Talk about imaginative marketing! In 1992, people foraging in a forest near a tiny township in Michigan discovered a huge fungus growing beneath the moist soil. The giant mushroom, known to scientists as Armillaria bulbosa, stretched across 37 acres and weighed an estimated 21,000 pounds.
The tourism appeal of that phenomenon was not lost on residents of the nearby town of Crystal Falls. They created an annual Humongous Fungus Fest, planned a series of enjoyable activities, and began to cash in on the unusual appeal of what many people might consider to be an easy-to-overlook example of Mother Nature’s sense of humor.
Although cooking and consuming a 10-foot-square mushroom pizza is no longer part of the festivities, sports competitions, fireworks, and a parade entertain revelers, along with education about which mushrooms are safe to pick and eat. By the way, the star attraction isn’t actually much to look at. Most of the moldy monster is hidden underground, and only small heads that protrude above the surface are visible.
If you think that celebrating a titanic toadstool is unique, think again. Along with famous fetes such as the New Orleans Mardi Gras, National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., and Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, there’s a choice of festivals around the United States that are fun, funky, and, in some cases, far-out.
What could be more far-out than an alien being visiting our planet? The recovery of metallic and rubber debris that fell from the sky near Roswell, New Mexico, in 1947 prompted stories of a flying saucer, alien intruders, and a government coverup. Taking advantage of the interest the incident spawned, the town laid claim to the title of “UFO Capital of the World” and started an annual UFO Festival. Participants can join in an Alien Chase 5K Walk/Run, tee off for illuminated night golf, and enjoy museum exhibits such as those that explore the human connection to science, space, and technology.
The space occupied by the Underwater Music Festival in the Florida Keys is above Looe Key Reef, which is part of North America’s only living coral reef. Divers and snorkelers watch mermaids “playing” surreal instruments as water-themed songs such as Jimmy Buffett’s “Fins” and the Beatles’ “Octopus’s Garden” are streamed through speakers suspended below boats.
Water also is involved in another Florida fun time. Each spring, residents in Panama City gather at a marina during the Blessing of the Fleet and Burning of the Socks to pray for local fishermen and their families as a parade of boats passes by. Then they ring in flip-flop season by tossing their socks into a bathtub and watching them go up in flames.
In contrast with the warm water off Florida’s coast is the frigid weather during which Frozen Dead Guy Days take place in and around Estes Park, Colorado. Brave souls challenge the elements during a costumed polar plunge and frozen T-shirt and brain freeze contests, along with frozen turkey bowling. Coffin races pit teams of six pallbearers carrying a “corpse” through a course of mud, snow, and obstacles.
Ducks take to the water in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou at the Thibodeauxville Fall Festival. After they enjoy tasty Cajun food, art, and a car show, attendees watch as hundreds of rubber ducks are dropped into the Bayou LaFourche for a race to the finish. The owner of the winning waterfowl gets bragging rights and a $1,000 prize.
Chickens have top billing during a unique event that is part of Mardi Gras in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The Courir de Mardi Gras (Mardi Gras Run) is rooted in French medieval history. People wearing elaborate costumes and masks make their way through town led by a captain, stopping at homes and businesses to dance for those inside. If the inhabitants demonstrate their enjoyment of the entertainment, the Mardi Gras captain offers thanks by throwing a chicken into the air.
Two “T” words round out our exploration of unusual festivals. The focus of the South Eastern Tiny House Festival in Danville, Georgia, is affordable, space-saving, sustainable living. The message is conveyed during a tour of miniscule homes and talks about topics such as urban planning, downsizing, and minimalism. The project, conducted by the MicroLife Institute, seeks to combine fun and entertainment with messaging about micro-living, housing diversity, and pocket neighborhoods.
Twins come in all sizes, and tiny ones are among those who attend Twin Days in—where else?—Twinsburg, Ohio. That annual festival attracts matched sets from around the world. They vie for plaudits in contests seeking the youngest and oldest and most and least alike, and they can compete in a talent show. A highlight of the festivities is the aptly named Double Take Parade.
