GET OUT: Take the Polar Plunge, Celebrate St. Pat's and Get a Steal on Kid's Clothes

                                     Friday, March 15th

What:  Trivia Night

When:  Family Trivia: 5p.m. - 6:30p.m.; Adult Trivia: 7p.m. - 9p.m.

Where:  The Museum of Art & History (MAH)

Cost:  $5/general, $3/kids, seniors, students, MAH members free

Why Go:  Test yourself to a game of trivia with new acquaintances or your own party of five. Prepare for questions about local history fused with the artistic scene. Family Trivia includes children five to eighteen. Crazy costumes and team get-ups welcomed. Registration begins at 6:30p.m.

What:  Contra Dancing

When:  8p.m. Beginners are encouraged to arrive by 7:40p.m. for an introductory lesson.

Where:  Felton Community Hall

Cost:  $10/general, $9/members, $6/students

Why Go:  Put on your "please clean" dancing shoes and join other singles or bring a companion while dancing the night away. This 'Traditional New England Folk Dancing,' AKA "Contra" style, involves lining up opposite your partner and following the steps of the expert instructor.  Ages 7 and up welcome. Snacks will be provided.

What:  Kids Closet Sale; Kids Closet Connection

When:  10a.m. - 8p.m. Fri. & Sat.  (Sun. Half-Price Day; 10a.m.-4p.m.)

Where:  Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, Crosetti Building

Cost: $12.50 Consignor Fee/Season; plus a 'small dollar' percentage of sales according to the site. 

Why Go:  Join families for a day of shopping for gently-used children's apparel or clean out those closets and make some extra cash selling your own. Consignors will earn 65% of their sales and are not required to work the event. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for a four-hour shift. No cribs accepted.

                               Saturday, March 16th

What:  The Polar Plunge

When:  10a.m. - 1p.m.

Where:  Beach Boardwalk

Cost:  Commitment to raise a minimum of $125 per plunger

Why Go:  Raise money for the Special Olympics. Just wear your craziest costume and plunge into the frigid Pacific for a great cause.

What:  Winter Wildflower Walk

When:  10a.m.

Where:  Big Basin; Meet at park headquarters

Cost:  $10. Parking

Why Go:  This four-mile, four-hour hike is a wonderland of chaparral plants, lichens, mosses, a waterfall, and two chimney trees.  You may want to bring your camera. Good walking shoes, water, and lunch necessary.

What:  Fantan Mojah & Band 

When:  9 p.m.

Where:  Moe's Alley

Cost: $15/advance, $20/door

Why Go: Now a member of ''Bobo Shanti,'' the holy group that lives isolated away from the main stream of Jamaica, Artist Mojah prefers sings about the Rastafarian message of equality, social justice, and faith. See a video here.

                             Sunday, March 17th

What:  Family Chess Day

When:  2 p.m - 2:45p.m. under eight with family;  3p.m. - 4p.m. ages 9 to 18 with family

Where:  Central Library

Cost:  Free

Why Go: Fun and games is a great way to bring the family together. Chess lessons are open to all levels. Beginners are asked to contact Gjon before joining by email at coach@santacruzpl.com or call 425-7835.

What:  Science Sunday

Where:  Seymour Marine Discovery Center (at Long Marine Lab)

When:  1p.m. - 2p.m.

Cost:  Free with Admission

Why Go:  Learn more about the link between the oceans and ourselves with marine mammal research findings and engaging, interactive talks and virtual tours.

What:  St. Patrick's Celebration with 'The Wild Rovers;' Comedy to follow

Where:  The Crow's Nest

When:  Musical Performance 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.; Comedy 9 p.m.

Cost:  Band- No cover; Comedy- $7

Why Go: Guest singer Christina Cree will join this Irish playing band as they combine a Celtic performance complete with fiddle and sing-alongs. The celebration continues Shamrock style with three acts of comedy to follow.