GREER WYLDER -- Best Buys

Charles H. Barr is having an unprecedented sale in its 42-year history

with savings from 25% to 50% to celebrate the exchange of operations from

Mary Barr to the new manager of the store, and her grandson, Bill

Wengeler. The million-dollar liquidation sale will include such fine

jewelry as diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, 14-karat and 18-karat

gold, platinum, and gift items. Charles H. Barr is at Westcliff Court at

1803 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach. (949) 642-0664.

Bloomers & Blossoms is having a grand-opening celebration today with

Barney, a tattoo artist, giveaways, treats, hot dogs, popcorn, flowers

for moms and a design-a-bag craft. Bloomers & Blossoms carries clothing

for children, infant to 7 years, yoga clothing and picture frames. It’s

in the former Balboa Porch cottage, and there’s a flower shop in the

back. It’s at 224 Marine Ave., Balboa Island. (949) 675-1938.

The Costa Mesa Country Club will have a pre-holiday tent sale from 10

a.m. to 4 p.m. today on golf equipment reduced 20% to 60%. On sale are

irons, drivers, Fairway woods, wedges, putters, bags, men’s and women’s

golf apparel and shoes. Top name brands on sale include Titleist, Wilson,

Callaway, Ping, Nike, Foot-Joy, Etonic, Taylor Made and Cleveland Golf.

It’s at 1701 Golf Course Drive, Costa Mesa, (714) 540-7500.

Today is the last day of the inventory reduction sale at Blue Springs,

Ala. store. Almost everything in stock is reduced 50%, including Rachel

Ashwells’ Shabby Chic, bedding, yardage, fabric and accessories. Also on

sale are antiques, chandeliers, lighting, candles, soap and other

accessories. Not included in the sale are Bella Notte and House Inc.

merchandise. All sales are final. Blue Springs, Ala. is at 369 E. 17th

St., Costa Mesa. (949) 642-3632.

Corona del Mar Plaza is participating in the 23rd annual Corona del

Mar Christmas Walk Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Stores and

restaurants at Corona del Mar Plaza and East Coast Highway from Avocado

to Poppy will be open for holiday shopping, food sampling and

entertainment. Included in the festivities are bands, clowns, strolling

musicians, a balloon maker and games. The annual holiday event also

features complimentary Santa photos for children and opportunity drawings

with more than 100 prizes donated from local stores and restaurants.

Opportunity drawings are $1 each or 11 for $10 and are available at local

stores or through the Chamber of Commerce. At Corona del Mar Plaza, there

will be strolling carolers from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sur La Table is having

an ornament-decorating contest for kids from 2 to 4 p.m. Bristol Farms

will serve complimentary roasted chestnuts, Peet’s Coffee and Tea will

have coffee and tea tastings, and Gelato Paradiso will serve gelato

samples and hot cocoa for children. Subtle Tones is having a holiday

craft for children, and Three Dog Bakery and Baby Unique are offering

photo sessions.

The second annual holiday classic car and pedal invitational will take

place today at the Orange County Market Place in Costa Mesa. There will

be displays of antique, restored and handmade replicas of little cars.

There will also be a holiday season award for the best decorated car, a

toy drive to benefit Project Cuddle and photos with Santa in a classic

car. Christmas trees and holiday entertainment will be offered throughout

the day. The car show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the swap meet is

from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Orange County Market Place is at the Costa Mesa

Fairgrounds. If you bring in an unwrapped toy or clothing item valued at

$5 or more, admission fees will be waived.

Westcliff Plaza will celebrate its new look with a “Renovation

Celebration” and the grand opening of its new Ralphs Fresh Fare market

from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. The event will include children’s crafts,

strolling carolers and food sampling from various restaurants, including

Champagne French Bakery Cafe, Pasta Bravo, Starbucks and Helen Grace

Chocolates. Westcliff Plaza will also be giving away three $100 gift

certificates. Westcliff Plaza’s renovation includes new landscaping, new

store signs for better visibility and additional parking spaces.

* BEST BUYS appears Thursdays and Saturdays. Send information to Greer

Wylder at 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627, or via fax at (949)

646-4170.