News, Tips & Bargains : California Corner: Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SANTA CRUZ--Come out of your shell for the Clam Chowder Cook Off, Saturday at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St. Awards are given for the tastiest Manhattan- and New England-style chowders, and for the best booth decor. Cooking: 10 a.m.-noon; tasting begins at 1 p.m. Free admission; $5 per tasting kit. The Great Chowder Chase, a 4.5-mile running race, follows on Sunday. (408) 423-5590 or (408) 429-3477.

SAN FRANCISCO--Sparkling specimens are on hand at the Great San Francisco Crystal Fair, Saturday to next Sunday in Building A, Ft. Mason Center. The new age rock and mineral show is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. next Sunday. Admission, $4; free for kids under 12. (415) 383-7837.

SANTA BARBARA--”An Evening With Alfre Woodard” and “A Salute to Buddy Rogers” are among the events at the ninth annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, March 4-13 at the Fiesta Theatre (916 State St.) and other nearby venues. More than 100 films will be screened in 10 days, and a screenwriting seminar is 1:30 p.m. March 5. (805) 963-0023.

LAGUNA BEACH--Jig into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit at the fifth annual Orange County Irish Faire, March 5-6 at the Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts Pageant Grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. both days. Irish bands, step dancers, food and arts and crafts will be featured. “Cutest Leprechaun Contest,” 3 p.m. both days. Admission, $5; free for kids under 12. (714) 493-9643.

ANAHEIM--Get your home ready for warmer days at the 1994 Southern California Home and Outdoor Living Show, March 25-27 in Hall E at the Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W. Katella Ave. “Turn Your Backyard Into a Summer Resort” is the theme of the event, with more than 250 exhibitors, various demonstrations, speakers and competitions. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Admission, $6; $3, seniors 55 and older; free for kids 12 and under. (714) 708-1543.

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