FESTIVALS & EVENTS : Family Outings in Fullerton, Irvine Provide Alternatives to German Fetes

If polka and bratwurst aren’t your idea of celebrating the arrival of autumn, two city festivals this weekend offer family activities and exhibits without the distinctly German flavor of Oktoberfest events.

On Saturday and Sunday, Friends of the Fullerton Arboretum will hold its sixth annual Arborfest, which is expected to attract more than 2,500 visitors. Arborfest is held to generate public awareness of the arboretum, which exhibits about 3,000 types of trees and shrubs, and the educational programs it provides for the community.

The fair combines fun and educational activities such as the “Science Adventures Treasure Hunt,” where children use a map to visit stations that feature information on insects, marine biology, rocks and other topics. Youngsters and their parents can also hitch a hayride, take a tour of a pumpkin patch and see farm animals. Vendors will sell food, plants, crafts, herbs and pots.

A scarecrow contest, open to the public, will be held Saturday. Contestants are asked to bring in their scarecrows any time during business hours Friday or by 10 a.m. Saturday; there is hay available at the arboretum for the contest.

At Heritage House, built in 1894 by Fullerton’s first doctor and on the grounds of the 26-acre arboretum, artisans will be hand-making lace and spinning silk from silkworm cocoons. There will also be hot apple cider available made from an antique apple press, and children can churn butter the old-fashioned way and sample their product.

Then there is the Irvine Harvest Festival, running Friday through Sunday. The carnival-style festival, now in its 16th year, attracts more than 40,000 visitors during the three days.

In addition to the carnival rides, youngsters can go to the petting zoo, take pony rides and decorate pumpkins. A scarecrow contest also will be held Saturday.

There will be 230 booths selling crafts, food and offering information on local clubs, health resources and community businesses. Two stages will present entertainment, including polka and rock ‘n’ roll, demonstrations by clog dancers and tai chi experts.

What: Arborfest.

When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5 and 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Fullerton Arboretum, Cal State University, Fullerton.

Whereabouts: Orange (57) Freeway to Yorba Linda Boulevard exit. Head west to Associated Road and turn right, into the campus.

Wherewithal: $3 for adults who are not members of the arboretum; free for adult members and all children.

Where to Call: (714) 773-5379.

What: Irvine Harvest Festival.

When: Friday, Oct. 4, 6 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: At the corner of Harvard Avenue and San Juan, between Barranca and Alton parkways.

Whereabouts: San Diego (405) Freeway to Harvard Avenue exit, to San Juan.

Wherewithal: $2 for ages 6 and up.

Where to Call: (714) 552-7336.