| Many of us look forward all year to our vacation. So, | | | | The ancient luxury ship Queen Mary recently became |
| it's only natural that we should start planning now -- | | | | the venue of choice for the international Ink and Iron |
| at the beginning of the year. If you're wondering | | | | Festival. This three-day convention highlights the |
| where to go this year, consider a trip to somewhere | | | | talents of some of the best tattoo artists on the |
| sunny where there is always something to do. | | | | planet. Besides the regular skin tattoo, these artists |
| The city of Long Beach, in Southern California is more | | | | display their work on items such as paper, canvases |
| than just a beach getaway. Its rich history of art and | | | | and photos for a more pronounced effect. The |
| culture has inspired many actors, artists and musicians | | | | festival features a tattoo contest, cabaret shows |
| to keep returning year after year. The area is also | | | | and pin-up pageant. |
| famous for its many festivals. | | | | Long before Hollywood, the Balboa Studios in Long |
| One such festival is the Long Beach Sea Festival. | | | | Beach, California was in the movie making business. In |
| Folks come out in numbers every summer in support | | | | an effort to preserve this history the International |
| of this three-month celebration. Among the popular | | | | Film Festival was born. This festival aims at highlighting |
| highlights are the Offshore Powerboat Race, the | | | | local filmmakers while educating the community. This |
| Catalina Ski Race, Dragon Boat Festival and the Tiki | | | | annual event features film and screenplay |
| Beach Festival. Another famous event of this festival | | | | competitions, a children's day programme and an |
| is the Transpacific Yacht Race which takes place | | | | awards gala dinner. Like many other events, the |
| every two years and begins in Long Beach and ends | | | | International Film Festival is held aboard the historic |
| in Hawaii. | | | | Queen Mary. |
| Another annual event is the Harvest Festival, which | | | | Though among the newest, the International Quilt |
| takes place over a three-day period in the fall. Here, | | | | Festival is a massive three-day event. During this |
| hundreds of artisans come out to showcase their | | | | time, quilt lovers from all over gather for this annual |
| creativity. Items displayed range from hand-woven | | | | summer show. The event is designed for those |
| clothing to paintings, specialty foods, photography, | | | | whose desire is to buy, sell, teach or learn. The show |
| sculptures and jewelry. A Kids Zone with activities is | | | | features quilts, textiles, art ensembles as well as |
| also available for the young ones. This unique | | | | hands-on classes. A major highlight of the festival is |
| experience is complemented by eclectic | | | | 'Make it University' which includes special exhibits and |
| entertainment and a variety of food choices. | | | | teaching show cases. |