Off Hours: March madness is among us

Strange the way things sneak up on the unsuspecting. I mean, I’m just now developing a note of sincerity in my never-ending winter snivel — and, in the blink of an eye, spring is here.
One of the most welcome gifts of the new season, reclaiming that hour of evening daylight, is also a cruel reminder that the list of tasks and projects slotted for completion by Easter has gone pretty much untouched since the cushions for the outside furniture were put up last October.
Now, the chances of getting through the list by Easter have slipped from slim to none. The shift from week after week of relative inactivity and ennui to more-things-going-on-than-you-can-shake-a-stick-at seems to have happened overnight. For one thing, a huge number of us were born in March, so the social calendar is suddenly full of last-minute gift and card shopping, singing “Happy Birthday to You” to co-workers in embarrassed tones, meet-for-a-drink outings, cake and ice cream kiddy shindigs, and the occasional big ol’ party.
The entertainment and recreation calendar is filling up, too. It’s probably just a coincidence that it occurs right around St. Patrick’s Day, but suddenly, there’s a ton of recreation and entertainment activities at one’s disposal. Stuff is going on everywhere.
Whadda you mean, what do I mean? I mean the Boardwalk rides and games are open on weekends. The Friday night car races on the dirt track at Watsonville Speedway have started — the absolute coolest family outing possible. In another week or so, there will be Wednesday night sailboat races at the Santa Cruz harbor, with excellent beach viewing areas right near excellent bars and restaurants.
And there’s this select list of special activities and events to consider:
• March 26: Santa Cruz Kayak Surf Festival, the world’s largest paddle-surfing competition
• March 26: Cabrillo Jazz Festival, the top academic and educational jazz fest on the coast, with more than 2,000 musicians on six stages ($10 for an all-access pass)
• March 27 and 28: Jugglers, rope walkers, unicyclists and other Bay Area street performers will have a series of free afternoon shows at the plaza to Pier 39 in San Francisco.
• April 3: Capitola Village Easter Egg Hunt, where children 12 and younger can hunt for Easter eggs on the beach and visit with the Easter bunny.
• April 4: Major League Baseball season opens, with New York and Boston kicking off the festivities. The next day, the San Francisco Giants start their season in Houston and the Oakland A’s host Seattle.
• April 4: Roaring Camp Easter Egg Hunt. The Roaring Camp Eggspress will take kids and families to Bear Mountain to hunt for candy eggs and win prizes.
• April 7 and 9: Spring Break at the Boardwalk. Join the cable networks for live music, beach competitions, interactive games, and “talent appearances.”
• April 11: Santa Cruz Half-Marathon and 10K. You can run or walk, or just watch those who do, in some of Santa Cruz’s most scenic neighborhoods and along the spectacular coast north of town.
Factor in concerts and club shows, Santa Cruz Derby Girls events, full-moon walks at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and other activities at parks and recreation areas, all the church services and events surrounding Easter, spring school activities, museum and library events, flower shows, yada yada yada, and the only hope for that to-do list is to hire some help.
• Steve Bailey of Boulder Creek has spent plenty of time in recreational activities. Contact him at

sb*****@cr****.com











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