Festival Is Home on the Range for Cowboy Poets

Arizona

The theme of the 13th annual Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering, Aug. 17 to 19 in Prescott, is the life of the cowboy and his extended family. More than 100 poets, reciters and old-time singers are expected to participate in programs of poetry, song, yodeling and ranching stories. Performers include veteran poets Waddie Mitchell and Curt Brummett, as well as newcomers who have been selected by audition. The aim is to keep alive the working cowboy’s traditions. For more information, contact the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering, Sharlot Hall Museum, 415 W. Gurley St., Prescott, AZ 86301; telephone (520) 445-3122, Internet https://www.sharlot.org.

Kentucky

The Goddard Covered Bridge Festival, Aug. 26 in Goddard, celebrates three of the state’s 13 remaining covered bridges. Festivities will take place at one bridge, with air-conditioned bus tours to the two others. Events include demonstrations of traditional local crafts, such as loom weaving, broom-making, blacksmithing, spinning and basket-making. Also planned: archeological displays and live music (barbershop quartet, gospel, country). Goddard is 70 miles east of Lexington. For more information, contact the Fleming County Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 24, 114 W. Water St., Flemingsburg, KY; tel. (606) 845-1223.

Maine

At the 53rd Maine Lobster Festival, Aug. 2 to 6 in Rockland, the focus is on fresh, hot lobster. Eight tons are expected to be boiled in the “world’s largest lobster cookers” on the waterfront. Also planned: a parade through downtown, live entertainment, harbor cruises, crafts vendors and the lobster crate race, where contestants scamper over partially submerged crates in the harbor. For kids, there’s a codfish carrying contest. For more information, contact the Rockland-Thomaston Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 508, Rockland, ME 04841; tel. (207) 596-0376, Internet https://www.mainelobsterfestival.com.

Maryland

The 13th annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival, Aug. 12 and 13 on the grounds of St. John’s College in Annapolis, is named for a character in Alex Haley’s “Roots.” The focus is on African, African American and African Caribbean cultures, with more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, more than 30 entertainers (jazz, gospel, blues, calypso) and reenactments of the slavery experience. Also planned: drumming, storytelling, educational exhibits and seminars. For more information, contact Kunta Kinte Celebrations, 1517 Ritchie Highway, Suite 201, Arnold, MD 21012; tel. (410) 349-0338, Internet https://www.kuntakinte.org.

Germany

The highlight of the August Heidelberg Castle Festival, Aug. 4 to 27, will be seven performances of Sigmund Romberg’s “The Student Prince” in English. The sentimental operetta will be performed in the castle ruins, which rise above the narrow streets of the picturesque Old Town. The courtyard, which dates to the 13th century, is also the setting for Rossini’s “La Gazetta” and concerts by the Eastman Philharmonia during the nearly monthlong festival. For more information, contact the German National Tourist Office, 122 E. 42nd St., 52nd Floor, New York, NY 10168; tel. (212) 661-7200, Internet https://www.heidelberg.de.

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