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As you make your travel plans for this year, you could attend any number of music festivals or art fairs that pop up across the country. But for a truly unique experience, consider making your way to one of these wild and wacky gatherings.
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UFO Festival
AP Photo / Roswell Daily Record, Mark Wilson
Roswell, New Mexico
June 30–July 2
Founded: 1995
Legend has it that an alien craft crashed in this community in 1947, and so it has been dubbed the UFO Capital of the World. Enjoy laser shows, sci-fi movies, a night SkyWatch and talks by UFOlogists. A family-friendly galaxy fair features fire dancers, an alien foam zone for children and a circus camp. Dress up for the costume contest and the 5K walk/run.
Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw
Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw & Festival
Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin
September 1–2
Founded: 1975
The event features a craft fair, a parade with bovine floats and the Cow Chip Throw, in which contestants hurl dried pieces of dung. Participants can’t wear gloves to throw two pieces that must be at least 6 inches in diameter. The chip thrown the farthest wins. Did you know the odorless chips became Wisconsin’s Unofficial State Muffin in 1989?
Avon Heritage Duck Tape Festival
Duck Tape Festival
Avon, Ohio
June 15–17
Founded: 2004
Stick around for this free three-day extravaganza that showcases duct tape in various forms: sculptures, crafts, fashions, parade floats and more. This community, nearly 21 miles west of Cleveland, is the home of the Duck brand of tape and the self-proclaimed Duct Tape Capital of the World.
Oz-Stravaganza
Alamy / Oz-Stravaganza
Chittenango, New York
June 2–4
Founded: 1978
Follow the yellow brick road to the birthplace of author L. Frank Baum to see landmarks from his life and memorabilia in the All Things Oz Museum, including original props, Munchkin costumes and Judy Garland’s autograph. Located about 16 miles east of Syracuse, New York, this is the longest-running Wizard of Oz festival. The weekend features rides, a silent auction, and costume, photo and writing contests.
Wikimedia / Dan Molter
Humongous Fungus Fest
Crystal Falls, Michigan
August 25–26
Founded: 1992
One of the world’s oldest living organisms (dating back to B.C.!) is a 440-ton honey mushroom that sprawls over 173 acres on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Events include a pie social, mushroom forage and cook-off.
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