California Corner

INDIO--This desert town will provide a fitting backdrop for the Southwest Arts Festival Feb. 4-6, when 150 artists will show and sell their creations. There will also be food and entertainment daily. National Date Festival grounds, Highway 111 and Arabia Street. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. each day. $5; 12 and younger free. (800) 444-6346.

PALM SPRINGS--Italian food from homemade sweets to sausage, accordion music and family entertainment will highlight the Italian Festa Feb. 6, hosted by the Dolly Sinatra Lodge of the Order of Sons of Italy. Sunrise Park on Ramon Road. Noon-6 p.m. $5; $2.50 ages 12 and younger. (760) 329-4879.

SAN DIEGO--Celebrate the traditional New Year Feb. 4-6 at the Vietnamese Tet Festival with music, games, children’s contests, art exhibits and ethnic food. City Heights Urban Village, 3795 Fairmount Ave. 5-10 p.m. Feb. 4; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Feb. 5; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 6. $2. (619) 641-6100.

CHESTER--Bundle up for the Winterfest Feb. 12, 19 and 20 in this Northern California town. The Snowmobile Poker Run kicks off the festival at 9 a.m. Feb. 12. There will be dog-sled races at 9 a.m. Feb. 19 and 20, and Snowmobile Drag Races at 9 a.m. Feb. 20. Off Highway 36; follow the signs. 9 a.m. to completion. Free to spectators. (800) 350-4838.

KIRKWOOD--The Presidents Day Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Feb. 19 will feature skiers descending from the mountains on Zachary Run beginning about 5:30 p.m., followed by fireworks. Kirkwood Ski Resort near Lake Tahoe, 1501 Kirkwood Meadows Drive, off Highway 88. 5:30 p.m. Free to spectators. (209) 258-6000.

*

Schenden’s e-mail address is lkschenden@msn.com.