From Kim Knox Beckius,
Your Guide to New England Travel.
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Feb 6 2008

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 and New York State events for the Top 100 List.

Here's a round-up of the events in New England and neighboring New York State that made the Top 100 List:

May 1-31, 2008
15th Annual Cape Cod Maritime Days
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
508-362-3225

Nearly 75 events held Cape-wide during the month of May honor Cape Cod's rich maritime heritage. Events include lighthouse and walking tours, nautical art exhibits, lectures on maritime lore, boat-building exhibits, kayaking excursions and more. The highlight of the month-long celebration is the Cape Cod Maritime Festival in Hyannis on May 18.

May 9-11, 2008
Albany Tulip Festival
Albany, New York
518-434-2032

One of Albany's oldest events, the annual Tulip Festival celebrates the city's Dutch heritage. Historic Washington Park blooms with thousands of tulips in a multitude of colors and varieties. Head to New York's capital city for a weekend of food, music, crafts, kids' activities and more.

June 14-28, 2008
International Festival of Arts & Ideas
New Haven, Connecticut
203-498-1212/888-ART-IDEA (278-4332)

New Haven's hot summer festival marks its 13th anniversary this year with another impressive line-up of hundreds of arts events including concerts on the green, theater and dance performances, visual arts exhibits, walking tours and more. Most events are free.

July 24-27, 2008
Oswego Harborfest
Oswego, New York
315-343-6858

This free festival takes over much of the city of Oswego, entertaining visitors with more than 100 events including fireworks, amusement rides, a children's parade, an arts and crafts show and performances by nationally known recording artists.

August 1-3, 2008
24th Annual Charlestown Seafood Festival
Charlestown, Rhode Island
401-364-4031

What will you find at this annual gastronomic extravaganza in Charlestown, Rhode Island's Ninigret Park? The Ocean State's best lobster, steamers, chowder, fish and chips, clam cakes and other seafood, plus arts and crafts, amusement rides, children's shows and continuous entertainment.

August 15-17, 2008
33rd Annual Machias Wild Blueberry Festival
Machias, Maine
207-255-6665

Did you know that Washington County, Maine, produces 85 percent of the world's blueberries? The 33rd Annual Machias Wild Blueberry Festival in Machias, Maine, celebrates the area's top crop. The event features a lobster dinner, a fish fry, music, tours of a working blueberry farm, crafts, a blueberry quilt raffle, a blueberry pie eating contest, a blueberry pancake breakfast and more.

Next Page: More Top Events for 2008