2
017 promises a calendar packed with
special events and activities through-
out the United States. Sports fans,
gardeners, hikers and history lovers can
check out a list of impressive highlights or
browse by interest or region at visittheusa.ca.
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Break out the champagne for a year-long cel-
ebration of Mississippi's 200
th
birthday.
Events, ranging from three bicentennial con-
certs to art expositions, travelling exhibits,
documentary films and a ribbon cutting at
two new museums in Jackson, will com-
memorate the founding and evolution of
America's 20
th
state. VisitMississippi.org
Estes Park—gateway town to Colorado's
Rocky Mountain National Park—is celebrating
its 100
th
anniversary. Activities include a
Winter Festival, parades and special activities
as well as the regular menu of unique wilder-
ness opportunities, wildlife watching and
guided excursions. EstesPark100.com
Arizona State Parks is celebrating 60 years.
They're unveiling a new Outdoor Recreation
Information Center in Phoenix, with tree
plantings, a Mariachi Festival, historical
re-enactments in Tubac, Octoberfest in
Sedona and much more. AZStateParks.com
Virginia has several important anniver-
saries in 2017: the 60
th
anniversary of the
Urbanna Oyster Festival (November), recog-
nized among the best in the world; the 90
th
anniversary of Historic Garden Week (April);
and the 30
th
anniversary of Dirty Dancing,
filmed on location at Mountain Lake Lodge,
which is offering special packages and
themed weekends. Urbannaoysterfestival.com;
vagardenweek.org; mtnlakelodge.com
STAND UP AND CHEER
Two big ski events to watch. The Audi FIS
Ski World Cup at Squaw Valley (March)
marks the return of World Cup ski racing to
California for the first time in 19 years. And
Aspen, Colorado, hosts the 2017 Audi FIS Ski
World Cup Finals (March), the first time the
event has been held in the U.S. in 20 years.
WorldCupSquaw.com; colorado.com
Phoenix, Arizona, rolls out the red
carpet for the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four
in April when the city will be bustling
with fan festivities and live music acts.
phoenixfinalfour.com
In June, Detroit, Michigan, is hosting the
2017 USA Taekwondo National Champi-
onships, the world's largest. Visitors can
also pedal the city on the new Detroit
Bike Share program (launching in April)
featuring 420 bikes and 42 stations.
VisitDetroit.com
On the links, the PGA Championship
returns to the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte,
North Carolina, in August. The par-72 course
is known for the challenges of its last three
holes, dubbed "the Green Mile." pga.com
JUST FOR FUN
In March, the 56
th
Can-Am Days in Myrtle
Beach, South Carolina, showcases Southern
hospitality at its finest. The annual festival
welcomes Canadian visitors with 10 days of
special events, parades, performances, sav-
ings at hotels, restaurants and attractions.
VisitMyrtleBeach.com
St. Petersburg, Florida, is celebrating 100
Years of Art, hosted by the Morean Arts
Center. Watch for a full year of special art
exhibitions, events, classes and work-
shops at galleries and museums throughout
the city. moreanartscenter.org
2017
DREAMSCAPES WINTER 2016/2017
20
BY JOSEPHINE MATYAS
Discover more information on travel
to the USA at visittheusa.ca.
DS
TOP: Arizona State Parks will commemorate its 60
th
anniversary. Josephine Matyas
CENTRE: A home in west-end Richmond opens for
Historic Garden Week in Virginia. Beth Furgurson,
www.Virginia.org | Virginia Tourism Corporation
A Year of
Big Events
