Mary Jane Chichester doesn't want another blackout to pull the plug on Run, Jane, Run. The multistate power outage occurred the day before last year's festival of golf tournaments, volleyball matches, and 10K runs. Competitors still showed up, even though some of the coed participants complained that they couldn't take showers or blow-dry their hair. Still, most were "so good-natured about it that they actually had a contest based on how bad their hair looked," says Chichester, the festival's organizer. The games -- now in their 16th year -- are named after the distaff character in the "Dick and Jane" children's book series. "Jane was always standing back, and Dick was saying, 'Look, Jane, look,' and 'See, Jane, see,'" says Chichester. "These days, Jane is not only seeing, but [she's] playing golf and volleyball." Action starts at 9 a.m. Friday at Briarwood Golf Course (2737 West Edgerton Road in Broadview Heights) and Saturday and Sunday at Edgewater Park, 6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway. It's free to watch, $20 to $125 to participate; call 216-651-1450. -- Cris Glaser
Stick Around
8/14-8/15
Cleveland Boomerang School founder Dave Boehm first picked up the wooden missile 30 years ago, while traveling through Australia. Since then, he's logged many hours dispelling the myths: "[They] were never a weapon," he says. "They were a social activity for the aboriginals." Boehm's hosting the 23rd annual Northeast Ohio Boomerang Tournament this weekend, and he's still fighting for their reputation. "Decades ago, I threw [boomerangs] in the Cleveland Metroparks, but was told to stop by security," he says. "So, I decided to instruct others on their use." Throwing starts at 2 p.m. Saturday with a two-hour practice session at Cuyahoga Valley National Park's Howe Meadow, 4040 Riverview Road in Boston Township. Return noon to 4 p.m. Sunday for the tournament. It's free to watch, $10 (beginners) to $20 (advanced) to participate; call 216-524-1497. -- Lucy McKernan
Swing Kings
8/12-8/15
A $1.2 million paycheck isn't chump change for the pro who wins this year's World Golf Championships-NEC Invitational. And you can't blame Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke for trying to defend his title among the 75-player field. Ranked 14th in the world, Clarke (who turns 36 on Saturday) scored a 12-under par 268 last year to defeat runner-up Jonathan Kaye by four strokes. Tee times are 8:30 a.m. Thursday and Friday and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Firestone Country Club's South Course, 440 East Warner Road in Akron. Tickets are $50. Call 330-644-2299 for more information. -- Cris Glaser
