12 Small American Towns Known for Unusual Competitions and Fun Traditions
In small towns across the U.S., traditions run deep and often come with a fun, unusual twist. These communities embrace quirky competitions that have been passed down through generations. From unusual races to out-of-the-box celebrations, each event is a reflection of the town’s unique spirit. Visiting these towns is a chance to see traditions that may surprise you.
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La Grange, Texas – World’s Largest Strawberry Shortcake Festival
La Grange, Texas, is famous for its annual World’s Largest Strawberry Shortcake Festival. The town celebrates its rich agricultural heritage with a massive shortcake that draws thousands each year. The festival has grown from a local event to a nationwide attraction, showcasing local produce and hospitality. Visitors can enjoy live music, contests, and of course, a slice of the record-breaking shortcake.
This event has become a beloved tradition for families and food lovers alike. The competition features strawberry-themed contests, including a pie-eating contest and a strawberry jam cook-off. La Grange also offers a chance to experience its charming downtown, with antique shops and historical sites nearby. It is a perfect blend of community spirit and small-town charm.
Boulder, Colorado – The Boulder Boulder 10K
Boulder, Colorado, hosts the famous Boulder Boulder 10K, one of the largest running events in the world. This race is not just about running, as it is an all-day celebration of fitness and fun. Participants of all ages, from professionals to beginners, take part in the race, making it a true community event. What sets this race apart is its festive atmosphere, with spectators lining the streets to cheer on runners.
The event is known for its creativity, with participants often dressing up in costumes to add to the celebration. Boulder’s stunning scenery serves as the perfect backdrop, with runners passing through picturesque neighborhoods and parks. The Boulder Boulder is not just about the race itself but the overall experience of coming together as a community. It remains a unique tradition in this active and vibrant town.
Cedarburg, Wisconsin – Strawberry Festival
Cedarburg, Wisconsin, is home to a delightful Strawberry Festival that celebrates the sweet, tangy fruit with enthusiasm. The festival, held annually in June, features live music, a strawberry pie-eating contest, and, of course, plenty of fresh strawberries. Visitors can sample homemade strawberry preserves, fresh pies, and other delicious treats while exploring the town’s historical district. It is a great way to experience the charm of this picturesque town.
The event is a hit for families, with activities like face painting, arts and crafts, and strawberry-themed games for children. In addition to the festival, Cedarburg offers a quaint atmosphere, with shops and galleries showcasing local art and craftsmanship. The Strawberry Festival has become a signature event for the town, drawing crowds from all over the Midwest. It is a perfect blend of small-town hospitality and family-friendly fun.
Manitou Springs, Colorado – The Great Fruitcake Toss
Manitou Springs, Colorado, hosts the Great Fruitcake Toss, a quirky tradition that draws both locals and visitors for a lighthearted competition. Held every January, the event invites participants to hurl fruitcakes as far as they can. This fun-filled event has become a symbol of the town’s quirky charm, as people gather to enjoy the spectacle. The competition includes various categories, from individual tosses to team events, making it a unique community celebration.
Manitou Springs is known for its beautiful mountain backdrop, and the toss takes place in a scenic park. The event attracts spectators and participants from all over the country, many of whom come dressed in creative costumes. In addition to the fruitcake toss, there are other fun activities like live music and food vendors. It is a memorable way to kick off the new year in this vibrant Colorado town.
Bristol, Rhode Island – Fourth of July Parade
Bristol, Rhode Island, hosts one of the oldest Fourth of July parades in the United States, with the celebration taking place every year since 1785. This small town takes its Independence Day celebrations seriously, featuring a grand parade, marching bands, and an all-day celebration that brings together thousands of people. The event draws spectators from all over, making it a true tradition for the community and beyond. The parade is often recognized as one of the most patriotic events in the country.
Bristol’s Fourth of July Parade is known for its historic roots and deep connection to American history. Visitors can also enjoy fireworks displays, local food vendors, and musical performances, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the day. The town’s waterfront location adds a picturesque backdrop to the celebration. This event has remained an integral part of Bristol’s identity for generations, highlighting the town’s pride in its long-standing traditions.
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania – Groundhog Day Festival
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, is known worldwide for its annual Groundhog Day Festival, where Punxsutawney Phil, the famous groundhog, predicts the weather for the upcoming weeks. On February 2nd each year, thousands of visitors gather in Gobbler’s Knob to witness the ceremony. The tradition dates back to 1887 and has become a major event for both locals and tourists. The festival includes a range of activities, such as a 5K race, parades, and concerts.
The Groundhog Day Festival draws attention from all over the world, especially for the weather prediction. Phil’s famous appearance is followed by celebrations, making the event both a fun and historic occasion. The town embraces its quirky claim to fame, with many businesses offering groundhog-themed products. Visitors flock to Punxsutawney each year to be part of this unique tradition that has earned the town global recognition.
Maine – The Lobster Festival in Rockland
Every summer, Rockland, Maine, holds the world-famous Lobster Festival, a tradition that celebrates the town’s deep connection to the lobster industry. This five-day event features cooking contests, seafood tastings, live music, and a boatload of fun activities. The festival is known for its lobster-eating contests, where participants can compete to see who can eat the most lobster. Visitors flock to Rockland for the chance to enjoy fresh Maine lobster while soaking up the lively atmosphere.
The Lobster Festival also includes a parade, craft fairs, and activities for children, making it a family-friendly event. It is a true celebration of Maine’s coastal culture and culinary heritage. With over 20,000 visitors each year, the festival is one of the largest lobster-focused events in the world. The Lobster Festival continues to be a highlight of the summer season in Rockland, bringing together seafood lovers from all corners of the globe.
Lindsborg, Kansas – Swedish Folk Festival
Lindsborg, Kansas, hosts the Swedish Folk Festival, a colorful event that celebrates the town’s Swedish heritage. This event features Swedish dances, music, and traditional foods, offering a taste of Swedish culture in the heart of the Midwest. One of the highlights of the festival is the folk dance performances, where participants wear traditional Swedish costumes and perform lively dances. The festival attracts visitors who want to learn more about Swedish traditions and enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere.
Lindsborg is known for its Swedish-themed architecture and businesses, and the festival brings these elements to life with performances and activities. The event also includes arts and crafts, food vendors, and games for children. Visitors can taste Swedish dishes like Swedish meatballs and Swedish pastries while enjoying the town’s lively celebrations. The Swedish Folk Festival has become a significant tradition in Lindsborg, keeping the town’s Swedish roots alive for generations.
New Orleans, Louisiana – Mardi Gras
New Orleans, Louisiana, is world-renowned for its Mardi Gras celebration, a festival that blends vibrant parades, extravagant costumes, and lively music. The city comes alive with colorful floats, bead-throwing, and street parties, drawing millions of visitors each year. Mardi Gras celebrations are rooted in French and Catholic traditions, but New Orleans has made the event its own with unique local flavors. It is one of the largest and most exciting celebrations in the United States.
The parades are the highlight of Mardi Gras, with marching bands, dancers, and entertainers filling the streets. The costumes are often elaborate, with participants wearing masks and colorful attire that reflect the spirit of the event. Mardi Gras also features delicious local foods like gumbo, king cake, and crawfish, offering a true taste of New Orleans culture. This festival is a significant part of the city’s identity, attracting people from around the world to join in the revelry.
Park City, Utah – Sundance Film Festival
Park City, Utah, is best known for the Sundance Film Festival, a celebration of independent cinema. Each year, filmmakers, actors, and movie enthusiasts gather in this small mountain town to watch screenings of the latest indie films. The festival offers a unique opportunity to see up-and-coming talent and discover films that often go on to become major award contenders. The event has become a major cultural gathering, with panels, parties, and red carpet events complementing the screenings.
The Sundance Film Festival is held every January and has been running since 1978. It attracts visitors from all over the world, including celebrities, journalists, and industry professionals. The festival not only showcases independent films but also fosters discussions about film, culture, and society. It is a key event in the film industry calendar and has helped launch the careers of many successful directors and actors.
Key West, Florida – Conch Republic Days
Key West, Florida, is home to Conch Republic Days, a fun-filled celebration of the town’s quirky history and unique culture. The festival commemorates a brief moment in 1982 when Key West declared independence from the United States in protest of a federal blockade. The event is marked by parades, parties, and the infamous “Conch Republic” military tribunal. It’s a celebration of local pride, with visitors and locals alike taking part in the festivities.
The Conch Republic Days festival includes a range of activities, including a conch shell blowing contest, a street fair, and a drag race. Visitors can also sample delicious local seafood, including conch fritters, a local delicacy. The event’s lighthearted nature, combined with its historical roots, makes it a favorite for both locals and tourists. Key West’s Conch Republic Days is a one-of-a-kind celebration that reflects the island’s independent spirit and love of fun.
Glenwood Springs, Colorado – Strawberry Days Festival
Glenwood Springs, Colorado, celebrates the Strawberry Days Festival, a long-standing tradition that takes place every June. The festival includes a wide range of activities, from strawberry-themed food and drinks to live entertainment and local crafts. The festival also features a popular parade, 5K run, and a carnival, making it a fun event for the whole family. The event draws visitors to the town, where they can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding mountains and the iconic hot springs.
Strawberry Days has been celebrated for over 100 years and is a key event in Glenwood Springs. The town’s historical charm, combined with the festive atmosphere, creates a memorable experience for everyone who attends. Local businesses also get involved, offering strawberry-themed products and discounts. It is the perfect time to experience the best of Glenwood Springs while enjoying a fun-filled, community-focused festival.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.