Sunday was a day off for the Blackpool Festival, but that didn't mean there was nothing going on. There was a side competition held at the Blackpool Tower, which Meg and Joe entered in order to warm up for their Main Event: the British Under 21 Open on Tuesday.

The Blackpool Tower is an interesting building. It is 518 feet 6 inches tall, and (being by far the tallest thing around) commands an amazing view of the resort and the beach on the Irish Sea. At the top (which you can get to via elevator), there is a glass floor where the intrepid can stand in mid-air and look down (and the nervous can stand and watch their children stand and look down...)

There are also lots of interesting things to see inside the tower - including a 107 year-old circus (three shows a day), an aquarium exibit, a dinosaur ride a la Disney, slot machines, bumper cars... and a fabulous Victorian ballroom that holds Tea Dances every afternoon.

Unfortunately, again we were not allowed to take pictures, but Meg and Joe had a great warmup for the Big Day. Most of the couples competing were couples they would dance against on Tuesday.

Sunday evening, there was a dinner for all competitors from the USA, sponsored by an American group. Meg and Joe attended with Bobbi's daughter, Wendi, and her partner, Giacomo. (Wendi and Giacomo were competing in the professional division.) Many other top American dancers were there as well, and Meg and Joe thoroughly enjoyed the event.