AROUND THE REGION.

ANTELOPE VALLEY

Bike ride benefit begins 8 a.m. Sunday

ACTON -- Bike shop Bicycle John's will host a holiday toy ride at 8 a.m. Sunday to help the Palmdale sheriff's station with its gift basket drive to benefit local military families.

The ride will consist of two courses, ranging from 47 to 59 miles. Registration is either an unwrapped toy valued at $15 or a $15 donation, checks payable to the Palmdale Sheriff's Boosters Inc.

The ride starts and ends at the store, 33330 Santiago Road. A barbecue lunch will be provided afterward.

More information can be found at www.bicyclejohns.com.

SANTA CLARITA

Holiday Family Fair set for Valencia park

VALENCIA -- The Tesoro Holiday Family Fair runs from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at Tesoro Del Valle Community Park, 29350 Avenida Rancho Tesoro, and Tesoro Adobe Historic Park, 23721 Stoney Creek Road.

There'll be food, karaoke, fine arts and handmade crafts, radio-controlled boat demonstrations, a snow slide, a gospel choir and country, rock and western dancing, and tours of the adobe.

VENTURA COUNTY

Parade of Lights sails through on Saturday

OXNARD -- The 42nd annual Parade of Lights -- decorated boats sailing around Channel Islands Harbor to the sounds of holiday music -- begins at 7 p.m. Saturday in front of Peninsula Park and loops twice around the harbor, at Victoria Avenue and Channel Islands Boulevard.

The parade can be viewed from parks and walkways that line the route as well as from several harborside restaurants. Bright lights and holiday decorations can also be seen from the water aboard the harbor's water taxi.

Preparade activities -- including music, snow for the kids, carriage rides, arts and crafts -- begin at Fisherman's Wharf at noon.

-- Staff and Wire Services