After a one-year hiatus, the annual Zucchini Festival in Ludlow, Vermont, is back for 2008. Hooray! I still have to give a nod, though, to the Zydeco Festival, which filled in admirably last year. Here's the rest of my A-Z round-up of great festivals in New England for the summer of 2008.

N ewport JVC Jazz Festival - It's the 54th year for the Newport Jazz Festival, which has been sponsored by JVC for more than 20 years. The festival opens on Friday, August 8, and the music continues Saturday and Sunday, August 9-10, in Fort Adams State Park. The 2008 concert line-up and ticket information will be announced in late April.

O yster Festival - Veterans' Park in Norwalk, Connecticut, is the setting for the Norwalk Seaport Association's 31st annual Oyster Festival. Highlights of the September 5-7 event include musical performances, children's activities and rides, harbor cruises, an arts & crafts show, oystering and environmental exhibits and, of course, oysters galore! New this year: purchase and print your tickets online. A three-day pass will also be available for the first time (online only). For information, call 203-838-9444.

P otato Blossom Festival - The 61st annual Maine Potato Blossom Festival is July 12 to 20 in Fort Fairfield, Maine. Did you know that potato plants have beautiful white, pink or lavender flowers? Join in the celebration of one of Maine's most important crops with dozens of events including a huge parade on July 19 and fireworks over the Aroostook River on July 20. For more information, call the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce at 207-472-3800.

Q uilt Festival - The 32nd annual Vermont Quilt Festival is June 27-29 in Essex Junction and Colchester, Vermont. See hundreds of beautiful, hand-crafted quilts at one of America's oldest quilt events and participate in a choice of 83 full- and half-day classes taught by quilters from across the country. Call 603-444-7500 for information.

R ockport Chamber Music Festival - The Rockport Chamber Music Festival marks its 27th season of performances by some of the world's best chamber music artists. Performances are held between June 5 and July 2 in Rockport, Massachusetts. To order tickets or for more information, call 978-546-7391.

S hakespeare Festival - The Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival offers summer performances under the stars of two of the Bard's classics--"Cymbeline" and "ATwelfth Night," at Boscobel, a scenic Hudson River estate in neighboring New York State. Performances run between June 10 and August 31. To order tickets, call 845-265-9575.

T homas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival - Thomas Point Beach in Brunswick, Maine, is more than 50 years old, and Labor Day Weekend is the perfect time for a visit. From August 28-31, the beach's 30th annual Bluegrass Festival features an all-star line-up of musicians, performing in a picturesque seaside setting. In the rough camping is free for multi-day ticket holders. For details and ticket information, call 207-725-6009 or toll free, 877-TPB-4321.

U nicorn Theatre at the Berkshire Theatre Festival - It's the Berkshire Theatre Festival's 80th year, and in addition to the Main Stage performances, the Unicorn Theatre at this Stockbridge, Massachusetts, venue will be home to six different plays this summer including Samuel Beckett's tragicomedy, Waiting for Godot. For tickets and more information, call 413-298-5576.

V ermont Festival of the Arts - The towns and villages of the Mad River Valley in Vermont celebrate the arts during this month-long festival, August 1-31, which celebrates its 11th anniversary in 2008. Events include open studios, concerts, gallery exhibits, theater performances, demonstrations and workshops. For more information, call 802-496-6682 or toll free, 800-517-4247.

W haling City Festival - The 39th annual Whaling City Festival takes place July 11-13 at Veterans' Memorial Buttonwood Park in the historic whaling town of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Events include rides, a craft show and flea market, international food vendors, six stages with continuous entertainment and a car, truck and motorcycle show on Sunday. Admission is free. For more information, call 508-996-3348.

Emanuel AX, famed pianist, plays a Monday evening concert with the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra on August 18 during the Tanglewood Summer Music Festival in Lenox, Massachusetts, one of New England's most beloved summer festivals. Tanglewood tickets can be purchased online or by phone.

Y armouth Clam Festival - You'll find clams, crafts, clams, a carnival, clams, concerts, and, uh... clams! at this July 18-20 festival in Yarmouth, Maine, which marks its 43rd year in 2008. Admission is free. Call 207-846-3984 for details.

Z ucchini Festival - If you're still in the mood to celebrate zucchini at the tail end of summer, head for Ludlow, Vermont, August 16-17 for the annual Vermont State Zucchini Festival featuring music, kids' activities and the zukapult contest, which, take it from me, you have to see to believe. For details, call the Ludlow Chamber of Commerce at 802-228-5830. And here's an extra "Z" festival: The Great Connecticut Cajun/Zydeco Music & Arts Festival runs June 13-15 at Sunrise Resort in Moodus, Connecticut. Make a weekend of it by reserving on-site accommodations or bringing your own camper or RV. In addition to the line-up of musical performers, the family-friendly festival features Cajun-style food, outdoor recreation and more. For details, call toll free, 800-225-9033.

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