California Corner

SAN DIEGO--Go fly a kite at the 51st annual Kiwanis Ocean Beach Kite Festival next Saturday, March 6, with a craft fair, flying contests, kite-making (9 a.m.-noon) and free hot dogs for kids. Ocean Beach Recreation Center, 4726 Santa Monica Ave. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. (619) 531-1527.

TAHOE CITY--Opening night ceremonies for SnowFest ’99 begin at 6 p.m. next Friday, March 5, with a bonfire, fireworks and torchlight parade at Squaw Valley, off California Highway 89. On March 6, Tahoe City will host the Mountain Mardi Gras Parade at 11:30 a.m., followed by music, games and a barbecue at the Tahoe City Golf Course. Free. (702) 832-7625.

SONORA--Two-step your way to the sixth annual Motherlode Line Dance Festival next weekend, March 6-7. Dance workshops run 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday at the Motherlode Fairgrounds, California highways 49 and 108. There also will be a barbecue dinner at 6 p.m. Saturday, a dance at 8 p.m. and food and merchandise vendors. $5, dance only; Saturday workshops-dinner-dance package, $45; two-day package, $60. (209) 533-0515.

SAN FRANCISCO--The Irish Foundation’s eighth annual Celtic Music & Arts Festival will be next weekend, March 6-7, in the Marina District at the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion, with folk dancing, youth activities and arts and crafts. Noon-9 p.m. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. (415) 392-4400.

OXNARD--The annual Ventura County Chowder Cook-Off will be held next Sunday, March 7, at the Channel Islands Harbor Farmers’ Market. Judging will be at noon, followed by free tastes. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Harbor Boulevard, next to Harbor Landing. Free. (805) 985-4852.

Schenden’s e-mail address is lkschenden@msn.com.