Sticky Situation

This weekend’s annual Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival shows off the colorful adhesive in many ways Dad never dreamed of. Games, life-size sculptures, and the always-popular fashion show -- all using duct tape -- throw the spotlight on Avon’s no. 1 export. And ever since HGTV and Montel Williams aired segments about the fest, it’s become one of the country’s most buzzed-about curios. “We’ve really gained national attention,” says organizer Bev Dunbrook.

Things kick off today, but the real action happens at 10 a.m. tomorrow, when a parade rolls out floats, costumes, and other creations made with the sticky stuff. Plus, all weekend long, you can stop by craft-making tents to construct practically anything out of duct tape. “Wallets, ties, photo frames, flowers,” says Dunbrook. There’s also plenty of fair staples at the bash -- including live music, fireworks, and carnival rides. Rows of food booths figure into the action too. Visitors even get to cast votes for the most creative couple in the Duck brand Duct Tape “Stuck at Prom” scholarship contest. Best of all, the first 500 people through the gates each day receive a free roll of, you guessed it, duct tape.
Fri., June 15, 4-11 p.m.; Sat., June 16, 11-midnight; Sun., June 17, 12-6 p.m.