From Kim Knox Beckius,
Your Guide to New England Travel.
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Dateline: 01/25/01

Each year, The American Bus Association (ABA) selects North America's Top 100 Events. While the focus is on choosing those events that make great motorcoach destinations, the top events are a diverse selection of festivals and celebrations that you'll enjoy no matter how you get there! This year, the ABA's Selection Committee tapped 11 New England events for the Top 100 List.Here's a round-up of the New England events that made the Top 100 List for 2001:

May 5 - June 10, 2001
Gaspee Days Celebration
Warwick, Rhode Island
(401) 781-1772

Warwick, Rhode Island, pays tribute to "America's first blow for freedom" during the free Gaspee Days celebration, which commemorates the first armed conflict of the American Revolution in 1772. Planned events include a colonial encampment and a colonial gala ball, the annual Gaspee parade, and an arts and crafts fair. The festival culminates in a mock colonial battle and symbolic burning of the famous ship HMS Gaspee.

June 28 - July 4, 2001
Boston Harborfest
Boston, Massachusetts
(617) 227-1528

Boston Harborfest is much more than a Fourth of July celebration. More than 225 events highlighting Boston's role in the founding of the United States make this America's Biggest Birthday Party. Events are held around the waterfront and downtown areas and include walking tours of historical sites, lectures, reenactments, outdoor concerts, fireworks, and even a Chowderfest. More than half of the events are free.

July 7-8, 2001
The Newport Flower Show
Newport, Rhode Island
(401) 847-1000 ext. 140

New England's premier outdoor flower show is held each year at one of Newport's historic mansions. This year, Rosecliff is the setting for the two-day event featuring judged plants, flowers, and exhibits; lectures by gardening experts; and a Horticulture Tent. The theme of the 2001 Newport Flower Show is "A New Beginning."

August 1-5, 2001
54th Annual Maine Lobster Festival
Rockland, Maine
(207) 596-0376 or 800 562-2529

The importance of lobster to the fishing village of Rockland, Maine, is feted at the annual Maine Lobster Festival. Not only can you savor succulent lobster prepared every which way, you can browse arts and crafts exhibitions, watch the annual parade, and explore marine displays. It all leads up to the Great International Lobster Race.

September 7-9, 2001
Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival
East Norwalk, Connecticut
(203) 838-9444

Did you know that the oysters produced in Connecticut bring in more money each year than any other state's crop of the magnificent mollusks? If you're in the mood to shuck and slurp, the annual Oyster Festival can't be beat. The event features live music on five stages, the Big Boys Toys Tent, more than 200 displays in a juried arts and crafts show, boats on display, and a diverse selection of food.

September 8-9, 2001
Seafood Festival
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
(603) 926-8718 or 800 438-2826

The Seafood Festival and Sidewalk Sale Days in Hampton Beach is one of New Hampshire's largest annual events. You'll be the winner when more than 50 restaurants compete for prizes for best clam chowder, most creative dish, and more. The two-day event also features continuous entertainment, crafts, children's activities, and a chance to see Louie the Lobster skydive onto Hampton Beach!