Best bets for the weekend

This weekend brings the celebration of Earth Day. If we're lucky, Earth will acknowledge the honor and favor us with some warmer, more springlike days. (Leaves need to work on budding out if we want to be able to celebrate anything green.) Find a list of Earth Day events on Page 16. For your other weekend enjoyment, perhaps try these ideas:

For details on these events, search our Weekend Calendar.

Cherry-blossom festival: These most-elegant of spring trees deserve accolades, and they're at their peak this week. Seattle Center hosts the Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival this weekend. Look for tea ceremonies, entertainment, art, food and more.

Daffodil ride: The cool spring means daffodils are late blooming, so it's still prime time for the flowers. Join the Daffodil Classic bike ride this Sunday through the yellow fields of the Orting Valley, with a prime view of Mount Rainier if skies clear.

The Puyallup without pumpkins: Nope, you won't find the 900-pound pumpkins this time of year. You'll have to go back in September. But here's your chance for a springtime fix of Fisher scones: It's Puyallup Spring Fair. See our Weekend Highlight.

Whale of a time: Gray whales migrating northward to Alaska have lately been taking a wrong turn at the Strait of Juan de Fuca and ending up around Whidbey Island, which is probably confusing for the whales, but it has given the good people of Langley a reason to party. Join the Welcome the Whales celebration on Saturday.

Scandinavian pancake wars: Seattle's Swedish Cultural Center has been attracting crowds for years with its monthly pancake breakfast (with lingonberries). Now, Ballard's Leif Erikson Lodge counters with its Norwegian Pancake Breakfast (with lingonberries). Do your own taste test.

Worldly events: Get culture this weekend at the World Folk Arts Festival at Washington State History Museum in Tacoma, or at GlobalFest, a celebration of world cultures at Highline Community College.

Healthy kids: Can't argue with that cause. Puget Sound-area YMCAs host Saturday's Healthy Kids Day, with free activities and games, entertainment and educational resources.