Soulard Oktoberfest

The Soulard Octoberfest is an annual event across the street from the Soulard Farmer's Market in St. Louis, MO. There's a beer tent with Polka Music, carnival rides, people walking around with big plastic steins of beer with time for a kiss in between sips.

Wisconsin State Fair 2014

The Wisconsin State Fair is a big celebration of all things Wisconsin which includes a lot of eating all things fried, drinking and of course the midway. It was a beautiful afternoon and evening for celebrating this great state and making some photos.

 

 

Fitchburg Days

One of the first community festivals of the session, Fitchburg Days celebrates their Irish history with live music, food and a carnival...my favorite part.   I like to take advantage of that magical time of dusk when there is still some light in the sky though dark enough for the carnival lights to glow with brilliant color. 

St. Patrick's Day Parade

Every St. Patrick's Day (or the closest Sunday to it), Madison hold their annual parade around the Capitol Square.  It's a rather short jaunt around the capitol, but Madison likes to show it's green and get their Irish on.  It's also a good excuse to dress up and do some drinking of course.  And, it's not Madison without a little protest to boot.  Since winter has held it's grip a little longer this year, the clear sunny day was a good excuse to get out and celebrate the day. Spring must be just around the corner right?  

 

 Forward! Marching Band

 Forward! Marching Band

The Longest Night Of The Year

Every winter solstice the Friends of Starkweather Creek start a bunch of wood on fire in Madison's Olbrich Park and celebrate the gradual return of sunlight. At the end of the event, paper hot air balloons are launched into the night sky. They say it's safe, and it's rather magical as they float out of sight. Ironically, the star in the middle stays close to the ground.

Happy Solstice!