooler" story on the local news. If you did I'm sure the images are still with you. After all, it's not everyday that you see adults racing towards a finish line in portable outhouses. But, that's exactly what happens each year at the Arkansas Bean Fest and Great Arkansas Championship Outhouse Race. This year the festivities take place from October 25th-27th. If you plan to attend expect a ton of company. The outrageous event draws tens of thousands to the small Ozarks town for music, free pinto beans and cornbread, and the spectacle created by the outhouse racing teams. This year's festival will begin with begin with "Music on the Square," and include an eclectic mix of folk, bluegrass, Cajun and gospel tunes. In addition--something new this year---the "1st Annual Beanie Weenie Dog Show" will feature dogs of all pedigrees. For an entry fee of $5 your dog can strut his or her stuff and vie for the Beanie Weanie crown and the title of top dog. Related Articles: Family-Friendly Attractions In Charlotte, North Carolina More Fall Foliage Travel Deals Spooktacular Halloween Travel Destinations The Haunting of the Battleship North Carolina Watermelon Festivals (Coming To A City Near You) Small Towns With Massive Appeal Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanttravel tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags Arkansas, family friendly festivals, North Carolina, seasonal travel, Travel Discuss this article
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