Join the fun in early-February when the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts the 2008 Polar Plunge Weekend in support of Special Olympics Southern California.

The weekend kicks off on Friday, February 8 at 6 pm, with the 2008 Polar Plunge Crab Feed, an all-you-can-eat crab dinner held next to the Seal Beach Pier. Please see www.socalcrabfeed.com for ticket information.

The 3rd Annual Seal Beach Polar Plunge will get underway Saturday, February 9 at 10 am. Brave participants will jump off the end of the Seal Beach Pier. To register for the Polar Plunge as a team or individual, visit www.socalpolarplunge.com.

Celebrate Asian and Pacific Island culture, art, music and cuisine at Asiafest. The event will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2008, from 10am to 7pm, at Seawalk Village near The Queen Mary. Visit www.QueenMaryFestivals.com for further information.

If you like Mariachi, pencil the 2008 Queen Mary Mariachi Fest into your calendar! The Mariachi Fest will be held on Saturday, June 28, between 10am and 7pm, at Seawalk Village on the grounds of The Queen Mary in Long Beach. The event will feature music, food, traditional dance groups, games, comedians, live Mariachi bands, craft vendors and more! See www.QueenMaryFestivals.com for more information.

Seawalk Village at The Queen Mary will be hosting the 2008 Sushi and Sake Festival on Saturday, June 14, 2008, between 10am and 7pm. Guests can treat themselves to music, food, sake and beer tasting, plus sushi-making demonstrations, tea ceremony, sumo demonstration and taiko. For more information, please visit QueenMaryFestivals.com.

Long Beach locals and visitors don’t have to head to Downtown LA to enjoy the performing arts. With the holidays fast-approaching and many of us expecting out-of-town guests, it’s a great time to get reacquainted with Long Beach’s selection of performing arts entertainment. Here’s a quick overview of some of the options:

Cafe Sevilla. The Passion of the Tango Dinner Show includes a three-course meal, live Tango entertainment and Tango lessons for the audience. If you’re still feeling energetic, you can head into the nightclub once the show’s over. Shows are held on Sunday nights; please see www.cafesevilla.com for ticket information.

Tibbies Cabaret aboard The Queen Mary. Once voted Best Dinner Theater by the Orange County Register, Tibbies offers an upbeat evening of dining and cruise-ship style entertainment. The show, Holiday Follies 2007, will be running Wednesday through Sunday until December 30. See www.tibbiescabaret.com for show times and admission prices.

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Legends Sports Bar, often considered the heart and soul of Belmont Shore, has reopened after being closed for more than two years due to extensive fire damage that occurred in June of 2005. The new Legends features 33 flat-screen TVs and an upstairs level called the “Sky Box.” Legends has been a local landmark since 1979 and continues to enjoy a loyal following. The restaurant and bar is located at 5236 East Second Street in Long Beach.

The Swiss Dot is a family-operated boutique carrying fashion and accessories for women and teens. We recently interviewed owner Danielle Bryant to talk about the challenges of holiday gift-buying. Scroll to the bottom to get a peek at The Swiss Dot and its merchandise.

DMGLB: How long have you been in business in Seal Beach?
Danielle: Just about three years.

DMGLB: What are your holiday hours?
Danielle: Daily, 10am to 5pm. Closed Tuesdays.

DMGLB: What age group do your clothes appeal to?
Danielle: We cater to just about everyone! We can find a dress for a salsa dancer, winter formal or any holiday party.

DMGLB: How is the shopping experience different at an independent shop like The Swiss Dot versus a chain store in the mall?
Danielle: We will give you great customer service. We care that you look great in our clothes! We are friendly and fun and our prices are fair. We get in new clothes from LA weekly and if we don’t have what you need, let us know and we’ll try to find it for you.

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