California Corner

BIG BEAR LAKE--German music, food and beer highlight this area’s Oktoberfest, continuing today and Oct. 28-29. Log-sawing, alphorn-blowing and stein-holding contests will be held Oct. 28, starting at 6 p.m. Convention Center, 49200 Big Bear Blvd. Noon-5:30 p.m. today and Oct. 29, noon-midnight Oct. 28. $4 today and Oct. 29; free for 12 and under. $7 Oct. 28; $3 ages 3-12. (909) 585-3000.

BORREGO SPRINGS--The Borrego Days Desert Festival, Oct. 27-29, will include a parade (11 a.m. Oct. 28), arts and crafts, entertainment, children’s rides and games and a horseshoe tournament (10 a.m. Oct. 29). Christmas Circle, Main Street. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 27-28; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 29. Free. (800) 559-5524.

UKIAH--Music, children’s rides, arts and crafts, and scarecrows will fill School Street during the Country Pumpkin Festival, Oct. 28-29. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 28; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 29. Free. (707) 462-4705.

SOLVANG--Folk dancers, entertainment, food and games will be found throughout this Danish-themed town during Oktoberfest Oct. 28-29; 2nd Street at Copenhagen Drive will be closed for dancing. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. Free. (805) 688-6144.

SAN DIEGO--Music will resonate over the grounds of St. John Garabed Armenian Church during the Armenian Festival, Nov. 4-5. There will be Armenian food, dancing, artifacts and children’s games. 4473 30th St. Noon-10 p.m. Nov. 4, noon-5 p.m. Nov. 5. $2. (619) 284-7179.

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