Buzz into the free Alpine Honey Festival on Saturday, March 11, for a sweet time in Alpine. Celebrating Alpine's history as the honey production capital of the world for a time, the festival offers free parking and shuttle service from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Just park at Joan MacQueen Middle School, 2001 Tavern Road, and catch the next shuttle to six impressive locations in this rural foothills community.

Opening ceremonies with a Viejas Tribal Blessing and Bird Singers are at 11 a.m. at the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd. The center also has the Children's Honey Bee Costume Contest, a display of winning Alpine Mountain Empire Student Art Contest creations, vendors, entertainment, a beer garden and food for sale.

Presented by the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce, the festival's five other sites will have children's activities; honey history; vintage items; honey and plant sales; fabulous fashions and jewelry for sale. There's even free honey cookies and honey lemonade at the Alpine Historical Society Museum, 2116 Tavern Road; Christ the King Church at 1460 Midway Drive; the Alpine Woman's Club, 2156 Alpine Blvd; Dana's Boutique, 2271 Alpine Blvd., and Back in Time Vintage Emporium, 2253 Alpine Blvd., and Alpine Garden & Gifts, 2442 Alpine Blvd. Info: 619-445-2722.