California Corner

YUCCA VALLEY--The Starry Nights Festival, Oct. 15-16, includes a 5K run, astronomy lectures, stargazing and a children’s art show. Pancake breakfast ($3.50) 7-10 a.m. Saturday. Community Center, 57090 Twentynine Palms Highway. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. both days. $10; $15 per family. (760) 369-7211.

RIDGECREST--The Balloon Festival Oct. 15-17 offers an air show, balloon races, a dinner dance on Saturday ($12.50; 8:30 p.m.) and a USO Club Dance on Sunday ($12.50; 7:30 p.m.). Inyokern Airport, California Highway 178. 2-10 p.m. Friday, 7:45 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Sunday. $8 Friday; $10 Saturday or Sunday; $5 ages 5-12 Friday or Sunday, $8 Saturday. (760) 371-4301.

GOLETA--The Lemon Festival Oct. 16-17 features lemon pie-eating contests, entertainment and children’s activities at Stow House, 304 N. Los Carneros Way. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (805) 967-4618.

SPRINGVILLE--Volunteers will make more than 300 apple pies for the Apple Festival Oct. 16-17. There will also be apple butter, jellies and cakes; a 5K and 10K run and two-mile walk at 8 a.m. Saturday; orchard tours and children’s rides both days. Springville Park, California 190. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (559) 539-1716.

HALF MOON BAY--The Art and Pumpkin Festival Oct. 16-17 includes pumpkin-carving and pie-eating contests, a parade (noon Saturday) and entertainment. Main Street. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (650) 726-9652.

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