Calendar

Midwest

Old Time Threshing and Antique Show

Freeport, Ill., July 25-27

Features military vehicles and equipment, more than 300 gas tractors, steam engines, horses and horse-powered equipment, exhibitors showing threshing, sawmills, blacksmithing, weaving, spinning, chair caning and a huge flea market. Ride the steam train at the depot. (97 miles from O'Hare International Airport, (815) 235-2198, www.thefreeportshow.com).

U.S. Coast Guard Festival

Grand Haven, Mich., July 25-Aug. 3

Public tours of a Coast Guard cutter, three parades, live performances, water-ski show, carnival and dancing for all ages are highlights of this annual event saluting the Coast Guard. (189 miles from O'Hare, (888) 207-2434, www.coastguardfest.org).

49th Annual Lumberjack World Championships

Hayward, Wis., July 25-27

Professional male and female lumberjacks and logrollers from around the world compete for one of the largest purses in lumberjack competition. More than 12,000 spectators watch as participants compete in speed sawing, speed climbing, log rolling and chopping events. Saw-carving demonstrations and displays add to the fun. Spectators can try their hand at pole climbing and logrolling. (404 miles from O'Hare, (715) 634-2484, www.lumberjackworldchampionships.com).

Turning Back Time Weekend

Sycamore, Ill., July 26 and 27

Car enthusiasts relive the good old days as more than 900 classic cars are on display. Also includes cruise night, live music, free movie for the kids and food. (51 miles from O'Hare, (815) 895-3456, www.sycamorechamber.com).

Yale Bologna Festival

Yale, Mich., July 25-27

Look for a Big Bologna Parade, a king and queen of Bologna, bologna ring toss, outhouse races, fireworks, craft show, carnival and tasty bologna galore. (345 miles from O'Hare, (810) 387-9253, www.yalechamber.com/new.php?id=59).

German Fest

Milwaukee, Wis., July 25-27

Brassy oompah bands and other authentic German entertainment fuel this festival along the shores of Lake Michigan. "Gemütlichkeit," loosely translated from German as good cheer and comfort, surrounds visitors to one of the nation's largest German festivals: tuba-playing contests, polka extravaganzas, authentic German food, fireworks and German beer. Cultural area includes artisans and computerized genealogy assistance. (80 miles from O'Hare, (414) 464-9444, www.germanfest.com).

Pierogi Fest

Whiting, Ind., July 25-27

In a salute to its Eastern European heritage, the community holds an annual celebration with polka bands, a parade, art show, ethnic food, pierogi eating and tossing contests, Eastern Bloc Jeopardy, a beer garden and Mr. Pierogi himself. (36 miles from O'Hare, (219) 659-0292, www.pierogifest.net).

Pro Football HOF Festival

Canton, Ohio, July 25-Aug. 3

Football is celebrated at the nation's NFL headquarters when nearly 700,000 people gather at the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the Drum Corps International Competition, Balloon Classic Invitational/Jackson-Belden Food Fest & Fireworks, Five-Mile and Two-Mile Races, Community Parade, National Ribs Burnoff, First Play, Fashion Show Luncheon, Enshrinees Dinner, Timken Grand Parade, Enshrinement, Concert & Fireworks, Enshrinees GameDay Roundtable and the AFC-NFC Hall of Fame Game. (402 miles from O'Hare, (800) 533-4302, www.profootballhoffestival.com)

Worth the trip

Hot August Nights

Reno, Nev., Aug. 4-10

Car cruising, karaoke, sock hops, hula-hoop contests, hot-rod showcases and live entertainment. This throwback to the 1950s and '60s is expected to draw 800,000 people and will include performances by Davy Jones of the Monkees, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Peter Noone and Herman's Hermits, and B.J. Thomas. Racing legend Mario Andretti will sign autographs and a team from New Zealand will build a car from the ground up in less than 24 hours using parts they purchase at the swap meet. ((775) 356-1956, www.hotaugustnights.net).

Pony Swim and Auction

Chincoteague Island, Va., July 30 and 31.

Every year, volunteer firemen round up the ponies on the Eastern shore's Assateague Island and swim them across the channel to Chincoteague Island. After resting, the ponies parade down Main Street to the carnival grounds. During an auction at the carnival, foals born in the past year are sold. ((757) 336-6161, www.chincoteaguechamber.com).

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Sturgis, S.D., Aug. 4-10

Thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts gather in the Black Hills for rallies, races, demo rides, beauty pageants, contests and concerts by national acts. ((605) 642-8166, www.sturgis.com).

World's Longest Yard Sale

Defiance, Ohio, to Gadsden, Ala., Aug. 7-10

Hundreds of thousands of folks travel the 630-mile route through five states. Homeowners sell stuff they've accumulated throughout the years and professional dealers and vendors set up displays. Headquartered in Jamestown, Tenn., at the Fentress County Chamber of Commerce. ((931) 879-9948, www.127sale.com)

Event details are subject to change; contact organizers for updated information.