SAT 7/17
When's the last time you took in an old-fashioned, pile-driving, forehead-smashing wrestling match? How about the last time you and the kids headed out for all the action of a carnival? You might be able to kill two birds with one stone when Four Star Championship Wrestling presents "Clam Slam 2004" on Saturday, July 17, at Clamster's Pub and Raw Bar (1391 S. Military Trl., Deerfield Beach). Clam Slam is a family affair, with a K-9 demonstration, a kids' fingerprint registration sponsored by the Broward Sheriff's Office, a bounce house for kids of all ages, plenty of good food, prizes, and even a little bit of wrestling. The main event on the afternoon fight card is an FSCW heavyweight title rematch between reigning champ and former WCW star Norman Smiley and challenger Ryan "Payne" O'Reilly. Also in the mix is a tag-team match pitting Soulman Alex G and Scott Commodity against J-Dawg Brooks and Vampire Warrior, who is formerly of the WWE. The start time for the extravaganza is noon, and the bell rings for the first wrestling match at 4 p.m. Admission is free. Call 954-481-3755. --Russ Evans
Come to Your Census
Nice to meet you, Mr. Fritillary
SAT 7/17
"There's a saying -- 'When you know the name of something, it becomes your friend,'" says 24-year-old Robyn Chiarelli, who works as a biological science technician for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and volunteers with the Broward County chapter of the North American Butterfly Association. Expand your social circle by joining Chiarelli at Hillsboro Pineland Natural Area (U.S. 441 and NW 74th Place, Coconut Creek) or Birch State Park (3109 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale) for the First Annual Butterfly Count. She'll teach you the names of local species -- like zebra longwings and gulf fritillaries -- if you help out with the census from 8:45 a.m. until noon. Butterflies are considered "indicator species" -- they are especially sensitive to slight ecological changes; fluctuations in their population help scientists pinpoint environmental problems and make predictions for entire ecosystems. Bring sunscreen, water, and $3 to chip in to the butterfly association. Please RSVP by e-mail to [email protected]. --Deirdra Funcheon
It's Zo Exciting!
Celebrate with Mourning
SUN 7/18
Alonzo Mourning has missed a lot of basketball over the last few years. A kidney illness has robbed him of his formerly limitless endurance and strength. Zo can no longer play at the high level of an NBA All Star, but he does have enough left in the tank to hoop it up with Lamar Odom (right) and Caron Butler (who, by the way, won't be in a Heat uniform for long) and many more of his league buddies in the name of charity. On Sunday, July 18, Carnival Cruise Lines presents "Zo's Summer Groove Charity Basketball Game" to benefit the Children's Home Society of Florida. The game tips off at 6:30 p.m. at the American Airlines Arena (601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami). Tickets range from $10 to $102. Call 305-358-5885. --Russ Evans
If You Can't Go to Athens...
SAT 7/17
The jump-rope championships alone will boggle the mind: their ten divisions include Single Rope Pairs Speed, Double Dutch Single Power, and Pairs Freestyle. But that's just one teeny-tiny bit of the Tropical Games; there are also Olympic-style battles in bowling, judo, chess, fencing, table tennis, tae kwon do, and more. The action takes place at the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach), and you can register for many of the competitions on the day of the event. Call 561-233-1015, or visit www.palmbeachsports.com. -- Deirdra Funcheon
