Heavenly resort shifts into summertime gear
OK, winter was a bust, but summer promises nothing but good things as Heavenly Mountain Resort completes its transition to warm-weather activities. The gondola already went into summer mode Memorial Day weekend, offering sightseeing rides rather than skier transport. The resort’s new Hot Shot Zip Line just made its debut, and two ropes courses have opened for the season. The summer activities will be in full swing by the end of the month, when the Blue Streak Zip Line, Black Bear Ropes Course and summer tubing open full time.
Surfer’s street fair: Santa Cruz’s surfing community holds the annual Pleasure Point Street fair to raise funds for the Surfrider Foundation and the neighborhood business association. Expect live bands, a skate contest and art for sale. Food vendors range from New Leaf Community Markets to Dip’n Dot’s Ice Cream, and a beer garden will be open all day. The family-friendly event also features a Kid-Zone. June 27, 11 a.m.5 p.m. Free. (831) 419-8433, www.pleasurepointstreetfair.com.
Russian River cowboys: The tiny Russian River town of Duncans Mills is known mostly (if at all) as a quaint stop between Guerneville and the Sonoma Coast. But come summer, it’s the proud home of the Russian River Rodeo. The top-notch professional showcase of horsemanship takes place over two afternoons, but if you get there Friday night, you can catch some barrel racing for free. On Saturday and Sunday, visitors can start the day at a Cowboy Breakfast served by the Rotary Club from 7 a.m. to noon. June 27-28, 1 p.m. $4-$10 advance, $5-$12 at gate. (707) 8659854. www.russianriverrodeo.org.