The month of March has arrived and winter is fading away as spring is fast approaching, remember to set your clocks ahead on the evening of March 13.  There are many events taking place in the Four Flags Area for the month and leading the way in the Fishing Extravaganza at Lunker’s. You can not forget to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 so look for your local Legion Post, VFW Post or other organizations that will be serving up their famous corned beef and cabbage dinner. For more information on events visit or Web site www.fourflagsarea.org or stop by the office located at 321 East Main St., Niles or call us at (269) 684-7444.

• Today and Sunday – 19th Annual Fishing Extravaganza. This is an event you don’t want to miss out on. Stop by Lunker’s at 26324 U.S. Highway 12 East, Edwardsburg and take part of all the great deals that will be taking place. Storewide sales all weekend, save money on show specials, fishing seminars, gift certificate specials, the first 50 kids under 12 in the entrance on Saturday and Sunday will receive a free gift. Talk to charter captains, lodges and company representatives. This event has free admission and free parking. For event times and more information call (269) 663-3745.

• Today – 3rd Annual Indoor Flea Market. The 3rd Annual Indoor Flea Market will have 30 vendor tables. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Coffee and donuts will be available from 9 to 10:30 a.m.Donations are welcome. Soup and sandwiches will be available 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations are welcome.  There will be a chili cook-off at 11 a.m. Contestants need to have their chili there by 10 a.m. and judging will take place at 11 a.m. A bake sale will take place all day at Bright Star Tabernacle, 5130 Old Pipestone Rd., Eau Claire. For more information, contact Judi Braggs at (269) 944-5081.

• Today – Empty Bowls Potters Work Day. All hand builders and wheel throwers are welcome. This event will take place from 10 to 4 p.m. at the Buchanan Art Center 117 West Front St., Buchanan. There is no cost; all clay and glazes will be provided. Lunch will be potluck.  Come enjoy the day with fellow potters making pots for this year’s Buchanan Empty Bowls Soup Supper to help feed the hungry in our area and try to break your personal best record for the number of pots made in one day. In the spirit of the simple soup supper modeled by the original potter/teacher founders of this now international project, bring your personal best soup, bread, chips, cookies or drink to pass. Glazing can be done during any scheduled Friday or Sunday supervised workshops (See Monday Evening Potter under Adults and Teens for dates). This project is supported in part by a generous grant from the Berrien Community Foundation.

• Today – All-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast; Faith Victory Fellowship of Buchanan 13369 Main St., Buchanan is sponsoring an all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon. The cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children.

• Today – “The Mountain of God.” Michiana Christian Embassy will host “The Mountain of God (Discoveries of Mt. Sinai), Is There Biblical and Archaeological Evidence?” from 10 a.m. to noon and   2 to 4 p.m. Jim and Penny Caldwell will speak on the topic. The Embassy is located at 1922 East Main St., Niles.

March 6 – Lincoln Day Dinner. The Cass County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner will take place at the American Legion Post 365, 25751 U.S. Highway 12, Edwardsburg. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. The keynote speaker will be Bill Schuette, a former Congressman and Michigan appellate judge who is a candidate for attorney general in the 2010 election. Other candidates may also attend. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students 22 and under. A Polish buffet with dessert will be served. Reservations call Margaret Stanley 663-2062 or Jerry Ostrowski, 782-7712.

• Today and Sunday – “Fiddler on the Roof.” Niles High School, 1441 Eagle, Niles will perform “Fiddler on the Roof” today at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. For ticket information call (269) 683-2894.

• Today, March 13 and 27 – Master Gardener Training. Learn about small fruits today, herbaceous ornamentals March 13, vegetables and integrated pest management March 20 and household pests March 27 – Master Gardener classes are presented by Michigan State University Extension. Individual sessions are $18 (members $14). Located at Fernwood Botanical Gardens, (269) 695-6491.

• Thursday – Auction. Big Bear Auction Co., 5580 M-140 Eau Claire will host its monthly consignment auction. This is always a great event and you won’t want to miss out on buying that special item you are looking for the auction begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. For more information call (269) 461-6686 or www.bigbear auctioncompany.com.

• March 13 – Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks will appear at the Wood Fire, blending elements of swing, jazz, folk and country music to create the appealing sound he sometimes calls “folk jazz.” Tickets are $50 and include a buffet performance at 8 p.m. Located at the Wood Fire Italian Trattoria 134 South Front St., Dowagiac. For more information, call (269) 782-0007.

• March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day Corn Beef and Cabbage. American Legion Post 51 403 East Front St., Buchanan will have a Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner, which will include corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and other items; beverage not included. Serving will begin at 12:30 p.m. until gone. For more information about cost, call 695-6633.

• March 20 – Backyard Birding Basics from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Get tips on everything from feeders to seeds, water to houses, common bird identification and optics tips. Cost is $15 (members $12). Located at Fernwood Botanical Gardens, (269) 695-6491.

• March 20 – Crafts and More Crafts. Fort St. Joseph Museum will host this event from noon to 1 p.m. Cadette, Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts will be assisting children at several craft tables set up through out the museum. Children can create some wonderful works of bead works, quill work and applique. Free admission and no program fee. Located at 508 East Main St., Niles. For more information call (269) 683-4702 ext 236.

• March 23 – Buchanan’s 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off. Enjoy an evening out from 5 to 8 p.m. in Buchanan and satisfy your appetite for chili at the same time. The chili tasting is free to the public and will begin at the front entrance to the Buchanan Library. You will be given a bottle of water and a map of all of the locations for tasting chili. If you would like to enter the contest there is an entry fee of $20. For an entry form or other information contact the Buchanan Chamber office, (269) 695-3291.

• March 27, Spring Bazaar and Food Drive, this event will take place at St. Mary’s School Gym 217 South Lincoln Avenue Niles from 9-3 p.m. Admission is a non-perishable food item for the CSC Food Pantry. There will be crafts, pastries, snacks, coffee and lunch available to purchase. This event is sponsored by the Christian Service Center. For more information, call (269) 684-0637.

• March 27 – Eau Claire Track Auction. The purpose of this auction is to raise funds for the Eau Claire school track. This event will take place at the Eau Claire High School at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $15 per person or $25 per couple. Snacks will be available. For more information, call (269) 461-6997.

• March 27 – Chi Yong Yun will perform in a faculty recital at the Howard Performing Arts Center.  Yun has a vast list of accomplishments behind her. Her performances as a recitalist, collaborative musician and lecturer have taken her throughout the United States, Korea, Europe and the Philippines. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. and tickets are available at the Howard for $10. For more information call 269-471-3560.

• March 27 – “Nature Saplings: Maple Trees” Saturday from 3 to 4 p.m. Children ages 2 and 3 accompanied by an adult. Enjoy an introduction to nature. Cost is $5 per child/adult pair (members $4 per pair). Located at Fernwood Botanical Gardens, (269) 695-6491.

Also, take a visit to your local senior center. They offer a wide variety of events, trips and activities.  There are many groups that meet daytime and evening. You don’t have to be a senior citizen to enjoy your local senior center.

Be sure to check all of your local libraries for a wonderful list of events and fun filled things to do for all ages.