California Corner: Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

Lake Arrowhead--Celebrate Christmas on the Queen, a holiday party aboard a paddle-wheeler, departing nightly Dec. 26-31. The hourlong cruise includes carolers, hot chocolate and light refreshments. Leroy’s Sports, Lake Arrowhead Village. 6-7 p.m. The $10 fee goes to charities such as Toys for Tots. Reservations suggested. (909) 336-6992.

Fresno--The Hmong National New Year Celebration Dec. 26-Jan. 1 features Asian food, crafts, sports and entertainment, including performers in traditional dress. Fresno Fairgrounds, 1121 S. Chance Ave. 8 a.m.-

4 p.m. each day. $3; 6 and younger free. (559) 252-8782,

www.hmong-internationalnewyear.org.

San Diego--The Culligan Holiday Bowl Parade will depart at 10 a.m. Dec. 28 from the waterfront and make its way down Harbor Drive to Seaport Village. 10-11:30 a.m. (Game time is 5:30 p.m.) Parade is free, although bleacher seats cost $10. (619) 283-5808, www.holiday bowl.com.

Monterey--Families can ring in the New Year together at the alcohol-free First Night Monterey Dec. 31. A day of art, music, dance, poetry and a children’s parade takes place throughout downtown.

2 p.m.-midnight. Admission buttons cost $12 ($15 the day of the event) and include admission to all venues; 5 and younger free. (831) 373-4778, www.firstnightmonterey.org.

Palm Desert--More than 300 vendors take part in the College of the Desert Street Fair every Saturday and Sunday. Entertainment, arts and crafts and a food court will fill the campus parking lot and lawn areas. 43500 Monterey Ave. 7 a.m.-2 p.m. both days. Free. (760) 568-9921, www.codstreetfair.com.

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Laurie K. Schenden;Schenden’s e-mail address is

Lkschenden@msn.com.