Sales, festivals and more set for long weekend

Even though the season is hot and people are swimming, powder hounds already are dreaming of the first snowfall.

This weekend, Heavenly and Kirkwood mountain resorts want to help skiers and snowboarders gear up for winter. Heavenly offers its 22nd annual tent sale at the resort, while Kirkwood will host a ski swap and a preseason sale.

But for those who aren't as keen to see winter come, there are plenty of opportunities for recreational cycling, downhill racing, running, shopping, eating chili and listening to some tunes. Here are the weekend's happenings:

Heavenly Sports Tent Sale: At Heavenly's California Lodge from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday.

Kirkwood Ski Swap: Takes place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Kirkwood Mountain Resort. To reserve a table, call (209) 258-7386.

Critical Mass Bike Ride: This bike ride promotes sustainable transportation, and is open to anyone who enjoys riding bikes. It begins at 6 p.m. Friday in front of Millers Outpost at the "Y." For more information, call (530) 919-4136, or visit www.criticalmasstahoe.tk.

Tallac Tibetan Cultural Festival: Tibetan Lama Losang Samten will complete the sand mandala today in preparation for the closing ceremony on the last day of the festival Friday. During the day, he will tell stories, teach and explain the meaning of the Wheel of Life. Everyone, including children and groups, are encouraged to stop by. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, with the sand mandala dismantling ceremony from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Tallac Historic Site. A $10 donation is suggested.

Arts and Crafts Festival: Takes place Friday through Monday at Horizon Casino Resort. For more information, visit www.horizoncasino.com.

Thin Air Chili Cook-Off: Takes place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Kirkwood Mountain Resort. The festivities begin with live music, beer and wine tasting, followed by the chili tasting. The first-place winner will receive a $300 Kirkwood gift card. To register, e-mailabroadhurst@kirkwood.com, or call (209) 258-7386.

Animal Shelter Adopt-a-Thon: Looking for a new best friend? Head on over to the El Dorado County Animal Shelter at 1120 Shakori Drive from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Kirkwood Adventure Run: The Tahoe Mountain Milers and Sagebrush Stompers running clubs are sponsoring the 10K Adventure Run, a 5K road race and kids fun runs. One fun run is a mile, while the other is a half-mile. The event will help support the Kirkwood Volunteer Fire Department. The event takes place from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Kirkwood Mountain Resort. To register, go to tahoemtnmilers.org, or arrive before 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the VIP lot.

Kiss rocks the city: If you didn't get tickets to Kiss on Saturday at Harveys Outdoor Arena, there's still plenty of music and entertainment to be had on the South Shore. Pick up Lake Tahoe Action to find out all the hot details.

Heavenly Village Sidewalk Sale with live Music: Friday through Monday. Check out performances by the Living Picture Show and Out of Order bands, among others, during the day while you shop.

Dorje Namjum purification ceremony: Tibetan Lama Losang Samten leads an ancient Tibetan ceremony ritual of healing and purification from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Valhalla Estate at The Tallac Historic Site. A $15 donation is recommended.

Downhill Mountain Bike Series: Saturday at Kirkwood Mountain Resort. Participants will enjoy barbecue, refreshments, music, prizes and awards. Each event series will have its own point system to determine overall grand prize winners. Registration is from noon to 1 p.m., practice runs are from 1 to 2:30 p.m., a race meeting is from 2:30 to 3 p.m., the downhill race is from 3 to 4 p.m., and awards will be given out at 4 p.m. Cost is $35 per event or $60 for both.

Multicultural Healing Festival: This festival is designed to promote and educate people on healing methods used by other cultures through presentations, workshops, films and concerts. It's part of the Valhalla Arts & Music Festival. It takes place Sunday through Sept. 6 at the Valhalla Estate at the Tallac Historic Site. For more information, call (530) 541-4975 or visit valhallatahoe.com.