54 HOURS : Celebrating Banning’s Western Heritage

Banning, a former stage stop in the late 1800s, recalls its Western heritage with two events this weekend. The annual Stagecoach Days is celebrated with a three-day rodeo, carnival, parade and rodeo dance. Equestrians, drill teams, floats and marching bands will parade down Main Street on Saturday at 10 a.m. On Saturday night, a Western dance with live band takes place at the local armory. The rodeo runs Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 2 p.m. ($8 in advance, $10 at gate). Carnival hours are today, 5-11 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m.-midnight; Saturday-Sunday, noon-10 p.m. A.C. Dysart Equestrian Center, exit 22nd Street, follow the signs. (909) 849-4695.

Down the street at the Morongo Indian Reservation, the Morongo Pow-Wow offers Native American dancers and drummers competing for $25,000 in prizes. There is also a crafts fair, Cahuilla foods and pony rides. A parade of dancers in costume will perform at noon, Saturday, and the Cahuilla Bird Singers perform both days. The Morongo Reservation is between Banning and Palm Springs on I-10. Saturday, 10 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (800) 252-4499.