CATALINA ISLAND

EVENTS

2008

2nd Wednesday each month - Catalina Island Conservancy Evening Nature Program - Delve deep into the natural history of the island and our world with this FREE program. Refreshments are served. For up-to-the-date program information, please call 310 510-0954 or visit us online at www.catalinaconservancy.org

1st Saturday each month - Catalina Island Conservancy Presents: The HIKE - Join us for a different hiking adventure each month as we explore the island’s interior. Transportation, discovery tools and a lunch for the HIKE are arranged by the Conservancy’s Education Dept. there is a program fee to cover costs and reservations are required as space is limited. Call 310 510-0954 for reservations. For hike descriptions visit www.catalinaconservancy.org.

Every Wednesday & Saturday – Jewels of Avalon Tile Walking Tours - Discover a wonderful variety of historic, reproduction and contemporary tile installations during a docent led walking tour of downtown Avalon. Each hour-long tour begins at 2:00 pm at the Catalina Island Museum with a brief introduction to the history of local tile manufacturing. Ticket prices include Museum admission. Reservations are highly recommended. For more info call 310 510-2414 or visit www.catalinamuseum.org.

---

January 12 - Avalon Benefit 50 Mile Run - The 26th Annual Run crosses Catalina Island from Avalon to Two Harbors and back! Run through the island's interior and see both sides of the island. Proceeds from the run benefit local island charities. For more information please contact (909) 399-3553, email mike@spectrumsports.net or visit www.Avalon50.com.

February 9 - Buffalo Run - This ultimate half-marathon course is a very challenging, hilly course on the East End of Catalina Island. The new 5K course will be an out-and-back route down Avalon Canyon Rd via Sumner Ave with the turn around point at the Wrigley Memorial. For more info contact Pacific Sports LLC at (714) 978-1528 or visit www.PacificSportsLLC.com.

February 23 - 27th Annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Cleanup - This is the only time scuba diving is allowed in Avalon Bay, with 500+ expected volunteer divers collecting trash and debris. Awards ceremony to follow on Wrigley Stage with prizes & giveaways. Proceeds benefit the Catalina Island Conservancy Divers and the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. For more info call (310) 510-2595 ext 123 or visit www.ccd.org.

March 15 - Catalina Island Marathon - Enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery while running 26.2 miles over the Island. The race traverses mostly dirt trails and roads through the interior of the Island where few have gone. The race begins in Two Harbors and runs to Avalon. For more info contact Pacific Sports LLC at (714) 978-1528 or visit www.PacificSportsLLC.com.

March 30 - Annual Rubber Ducky Derby - Annual fund raising event to support the local children's theater company "Kids at Play". The derby begins at noon on South Beach. For more info contact Kids at Play at (310)510-0288.

April 12 - 13th Annual Conservancy Ball - Hosted by the Catalina Island Conservancy, this year's theme is "Earth, Wind and Fire". The black tie event is held in the Avalon Casino Ballroom and includes dinner, big band dancing and live & silent auctions. This annual event is a fun way to support the Catalina Island Conservancy. For more info visit www.catalinaconservancy.org.

April 19 - Earth Day 2008 - Explore the natural side of Catalina Island and enjoy organic food, green living displays and demonstrations, family activities and live music. Free entry into the Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Garden! For more info contact the Catalina Island Conservancy Education Department at (310) 510-0954 or visit www.catalinaconservancy.org.

April 20 - Spring Fest - Food, Music & Games! Join the community at the Field of Dreams from 11am to 4pm for an afternoon of fun for the whole family. For more info contact the City of Avalon Recreation Department at (310) 510-1987.

April 24 - Community Health Fair - Improve your health and that of your family by attending the Catalina Island Health Fair in the Casino Ballroom. Dozens of free or low-cost medical screenings will be available. For more info call the Catalina Island Medical Center at (310) 510-0700 ext 46 or email amdcsw@catalinaisp.com.

May 3 - Catalina Island Rugby Festival - Team competition benefiting Avalon High School and the Wellness Community South Bay Cities. For more info visit www.catalinarugby.org.

May 17 - 21st Annual Silent Film Benefit - Celebrate the island's fascinating history at one of Hollywood's favorite locations. Step back in time to the 1920's for a classic silent film screening featuring live musical accompaniment on the historic Page Organ in the incomparable Avalon Theater, one of the last remaining movie palaces in California. For more info call (310) 510-2414 or visit www.catalinamuseum.org.

May 17 - The Avalon Ball - A dance featuring the big band music of the 1930's, the heyday of the Casino Ballroom - featuring Mora's Modern Rhythmists. For more info contact the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles via email at info@revampvintage.com or visit www.adsla.org.

May 30 - 4th Annual Taste Around of Avalon - Enjoy the most scrumptious tastes of delectable food or beverages from some of Avalon's finest dining establishments. Vote for your favorite taste of food and drink as the Taste of the Year! For more information call the Chamber at (310) 510-1520 or visit www.CatalinaChamber.com.

May 30 - June 1 - Flying Fish Festival - Celebrate the return of the incomparable Catalina Flying Fish with among other activities, a flying fish aquatic race (swim, kayak and paddleboard), a flying fish taste around town, a flying fish parade, flying fish tours and a flying fish concert. Contact Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce at (310) 510-1520 or visit www.CatalinaChamber.com for more info.

June 16 - Summer Day Camp 2008 - All kids entering 1st grade in the Fall - 11 years of age are invited to join the 10 week camp for arts & crafts, games, singing, swimming & beach fun, field trips, hiking and naturalist programs. For rates & times, please call the City of Avalon Recreation Department at (310) 510-1987.

June 17 - Summer Beach Bingo (each Tuesday & Thursday) - Bring your beach chair and some friends to the South Beach Lifeguard stand every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00-7:00pm. Bingo cards are $1 each and participants can win fun local prizes. Contact the City of Avalon Recreation Department at (310) 510-1987 for more info.

June 18 - Kid's Fishing Derby (each Wednesday) - Meet a Recreation staff member on the Green Pier each Wednesday morning starting at 7:00am. For more information call the City of Avalon Recreation Department at (310) 510-1987.

July 1 - Birth of Sportfishing Exhibition - This exciting temporary show will showcase Catalina's unique standing as the birthplace of sportfishing, the key role that the Tuna Club has played in fishing conservation and feature dramatic fishing and undersea footage. For more information call (310) 510- 2414 or visit catalinamuseum.org.

September 1 - Catalina Pottery & Tile Extravaganza (all month) - Discover the island's colorful heritage of locally-made pottery & tile from 1927 to 1937 and indulge in a rare opportunity to view unique pieces loaned from private collections. All month long, the museum features the country's largest exhibition of Catalina pottery & tile, along with weekly tile walking tours. For more information call (310) 510-2414 or visit catalinamuseum.org.

September 11 - 23rd Annual Tin Cup - Drop-line fishing tournament & fundraise with proceeds donated to local community organizations. Awards ceremony & prizes for biggest fish, best fish story & best costume. For more information call (310) 510-2123.

September 20 - 50th Annual Festival of Art - Artists from all over the country exhibit and sell their works of fine art, sculpture, fine crafts & photography. Contact Catalina Art Association at (310) 510-0808

September 27 - Catalina Island Women's Forum Wine Festival - 13th Annual fundraise featuring over 50 wineries, delectable hors d'oeuvre's and smooth jazz. Net proceeds help support mentoring and scholarship programs. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce.

October 2 - The Catalina Island Jazz Trax Festival - This three weekend event features 30 different smooth jazz stars performing Unplugged at the Ranch and in the historic Casino Ballroom. Art Good features the newest and best talent in the smooth jazz genre. For tickets and information call (866) 872-9849 or visit www.jazztrax.com.

October 31 Annual Halloween Parade Don your favorite costume and join island school kids and residents for the Annual Halloween Parade down Crescent Avenue starting at 4:00 PM. For more information call the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce (310) 510-

November 8 Catalina Island Triathlon Features a half-mile swim in the calm waters of Avalon Bay, a challenging 16K three-loop cycle course around Mt. Ada and a 5K run course out past the golf course. Call Pacific Sports (714) 978-1528 or visit www.PacificSportsLLC.com

November 11 Catalina Island Museum Telethon Help preserve Catalina’s unique history while enjoying the best in local entertainment. Broadcast live on local cable, the annual fundraiser features musicians, dancers, comedians and much more. All proceeds support the programs and activities of the Catalina Island Museum. For more information call (310) 510-2414 or visit www. catalinamuseum.org.

November 15 Catalina Island Eco-Marathon The inaugural Catalina Eco Marathon will start and finish in the town of Avalon. During the course of the marathon, you will run through three entirely different eco-systems and see the plant life and animal life in each. Call Spectrum Sports Management at (909) 399-3553 or visit

December 7 15th Annual “Shop At Home” Night A one-night shopping extravaganza with holiday discounts, strolling carolers and drawings for prizes at participating retailers. Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce (310) 510-1520 or visit www.CatalinaChamber.com

December 31 36th Annual New Year's Eve Celebration, Casino Ballroom Dance in the New Year in the world famous Casino Ballroom. Reservations go on sale July 2008. Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce (310) 510- 1520 www.CatalinaChamber.com.