California Corner / Festivals, feasts & fairs

Fresno -- Things Japanese will be celebrated at the Shinzen Garden Cultural Faire Nov. 2. Festivities will include art and photo exhibits, taiko drummers and Japanese dance. Woodward Park. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $2; $1 for ages 7-17. (559) 226-8034, www.fresnocvb.org.

Monterey -- Artists will show their arts and crafts at the Monterey Bay Holiday Gift Fair Nov. 2-3 and Nov. 30-Dec. 1. Custom House Plaza, Fisherman’s Wharf. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (831) 622-0700, www.gomonterey.com.

Brawley -- Git yer little dogies along to the Cattle Call Nov. 2-10. The Chili Cook Off at 10 a.m. Nov. 2 ($1 per taste) is followed by Fiesta Cultura Nov. 3 at Cattle Call Arena Park. Food and entertainment follow nightly, culminating with a rodeo, parade (9:45 a.m. Nov. 9) and entertainment Nov. 8-10. Throughout town. Rodeo 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 9, 1 p.m. Nov. 10; $5-$10. (760) 344-3160, www.brawleyca.net.

Carlsbad -- You’ll find arts and crafts booths, antiques and an international food center at the Carlsbad Fall Village Street Faire Nov. 3. Carlsbad Village Drive. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (760) 931-8400, www.carlsbad.org.

Mendocino -- Have fun with fungi at the 2002 Wine & Mushroom Fest Nov. 6-17. Daily guided mushroom walks, cooking demonstrations and more. Fort Bragg and Mendocino Coast. Exhibits free; activities vary. (866) 466-3636, www.gomendo.com.

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Schenden’s e-mail address is lkschenden@hotmail.com.