Sadly, there will not be a Zucchini Festival in Vermont in 2012. Thank goodness for the Zydeco Festival! Here's the rest of my A-Z round-up of great festivals in New England for the summer of 2012.

N ewport Jazz Festival - The 58-year-old Newport Jazz Festival in Newport, Rhode Island, is produced by the non-profit Newport Festivals Foundation. The festival features emerging jazz artists, along with the jazz greats concertgoers have come to expect. In 2012, the Newport Jazz Festival opens on Friday, August 3, with a Newport Salute to New Orleans featuring Dr. John & The Lower 911 and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The event continues Saturday and Sunday, August 4-5, in Fort Adams State Park. Headliners for 2012 include Dianne Reeves, Pat Metheny Unity Band, Jason Moran and The Bandwagon and the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone. Single day general admission tickets may also be purchased in person at the Newport Visitors Information Center.

O yster Festival - Veteran's Park in Norwalk, Connecticut, is the setting for the Norwalk Seaport Association's 35th annual Oyster Festival. Highlights of the September 7-9 event include musical performances; children's activities and rides; harbor cruises; an arts & crafts show; oystering and environmental exhibits and, of course, oysters galore! Tickets may be purchased and printed online prior to the festival. For information, call 203-838-9444.

P otato Blossom Festival - The 65th annual Maine Potato Blossom Festival is July 14 to 22 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 parade, musical entertainment, mashed potato wrestling, dancing in the street to the disco sounds of Motor Booty Affair and more. For information, call the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce at 207-472-3802.

Q uilt Festival - The 36th annual Vermont Quilt Festival is June 29-July 1 in Essex Junction and Colchester, Vermont. See hundreds of beautiful, hand-crafted quilts at New England's oldest and largest quilt event, shop for quilting supplies and participate in a choice of dozens of full-, half- and multi-day classes taught by quilters from across the country. Call 802-872-0034 for details.

R ockport Chamber Music Festival - The Rockport Chamber Music Festival marks its 31st season of performances by some of the world's best chamber music artists. Performances are held between June 7 and July 16 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--Love's Labour's Lost and Romeo and Juliet--at Boscobel, a scenic Hudson River estate in neighboring New York State. The 39 Steps will also be performed this season. Performances run between June 12 and September 2. Order tickets online or by calling 845-265-9575.

T omato Festival - If you adore the flavor of heirloom tomatoes, then venture to Verrill Farm in Concord, Massachusetts, August 18 for the Corn & Tomato Festival featuring the chance to taste more than 30 varieties of tomatoes grown on the farm, plus several varieties of corn and other farm-fresh foods. There'll be pony rides, hayrides and live music, too. For details, call 978-369-4494.

U nicorn Theatre at the Berkshire Theatre Festival - It's the Berkshire Theatre Festival's 84th year, and in addition to the Main Stage performances, the Unicorn Theatre at this Stockbridge, Massachusetts, venue will be home to three different plays during the summer of 2012 including the world premier of William Donnelly's Homestead Crossing and the Tony-nominated musical, A Class Act. 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-September 3, which celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2012. Events typically include open studios, concerts, gallery exhibits, poetry readings, tours, workshops and more. For more information, call 802-496-6682.

W haling City Festival - The 43rd annual Whaling City Festival takes place July 13-15 at Buttonwood Park in the historic whaling town of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Events include a craft show, flea market, international food vendors, local bands, carnival rides and more. Admission is free. For information, call 508-287-4153.

Emanuel AX, famed pianist, will make four appearances during the Tanglewood Summer Music Festival in Lenox, Massachusetts: one of New England's most beloved summer festivals. Of particular note, Ax will join fellow legends including conductors John Williams, Keith Lockhart, Andris Nelsons and John Oliver; cellist Yo-Yo Ma; violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter; pianist Peter Serkin and singer James Taylor at the Tanglewood 75th Celebration concert on July 14. Browse the complete 2012 Tanglewood schedule (Ax also performs July 23, 29 and 30), then purchase Tanglewood tickets online or by phone.

Y armouth Clam Festival - You'll find clams, crafts, clams, a carnival, clams, concerts, and, uh... clams! at this July 20-22 festival in Yarmouth, Maine, which marks its 47th year in 2012. Admission is free. Call 207-846-3984 for details.

Z ydeco Festival - The 15th annual Cajun/Zydeco Festival runs June 7-10 at Strawberry Park in Preston, Connecticut. Make a weekend of it by reserving a campsite or rental unit. Camping in the rough is free. In addition to the line-up of musical performers, the family-friendly festival features authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine, dance instruction and more. For tickets and reservations, call 860-886-1944.

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