Summer is all about festivals but not every festival is typical. There are several odd summer events that are celebrated across the country from a festival honoring the best cat videos on the Web to an underwater rock concert. TripAdvisor has released a list of the Top 10 Wacky Summer Events in the U.S.
"Travelers looking to blow off some steam this summer without breaking the bank can enjoy these zany events that celebrate the offbeat and creative spirit of America," said Brooke Ferencsik, director of communications at TripAdvisor.
Here are the Top 10 Wacky Summer Events in the U.S. as chosen by TripAdvisor, listed in order.
Wayne Chicken Show in Wayne, Nebraska- July 12-14
Crazy about chickens? Head to Wayne for a day of competitions like an egg drop where contestants attempt to catch an egg without cracking it, the chicken legs competition, a hardboiled egg eating contest, and the national cluck-off in which contestants have 15 seconds to show off their best clucking and pecking skills. Admission is free.
Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival in Big Pine Keys, Florida- July 13
Celebrating its 29th year, hundreds of water enthusiasts will shoe up at Big Pine Key to rock out under the sea. A local radio station holds this underwater concert from broadcasting music through Lubell Laboratory speakers suspended beneath boats. Participants must be able to dive to enjoy the event. This year's theme is Salute to the Rolling Stone Crabs" so divers will be dressed like "Mick Jawfish" and "Keith Pilchard" while listening to tunes like "HonkyConch Woman" and other marine melodies such as the Beatles' "Yellow Submarine." There is no fee to dive.
Pierogi Fest in Whiting, Indiana- July 26-28
Who doesn't love pierogi's? This festival is all about them as more than 200,000 visitors father each year to have a taste of the delicious Eastern European dumplings. The festival includes things like a polka stage, a pierogi eating contest, a pierogi toss and the International Polka Parade featuring the Twirling Babushka Brigade, while festival emcee Mr. Pierogi backed by his Pieroguettes, belt out classics during the annual SongFest. Admission is free.
World Championship Cardboard Boat Races in Heber Springs, Arkansas- July 27
Are you a cardboard engineer? Come out to this festival with your invention and test it out along a 200-meter course to win the "Pride of the Fleet" honor, given to the greatest engineering marvel, or the "Captain's Award," presented to the most creative. The worst boats also win a prize called the "Titanic" if it pulls off an epic sinking. Those on land can also take place in events such as a tug-of-war and watermelon eating competition. Admission is free.
Rain Day Festival in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania- July 29
All the way back in 1874, a local farmer said that it always rained on his birthday. Since then, people have gathered in the area to see if it's true and they even place bets. Bets have even been placed by celebrities such as Muhammad Ali, Fred Rogers and Jay Leno. While waiting for the rain, visitors can enjoy things like include live entertainment, dozens of craft and food vendors, games for children, and a series of competitions including a sponge bucket relay and an umbrella decorating contest. Admission is free.
There are plenty of other wacky festivals coming up at the end of the summer like Cheeseburger is Caseville, Michigan, Weird Contest Week in Ocean City, New Jersey, National Lentil Festival in Pullman, Washington, Walker Art Center's Internet Cat Video Festival in Saint Paul, Minnesota and Bug Fest in Raleigh, North Carolina.
For the full list and details, click here.
