California Corner

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SAN FRANCISCO--Hand-dyed silks, wooden rocking chairs and ceramic bowls woven with pine needles are among the handmade items at the American Craft Council’s Pacific States Craft Fair. It’s scheduled Fri.-next Sun. at Fort Mason Center’s Herbst and Festival Pavilions, Buchanan Street and Marina Boulevard in the Marina district. Works by 325 artisans are showcased at the West Coast’s largest juried craft fair. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri.; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. $6, general; free for kids under 12. (415) 896-5060.

GROVER CITY--Run, ride and romp at the Grover City Beach Party, Aug. 15 at the end of Grand Avenue. The Tour de Nipomo bike ride (30 or 40 miles) starts at 8 a.m., with registration at 7 a.m. ($18 before Saturday, $20 after.) The Dune Run-Run (10K run; 5K walk or run) starts at 9 a.m., with registration at 8 a.m. ($15). From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., scramble golf, live entertainment, a sand-sculpting contest, volleyball tournament, health and fitness expo, tennis tournament, carnival and antique car show are also featured. Free. (805) 473-4580; (805) 489-9091 for information on the run.

ORICK--Bright yellow mollusks slime their way to victory at the 24th annual Banana Slug Derby, Aug. 15 in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, off U.S. 101 six miles north of Orick. The all-day event starts at noon with a parade and the crowning of the Banana Slug Queen. Everyone invited; bring picnics. Free. (707) 488-2171.

HAYWARD--The 10th annual Hayward Zucchini Festival is held 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 15-16 in Kennedy Park, 19501 Hesperian Blvd. Zucchini delicacies, cooking demonstrations and contests, zucchini-growing and carving contests, and arts and crafts are featured. Entertainment includes a concert by Elvin Bishop at 1 p.m. Sun. $4, general; $2, seniors 55 and over and kids 5-12; free for kids under 5. (510) 581-4364.

SAN DIEGO--Whiz through some of San Diego’s most scenic areas in the 15th annual America’s Finest City Half Marathon on Aug. 16. The race starts at 7 a.m. at Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma. Registration: $25 through Friday; $30 on Aug. 14-15 at the Health and Fitness Expo at the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley, 8757 Rio San Diego Drive. The America’s Finest City Balboa Park Stride, a 3.5-mile walk, starts at 7 a.m. Aug. 16 at the Plaza de Panama. ($15 through Friday; $20, Aug. 8-16.) Proceeds benefit the American Lung Assn. (619) 297-3901.

SACRAMENTO--Some 1,500 paddlers from Pacific Rim countries are expected to participate in the Fifth International Polynesian Canoe Federation World Sprint Championship, Aug. 16-22 on Lake Natoma at U.S. 50 and Hazel Avenue. Outrigger races start at 8 a.m. Aug. 16-21, 9 a.m. Aug. 22. Twelve-, six- and single-person events are scheduled at this gathering, last held in 1990 at Auckland, New Zealand. Also featured are Polynesian cultural events. $5. (916) 988-2419.