Hear Cowboy Poetry or Just Hang Out

Arizona

The 12th annual Arizona Cowboy Poets gathering, Aug. 12 to 14 in Prescott, features cowboy poets and traditional reciters from all over the West. This year’s theme is “Fixin’ to Get Excitin’.” All performances include readings and Western music (by the Red Rock Wranglers and the Desert Sons). Evening events take place at the historic Prescott Opera House. For more information, contact the Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering, Sharlot Hall Museum, 415 W. Gurley St., Prescott, AZ 86301; telephone (520) 445-3122.

Florida

Hang gliding has been part of Cypress Gardens’ water-skiing shows since 1968, but on Aug. 21 and 22, Cypress Gardens pilots and others from around Florida will compete in a between-shows World Precision Hang Gliding Tournament. While many tournaments are for distance and not set up for spectators, this one is geared to crowds in the grandstands. The “kites” are towed across the lake and released at an altitude of 700 feet; then the pilots must complete a slalom course and land on a target, getting their feet through an inner tube. For more information, contact Cypress Gardens, 2641 S. Lake Summit Drive, Cypress Gardens, FL 33884; tel. (941) 324-2111.

Iowa

The National Hobo Convention, which began in 1900, is expected to draw more than 12,000 people, hobos and spectators, to Britt on Aug. 12 to 15. Celebrating a simpler time, many old-timers will tell stories of riding the rails and demonstrate crafts, including whittling, a hobo tradition. Foods include Mulligan stew, another hobo favorite. Also planned: a parade, flea market, carnival. The Hobo Museum is also in Britt, which is 120 miles south of Des Moines. For more information, contact the Britt Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 63, Britt, IA 50423; tel. (515) 843-3867.

Maine

August is blueberry time in Maine, and Machias (1 1/2 hours’ drive northeast of Bar Harbor) celebrates with the Blueberry Festival, Aug. 20 and 21. The event draws up to 15,000 berry lovers to this small town of 2,500 for the pie-eating contests, a fish fry, a local crafts sale, baked bean supper, children’s parade and the home-grown musical “It’s a Wonderful Berry.” For more information, contact the Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 606, Machias, ME 04654; tel. and fax (207) 255-4402.

Maryland

The 12th annual Kunta Kinte Heritage Festival, Aug. 14 and 15 at St. Johns College in Annapolis, celebrates African American, African and African Caribbean cultures. The festival is named for the slave immortalized in Alex Haley’s “Roots.” This year’s event highlights the cultures of Gambia, Ghana and Nigeria. Also planned: the Sankofa Dancers, traditional African cuisine, and more than 60 arts and crafts vendors. Contact Kunta Kinte Celebrations, 1517 Ritchie Highway, Suite 201, Arnold, MD 21012; tel. (410) 349-0338.

New Mexico

Although bats fly into Carlsbad Caverns every morning after being out all night eating, Bat Flight Breakfast is held only once a year. This year’s breakfast begins at 5 a.m. on Aug. 12 in the parking lot near the cave entrance, where visitors will have the best view of the bats. Rangers will also talk about bats. No reservations needed. For more information, contact Carlsbad Caverns National Park, 3225 National Park Hwy., Carlsbad, NM 88220; tel. (505) 785-2232.

Events appears monthly.