Desert Art Center
Members of the Desert Art Center and Co-op Gallery welcomed guests at a show opening during First Friday on North Palm Canyon in Palm Springs March 7. The artwork in the gallery is created by local artists.

Mardi Gras
Residents of Rancho Casa Blanca in Indio celebrated Fat Tuesday with a parade, dinner and activities March 4.

Ms. Senior Pageant
Twelve women competed in the Ms. Senior America of California Preliminary Pageant at Sun City Palm Desert March 8. Contestants, all 60 years or older, are judged on formal wear, philosophy of life and talent presentations.

DSUSD 2003 Science Fair
Desert Sands Unified School District officials passed out awards to winners of the 2003 Science Fair at the Riverside County Fairgrounds March 6.

Spa Helios
The Spa Helios staff celebrated the day spa's grand opening at The River in Rancho Mirage with special events, such as book signings and free chair massages, March 8-9.

Teddy Bear Picnic
Families enjoyed a picnic on the lawn with their teddy bears at the Palm Springs Library's 15th Teddy Bear Picnic March 7.

United Way dinner
Business and civic leaders became waiters for an evening at the United Way of the Desert's 13th annual VIP Waiters Dinner at the Marriott's Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa March 3. Guests attended the dinner in costumes related to themes chosen by the waiter that invited them.

Year of the Book
High school students from The Valley's Promise, a program of the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley, distributed books at the La Quinta Boys and Girls Club March 8. The students collected books throughout the school year as part of the group's program, "Choices: The Year of the Book," and offered them free of charge to non-profit organizations and schools.