California Corner

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

INDIO--Fine arts and quality crafts are showcased at the Southwest Arts Festival, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Jan. 14-15 at the National Date Festival Fairgrounds. The juried show highlights works by 130 artists, including the featured artist, Amado M. Pena Jr. of Santa Fe. $4, general; free for kids, 12 and under. On California 111 between Arabia and Oasis streets. (619) 347-0676.

VENTURA--Learn about history along one of Ventura’s main drags on the “Mysteries of Main Street� tour, 1-3 p.m. Jan. 21. $6. Preregistration required. Meet at the Albinger Museum, 113 E. Main St. (805) 658-4726.

COLOMA--Gold was discovered in California on Jan. 24, 1848. To commemorate this historic event, a Gold Discovery Day celebration is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Gold rush demonstrations; speakers; videos; music and skits; and historic house tours offered. $5 per car. On California 49 between Auburn and Placerville. (916) 622-6198. BLYTHE--Bluegrass music fills the Colorado River Country Fairgrounds during the Colorado River Country Music Festival, Jan. 27-29. The eighth annual event includes nine categories of competition and performances by five featured bands. 8:45 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. For festival and camping information, call (619) 922-8166.

SAN FRANCISCO--Attention Zinfandel aficionados: Zinfandel Advocates and Producers hosts the Zinfandel Tasting and Regional Winery Exhibits, 2-5 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Herbst Pavilion in Fort Mason Center. About 70 wineries pour 1993 barrel samples, current releases and library Zinfandels. Barrel-building demonstrations, seminars and book signings also offered. $30. (415) 851-2319.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.