Top Surfers Ride the Big Ones

Hawaii

During the Triple Crown of Surfing’s 24th annual Masters at Banzai Pipeline, on Oahu’s north shore, the spectators sit on the beach to watch the world’s greatest surfers in the competition year’s final events. This is the oldest surfing event in the United States and is held at the time of year when the waves are most challenging. There will be four days of competition from Dec. 1-9, decided by surfing conditions (call 808 596-7873 after 7:30 a.m.). For more information, contact the Hawaii Visitors Bureau, 3440 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 610, Los Angeles, Calif. 90010; tel. (213) 385-5301.

Maryland

To give visitors a sense of the 23,110 casualties (killed, wounded and missing) of the Battle of Antietam during the Civil War, once a year park rangers and volunteers will light the more than 23,000 candles on the battlefield. This year’s illumination is on Dec. 3. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., visitors can drive through the 4 1/2-mile route. The battlefield is 70 miles northwest of Washington. For more information, contact the Antietam National Battlefield, P.O. Box 158, Sharpsburg, Md. 21782; tel. (301) 432-5124.

Pennsylvania

George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River is re-enacted on Dec. 25 at 1 p.m. at Washington Crossing Historic State Park, 30 miles north of Philadelphia. Last year, over 10,000 people watched as 200 re-enactors in period costume depicted the 1776 journey, which led to the victory at Trenton and was the turning point in the Revolutionary War. Beforehand “George” will address his troops. For more information, contact the Washington Crossing State Historic Park, P.O. Box 103, Washington Crossing, Pa. 18977; tel. (215) 493-4076.

Hong Kong

At the Zigong Lantern Festival, Dec. 1 to Jan. 2, more than 60 giant masterpieces from the Chinese city of Zigong, famous for its lantern-makers for over 1,000 years, will glow in Shatin Central Park. There will also be lanterns for sale. For more information, contact the Hong Kong Tourist Assn., 10940 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1220, Los Angeles, Calif. 90024; tel. (310) 208-4582.

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Events appear s monthly.