On Saturday, Oct 8, from 11-2, you can experience one of the stranger festivals you'll ever encounter.  In Aberdeen, NC, it's the International Sardine Festival of all things.  It takes place at Aberdeen Lake and the public is invited to come enjoy sardines, crackers and sodas (free but donations are accepted).  As far as anyone knows, there is no connection between Aberdeen and Sardines; and the festival got started when a daughter complained to her father about the sardines he was eating in his office for lunch.  From such humble beginnings emerged a festival that has lasted for 18 years and even crowns a "Sardine Queen" as part of the festivities.  Guess it just goes to show you that if you look hard enough, you can always find something in life to celebrate...even if it's your dad smelling up the workplace with a sardine lunch!  If you need something to cheer you up this weekend, stop by Aberdeen Lake Park and you'll see a lot of smiles!!