California Corner

MARTINEZ--Celebrate a great explorer at the Columbus Day Carnival and Parade Thursday through next Sunday, Oct. 7-10. The parade will begin on Main Street at 11 a.m. Saturday. Food booths and games will be set up around Waterfront Park. 4-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free. (925) 228-2345.

RIO VISTA--The 52nd annual Bass Derby and Festival includes an antique car show, fishing contest ($20 fee) and vendor booths next Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 9-10. See fireworks on Saturday and a parade down Main Street at noon Sunday. On the Sacramento River. Noon-10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-dusk Sunday. Free. (707) 374-2700.

LA QUINTA--Discover Bavaria in the Coachella Valley at the third annual Oktoberfest Friday through next Sunday, Oct. 8-10. There will be German food, beer and bands each day. Frances Hack Park, 77-865 Avenida Montezuma. 6-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. $3; free for ages 12 and under. (760) 347-3484.

SAN DIEGO--The Little Italy district will celebrate its ancestors with the fifth annual Columbus Day Festa next Sunday, Oct. 10. Music, food and crafts and commercial booths will fill India and Date streets. 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Free. (858) 493-4433.

COFFEE CREEK--Hayrides, apple bobbing and pumpkin carving will be part of the Autumn Faire next Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 9-10. Free Autumn Dance, 8:30 p.m.-midnight Saturday. Coffee Creek Ranch, 4940 Coffee Creek Road. 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday; 10 a.m.-dusk Sunday. Free. (800) 624-4480.

E-mail Schenden at lschenden@msn.com.

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