Palm Springs Invites the Family

Palm Springs is a spring break destination that in the past acquired a reputation for hot sun, wild fun and young buns, which played havoc on the quiet resort town at Easter time. Now, in an effort to alter the party image, the city has come up with “Sun Fest ‘95,” a family-oriented week centered in downtown Palm Springs.

From 3 p.m. Friday to midnight Saturday, eight blocks of Palm Canyon Drive, the main artery through the desert town, will be closed to automobile traffic. The “Vintage Village Fest,” which includes an art show at Francis Stevens Park, a Native American Village at Amado Park and arts and crafts, food booths, a Fun Zone for kids (including the Orbitron, games and other attractions) on Palm Canyon Drive will be ongoing Friday, 5-10 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission is free.

Alternative bands will take turns onstage today through Saturday, 2-9 p.m., including the Burning Groove, Munkafust and 1,000 Mona Lisas.

Also around town is the National Jr. Tennis Tournament at the Riviera Hotel (free to spectators), and the AT&T; Virtual Reality Ride. Both are open all week.

For information, call (619) 325-8979.