California Corner

CHESTER--Pack your parka for the 1999 Winterfest, where the Sierra meets the Cascades. Held over three weekends, the festival begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, with the Snowmobile Poker Run ($15 to compete). Dog Sled Races will be held at 8 a.m. Feb. 20-21 at Chester Airport. Also at the airport, Snowmobile Drag Races get underway at 10 a.m. Feb. 27. All events free to spectators. (800) 350-4838.

PALM SPRINGS--In Frances Stevens Park and along Alejo Road and North Palm Canyon Drive, see the works of more than 100 artists at the Village Arts Festival, Saturday-Monday, Feb. 13-15. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. Free. (818) 709-2907.

FRESNO--Celebrate Mardi Gras over four days beginning Saturday, Feb. 13. Events include a concert at the Tower Theater for the Performing Arts, 7 p.m. Saturday ($15), and a parade next Sunday at 2 p.m. along Olive Avenue. Streets in the historic Tower District will be closed off for a Fat Tuesday street party on Feb. 16. Free. (559) 497-8362.

SAN FRANCISCO--A Flower Fair kicks off the Chinese New Year celebration next weekend, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 13, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 14 on Grant and Pacific avenues. Activities continuing weekends through Feb. 28 include the Chinese New Year 10K/5K Run-Walk at 8 a.m. Feb. 21 ($20 for participants), the Golden Dragon parade on Feb. 27, beginning at 5:30 p.m., and a free street fair Feb. 27-28 on Grant. Free. (415) 391-9680.

KIRKWOOD--This Alpine County ski town will honor our past presidents next Saturday, Feb. 13, with the Presidents Day torchlight Parade and Fireworks. A bonfire at the bottom of chairlift No. 5 will kick off the event at sundown, followed by skiers descending the mountain. Then there will be a fireworks display against the mountain backdrop. Free to spectators. Kirkwood Ski Resort, California 88, Kirkwood. (209) 258-6000.

Schenden’s e-mail address is lkschenden@msn.com.