CERCA CALENDAR

When the weather cools down, the action picks up in much of Cerca Country. There should be an experience on this list well worth your time and gasoline.

Friday-Nov. 2, Beatty: Celebrate the history of Beatty with three "Beatty Days" of events including an ICS-sanctioned regional chili cook-off, Dutch oven cook-off, Old West shootouts, parade, wagon races, wheelbarrow races and antique car show. Music and entertainment. (775) 553-2424, www.beattynevada.org.

Saturday, Carson City: Nevada Day Parade. The largest parade in the state celebrates Nevada's birthday. This year's theme is "Hollywood in Nevada -- Movies and Television." The parade begins on Carson Street. (775) 687-7410, www.visitcarsoncity.com.

Saturday, Springdale, Utah: Butch Cassidy 10K run and 5K walk. The 10K route starts in Springdale, the 5K in Rockville, and both end at Grafton, a village used for scenes in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." (435) 772-3434, www.springdaletown.com.

Saturday-Nov. 2, Page, Ariz.: Lake Powell Balloon Regatta. Balloon lift-off every morning at 7 a.m. at the Lake Powell National Golf Course. Street fair with food, arts and crafts and local fundraisers, 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Page's main street, Lake Powell Boulevard, will be shut down for balloon glow after dark. (928) 660-3405, (888) 261-7243, www.cityofpage.org.

Nov. 5-9, Death Valley National Park, Calif.: Death Valley 49ers Encampment. Highlights include seeing the wagon train and desert trail riders entering the valley after days on the trail; cowboy poetry; four-wheel-drive tours; Western art show and competitions for fiddle, mandolin, banjo and guitar. www.deathvalley49ers.org.

Nov. 6, Zion National Park, Utah: Thursday Trek. Join a naturalist for an introduction to the geology, flora, fauna and cultural history of Zion. Reservations necessary. Zion Canyon Field Institute. (800) 635-3959, www.zionpark.org.

Nov. 8-9, Zion National Park, Utah: Zion Geology Workshop. This two-day workshop explores Zion's past. Short hikes will take you to a slot canyon, landslide and rockfall to discuss how water and erosion continues shaping Zion's landscape. Reservations necessary. Zion Canyon Field Institute. (800) 635-3959, www.zionpark.org.

Nov. 9, Parker, Ariz.: Annual Bluewater Resort and Casino Triathlon. Long course triathlon features a 1k swim, 53k bike and 8k run. Short course triathlon features half-k swim, 15k bike and 4k run. Mountainmanevents.com.

Nov. 10-15, Cedar City, Utah: Iron Mission Days. Cedar City's birthday celebration features pioneer-living-skills demonstrations, lectures and guided tours. (435) 586-9290, www.scenicsouthernutah.com.

Nov. 13-16, Springdale, Utah: Red Rock Film Festival. Film competitions, screenings and panel discussions in a spectacular setting. Canyon Community Center and Flanigan's Inn. (888) 602-0009, www.ophilia.com.

Nov. 15, St. George, Utah: Turkey Trot. This fun loop course starts and ends at Vernon Worthen Park. Register at 9 a.m. the morning of the run. All donations go to Dixie Care and Share. (435) 634-5860, www.scenicsouthern utah.com.

Nov. 9, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Veteran's Weekend Star Fest. This evening event will feature indoor programs and numerous telescopes set up for viewing throughout the Lowell Observatory campus. (928) 774-3358, www.lowell.edu.

Nov. 15-Dec. 29, Prescott, Ariz.: World's Largest Gingerbread Village. More than 100 gingerbread structures on display in a winter wonderland that includes electric trains. Prescott Resort. (928) 776-1666 or www.prescottresort.com.

Nov. 20-24, St. George, Utah: Jubilee of Trees. This festival features an auction for one-of-a-kind Christmas trees, talent show, holiday fashion show, teddy bear picnic and a musical concert. A benefit for Children's Healthcare. (435) 251-2485, www.jubileeoftrees.org.

Nov. 26, 28 and 29, Flagstaff, Ariz.: Thanksgiving Star Fest at Lowell Observatory. This event features indoor programs and numerous telescopes set up for viewing throughout the campus. (928) 774-3358, www.lowell.edu.

Nov. 27-Dec. 13, Cedar City, Utah: American Children's Christmas Festival. This event features a storybook cavalcade, Christmas village, Santaland and festival of trees. Cedar City Heritage Center. (435) 865-5107, www.scenic southernutah.com.

Nov. 28, Williams, Ariz.: Mountain Village Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. The holiday season starts with the lighting of the town tree, a parade of lights, Dickens carolers, lighting contests and an outdoor skating rink. (928) 607-0123, www.williamsfestivals.com.

Dec. 3-6, St. George, Utah: Dickens' Christmas Festival. Get a jump on your Christmas shopping at unique shops while being entertained by a cast of Dickens' characters such as Tiny Tim, Scrooge and Queen Victoria. Dixie Center. (877) 856-6366, www. dickenschristmasfestival.com.