California Corner

RIVERSIDE--The streets of the historic district will resemble a London marketplace next Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 6 and 7, for the Dickens Festival. Food, vendors, games, entertainment and Victorian crafts for kids to make are planned for Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Related activities include Mr. Fezziwig’s Ball (Saturday, 7:30 p.m., $25 including dance and refreshments; observers, $5) and a pub supper (Friday, 5:30 p.m., $25). Mission Inn Avenue, between Lime and Orange streets. Free. (800) 430-4140.

KERNVILLE--Named Whiskey Flat in the Gold Rush days, this town will revisit its Wild West past with the 44th annual Whiskey Flat Days, Feb. 12-15. There will be frog-jumping contests, a craft show, parade (Saturday, 11 a.m.), “gunfighters� and street dances. A rodeo is held Saturday-Sunday, 1 p.m.; $9, $4 for 5 and younger. Carnival rides and entertainment run 9 a.m.-10 p.m. each day. Free. (760) 376-2629.

SAN DIEGO--The year of the rabbit officially begins on Feb. 16, but you can begin celebrating the Chinese New Year on Feb. 13, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Feb. 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Food & Cultural Faire. Martial arts, acrobats and food will fill 3rd and J streets in Gaslamp District. $3, $2 ages 3-12. (619) 234-4447.

CRESCENT CITY--The people of Del Norte County swear by the swiftness of the North Coast Dungeness crab. See their speed at the annual Crab Races, Feb. 14. There will also be a crab feed, an art fair and children’s activities. Del Norte Fairgrounds, U.S. 101 and Cooper Avenue. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (800) 343-8300.

MONTEREY--Whisk your Valentine--or your family--off to a Day of Romance in Old Monterey, beginning at 10 a.m. Feb. 13. Tales of romance inspired by true events will be reenacted. Monterey State Historic Park, corner of Polk and Munras streets. Reservations are required by Feb. 5. $15 includes gourmet box-lunch social; $10 without lunch. (831) 647-6226.

Schenden’s e-mail address is [email protected].