CERCA CALENDAR

Thursday, Brian Head, Utah: Fireworks and Torchlight Parade. New Years Eve fun for the entire family as skiers carrying torches glide down the slopes. Firework display and party. Brian Head Resort., (435) 677-2035. www. scenicsouthernutah.com.

Thursday, St. George, Utah: First Night 2010. Swing into the New Year with the performing arts. Local bands and food booths located indoors and out in Downtown Square and Main Street. (435) 627-4560, www.sgcity.org.

Thursday, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.: New Year's Eve Street Party on Main Street, 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Live bands, beer and wine gardens, fireworks, midnight ball-drop. Cover charge $15 and guests must be 21 or older. (928) 208-1251, www.lhcmainstreet.com.

Friday, Overton: Lost City Museum exhibits gourdwork incised and burned by Jo Tame in petroglyph patterns of this region, plus watercolor scenes by Betty Halverson. (775) 687-8323, www.NevadaCulture.org.

Jan. 5-18, Palm Springs, Calif.: Palm Springs International Film Festival. In its 21st year, this is one of the largest film festivals in the country with more than 175 films from 65 countries. Seminars, events and gala receptions. Various venues. (800) 898-7256, www.psfilmfest.org.

Jan. 8-14, Laughlin: Winter Break. This seven-day festival targets the 50-plus age group. Bringing new wrinkles to the spring break parties of their college years, participants enjoy dancing, fitness, arts and crafts, educational seminars and live entertainment along the banks of the Colorado River. (888) 278-9844, www.laughlinchamber.com.

Jan. 15-17, Laughlin: Laughlin Desert Challenge. More than 200 of the world's top off-road drivers compete. An estimated 30,000 fans are expected for annual event, the first race in the SCORE Series throughout the Southwest, which ends with the BAJA 1000. (818) 225-8402, www.score-international.com.

Jan. 16-17, Ely: White Pine Fire and Ice Show. Snow and ice sculptures are created by locals and visitors at Cave Lake State Park. Fireworks both evenings. Cash prizes. (775) 289-8877, www.parks.nv.gov.

Jan. 17, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Martin Luther King Star Fest at Lowell Observatory. Indoor programs plus numerous telescopes set up for viewing throughout the campus. (928) 233-3210, www.lowell.edu.

Jan. 18, Flagstaff, Ariz.: School's Out & Kids are free. Lowell Observatory will be open for kids' activities throughout the day. Activities include science demonstrations; telescope viewing of the sun; Space Theatre programs; tours, including stops at the Pluto Telescope dome. (928) 233-3210, www.lowell.edu

Jan. 20-24, Quartzsite, Ariz.: Pow Wow Gem and Mineral Show. More than 400 dealers sell jewelry and other work in turquoise and other semiprecious stones. Event includes the largest operating display of lapidary equipment in the country. Pow Wow Building. (928) 927-6325, www.qiaaz.org.

Jan.22-24, Yuma, Ariz.: Lettuce Days in the "Winter Lettuce Capital of the World," where you can see farm equipment and agricultural displays, a lettuce-box car derby and enjoy arts and crafts, food and entertainment. (928) 782-5712, www.yumalettucedays.com.

Jan. 23, St. George, Utah: Painter's Half Marathon & 5K Run. Both races start at Confluence Trailhead by the Dixie Convention Center. (435) 627-4560. sgcityrec.org.

Jan. 23-30, Elko: National Cowboy Gathering. A week-long celebration of Western life featuring traditional and contemporary arts. Poetry, music, film, photography, exhibits, workshops and film screenings. Western Folklife Center, (775) 738-7508, www.westernfolklife.org.

Jan. 28-31, St. George, Utah: Winter Bird Festival. Take part in field trips, workshops, live displays and presentations while enjoying Southwest Utah's hot spots. Red Cliffs Chapter of the National Audubon Society. Tonaquint Park and Nature Center. (435) 879-2270, www.utahstgeorge.com.