The American public will once again have an opportunity to view the world's premier weapon system, the B-2 Spirit, the workhouse of the United States military, the A-10 Thunderbolt II, and a host of military and civilian aircraft during the 2010 Wings Over Whiteman Air Show and Open House September 18th and 19th. This 2 day event will feature the United States Air Force Thunderbirds as well as the Golden Knights! The event is free and will be open to the public from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m., with the opening ceremony beginning at 10:30 a.m. Please visit our web site for more information.

The Friendship Festival evening events begin at 6:00 p.m. with Saturday events begining at 7:00 a.m. The festival will consist of evenings full of live entertainment, a BBQ contest on Saturday, carnival, food booths, vendors, a talent show, nightly crowd participation games etc. For more information please visit our website: www.lathropfestival.com. 

Anna Marie's Teas invites you to an August Queen's Tea, exploring and touring the old traditions of France. Join us as we sip tea and serve French tea foods.

For the 52nd straight year, the “Cardinal Company” of Navy recruits from the St. Louis region will march through downtown to the ballpark for a special on-field enlistment ceremony. During the pregame ceremony, 60 uniformed sailors will be manning the bases and a Navy Color Guard will present the colors.

As visitors walk the site grounds, they will encounter costumed portrayals of individuals from the past. This year’s program brings visitors to 1860 and introduces them President Grant by talking to people of all walks of life. There will be one performance at 7 p.m. each night. Although tickets for the program are free, space is limited and reservations are required; they may be made by calling the Visitor Center at (314)842-3298 ext. 245, or by stopping by the park. The program is not recommended for children younger than 5. Limited seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis; visitors may also bring their own lawn chairs. Held at the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site.

Open Buddy Bass tournament for two days with 100 percent payback. Event and free breakfast hosted at Alhonna Resort.

Friends, tea party, costumes and the annual Cemetery Crawl; come as you like or dress for the occasion. A whimsical Halloween tea party at Anna Marie's Tea Shop, complete with a delicious fall flavored premium tea and some simply scary (yet delicious) tea foods. Bring your "ghoul-friends" and enjoy yourselves. Tour the historical Fairview pre-civil war cemetery on the Cemetery Crawl. Don't be surprised if you hear hysterical laughter coming from the kitchen...

Tours and performances across the globe have earned pianist Alpin Hong the reputation as a modern day Pied Piper. Opening the ears, eyes and imaginations of hundreds of thousands of Americans, his combination of technique, range, and humor continues to capture the audience's attention. His extensive classical training, matched with his background in skateboarding, snowboarding, martial arts, and videogames, forms a creative force with youthful vivacity and energy. Alpin reaches his audience in magical presentations that combine his music with his love of life. At the Leach Theatre.

These races take place at Finger Lakes State Park near Columbia. Saturday’s events include the AMA quad practice, race and bike practice. On Sunday, the AMA bike race is held. The Hot Dog Shootout practice and race are Monday.

Family-friendly, environmental education programs presented by our naturalists, using snakes, parrots, birds and mammals to teach you about the amazing creatures that share our planet, and what we can do to help them survive. Presented every Saturday and Sunday, Memorial Day to Labor Day, at the World Bird Sanctuary. Admission is free.

This Olympic-style sports festival for senior athletes allows you to compete for medals in a wide variety of sports and skill contests, including: track and field; swimming; archery; shuffle board; bowling; golf; disc golf; long distance Frisbee; horseshoes; race-walk; basketball free throw and three point; football and softball throw; racquetball; and table tennis. Registration form available at the YMCA of Hannibal, Hannibal Regional Hospital, and by phone (ask for Sarah Boleach). The games promote physical activity through camaraderie, competition, challenge and just plain fun. Entry into the events is unlimited for a $20 fee before 8/18/10. The entry fee is $25 per participant after 8/19/10. New participants receive a $5 discount and anyone who refers a new participant receives $5 off their entry fee. Medals awarded to the top three in every age bracket, in each event. Participants must be 50-90 years old.

Local groups and organizations offer delicious burgers, chili, snacks, and treats so tasty you'll go back each night. Thrilling carnival rides and games of skill keep the excitement high as kids of all ages have fun with their friends and family.

This exhibit details the history and development of American Military Air Power from its beginnings as a part of the Army Signal Corps during World War I through land and sea air power in World War II, and a less detailed look at air power since WWII. Hundreds of pictures that illustrate the development of aircraft explain the history of air power, as well as uniforms and equipment are on display. Tickets: $2; younger than 13, free. Held at Jefferson Barracks.

One of the world’s fastest growing sports, cutting offers tremendous excitement and drama for horse, rider and spectators alike. The competition consists of horse and rider separating a particular cow from a herd. The National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) provides the means for judging, by maintaining a point system which gives definite credits and penalties while providing a fair basis for judging cutting horses and their riders. Held at Hale Arena.

Youth Scholarship Cutting: Each year the American Royal hosts youth cutters from across the Midwest. The benefit dinner, auction, and scholarship cutting support the American Royal Scholarship Fund and to give scholarships to youth cutting horse participants.

Celebrity Cutting: This event, in conjunction with the Cutting Horse Show, includes Golf Hall of Fame member Tom Watson and Baseball Hall of Fame member George Brett.

The American Royal Art Show will be a juried, gallery-style exhibit and sale of original paintings, graphite, photography, drawings, and sculptures. Viewers will have the ability to purchase outright at the artist’s price. The 2010 American Royal Student Art Competition and Scholarship Auction were created to recognize student artists who have created art that depicts the culture, spirit and history of the American Royal Livestock Show, Horse Show and Rodeo and the Agra Foundation of the tall grass plains region. Works also focus on farm and ranch life (past or present), cowboy, rodeo, country or western scene, equestrian events and lifestyle, prairie or tall grass landscapes, livestock or wildlife native to the continental U.S. shown in a western or agricultural setting.

Here are key dates associated with this event:

• Blue Jean Preview - Thursday, Sept. 23, and Friday, Sept. 24, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Free admission with cash bar.
  
• Exhibition - Saturday, Sept. 25 and Sunday, Sept. 26, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Free admission with cash bar.
• Student Scholarship Auction - Saturday, Sept. 25. Viewing starts at 5:30 p.m., along with Hors d'oeuves/cocktails (cash bar). The live auction starts at 7:30 p.m. RSVP required; patron tickets available www.AmericanRoyal.com.

Artwork may be purchased at any event, but will not be available for pickup until Sept. 27.

The American Royal Barbecue is the season finale for barbeque circuit. Taking up more than 20 acres in Kansas City’s historic Stockyards District, with nearly 500 competing teams, The Royal is undisputedly, the largest barbecue contest in the world. Combined with a barbecue-related trade expo, this two-day food festival is truly the World Series of Barbecue. Friday: all ages, $13. Saturday: $13; ages 5-12, $5.

Come to Kemper Arena for some boot-scootin' fun at the American Royal’s eighth annual Boots, Barbecue and Business Luncheon and feast on Oklahoma Joe’s award winning barbecue. A live auction follows the luncheon. In the midst of all this fun, we do get down to business. Proceeds benefit the American Royal, a 501 (c) 3 educational not-for-profit organization, to provide scholarship, education, awards and competitive learning experiences that reward hard work, leadership skills and agrarian values. In 2009, the American Royal gave $1.3 million in scholarship and educational awards.

The 2010 Bull Riding World Champion will be crowned at this event. The top 40 riders in the world are invited to the 2010 tour finale to compete for a total purse more than $300,000, with the cup bonus $100,000 awarded to the 2010 World Champion. At Kemper Arena.

The American Royal is hosting a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Gold Tour Rodeo, the richest rodeo ever hosted in Kansas City. This tour will draw the top cowboys and cowgirls, the best rodeo stock in the country. The event ends each night with a concert from your favorite entertainers. At Kemper Arena.

This event marks the 111th anniversary of the American Royal. The event generates much needed funds for recipients of the American Royal scholarships.

Participate in the tasting of the competition wines and be treated to wonderful food. During this event, there is a silent and a live auction. The grand and reserve champion wines are auctioned, as well as the individual class champions. The categories are: sauvignon blanc; chardonnay; merlot; zinfandel; pinot noir; cabernet; sweet/dessert wine; red blend; white blend; and wines from Missouri and Kansas.

Wines from across the United States, some with Kansas City connections, are judged to determine the American Royal Grand Champion Wine. The competition wines are judged by local sommeliers at a private tasting during August. The champions are announced at the Wine Auction. At the Wagstaff Theatre. Must be 21 to attend.

Don’t miss the fantastic treat of seeing the one and only Jeff Daniels in his singer/songwriter show. Jeff is one of Hollywood’s most versatile leading men. He is a brilliant stage actor who has recently appeared on Broadway. Less known is Daniels as an incredibly talented musician and vocalist who has been writing songs for more than 30 years. Jeff has proven he is not an actor who sings, but an accomplished singer/songwriter whose musical talent does not require the support of his acting. Experience his grassroots charm and down to earth humor and wit. You’ll feel as if you’re being treated to an evening in this star’s living room. If you happen to find your foot tapping along with his songs, that would be just fine. Show time: 7:30 p.m. at the intimate Leach Theatre.

Begin the Christmas season at a tea party in the Frank Lloyd Wright inspired 1913 home, winsomely decorated with old English emphasis. Gather over a cup of Christmas tea at Anna Marie's Tea Shop; relax and enjoy conversation in laughter-filled rooms. A full formal tea party with an English themed menu and plenty of time to tour the floors of the home. The host and hostess are dressed in vintage old English attire. Take a tour of The Terrace Avenue Inn bed and breakfast, built in 1923. The Colonial Dutch home is fully festooned in Christmas decor. The final tea (Dec. 11) will be a formal children's tea.

Begin your holiday season with a high tea and Christmas Craft Class at Anna Marie's Tea Shop. In the 1913 Carriage House, create beautiful Christmas swags of artificial greens, preserved leaves and berries. Sip hot cinnamon spiced tea and enjoy Christmas carols. After crafting, we look forward to escorting you inside Brenda's home for a full autumn tea party. Dress according to the weather because the Carriage House can be cool.

This concert celebrates the 400th anniversary of Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610. Taking its name from the classical god of music and the sun, Apollo’s Fire is dedicated to the performance of 17th- and 18th-century music on the period instruments for which it was written. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, where all Cathedral Concerts take place, is an unparalleled triumph of art and architecture. It rivals the grandest cathedrals in the world and was almost a century in the making. Among its treasures are: one of the world’s largest collections of mosaic art; Tiffany stained glass windows; and two Kilgen pipe organs. The main organ is the largest in the Midwest. Visitors from around the world tour the Cathedral to experience the grandeur.

More than 1,500 luminaries light your way to all sorts of holiday activities, including: shops, wineries, a microbrewery, restaurants, a historical museum, glass blowing, inns, trolley and carriage rides, and Santa.

On Friday, board the Pumpkin Wagon and take a trip down a country lane along the bluffs of the Missouri River Valley; sample some of the finest Port in the area in a 130 year old vaulted wine cellar, built into the hillsides of Augusta; head to the barn and choose your Harvest Basket filled with a variety of goodies, accoutrements and wine; and enjoy a concert in the vineyards. On Saturday, most businesses (shops, wineries, brewery, restaurants, Bed/Breakfasts) will be open with special Harvest Celebration activities.

Celebrate the craftsmanship of the Midwest and the heritage of Branson. This is a juried art and craft show, featuring a wide spectrum of crafts from nearly 200 vendors. We have food vendors, seminars, demonstrations, a children’s area, and entertainment. Come to the street dance on Saturday evening. The event takes place in the downtown area.

Blues in the Ozarks, rarely appearing in this area. Don't miss this chance to see these legendary blues icons. Held at the Black Oak Mountain Amphitheater.

This free day of fishing at Roaring River State Park is for anglers younger than 16. Educational instruction in trout fishing and fish cleaning are offered. Awards will be handed out to successful anglers.

Anna Marie's Teas invites you to a very special tea party to relax and unwind after that first week back at school. This delightful tea party is all about The American Girl dolls and stories, so bring your doll. Sip tea and snack on tea cakes while you visit with your girl about her first day back in school.