A three-day craft show with a home and garden emphasis, free car show, and activities from the zoo to the lake help summer get off to a roaring start in Big Bear over Memorial Day weekend.

    Home improvement specialists from throughout Southern California and unique arts and crafts vendors will be at the 24th annual Spring Air Fair at the Convention Center May 24-26. Spring is when people are thinking about sprucing up their homes, and this year’s show features more home and garden related products and services than ever before, including home decor items, spas, landscaping, fountains, awnings, even antique slot machines for the ultimate show and tell pieces.

    Plus there’s an array of one-of-a-kind items like wire-wrap jewelry, bread dough dolls, delightful yard signs and pottery. Spring Air is the largest event of its kind in Southern California’s high country with some 100 crafters and exhibitors. Many treasures are handcrafted.

    Bring the kids because there’s a petting zoo plus bounce houses, face painting and children’s games. The outdoor barbecue and beer garden, served under majestic Big Bear pines and sunshine, serves festival food and cocktails. As an added treat, popular band Skeleton Key plays its unique mix of country, soft rock, western and originals Saturday and Sunday from noon-4 p.m.

    Spring Air Fair is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10-3 Monday. Admission is just $3, $2 seniors, 12 and under free, and there’s a two-for-one coupon on page 11 for all three days--download and print right from your computer from our PDF pages. Convention Center is on the boulevard at Division, 1-1/2 miles east of the supermarkets. 585-3000.

    Moonridge Animal Park's Bear Country Fair returns May 24-25 with activities throughout the zoo for the whole family. Native American opening ceremony, jewelry making and entertainment are on tap, even pie treats for the bears. All included in regular zoo admission of $7, $5 ages 3-10. Call 584-1171.

    The Antique Car Club Show on Sunday, May 25 at Citibank (41969 Big Bear Blvd., just east of Summit Blvd.) is a preview of the group’s huge Fun Run in August. Catch the cars of yesterday for free, from wood panel trucks to rods and roadsters, from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. There’s also a pinewood derby for fifth graders.

    Honor America’s fallen heroes on Monday, May 26 during Memorial Day Service at Veteran’s Park at 10 a.m. There will be a Marine Corps League color detail, live music by Mountain Fife and Drums, and wreath presentation by Women’s Auxillary of the American Legion. Kim Boda and Beth Gardner will sing “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America,” Bob Shurr will play “Taps” and Girl Scout Troop 1351 of Big Bear Valley distributes flowers.

    The event is held by Marine Corps League Detachment 1038 and American Legion Post 584, in conjunction with the City of Big Bear Lake. Veteran’s Park is on the boulevard just east of Pine Knot.