Events: November : Film Fest, Rodeo, Midwest Polka

The 13th annual Hawaii International Film Festival runs Nov. 7-13 on Oahu, then travels to Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kauai and the Big Island, Nov. 14-20. Features, documentaries and shorts from Asia, the Pacific and North America, including 22 world premieres and 41 U.S. premieres, are among the 140 works to be shown. Highlights include five newly restored films of renowned Japanese filmmaker Ozu, a series from Hawaii filmmakers and the first IMAX international film fest. Also: seminars, award ceremonies, workshops and celebrities, including film critic Roger Ebert and actress Mary McDonnell. Many screenings are free. For more information, contact the Hawaii International Film Festival, 1777 East-West Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96848; tel. (800) 752-8193.

New Mexico

The Indian National Finals Rodeo, Nov. 18-21 at Tingley Colisseum on the New Mexico State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque, brings together rodeo stars from tribes all over the United States. They compete in traditional events such as steer wrestling, bareback riding and calf roping. In conjunction with the rodeo, there’s a powwow highlighted by a gourd-dancing competition. Also: American Indian foods and crafts. For more information, contact the New Mexico State Fair, P.O. Box 8546, Albuquerque, N.M. 87198; tel. (505) 265-1791.

Pennsylvania

On the 130th anniversary of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, Nov. 19, the speech will be read at 10 a.m. in a ceremony at the Gettysburg National Cemetery. On Nov. 20, a re-enactment of Lincoln’s arrival takes place at the train station, followed by a procession to the cemetery featuring re-created Civil War troops and fife-and-drum corps. The day ends with a band concert. Yes, the order of the historical events are reversed. But the address is always read on the 19th and the re-enactments are saved for the weekend. For more information, contact the Gettysburg Travel Council, 35 Carlisle St., Gettysburg, Pa. 17325; tel. (717) 334-6274.

Wisconsin

The Polka Fest, Nov. 5-7 at the Holiday Inn in Wisconsin Dells, draws polka lovers from all over the country to hear the Midwest’s top polka bands. There’s continuous music in two huge ballrooms. Headliners include Karl and the Country Dutchmen and Peter Paul Wendinger. To help you look the part, vendors sell polka outfits. To help you dance the part, there are lessons on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Wisconsin Dells is 50 miles north of Madison. For more information, contact the Holiday Inn, P.O. Box 236, Wisconsin Dells, Wis. 53965; tel. (608) 254-8306.

Germany

The Hamburg Dom, largest amusement fair in northern Germany, opens Nov. 5 on the Heilingengesitfeld (Holy Ghost Field) and continues for a full month. The dom (which means cathedral) began in 1339 on church grounds, but medieval rowdies got it banished to a more secular site. Among the 300 stalls (two miles’ worth), you’ll find carnival games, herring sandwiches, cold beer and cotton candy, plus carousels and thrill rides. Fireworks on Friday evenings. For more information, contact the Hamburg Tourist Office, 38 West 32nd St., Suite 1210, New York 10001; tel. (212) 967-3110.

St. Martin / Sint Maarten

Concordia Day, Nov. 11, commemorates the peaceful 1648 agreement between France and the Netherlands to share this Caribbean island. It’s a festive day on both sides of the frontier, highlighted by a military parade and a ceremony at the border monument, a 10-minute drive from both capitals. Later in the day, most islanders enjoy picnics at the beach. For more information, contact the French Government Tourist Office, 9454 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 715, Beverly Hills 90212; tel. (900) 990-0040 (calls cost 50 cents per minute).

Thailand

The Elephant Roundup, Nov. 20 at Surin, is a rare chance to see hundreds of elephants at one time. The yearly roundup is a bit of a misnomer since it isn’t a hunt for wild elephants but rather a convention of elephants from all over the country for a ceremony and show. Also: a demonstration of training methods, a soccer game that pits a human team against an elephant team and a tug of war (100 people vs. one elephant). Special trains leave Bangkok the day before the roundup. For information on the roundup and special packages, contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand, 3440 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1100, Los Angeles 90010; tel. (213) 382-2353.

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