2006 June events calendar.

3-4 Spirit Days

A free event to promote pride in the rich and diverse cultural heritage and traditions of Alaska Natives and the Native American people. Located at West High School, begins at 10 a.m. For more information, phone [phone] or visit www.spiritdays.org.

3-4 and 10-11 14th Annual Three Barons Renaissance Fair

Join the Three Barons in revelry and merriment as they meet once more to shape the fate of nations. Located at Tozier Memorial Track on Tudor Road. Saturday, noon to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 7 p.m. For more information, phone [phone] or visit www.3barons.org.

10 10th Annual Blues on the Green Festival

Each year music lovers flock to this all-day festival featuring top entertainment. Kincaid Park from 10 a.m. to midnight. For more information, phone [phone].

16-17 AWAIC's 18th Annual Summer Solstice

The Abused Women's Aid in Crisis is sponsoring a summer solstice in Town Square from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Alaska arts and crafts booths, Hula-Hoop, live entertainment, delicious food, T-shirts, critter parade, free balloons, plant a seedling and much more. For more information, call 743-5705.

16-18 Juneteenth Celebrations

Juneteenth commemorates the freeing of slaves in Galveston, Texas, June 19, 1865, marking the end of slavery in America. Come join the fun at the Park Strip, located in downtown Anchorage. For more information, phone [phone] or visit www.anchorageparkfoundation.org.

24-25 Ninth Annual Alaska Botanical Garden Fair

A two-day event includes invitational garden art show, craft and plant vendors, speakers, demonstrations, children's village, music and food. Plant show for alpine and rock plants. Cost is $5 per person and $15 per family. Located at 4601 Campbell Airstrip Rd. Times are Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, phone [phone].

BIG LAKE

4 Denali Challenge Cup Golf Tournament

Shotgun start, 18 holes, four-person scramble. Settler's Bay Golf Course, check-in is from 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., tournament begins at 8 a.m. Deadline to register is June 2, with a $300 registration fee per team. Lunch provided. T-prizes and final awards. For more information, contact Carol Kane at 892-7738.

CORDOVA

17 The Copper River Nouveau

Annual fundraiser sponsored by the Prince William Science Center. Features a spectacular seven-course meal matching Alaska's finest chefs with Copper River Red Salmon, fine wines and out-of-this-world desserts. For more information, contact Prince William Sound Science Center, P.O. Box 705, Cordova, AK 99574, phone [phone] or e-mail [e-mail].

23-29 Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Moving Wall

Cordova is one of seven Alaska communities honored to be 2006 hosts for this significant testament to our veterans. Many community events are planned as participants celebrate and honor the sacrifices all veterans have made to assure freedom. For more information, contact Vietnam Combat Veterans Ltd., P.O. Box 715, White Pine, MI 49971 or phone [phone].

EAGLE RIVER

24 Alaskan Scottish Highland Games

Located at Lions Park with more than 40 booths and tables. For more details, phone [phone] or e-mail [e-mail].

FAIRBANKS

2-3 State High School Baseball Championships

Times vary, located at Growden Park. ASAA/ First National Bank State High School Baseball Championships. For more information, contact Walter Armstrong, 488-3761, ext. 9285, e-mail [e-mail] or visit www. asaa.org/baseball/index.html.

4 Beluga Nights: Bearfoot Bluegrass p

A young acoustic band from Cordova. Instrumentally, they are driven by fast-picking mandolin and guitar, accented by twin fiddle, and held down by solid acoustic bass work. Admission is free, beginning at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Summer Sessions at 474-7021, e-mail [e-mail] or visit www.uaf.edu/summer/events/concerts/index.html.

8 Alaska's Place in the Global Energy Picture

Join Steve Cowper, former governor of Alaska, at University of Alaska Fairbanks, Davis Concert Hall at 7 p.m. A night of discussion about where Alaska fits into the global energy picture. Discussion will include an overview of Alaska's historic participation in the energy markets, oil and gas production in Alaska, the role of energy technology and how it affects Alaska, the fallout of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, and the proposed Alaska natural gas line. Contact Summer Sessions at 474-7021, e-mail [e-mail] or visit www.uaf.edu/summer/ events/cowper/index.html.

17 Juneteenth

Come and celebrate a national and local tradition in the Golden Heart City. There will be a barbecue, games and activities. Sponsored by Nightowl Notes and the Fairbanks Chapter of APRI. Located at Pioneer Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, phone [phone].

21 Midnight Sun Festival

The largest one-day event in Fairbanks offers music, food and family fun on the longest day of the year. Live music on three stages from 40+ bands and performing artists, vintage and classic car show, children's fairground rides, hay rides, pony rides, petting zoo, gold panning, military display and food. Alaskan craft vendors, strolling entertainment and much more. Downtown fun under the midnight sun. For more information, phone [phone], e-mail dtams1@gci. net or visit www.downtownfairbanks.com.

21 The 101st Midnight Sun Baseball Game

The Alaska Goldpanners baseball team begins their widely acclaimed contest at 10:30 p.m. at Growden Memorial Park and continues past midnight without artificial lighting. The "high noon at midnight" classic is an annual ritual on the longest day of the year. For more information, phone [phone], e-mail [e-mail] or visit www.goldpanners.com.

HAINES

17 Summer Solstice Celebration

Live dance music, food and beer until midnight. Sponsored by the Southeast Alaska State Fair. For more information, contact SE Alaska State Fair office at 766-2476 or e-mail [e-mail].

17 Kluane to Chilkat Bike Relay

Two-, four- and eight-person teams. 160 miles along the mountains, lakes and rivers of Kluane National Park and the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, ending in Haines. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 766-2202.

JUNEAU

24-25 Gold Rush Days

A festival of logging and mining events. Wholesome family fun. For more information, phone [phone].

KENAI

10-11 Kenai River Festival

Join the fun and inspiration at the Kenai River Festival. Free kids activities, live music, artisan booths and great food, all dedicated to teaching youth about the river and its watersheds. Located at the Park Strip. For more information, phone [phone] or e-mail [e-mail].

21 KDLL Arts and Music Festival

Join us for music, food and arts from area artists at Diamond M Ranch, Cabins and RV Park. For more info, phone [phone] or e-mail [e-mail].

KETCHIKAN

3-4 and 10-11 59th Annual King Salmon Derby

World-class fishing event for locals and visitors. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Ketchikan CHARR Scholarship Fund. For more information, contact Ketchikan CHARR at ktnsalmonderby@ kpunet.net or visit www.ketchikancharr.com.

16-17 and 23-24 As You Like It

Bard's most delightful romantic comedy. A meditation on the wonders of love amid pastoral contrasts of court and country. To purchase tickets, contact First City Players, 225-4792; or e-mail [e-mail].

KODIAK

17 All-American Soap Box Derby

An official qualifying race for the Akron, Ohio, World Championships beginning at 9 a.m. Sponsored by the Kodiak Lions Club and City Parks and Recreation. Located at 12th Avenue and Baronof Street on the side of Baronof Park. For more information, contact Steve Paulson at 486-9077.

SITKA

2-23 Sitka Summer Music Festival

Showcasing classical chamber music, the 22 internationally assembled musicians of the 2005 Sitka Summer Music Festival to perform eight evening concerts at Centennial Hall, renowned for its breathtaking views of Sitka Sound. Other festival activities include, brown-bag lunch concert series, community concert and ice cream social, crab feed, boat party, coffee concert cruise and chocolate rhapsody dessert party. For complete schedule or ticket information, contact the Sitka Summer Music Festival at P.O. Box 3333, Sitka, AK 99835, call 2774852 or e-mail [e-mail].

SKAGWAY

21 Summer Solstice

Bring in the summer with live music, several bands, beer garden, family games, volleyball, and horseshoes. Festivities start at 5 p.m. and continue until 1 a.m. at Skagway Softball Fields (7 pastures). For more information, contact Elks BPOE No. 431, P.O. Box 416, Skagway, AK 99840 or phone [phone].

30-7/2 International Softball Tournament

Annual softball tournament with teams from Alaska and Canada competing. Three days of solid fun-filled games. For more information, contact Cindy O'Daniel, P.O. Box 630, Skagway, AK 99840.