On Thursday evening, Idyllwild Awhile Wine Shoppe held a beer tasting, hosted by Jared Dillon. Guests were treated to five different kinds of beer and hors d’oeuvres. In front, Karen Smith (left) and Paul Newkirk enjoy selections of beer and good conversation. At the back table, Dillon (standing) talks about the beers with Brad Rechtfertig, Jim Keifer and Ben Cardell.

Planning a Lilac Festival in spite of the vicissitudes of climate and weather patterns is a perilous endeavor. Just ask Gary Parton, who has fathered this celebration since 2009 and continues to propagate and promote Idyllwild as a lilac tourist venue. Each year, Parton and his committee set the date for the festival, hoping the…

Spirit Mountain Retreat is hosting a Spring Equinox Celebration at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 29, in the garden, weather permitting. Local Color will perform and participants are asked to bring finger food to share.