Eskimo-Indian Olympics Are Not Just Your Average Sporting Event
The World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, July 17 to 20 in Fairbanks, Alaska, features competitions you don’t see in the regular Olympics: Indigenous athletes compete in such traditional tests of strength as the ear pull, one-hand reach, toe kick and high kick. The blanket toss, a typical activity of whaling cultures, is done with walrus skins. Also planned are pageants, dances and the largest native arts and crafts show in the state.
Contact the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, P.O. Box 72433, Fairbanks, AK 99707; (907) 452-6646, www.weio.org.
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Florida
The highlight of the Hemingway Days Festival, from July 14 to 21 in Key West, is the Ernest Hemingway look-alike contest. Only look-alike contestants may compete in the running of the bulls, which are really wood sawhorses placed in the streets. Other events include a fishing tournament, a regatta, a street fair, arm wrestling contests, exhibits of Hemingway photographs and documents, and a Hot Havana Nights party at the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.
Contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce, 401 Wall St., Key West, FL 22040; (305) 292-1941, www.hemingwaydays.com.
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Rhode Island
The longest-running Independence Day parade in the country takes place in Bristol. This event started so early (1785) that it was originally led by Revolutionary War veterans. The parade, which draws more than 200,000 spectators, includes Uncle Sam and many bands. A street carnival along the parade route offers food and games. The celebration ends with fireworks over Bristol Harbor.
Contact East Bay Chamber of Commerce, 654 Metacom Ave., Suite 2, Warren, RI 02885; (401) 245-0750, www.july4thbristolri.com.
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Wyoming
Cheyenne’s Frontier Days, from July 19 to 28, celebrate Western life. The world-class rodeo features cowboy, bronc, bull, steer and calf action. Performers include Vince Gill and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. The highlight of the parade is the antique carriages, vintage autos and riders in period dress. Visitors can tour Wild Horse Gulch Old West Town, where impersonators bring characters such as Lillie Langtry, Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp to life. Other events include a chuck-wagon cook-off, Western art show, pancake breakfast and square dancing.
Contact Cheyenne Frontier Days, P.O. Box 2477, Cheyenne, WY 82003; (800) 227-6336, www.cfd rodeo.com.
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Wisconsin
The Lumberjack World Championships draw more than 200 lumberjacks to Hayward, in the northwestern part of the state, from July 26 to 28, some from as far away as Spain and New Zealand. They will compete in speed sawing, chopping, tree climbing and log rolling. There will also be a rendezvous encampment and saw-carving demonstrations.
Contact the Lumberjack World Championships, P.O. Box 666, Hayward, WI 54843; (715) 634-2484, www.lumberjackworldchampionships.com.
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Canada
Caribana, from July 29 to Aug. 5 in Toronto, is one of the largest Caribbean festivals in North America. More than a million people are expected at this year’s celebration of music, dance, design, fashion and food. The parade turns into a mile-long street party with trucks carrying calypso, steel pan, reggae and salsa bands. Elaborately costumed bands will compete for the Band of the Year award.
Contact the Toronto Mas Bands Assn., 1646 Victoria Park Ave. E., Suite 5, North York, Ontario, Canada M1R 1P7; (888) 210-8789, www.caribana.com.
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