Oh, sure, 2003 rings in several big American anniversaries, like the bicentennial of Lewis and Clark's exploration of the West, and there's the usual slew of can't-miss annual events — the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, the Kentucky Derby, Spoleto. You'll find details on these and other biggies in the list below. But were you aware that March 4 is International Pancake Day, when the women of Liberal, Kan., and its sister city of Olney, England, compete to see who can run the fastest while flipping pancakes• Then there's Icebox Days in International Falls, Minn., Jan. 16-19, when visitors compete in a Freeze Yer Gizzard Run, followed by Turkey Bowling. They're on our list, too. Here are our picks for the festivals, fairs and celebrations nationwide that are most worthy of planning a trip around. For more events, check www.festivals.com or the comprehensive "Chase's Calendar of Events" (Contemporary Books).

JANUARY

3-12, Houston: International Boat, Sport and Travel Show. If nautical gear, fishing equipment, RVs and campers aren't enough, maybe the Traveling Live Shark Exhibit will lure you in. Tickets $7. 713-526-6361, www.houstonboatshows.com . 9-21, Lansing, Mich.: Twistars USA Annual Invitational. 1,700 male and female gymnasts from around the country compete. 517-322-0360, www.twistarsusa1.com . 11-20, Detroit: North American International Auto Show. One of the country's longest-running auto shows. Tickets $12. 248-643-0250, www.naias.com . 14-19, Charlottesville, Va.: National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commemoration Kick-Off at Monticello. Thomas Jefferson wrote to Congress in 1803 to request funds for an expedition to the Pacific Ocean, and Capts. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set off soon after, spending three years exploring uncharted territory west of the Missouri River. The Monticello events start the celebration; numerous events are planned nationwide through 2006. 434-984-9822, www.monticello.org , www.lewisandclark200.org . 16-19, International Falls, Minn.: Icebox Days XXII. You haven't experienced cold until you've completed a Freeze Yer Gizzard Run, glided on a Moonlight Ski and gone Turkey Bowling in Minnesota. 800-FALLS-MN, www.rainylake.org . 16-26, Park City, Utah: Sundance Film Festival. More than 20,000 film lovers and industry people screen 125 feature-length films and 60 shorts. Packages are quick to go, even at Hollywood prices ($150-$2,500). Sales for individual tickets begin Jan. 7. www.sundance.org . 17-26, New York City: Winter Antiques Show. One of the nation's most exclusive collectibles shows. Daily tickets $16. 718-292-7392, www.winterantiquesshow.com . 19, San Francisco: Sea Lions' Arrival at Pier 39. Each January, sea lions arrive in droves to join their brethren at the herring-rich waters around K Dock at Pier 39. You can see them here throughout the year, but today is the official heralding of their first dockside appearance 13 years ago. Free informational talks weekends. 415-705-5500, www.pier39.com . 23-25, Rangeley, Maine: Snowmobile Snodeo. Besides snowmobile antics, there's chili, a casino and fireworks. 800-685-2537, www.visitportland.com . 25-Feb. 16, Fort Myers, Fla.: Edison Festival of Light. Fort Myers fetes hometown inventor Thomas Edison with a Science and Inventors Fair, crafts, fireworks and one of the largest nighttime parades in the country. Most events are free; others up to $16. 239-334-2999, www.edisonfestival.org 26, San Diego: Super Bowl XXXVII. Unless you planned ahead, you'll be watching the halftime show at home as the top two teams in the NFL battle it out. The ticket lottery for Super Bowl 2004 (Houston, Feb. 1) opens Feb. 1, 2003. 619-226-2003, www.superbowl.com . 27-31, New York City: Winter Restaurant Week. More than 170 Big Apple restaurants honor the new year with $20.03 three-course prix-fixe lunches (add $10 for a dinner deal). 212-484-1222, www.nycvisit.com . 31-Feb. 2, Punxsutawney, Pa.: Groundhog Day Celebrations. Whether Phil the Groundhog sees his shadow or not, there are parties, music, a carving show and the Little Mr. and Miss Groundhog Contest. Many events free; others up to $5. 800-752-PHIL, www.groundhog.org .

FEBRUARY

1-March 29, Napa Valley, Calif.: Napa Valley Mustard Festival. California kicks off its two-month gala of Napa Valley culture with a Mustard Magic Masquerade and continues with photo contests, wine tasting, art exhibitions and a Mustard Recipe Competition. Ticket prices vary. 707-259-9020, www.mustardfestival.org . 2-Nov. 2, Ashland, Ore.: Oregon Shakespeare Festival. With a lineup that includes "Romeo and Juliet," "Antony and Cleopatra," "Richard II" and "Titus Andronicus," it's a good thing they included "A Midsummer's Night Dream" for a little levity. Ticket sales ($20-$60) begin Jan. 22. 541-482-4331, www.orshakes.org . 7-9, Leavenworth, Kan.: Hidden Art Locked Away. The city's motto ("Every day's a 'cell'ebration in Leavenworth") may be humorous, but the prison inmates who create the pieces sold at this event are serious artists. 913-682-4459, www.lvarea.com/cvb . 7-9, Glendale, Ariz.: Glendale Chocolate Affaire. Love and chocolate. The home of Cerrata Candy Co. hosts more than 50 vendors of the sublime confection, as well as romance novelists on hand to autograph their latest bodice-rippers. 877-800-2601, www.glendaleaz.com/seeanddo . 10-11, New York City: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Dogs from around the country vie for the title of Best in Show at the 127th Westminster. General admission $41. 212-465-6741, www.westminsterkennelclub.org . 13-March 2, Baltimore: Vivat! St. Petersburg. Celebrate the 300th anniversary of the founding of St. Petersburg without having to fly Aeroflot. Baltimore hosts artworks, dance troupes, orchestras and more, direct from Russia. Tickets $20-$40. 877-225-8466, www.vivatfest.com . 16, Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona 500. The kick-off event of the Winston Cup Series. Grandstand tickets $120. 386-253-7223, 386-253-7223 for box office, www.daytona500.com . 15, San Francisco: Chinese New Year Parade. The largest celebration of its kind outside of Asia includes a Golden Dragon more than 201 feet long that takes 100 people to operate. Free; bleacher tickets $30. 415-391-9680, www.chineseparade.com . 26-March 16, Houston: Livestock and Rodeo Show. Brush up on the seven tenets of rodeo while raising money for charity. 832-667-1000, www.hlsr.com . Bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, team roping and tie-down roping. 27-March 2, Brownsville, Texas: Charro Days. Mariachis, Big band performances, Tejano music and a nighttime parade are part of this celebration of Mexican and American culture. 956-542-4245, www.charrodays.org . 27-March 9, Plant City, Fla.: Florida Strawberry Festival. Horticulture shows and concerts by Billy Ray Cyrus and others.

MARCH

1-13, Anchorage, Ala.: Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The 1,049 miles attributed to the race is actually symbolic; the extra 49 miles signifies the 49th state. Brush up on your Iditarod trivia and cheer mushers leading their sled dogs along the route from Anchorage to Nome. 800-566-7533, www.iditarod.com . 2-9, Philadelphia: Flower Show. Pick up gardening techniques, study the art of arranging or just smell the roses in this renowned celebration of all things floral. Advance tickets $18, on-site $24. 215-988-8899, www.philaflowershow.com . 2-April13, Louisville, Ky.: Actors Theatre Humana Festival of New American Plays. See future hits as they emerge on the national scene. More than 3,000 entries were whittled down to a select few. Tickets $25-$30. 502-584-1205, www.actorstheatre.org . 4, Liberal, Kan.: International Pancake Day. Women in Liberal and its sister city of Olney, England, compete to see who can run the fastest while flipping pancakes. The tradition dates to 1455 when an Olney woman, late for Lenten Mass, ran to church with her pancake skillet still in hand. 620-624-6423, www.pancakeday.com . 4, New Orleans: Mardi Gras Parade. Fat Tuesday celebrations happen all over the world, but New Orleans sets the standard. This last bit of bacchanalia before Lent is marked with beads, revelry, various states of undress, outrageous costumes and floats parading on Bourbon Street. 504-566-5011, www.mardigrasday.com . 5-31, Fairbanks, Ala.: World Ice Art Championships. From March 5 to 15, sculptors create icy masterpieces; the results are displayed until March 31. Daily tickets $8, season $15. 907-451-8250, www.icealaska.com . 8-April 6 Kearney, Neb.: Crane Fest. An Audobon expert guides bird lovers to the best areas to see cranes dance. Tickets $7. 308-237-1000, www.archway.org . 15-16, 19, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.: Return of the Swallows. Bells peal to mark the first sighting of the swallows, returning for their annual sojourn at the Spanish mission after wintering in Goya, Argentina. Docents, mariachi players, crafts, Aztec dancers. 949-234-1300, Ext. 322, www.missionsjc.com . 16, Boston: St. Patrick's Day Parade. The most Irish neighborhood in the most Irish city in America gives St. Paddy his due with a world-famous parade through South Boston. Have a guilt-free pint of Guinness before the 1 p.m. start time — everyone else does. 888-733-2678, www.irishmassachusetts.com . 22-23, Hermann, Mo.: Wurstfest. Bratwurst, knockwurst, leberwurst — if it's a wurst, the Sausage Capital of Missouri will have it. 800-932-8687, www.hermannmo.com .

APRIL

April-October, Providence, R.I.: WaterFire Providence. A fire sculpture illuminates three rivers that flow through downtown. From sunset to midnight, stroll along the water as performers tend the fires. 401-272-3111, www.waterfire.org . 2-5, Boise, Idaho: Gene Harris Jazz Festival. Musicians from all over the country honor the late, great jazz and blues master. Some events free. Season pass ($39) available until March 24 at www.idahotickets.com or 208-426-1494. Individual tickets ($20-$70) available at 208-426-1494 or at the door. www.geneharris.org . 5 and 7, New Orleans: NCAA Men's Final Four Basketball Tournament. Unless you've already bought tickets, you'll be following the pinnacle of men's collegiate basketball at home, because the finals are sold out. Ticket info for the 2004 tournament will be released in April. 317-917-6222, www.ncaasports.com . 6 and 8, Atlanta: NCAA Women's Final Four Basketball Tournament. Equal opportunity also applies to sold-out sports events: Tickets are gone for the women's final basketball showdown. But the rounds leading up to the finals are still up for grabs. 317-917-6222, www.ncaasports.com . 7-13 Augusta, Ga.: Masters Golf Tournament. If you don't have a Series Badge already, the chances of seeing any Masters final rounds in person are zilch until they open the waiting list again (it's been closed since 2000), and tickets for all practice rounds are sold out. 2004 Practice Rounds ticket applications will be sent in June to those who applied in 2002 or 2003; if you didn't apply this year, do so by July 15 for 2004. 706-667-6000, www.masters.org . 21, Boston Marathon. The world's oldest annual marathon follows a set route from Hopkinton to Boston, with the notorious Heartbreak Hill coming late in the game. Cheer on the more than 17,000 runners, wheelchair and handchair racers expected to compete. 617-236-1652, www.bostonmarathon.org . 25-27, St. Albans, Vt.: Vermont Maple Festival. Maple doughnuts, maple syrup, maple sugar, maple candy Many events free; tickets for talent show, maple banquet and fiddler's show available in advance from 802-524-2444 or on-site. 802-524-5800, www.vtmaplefestival.org . 27, Big Sur to Carmel, Calif.: Big Sur International Marathon. If you want to compete in the largest rural marathon in the world, you can still try for tickets via silent auction. No charge for tossing oranges to runners along scenic Highway 1. 831-625-6226, www.bsim.org . 26-30, Santa Clarita, Calif.: Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival. Long days on the range unleash the poetic spirit in the chaps 'n' spurs set. Tickets ($10 per day, $99 for weekend-long passes) available by mail only; if ordering after Feb. 14, call for availability. 800-868-7391, www.santa-clarita.com/cp .

MAY

3, Louisville, Ky.: Kentucky Derby. And they're off! The first jewel in racing's Triple Crown is always the first Saturday in May, and always a thriller. General admission (standing room only, no one gets turned away) $40, Oaks Day $25. 800-283-3729, www.kentuckyderby.com . 13-19, July 8-13, Sept. 2-7, Sturbridge, Mass.: Brimfield Antique and Collectibles Show. Three times a year, a one-mile stretch of Route 20 is transformed into what's billed as the largest and oldest outdoor show of its kind, with more than 4,500 vendors. 413-245-0961, www.sturbridge.org . 17, Baltimore: Preakness Stakes. There's a $1,000,000 purse up for grabs — all you need is the fastest 3-year-old horse to run the 13/16-mile track. Advance infield tickets $35 at Amoco gas stations, $40 at the door; reserved seats $60. 877-206-8042, www.marylandracing.com . 23-June 1, Cortez, Colo.: Mesa Verde Country Indian Arts and Culture Festival. Week-long showcase of Indian culture, with pottery demos, dances, antiques and art shows, river rafting and tours of archaeological sites. www.mesaverdecountry.com . 23-June 8, Charleston, S.C.: Spoleto Festival USA. For 17 days, crowds 85,000-strong invade venues city-wide to experience the works of international superstars. Local artists perform at the simultaneous Piccolo Spoleto Festival. Season tickets $147, individual tickets $20-$120. 843-579-3100, www.spoletousa.org . 25, Indianapolis: Indy 500. The $25 to $85 tickets to one of auto racing's most popular events are going fast, so get your online order forms and calls in. 800-822-INDY, www.indy500.com . 25, Concord, N.C.: Coca-Cola 600. True racing aficionados eschew the same-day Indy in favor of this sweet race. If ordering tickets by mail, get your request in by April 1. Tickets $25-$121. 800-455-FANS, www.charlottemotorspeedway.com .

JUNE

1-Aug. 31. Cody, Wyo.: Cody Nite Rodeo. Cowboys from around the world wrestle steer, rope calves and test other rodeo skills nightly. Tickets $13-$15. 307-587-2992, www.imt.net/rodeo/rodeo.html . 6-16, Mackinac Island, Mich: Lilac Festival. Step back in time on this auto-less island when the lilacs hit their peak and festivities are in full bloom. 800-4-LILACS, www.mackinac.com/lilacfest . 7, Elmont, N.Y.: Belmont Stakes. The race: 11/2 miles. The bank: $1 million. At stake• For a lucky horse and jockey (and owner), perhaps the final leg of a successful Triple Crown run. No advance individual sale of Stakes Day reserved seats. Tickets for two-day package of Belmont Stakes and Acorn Stakes (June 6) are $7-$40. 516- 488-6000, www.nyra.com/belmont . 7-15, Laconia, N.H.: Motorcycle Rally and Race Week. Eight days of races, hill climbs and parades. 603-366-2000, www.laconiamcweek.com . 10, New York City: Museum Mile Festival. Nine of the museums lining Fifth Avenue (82nd to 104th streets, from the Met to El Museo del Barrio) open their doors for free as the blocked-off avenue is filled with musicians and jugglers. 212-606-2296, www.museummilefestival.org . 12-15, Olympia Fields, Ill.: USGA US Open. Watch the masters tee off from your living room, as the event's sold out. To be placed on a mailing list for 2004, call 908-234- 2300, Ext. 1407. www.usopen.com . 12-15, Clarinda, Iowa: Glenn Miller Festival. The birthplace of big band's head honcho celebrates his life and mysterious disappearance during World War II with competitions and performances by Millerites from around the world. Tickets $5-$20. 712-542-2461, www.glennmiller.org . 12-15, Ruston, La.: Louisiana Peach Festival. Spring for the Blue Ribbon Dinner Dance ($30) or a basket of Louisiana peaches. Ticket prices vary; some events free. 800-392-9032, www.rustonlincoln.org . 12-15, Mystic, Conn.: Sea Music Festival. The international crowd that gathers here demonstrates that not all sailor songs are bawdy — the sea chanteys run the gamut from love songs to rollicking jigs. 888-973- 2767, www.mysticseaport.org . 14-15 and 21-22, New York City: American Crafts Festival. Every region of the U.S. is represented at this free crafts show hosted at Lincoln Center. 973-746-0091, www.craftsatlincoln.org . 19-Aug.17, Aspen, Colo.: Aspen Music Festival. Nine weeks of classical music concerts performed by world-renowned artists. Many events free; others up to $55. 970-925-3254, www.aspenmusicfestival.com . 20-22, Hardin, Mont.: Custer's Last Stand Reenactment. See the Battle of Little Big Horn from the Native-American perspective. Tickets $16. 307-587-1872, www.custerslaststand.org . 21-22, Valley Forge, Pa.: March Out of the Continental Army. George Washington and his troops camped here in 1777-78, suffering a miserable winter. Local history buffs reenact the fun part: leaving. 610-783-1077, www.patriotsortraitors.com . 24-Aug. 16, Teton Village, Wyo.: Grand Teton Music Festival. Musical director Eiji Oue leads the Festival Orchestra in such pieces as Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5, while chamber music ensembles and solo performers contribute to the more than 40 concerts held. Some events free; others vary. 307-733-3050, www.gtmf.org . 25-29, Great Falls, Mont.: Lewis & Clark Festival. A Children's Discovery Camp, Botanical Walks and a Buckskin Bash are part of this annual celebration of the explorers' expedition. Most events free; Bash tickets $20. 406-452-5661, www.corpsofdiscovery.org . 26-July 6, Greeley, Colo.: Greeley Independence Stampede. A Kids' Rodeo, concerts and the Team Challenge Bull Riding & Bull Fighting are all part of the self-billed World's Largest 4th of July Rodeo. Tickets $5.50-$38.50. 800-982-BULL, www.greeleystampede.org . 26-July 6, Milwaukee: Summerfest. More than a million people hit the shores of Lake Michigan for this musical bash, with 13 stages hosting national and local talent. Tickets $11. 800-273-FEST, www.summerfest.com . 28-29, San Francisco: Pride 2003. Performances by the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, an International Gay Rugby Tournament and a Pride Parade wrap up month-long gay pride festivities. 415-864-0831, www.sfpride.org .

JULY

1-Aug. 31, Wolfeboro, N.H.: Great Waters Music Festival. The lineup for this festival along Lake Winnipesaukee includes jazz, folk, orchestral music and pop. Season tickets $105-$233. 603-569-7710, www.greatwaters.org . 4, Boston: Independence Day Celebration. People stake places on the Esplanade in the wee hours of the morning to ensure prime seating for a patriotic evening of fireworks and the Boston Pops. 888-484-7677, www.july4th.org . 5-12, Traverse City, Mich.: National Cherry Festival, Traverse City, Mich. A Cherry Pit Spit Contest, Very Cherry Luncheon and a concert. Tickets $20-$30. 231-947-4230, www.cherryfestival.org . 5-Nov. 1, Strasburg, Pa.: Cherry Crest Farm Maze Season. "Amazing Maize Maze" covers a five-acre cornfield. Tickets $10.50. 717-687-6843, www.cherrycrestfarm.com . 5-6, 20-22, 26, 30-Aug. 3, Seattle: SEAFAIR. The largest community festival in the Pacific Northwest, with air shows, Miss SEAFAIR and a Milk Carton Derby, where hundreds of boats crafted from milk cartons are tested for sinkability. 206-728-0123, www.seafair.com . 9-20, Cleveland, Toledo and other Lake Erie ports: Ohio Bicentennial Tall Ships Challenge. An homage to Lake Erie. 888-644-6200, www.clevelandharborfest.com , www.ohio200.org . 11-13, 18-20, 25-27, De Smet, S.D: Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant. If skating on Silver Lake is one of your vicarious childhood memories, head to this celebration of Laura's life in the town that provided the setting for five books in the "Little House on the Prairie" series. Tickets $5. 800-880-3383, www.liwms.com . 11-13, Murfreesboro, Tenn.: Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival. In 1986, the home town of the late master banjo player was officially designated by Congress as the site of National Championships in Old-Time Banjo, Old-Time Clogging and Old-Time Buckdancing. 800-716-7560, www.uncledavemacondays.com . 14-17, Waynesville, N.C.: Folkmoot USA. French stilt dancers and Chilean performers join folk musicians in North Carolina's celebration of world heritage. $10 for three performances, $20 for all-day reserved ticket. 877-365-5872, www.folkmoot.com . 26-Aug. 2 ,Wellsville, Utah: Festival of the American West. Rendezvous with a mountain man, see a cowboy shootout and sample the goods at a Dutch Oven Cook-Off. Tickets $6-$15. 800-225-3378, www.americanwestcenter.org . 26-Aug. 10, Abingdon, Va.: Virginia Highlands Festival. Appalachian arts, crafts, music and dancing. Many events free, some workshops $15-$30. 800-435-3440, www.vahighlandsfestival.org . 31-Aug. 2, Colo.: Telluride Jazz Celebration. Jazz lovers congregate to hear acclaimed artists outdoors during the day and in intimate settings at night. Three-day passes $75 until Jan. 31, after which prices go up. 970-728-7009, www.telluridejazz.com .

AUGUST

2-10, Covington, Ky. to Gadsden, Ala.: World's Longest Outdoor Yard Sale. A 450-mile corridor of outdoor shopping, with furniture, crafts, rugs and antique cars. 800-327-3945, www.127sale.com . 4-9, Winston-Salem, N.C.: National Black Theatre Festival. African-American theater companies from the United States, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean present nearly 100 play performances. Tickets $20-$40. 336-723-2266, www.nbtf.org . 7-10, Fall River, Mass.: Fall River Celebrates America. Portuguese, Lebanese and Polish culinary delights are just a sample of what's offered at this celebration of the area's diversity. 508-676-8226, www.fallriverchamber.com . 9-17, Memphis: Elvis Week. Walk down Beale Street with Elvis impersonators, carry candles at Graceland and tap your feet to new renditions of the King's music. Many events free, others require tickets ($5). 901-332-3322, www.elvis.com . 15-17, Monterey, Calif.: Historical Automobile Races. Two major milestones — 100 years of Ford racing heritage and the event's 30th anniversary — give this year's historic motoring extravaganza added panache. With nearly 400 vintage racing and sports cars. Tickets (about $45 per day) can be ordered from www.laguna-seca.com . 805-686-9292, www.montereyhistoric.com . 21-Sept. 1, Palmer, Ala.: Alaska State Fair. A 100-pound cauliflower may sound like organic experimentation gone wrong, but last year more than 300,000 people showed up for the weigh-in (and other fun fair activities, like craft shows and flower exhibits). 800-850-FAIR, www.alaskastatefair.org . 22-24, Bangor, Maine: National Folk Festival. The country's oldest multicultural traditional arts show, with Portuguese fado, "dieselbilly" music, zydeco, Flying Indian Pole Dancing and Franco-Canadian step-dancing. 800-91-MOOSE, www.nationalfolkfestival.com . 25-Sept. 7, Flushing Meadows, N.Y.: U.S. Open. Will Serena Williams continue her domination of the sport• See game, set and match play in Queens. Same-day tickets sold at the gate (around $30). www.usopen.org . 28-31, Milwaukee: 100th Anniversary Celebration of Harley-Davidson. Blowout centennial celebration for Hogs. 800-258-2464, www.harley-davidson.com . 30-Sept. 1, Atlanta: International Twins Association Convention. A Twin Look-Alike Contest, golf tournament and a ball. 763-571-3022, www.intltwins.org . 31-Sept. 1, Hatch, N.M: Hatch Chile Festival. Chiles in every shade of hot are the objects of honor. 505-267-8230, www.las-cruces-events.org .

SEPTEMBER

1-2, Wilmington, Vt.: Garlic and Herb Festival. The perfect date activity: a festival for food and crafts created from garlic! There's Garlic Golf as well. Tickets $4. 802-368-7147, www.festivals.com . 11-14, Grapevine, Texas: Grapefest. Stomp grapes at the Southwest's largest wine festival; for cleaner fun, just hit the wine tastings. Complimentary buses shuttle the inebriated between wineries. 800-457-6338, www.grapevinetexasusa.com . 11-14, Reno, Nev.: National Championship Air Races. Air gymnastics performed by champions of the world's fastest sport. Tickets $11-$22 or four days for $60. 775-972-6663, www.airrace.org . 19-21, Lincoln, N.H.: New Hampshire Highland Games. Kilted golf, Scottish Country dancing, folk music, storytelling and Celtic cheer. Tickets $25. 6

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