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In Southern California the cool, crisp alpine slopes of Big Bear Lake, 2 hours east of Los Angeles, are a popular destination for those looking to escape the city for the weekend. The spectacular mountain scenery and the magestic lake make this a popular location for a number of festivals and events throughout the year; attracting not only visitors from LA, but also visitors from across the state and the country to this glorious mountain setting. One of the most popular festivals is the Big Bear Lake JazzTrax Festival held each summer.

The festival is an outdoor event held in June, at the unique Forest Service Discovery Amphitheater in the woods near Fawnskin. This year's all ages festival and jazz award program will take place from June 20 to June 22; and will feature guitarists such as Jay Soto and Steve Oliver, vocalists Keiko Matsui and Euge Groove and saxophonists Eric Darius, Paul Taylor and returning 2007 JazzTrax Debut Artist of the Year, Jackiem Joyner. In late summer the annual Big Bear Lake International Film Festival is held from September 11 to 14. This festival was initiated as a not-for-profit event, developed as a way for new screenwriters and independent film-makers to showcase their talents.

Highlights of this festival include the screening of varied and unique programs of independent feature films, college and high school student films, family films, documentaries and animated productions. In each category there are awards based on Audience and Jury selected films. In 2007 the opening night showcased the film Into the Wild', written and directed by renowned Hollywood actor, Sean Penn. Each year a particular sidebar or cultural showcase is also selected, such as the theme of nature and people's relationships with it in 2007. Along with the diverse film categories, there is also a screenwriting competition, which affords up and coming writers the opportunity to present their work before a panel of producers, managers and agents.

If you are visiting Big Bear Lake in the winter, then you are not going to be disappointed either. In winter the city of Big Bear Lake and the adjoining Snow Summit and Bear Mountain play host to world-class, national and international ski and snowboard competitions. A highlight of the snow season is the Wide Open snow sport competition. Held in late February, the Wide Open event offers an opportunity for professional and amateur winter sports enthusiasts to converge on the San Bernadino mountain peaks at Big Bear Lake, for a high quality and entertaining snow sport event.

Another popular event during the winter season is the New Year's Down Slope Celebration. This magical event sees skiers and snowboarders heading down the slopes of Snow Summit during the evening at New Year. The procession creates a spectacular lights show that is enjoyed by both participants and spectators alike. There are events and festivals all year round that can be enjoyed by holidaymakers in the Big Bear Lake area. Whatever the season, there are a numerous interesting and culturally rich festivals and events on offer in this pristine alpine location. For a breath of fresh air the lake and peaks at Big Bear Lake provide visitors with an entertaining and diverting holiday in a spectacular mountain location.

Learn more about this author, Melissa Kyd.
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