Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

FRESNO--Kwanzaa, a festival to honor family, community and culture, will be held Thursday through Jan. 1 at the African American Historical and Cultural Museum of the San Joaquin Valley, 1857 Fulton St. The celebration will include African dancing and drumming, poetry readings, singing and dishes such as greens and akari balls (a dish that is deep fried and made with black-eyed peas). A donation is asked. Activities begin at 6 p.m. (209) 268-7102.

BIG BEAR--The Snow Summit ski resort hit the lights about 7:45 p.m. Dec. 31 for its New Year’s Eve torchlight parade. Locals as well as visitors at surrounding resorts attend the annual event in which the resort’s staff members ski down a mountainside bearing lighted torches. Free. The resort is at 880 Summit Blvd. (909) 866-5766..

ESCONDIDO--Grand Avenue, from Juniper Street to Escondido Boulevard, will be roped off Dec. 31 for First Night Escondido. The event features 72 music and dance performances on 12 stages. There will also be fine art displays and children’s activities, including a snow playground. Activities start at 4:30 p.m. and culminate in fireworks at midnight. $8, adults; children 5 and under free. (619) 739-0101.

HEALDSBURG--The city’s Historical Museum has something old and something new at its Annual Antique and Collectible Toy Exhibit. In addition to the display of old-fashioned dolls and toys, the gift shop has items for sale, including hand-knit stocking caps, wreaths and handcrafted ornaments. The exhibit, which ends Feb. 12, is free. The museum is at 221 Matheson Ave. Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. (707) 431-3325.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.