On October 12, 2007, the Long Beach International City Bank Marathon is kicking off a weekend of activities leading up to the annual marathon event. The Health and Fitness Expo will be held at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, Hall C; hours are noon to 7:00 pm on October 12 and 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on October 13. Events on Sunday, October 14, include a bike tour, marathon, half-marathon, 5K run and a kids’ 1-mile fun run. The Finish Line Festival will be held at Shoreline and Linden Avenue between 7:00 am and 2:00 pm. For more information, please visit the marathon website.

Sample the best chili in town at the fourth annual Belmont Shore Chili Cook-off! The event will be held on Sunday, October 21, 2007, between noon and 3:00 pm, at East 2nd Street. Please contact the Belmont Shore Business Association for further information.

B.B. Harris Menswear will be hosting an art show to benefit the Algalita Marine Research Foundation on Saturday, October 13, 2007, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The show will feature the work of local and well-known artists. B.B. Harris is located at 5308A East 2nd Street, in the heart of the Belmont Shore shopping and dining district.

Alfredo’s Beach Club will be hosting the Belmont Beach Bash on Saturday, September 29, 2007. Proceeds from the outdoor party and auction will benefit the Tot Lot Committee. Ticket purchases are considered tax-deductible donations and include dinner and dancing. Alfredo’s is located on the sand near the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Granada Avenue. For more information, please visit the Tot Lot Committee website.

The 39th Annual International Sail and Power Boat Show will be held September 20 through September 23, 2007, at the Long Beach Convention Center and Shoreline Village Marina. Show hours are 11:00 am to 8:00 pm on Thursday and Friday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on Saturday and 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday. Browse an incredible variety of ocean-going vessels, talk with industry experts, and learn more about accessory products and boat-related services. The show is produced by the Southern California Marine Association and presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California. For more information, please click here.

Seal Beach’s 11th annual Japan America Kite Festival will be held on Sunday, September 16 at the Seal Beach Pier. Festival activities will include include shows, entertainment, music, prizes and more. Admission is FREE. Please visit the festival website or call Up Up & Away Kites at 562-596-7661 for further information.

Peet’s Coffee & Tea is celebrating the grand opening of its Seal Beach location on Saturday, September 29, 2007, at 10:00 am. The specialty coffee retailer is located at 12203 Seal Beach Boulevard in Seal Beach, within The Shops at Rossmoor. Please see www.peets.com for further information.

California Pizza Kitchen will be holding a grand opening/ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Seal Beach location on Monday, September 17, 2007 at 10:00 am. The restaurant is located at 12171 Seal Beach Boulevard in Seal Beach, within The Shops at Rossmoor. Please see www.cpk.com for further information.

Long Beach Poly High School is hosting the Long Beach Cross Country Invitational at Heartwell Park on Saturday, September 8, 2007. Races begin at 8:00 a.m. For further information and a course map, please visit the Invitational website.

Shoreline Village will be overtaken by swashbuckling pirates Saturday, September 8, 2007, 1-7 pm. Expect to see some sword fighting, dagger throwing and fire manipulation, plus Captain Jack Sparrow look-a-likes and a live pirate band.