*Dragon Boats... Tortoise Races.... Headless Chickens... BBQ... and More *

Now that the snow has thawed and the weather has warmed, it's the perfect time to get outside and snap some photos. TakeGreatPictures.com has compiled their list of the top 10 events for taking great photos this spring- everything from a headless chicken festival (don't worry- no chickens are actually harmed!) to a tortoise race, and of course the always festive Cinco De Mayo in NYC.

For tips on taking better shots at these or other fun spring events, visit TakeGreatPictures.com and check out their instructional articles on shooting outdoors, shooting nature photography, taking family pictures, and more.

TakeGreatPictures.com is the premier web site for photographers of all ages and ability levels. The site offers tips and techniques from expert photographers, columns on digital photography and scrapbooking and the latest on new equipment, events and more. Established in 2001, TakeGreatPictures.com receives an average of 120,000 visitors per month and has earned glowing reviews in media outlets nationwide

TakeGreatPictures.com's Top 10 Spring Photo Ops

May 2, 2008
First Friday Gallery Walk - Bend, OR
Every first Friday of the month the art galleries in Bend, Oregon stay open extra late (9pm) . Switch up from your usual Friday night spot and join them for special events, presentations, receptions, live music, featured artists and food.
http://www.bendgalleries.com/BG/default.asp

May 3, 2008
Miami Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival - Miami, FL
A tradition developed around 2,000 years ago, dragon boat racing is a celebration of the life of the ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan and is meant to appease river dragons in periods of danger. Miami hosts its own version of this ancient tradition and everyone is encouraged to sign up to race! Each colorful dragon-shaped boat holds 20 paddlers and they compete in 250 meter races which take place off the coast of Claughton Island. Spectacular visually and aurally, a drummer in each boat announces every stroke of the paddles. While the race is the main event, those who are not interested so much in boating will certainly enjoy the food and other entertainment.
http://www.miamidragon.com/

May 4, 2008
St. Croix Ironman Triathlon - St. Croix, Virgin Islands
A premiere destination for triathlon athletes worldwide, this race combines the majestic backdrop of the Virgin Islands with the challenge of an intense course. The race starts at Hotel on the Cay with a 2km swim, followed by a 90km bike ride and ending with a grueling 21km run. The feature of the race is the bike climb up a hill appropriately dubbed "The Beast." Conquer this mammoth hill and reward yourself with the stunning view from the top.
http://www.stcroixtriathlon.com/

May 5, 2008
Cinco de Mayo - New York, NY
Cinco de Mayo (literally the 5th of May) commemorates the 1862 victory of a small Mexican militia over Napoleon's powerful invading force. New York's large Mexican community celebrates their culture and cuisine throughout the city. Stop by any Mexican restaurant and check for local events to see how festive the day is!
http://newyork.citysearch.com/roundup/40074

May 11 - 12, 2008
Gardens for Connoisseurs - Atlanta, GA
The annual Gardens for Connoisseurs Tour on Mother's Day weekend is sure to impress connoisseurs and novices alike, as some of Atlanta's most beautiful private gardens are open to the public. The Tour puts on display great design and planting ideas from Atlanta's most talented gardeners and landscape architects. Tickets are $20 in advance until May 9 or $30 on Tour Days. Tickets are available in advance at the Garden's Gift Shop and area garden centers. Tickets will also available at individual gardens on the days of the Tour.
http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org/home.do

May 15, 2008
World Championship BBQ-Cooking Contest - Memphis, TN
Drawing over 90,000 food enthusiasts this weekend cook-off in Memphis, TN features teams of BBQ experts competing for over $60,000 in prize money! Each cleverly named team dresses their stands with elaborate decorations, previous trophies and, of course, the best of their down-south BBQ cuisine. Dubbed the "Superbowl of Swine," the cookoff is just one of the Memphis in May festivals. Vegetarians beware, this contest is for serious meat-lovers!
http://memphisinmay.org/home.html

May 17, 2008
Mike the Headless Chicken Days - Fruita, CO
One of the oddest events ever featured on the Top Ten List, the Mike The Headless Chicken Days commemorate a freak accident in 1945 which left Mike the rooster headless yet alive for a full 18 months! Since 1999, the town of Fruita, CO, has held a festival for Mike the Headless Chicken where locals and visitors alike partake in festivities such as a 5K "Run Like A Headless Chicken" race, the "Good Egg" awards, a chicken dance contest and of course an astounding assortment of chicken dishes.
http://www.miketheheadlesschicken.org/

May 18, 2008
Bay to Breakers Foot Race - San Francisco, CA
Whether you prefer to run in a spandex bodysuit or a spanish bullfighter's uniform, this race is right for you! Last year's troops consisted of professional runners (vying for cash and prizes) alongside... running picnic tables? You've got to see it to believe it. The Bay to Breakers Foot Race is 12K (from San Francisco Bay to the breakers of the Pacific Ocean) and the onlookers always have as much fun (if not more) than the runners... you don't have to race to dress up!
http://www.ingbaytobreakers.com/main.html

May 21, 2008
Zoopolis 500 - Indianapolis, IN
The Indianapolis Zoo hosts the annual tortoise race, which is modeled after the Indianapolis 500 motor race. The tortoises are lured to the finish line with fresh fruits and vegetables. The event is presented by the American Dairy Association of Indiana, and marks the move of the Aldabra tortoises from their winter area to their summer home.
http://www.indianapoliszoo.com/

June 5 - 8, 2008
25th Annual Chicago Blues Festival - Chicago, IL
With six stages and turn-outs of over 750,000, the Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free-admission blues festival in the world. Showcasing local, national and international artists this year is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years! The festival will celebrate its 25th year featuring a quarter of a century of Chicago Blues Festival highlights. It will also mark the centennials of Louis Jordan, Tommy McLennan and Blind John Davis. Performance headliners include legendary artists Koko Taylor, Johnny Winter, Buckwheat Taylor and blues icon B.B. King.
http://chicagobluesfestival.org/