Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

PALM SPRINGS--Dancers can polka on a 10,000-square-foot hardwood floor at the 9th annual Polka Fest on Friday, Saturday and Jan. 5 at the Palm Springs Pavilion. Live polka bands will provide the tunes, and food and beverages will be available. On Jan. 5, Mass will be celebrated to the accompaniment of polka music. All are welcome. Those who wish to attend only the service can have their admission fee refunded at the end of the service. Music and dancing follow, from noon to 8 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, the festival is from noon to midnight. $25 for three days; $10 for Friday or Saturday; $8 for Sunday; free for children under 12. The pavilion is at 401 S. Pavilion Way. (619) 324-3483.

FULLERTON--The city gives 1996 a big send-off Tuesday with its First Night festivities. The downtown area bordered by Harbor Boulevard and Commonwealth, Chapman and Lemon avenues will be closed to automobile traffic from 7 p.m. to midnight. There will be 100 events staged at more than 25 sites. Highlights include blues and rock music acts, silent films, dancing to big band music, and carnival rides. The night ends with fireworks. $12, adults; $8, ages 12 and under. (714) 738-6545.

BAKERSFIELD--Items from silver tea sets to postcards will be available for perusal or purchase at the Antiques and Collectibles Show at the Kern County Fairgrounds, 1142 South P St. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 5. (209) 638-4335.

OJAI--Visitors may bring a “fat quarter”--a piece of fabric--for the Fat Quarter Cloth Swap at the Ojai Valley Quilt Show, Jan. 16, 17 and 18. Other highlights of the event at the Wesleyan Church include vendors selling quilting material, patterns and books, and lectures and classes on quilting. The church is at the corner of Topa Topa and Ventura streets. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $3 per person in advance; $5 at the door. Call (805) 646-1586 for information or, by Jan. 10, to get advance tickets.

CLOVERDALE--The 22nd annual Old-Time Fiddle Contest and Festival will set toes to tapping Jan. 25 at the Citrus Fairgrounds, 1 Citrus Fair Drive. About 55 fiddlers are expected to compete for prizes and trophies. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $6.50, adults; $6, those over 65; $3, children 11 and under. (707) 894-2067.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.