San Francisco's strip clubs, prepare: Fleet Week is back, and the human cargo from scores of U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard vessels once again throngs our waterfront in search of military-friendly entertainment. Though each day of Fleet Week holds an event, the festivities really kick into gear on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. with the parade of U.S. Navy ships along S.F.'s bay coast. The procession is followed by the air show at noon, with the Blue Angels' aerial acrobatics set to begin at 3. Throughout the celebration attendees can take in ship tours, fireworks, and festival amusement from Fisherman's Wharf to North Beach. (The week begins with the Blue Angels' Circle & Arrival Maneuvers at 1 p.m. on Thursday.) The Blue Angels and the boat parade are viewable from any point on the city's northeastern waterfront; both events (and most others) are free, though you might have to pay for premium seating. Call 979-4000 or visit www.fleetweek.us for a full schedule.
-- Joyce Slaton
Sea-Worthy
SAT 10/11
Of all the Bay Area's natural resources, one of the most breathtaking lies just a few miles from the Golden Gate Bridge -- the magnificent Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, home to a mess of oceanic life, including seabirds, dolphins, sharks, migrating whales, and a solid fifth of California's breeding harbor seal population. But given humans' propensity to pollute, the sanctuary's wildlife may not survive much longer. That's why city folk get a heads-up at Ocean Fest 2003, a day of activities that highlight the fragility and beauty of our local environment. Enjoy sustainable food from joints like Chez Panisse, create art using washed-up-on-the-beach plastic, sample organic wines and local beers, or browse through "green living" exhibits from more than 30 home-grown environmental organizations. It all starts at 11 a.m. at Crissy Field, Halleck and Mason in the Presidio, S.F. Admission is free; call 561-6625 or visit www.farallones.org.
-- Joyce Slaton
Island Walk
Join T.O.'s Team
SAT 10/11
Although celeb-spokesman 49er Terrell Owens won't be able to make it this year, the Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk is still worth your while. The three-mile stroll (or 1.5-mile "shortcut," if you prefer) offers hot-dang views of the bay, food vendors, a Remembrance Area, and kids' activities. (There are 10 other Memory Walks taking place around Northern California today, from Chico to Monterey.) Prizes include T.O.-signed jerseys -- plus good feelings all around. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on Treasure Island, 410 Avenue of Palms (at California), S.F. Admission is free; call (800) 660-1993 or visit www.alznorcal.org.
-- Hiya Swanhuyser
