72 HOURS

1. Feel like a hayride? The Piecemakers will hold an evening of

Christmas caroling and an old-fashioned horse-drawn hayride from 6 to 8

tonight at 1720 Adams Ave., Costa Mesa. A contest for the most uniquely

lighted house will close Sunday. The grand prize is $100, second is a $50

gift certificate from the Piecemakers Country Store and third is a $25

gift certificate. (714) 641-3112.

2. Get a head start on Christmas. The city of Costa Mesa and its

Police Department will sponsor a Christmas food and gift program for

needy local families from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Westside

substation, 567 W. 18th St., Costa Mesa. The goal is to provide Christmas

food packages for 100 families, with a gift for all children 12 and

younger. Organizers still need donations of money, canned foods and

unwrapped, new toys by today. The items can be taken to the Westside

substation or police headquarters, 99 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. (714)

327-7450.

3. Meet other orchid potters. Green Systems International Orchid

Nursery will hold orchid potting seminars at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday

at 20362 Birch St., Newport Beach. (949) 756-1211.