California Corner Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

PALM SPRINGS--For the fleet of feet, the annual polka party is held Friday to next Sunday at the Palm Springs Pavilion, 401 Pavilion Way. Several polka bands will entertain at PolkaFest, with waltzes, cha-cha, two-step and even some line dancing included. Vendors will sell German fare. A Polka Mass--a Catholic service with religious music set to a polka beat--will be held at 11 a.m. next Sunday. Noon-midnight Friday-Saturday ($12); 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday ($10); children under 12 admitted free. (760) 324-3483.

BLYTHE--The 11th annual Colorado River Country Music Festival, Jan. 16 to 18, will include fiddle, banjo and mandolin playing contests, open to the public. Vendors will sell food, crafts and musical instruments. 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Colorado River Country Fairgrounds, 11995 Olive Lake Blvd. Performers and festival-goers who camp out on the festival grounds jam around campfires into the night ($10 a night, reserve camping space in advance). $10 adults; children under 12 free with adult. (800) 443-5513.

MONTEREY--The annual Whalefest celebration will kick off with a weekend of free activities, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 17-18 at Custom House Plaza, off Alvarado Street at Del Monte Boulevard. Naturalists will present educational exhibits and art projects to the tune of live Dixieland. Visitors will be admitted free Jan. 17 to the Monterey Maritime Museum at the plaza. Also available will be free passes for admission Jan. 22, 7:30-9:30 p.m., to Monterey Bay Aquarium. (408) 644-7588.

SAN FRANCISCO--A march and rally will be held Jan. 19 to honor Martin Luther King Jr. The march will step off about 10:30 a.m. along Market Street, beginning at Spear Street and ending at the Civic Center, where there will be ceremonies; live music; and arts, crafts and food vendors. The keynote speaker will be Attallah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz. Free. (415) 776-8471.

CLOVERDALE--Fiddlers will face off at the 23rd annual Old-Time Fiddle Contest and Festival, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 24. Arts, crafts and food will also be for sale. Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds, 1 Citrus Fair Drive. $6.50, $6 for those over 65, $3 kids under 12. (707) 894-2067.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.