It's crunch time in America -- quite literally -- as people flock to food festivals from coast to coast. To find one near you, go to foodreference.com/html/upcomingfoodevents.html. A sampling:
June 27: Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation, San Diego
Aug. 6-7: Canal Winchester (Ohio) Blues & Ribfest
Sept. 18: Southern Charm Wine and Food Gala, Tampa, Fla.
Nov. 18-20: Grand Rapids (Mich.) International Wine & Food Festival
South Carolina in particular seems determined to offer a near-continuous string of foodie fests throughout the year. Here's a hearty sampling of epicurean events worth the visit. (Many more are listed at discoversouthcarolina.com.)
May 15: Strawberry Festival, Slater
June 19: Lexington County Peach Festival, Gilbert
Sept. 3-4: Smoke on the Beach (complete with the BBQ Sandwich Competitive Eating Contest), Myrtle Beach
Oct. 8-9: South Carolina Sweet Potato Festival, Darlington
Nov. 27: Chitlin' Strut, Sally