OCT. 11

HAWAI'I IRON MAN

We mention this now because the superior level of fitness required to swim, run and cycle among the 1,500 super-athletes in Kona on the Big Island is achieved only by months of endurance training, already under way. Entrants swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles and run a marathon 26.2 miles, all within 17 hours. Harsh Kona conditions include sun reflection off the lava, which can raise temperatures easily to 100 degrees. The best in the game complete in around nine hours.

Iron men and women enter only by qualifying in events held around the world; each event holds a number of qualifying slots. Miss these and you can enter a lottery draw of U.S. citizens (150 race positions are available) or international competitions (50 slots available). And if you're more of a sofa man or woman, you can still participate as one of the 7,000 volunteers who hand out gallons of water during the race. www.ironman.com/worldchampionship.

JUNE 7

STRAWBERRY FAIR

In Cambridge, England, summer means strawberries — well, the Strawberry Fair, anyway, an annual festival featuring street performers, art and random acts of entertaining madness. Aimed particularly at children and families, the event on the city's Midsummer Common is set for June 7 this year. There's a parade and musical, and theatrical performances are presented on multiple stages. The craft fair showcases the work of numerous artisans. And it's free. www.strawberry-fair.org.uk.

APRIL 4-6

DOGWOOD FESTIVAL

The dogwood — with a creamy white flower prettier than its name would lead you to suspect — is a symbol of Atlanta, and the annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival is an opportunity for the city to put on the dog. The event April 4, 5, and 6 this year moves to Atlanta's gracious Buckhead district and features a bit of something for everyone: a fine arts market with a nationally juried exhibit, a Kids Village for the young people (including giant inflatables and a rock-climbing wall), concerts and lots of food. www.dogwood.org.