U.S. Capitals of the World [1] Americans, it seems, like to proclaim dominance w
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U.S. Capitals of the World
[1] Americans, it seems, like to proclaim dominance when it comes to their region's specialty. Perhaps that is why there are so many “capital of the world” cities in the United States. There are food capitals (Blackfoot, Idaho: Potato Capital of the World), clothing capitals (Fort Payne, Alabama: Sock Capital of the World), and even animal capitals (Kelso, Washington: Smelt Capital of the World). Dekalb, Illinois, maintains that it is the Barbed Wire Capital of the World, and Washington, Missouri, professes its popularity as the Corn Cob Pipe Capital of the World. American capitals of the world celebrate their uniqueness by offering the public their products, competitive tournaments, and regal coronations.
Traverse City, Michigan
[2] Stunning Traverse City, Michigan, boasts its fame as the Cherry Capital of the World. Located at the head of Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City is surrounded by the waters of Lake Michigan. Its popularity for boating, kayaking, and water skiing brings thousands of visitors every summer.
[3] However, it is the Cherry Festival that draws the most attention. People from all over Michigan and the world gather to celebrate each year's cherry crop during the first full week of July. Products available for purchase at festival booths include cherry body scrubs, cherry salsas, cherry ketchups, and cherry chilis—just to name a few. Cherry ketchup, many say, is better than tomato ketchup, so it disappears from the booths within a few days.
[4] The events at the Cherry Festival attract both players and spectators. The Cherry Pit Spit Contest, which began in 1974, has become so popular that the winners are listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. The Cherryopoly Tournament is not listed in any books, but the champion receives recognition and profound respect. The tournament has become so well liked that a Cherryopoly board was developed and is for sale at the festival, and on the Web.
[5] The Cherry Queen Coronation Ball and Royal Gala top off the week of festivities. A queen is selected from four finalists and receives her crown of honor. Following the coronation, a gourmet dinner is served with—you guessed it—cherry desserts. The evening proceeds as a band arrives to play and attendees dance the cherry night away.
Rayne, Louisiana
[6] Visitors to Rayne, Louisiana, are greeted warmly by a mammoth, smiling metal frog tipping his top hat in warm welcome. The drive into the city of Rayne offers more amphibious delights that assure the tourists they have entered the Frog Capital of the World. Frog murals adorn buildings, and shops sell every imaginable frog souvenir.
[7] During early fall, the city hosts the annual Rayne Frog Festival. Highlights include the famous Frog Racing and Jumping contest, as well as contests for the title of Mr. and Mrs. Tadpole and Frog Derby Queen. There are booths selling frog paraphernalia and booths where people can trade their frogs. No wonder over 50,000 people attend this auspicious event.
Peru, Indiana
[8] For nine days in July, Peru, Indiana, celebrates its circus heritage. In the late 1800s, several large circuses chose Peru as their winter home. Peru welcomed the circuses, their animals, massive equipment, and performers with open arms. It was the influence of the circus and its gaiety that spurred Peru to hold the first street fair in Indiana.
[9] Today Peru commemorates this heritage with the Circus City Festival each July. Circus performances include flying trapeze artists, unicycle riders, trampoline and juggling acts, and amazing animal shows. The festival highlight occurs on the final day when local bands, circus wagons, animals, and brightly dressed circus performers dazzle onlookers at the parade.
[10] These are but a few of the famous festivals that occur each year in the United States, where participants get a chance to play games, buy souvenirs, eat local delicacies, and enjoy a plethora of other activities that amuse and delight. After all, who would want to miss the Red Flannel Capital (Cedar Springs, Michigan), Troll Capital (Mount Horeb, Wisconsin), or Mushroom Capital (Kennett Square, Pennsylvania) for some summer fun?
Which sentence BEST summarizes the passage and includes details that the author believes are important?
Which sentence BEST summarizes the passage and includes details that the author believes are important?
Explanation / Answer
D. Cities across the United States take pride in their unique festivals and products.
Author writes in the opening para that Americans take pride to proclaim their dominance in region's specialty. And that is why there are so many captial of the world cities in the US. Clearly, writing is projecting this as a metter of pride for Americans.
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