CALENDAR

Travelers in Cerca Country needn't hole up for winter. Instead, they bundle up, or explore its southern reaches. Pick your next adventure from this list.

Through Feb. 28, Overton: "Westward with Millward." This event showcases the works of artist Golden Millward. The exhibit primarily features his oil paintings of the West. Lost City Museum. (702) 397-2193. www.nevadaculture.org.

Through June 1, Flagstaff, Ariz.: "Gunnar Widforss: Painter of the National Parks." This exhibit features 50 watercolors and drawings by Swedish-born Widforss. Starting in 1921, he spent 13 years focusing his art on national parks including Yosemite and the Grand Canyon. Museum of Northern Arizona, (928) 774-5213, www.musnaz.org.

Through Aug. 29, Flagstaff, Ariz.: "Ancient Landscapes of the Colorado Plateau." Geologists Ron Blakey and Wayne Ranney reveal the geologic journey of the Colorado Plateau in this exhibit. Museum of Northern Arizona, (928) 774-5213, www.musnaz.org.

Tuesday-Saturday, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.: Winterfest, a weekend of family fun featuring the Havasu Idol Contest, stunt gunfights, and musical acts. Children's activities include a petting zoo, bouncing games, and slides. (928) 855-4115, www.golakehavasu.com.

Saturday, Death Valley National Park, Calif.: Death Valley Trail Marathon and 30K. The brutal marathon course runs from Beatty through Titus Canyon to finish in Death Valley, climbing 2,300 feet in the first 12 miles and descending 5,000 feet over the last 14 miles. The 30K is the last part of the marathon. (415) 868-1829, www.envirosports.com.

Saturday, Zion National Park, Utah: Native Plant Seed Propagation. This workshop focuses on native plant landscaping from hoe to planting seeds and caring for your new plants in the pot and in the ground. Reservations needed. Zion Canyon Field Institute. (800) 635-3959. www.zionpark.org.

Feb. 10-14, Clarkdale, Ariz.: Chocolate Lovers Festival on the Verde Canyon Railroad combines chocolate, romance, and great scenery. (800) 293-7245, www.verdecanyonrr.com.

Feb. 11-14, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.: Winterblast. During this annual meeting of the Western Pyrotechnics Association, visitors watch random launching and detonation as "pyros" test and show off their newest fireworks. Saturday night features an organized fireworks spectacular. SARA Park. (928) 855-4115. www.westernpyro.org.

Feb. 12-14, Wickenburg, Ariz.: Gold Rush Days. Head "Out Wickenburg Way" to celebrate the town's gold mining origins. Parade draws some 100 entries including classic auto floats and marching bands. Gold panning, rodeo, carnival and more. (800) 942-5242. www. wickenburgchamber.com.

Feb. 13-14, Bryce Canyon, Utah: Winter Festival. Annual event features cross country ski races, archery clinic and an archery biathlon. Snowshoe tours, photography clinics, snow sculpture, children's fun races, entertainment and more. Ruby's Inn, (866) 866-6616, www.rubysinn.com.

Feb. 14, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Winterfest Star Fest at Lowell Observatory. Indoor programs and telescopes set up for viewing throughout the campus. (928) 233-3211, www.lowell.edu.

Feb. 15, Flagstaff, Ariz.: School's Out & Kids are Free. Daytime event at Lowell Observatory will offer science demonstrations, space theater shows, telescope viewing, scavenger hunt, tours, presentations and movies. (928) 233-3211, www.lowell.edu.

Feb. 21-27, Laughlin: International UFO Congress, Convention and Film Festival. Guest speakers, workshops, film screenings and exhibitors. Aquarius Resort. (602) 889-3083. www.visitlaughlin.com.

Feb. 27, St. George, Utah: Zion Country Century, a bike ride from St. George to entrance of Zion National Park. Bicyclists may take part as quarter century, half century, metric century or century riders. A benefit for the Spina Bifida Association. (801) 677-0134. www.bike2bike.org.

March 5-14, North Lake Tahoe, Calif.: 29th Annual Snowfest. North Lake Tahoe celebrates winter with on- and off-mountain events including parades, live music, contests, comedy shows, ski races and polar bear swim. (530) 583-7167.

March 7, Tahoe City, Calif.: The Great Ski Race. About 1,000 Nordic racers compete on a 30K course from Lake Tahoe to Truckee. Fundraiser for the Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team. www.thegreatskirace.com.

Calendar items may be sent to Deborah Wall at deborabus@aol.com.