Advertisement

California Corner : Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

Share

LOS OLIVOS--This Santa Ynez Valley community hosts the sixth annual California Vaqueros Revisited, Fri.-next Sun. Events include a Fri. night sing-a-long and cowboy poetry reading at 7:30 p.m. on the lawn at Mattei’s Tavern, Railway Avenue off Highway 154. At 10 a.m. Sat. in the downtown park, artists compete in the Quick Draw, creating original works in 45 minutes to then be auctioned. A barbecue follows at noon. Also featured: receptions, artist demonstrations and Western art shows in the 12 local galleries, and a cowboy church service Sun. morning. (805) 688-2445.

SACRAMENTO--The wide diversity of our state’s culture and economy is celebrated at the California State Fair, Aug. 21-Sept. 7 at CalExpo. Highlights at the 139th annual fair include the International Pavilion, a demonstration farm, live entertainment, Kids’ Park, rides, contests, horse racing and more. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. $6, general; $5, seniors 62 and over (weekdays only); $4, kids 5-12; free for children 4 and under. Take the Business 80 freeway to Exposition Boulevard. (916) 924-2158.

KINGSBURG--Not all crayfish celebrations are New Orleans-style. The largely Swedish community in this San Joaquin Valley city hosts a Scandinavian-style event with the sixth annual Crayfish Festival, from noon-9 p.m. Aug. 22 in Coffee Pot Park at Marion and Lewis streets. Eating the kraftor , or crayfish, is a summer ritual in Sweden. California revelers celebrate with crayfish delicacies such as crayfish chowder; arts, crafts and antique booths; crayfish races; costumed Swedish entertainment, and kids’ activities. Free. (209) 897-2925.

Advertisement

OAKLAND--Asian cultural traditions are showcased at the Oakland Chinatown Streetfest ‘92, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 22-23 around Seventh, Eighth and Ninth streets and Franklin and Webster streets in downtown’s Chinatown district. Featured are arts and crafts; traditional and popular music; dancing; food demonstrations, and more. Free. (510) 893-8979.

PEBBLE BEACH--Prestigious automobiles from around the country are displayed at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance at 10 a.m. Aug. 23 at The Lodge at Pebble Beach on the 17-Mile Drive. Best of show named at 5 p.m. $30; proceeds benefit the United Way of the Monterey Peninsula, and the Pebble Beach Foundation. (408) 659-0663.

Advertisement