California Corner

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

AUBURN--Global music accompanies early holiday shopping at the eighth annual Auburn Christmas Craft and Music Festival, Saturday and next Sunday. In addition to about 200 craftspeople, participants will include international ensembles playing the likes of Cajun, world beat, Celtic, Andean and Trinidadian

steel-drum music. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. next Sunday at the Gold Country Fairgrounds on Sacramento and High streets. (Interstate 80 to the Maple Street exit.) $4, general; $3, seniors; $1, kids 6-12; free for kids under 6. (209) 533-3473.

INDIO--The action is on the turf and in the clouds at the Empire Balloon, Wine and Polo Festival, 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and next Sunday at the Empire Polo Club, 81-800 Avenue 51. Activities above ground include afternoon mass ascensions of balloons and (weather permitting) tethered rides and free flights. Also featured: wine tastings, polo matches, arts and crafts exhibits, dog shows, children’s rides, a car show and equestrian, biplane, parachuting and croquet demonstrations. A concert by the Oak Ridge Boys is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission each day: $7, general; $4, children. Concert tickets are another $15. Interstate 10 east to the Monroe exit. (619) 775-1715.

SAN DIEGO--The 1992 San Diego International Boat Show, Nov. 19-22, features a huge selection of boating-related products, services and activities on land and in water. The show includes a fishing hall, radio-controlled boat races, water-ski clinics, sailing lessons, a classic boat display, a nautical art gallery, a marine mart and discussions with Olym- pic gold-medal sailor Mark Reynolds. Hours: Nov. 19-20, noon-9 p.m.; Nov. 21, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Nov. 22, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $6, adults; $3, children. At San Diego Convention Center (111 W. Harbor Drive) and adjoining Marriott Marina. (619) 274-9924.

REDLANDS--The splendor of nature’s furred and feathered is showcased at the 1992 Wildlife West Art Festival, Nov. 20-22 at the San Bernardino County Museum, 2024 Orange Tree Lane. High- lights at the 10th annual event include works by 40 wildlife artists, the 100 top paintings from the 1993 Federal Duck Stamp Competition, art sales, live animals from the Wildlife Waystation, displays by conservation groups and kids’ activities. Nov. 20-21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Nov. 22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $4, general; $3, seniors; $2, kids 6-12 and students; free for kids under 6. From Interstate 10 east, take the California Street exit. (714) 798-8570.

NAPA VALLEY--Holiday in Carneros, an area- wide open house at wineries in the Carneros District, is scheduled 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 21-22. The tasting rooms of 12 wineries offer special discounts and gift baskets. Select wineries-- including Acacia, Viansa and Roche--will feature food and wine demonstrations, lunches, tours and book signings. U.S. 101 north to California 37 to California 12 and 121. (707) 226-9991.

EL CAJON--Children’s literary heroes Mother Goose and Dr. Seuss join forces in the 46th annual Mother Goose Parade at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 22. Well-loved characters created by the two are featured on floats. In addition, clowns, bands, marching units, equestrian groups and Santa Claus join the procession, which starts at Chambers and Main streets, travels east on Main to Second Street, then north on Second to Madison. Interstate 5 south to Interstate 8 east to the Magnolia exit. (619) 444-8712.