California Corner

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SAN JOSE--Age is not relevant at the San Jose Doll Show and Sale. Saturday’s show has something for everyone, from wee folks on up. Antique and collectible dolls and toys, teddy bears, books, miniatures and doll-making supplies are among the thousands of treasures at the show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road. $4, general; $2, children 12 and under. U.S. 101 north to the Tully Road exit, then west for two miles; the fairgrounds are on the left-hand side of the road. (415) 459-1998.

SAN FRANCISCO--If your second home is the great outdoors, check out the 51st annual San Francisco Sports and Boat Show, Jan. 15-24 at the Cow Palace, Geneva and Santos boulevards. Among the featured items and events are boats, fishing tackle, hunting equipment, campers, tents and a kids’ trout-fishing pond. Showtimes are 1-10:30 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays. $6, general; $3, kids. Senior admission is half-price on weekdays. U.S. 101 north to the Cow Palace exit. (415) 931-2500 or (415) 563-5100 (recorded message).

SAN DIEGO--”Living the Dream: Let Freedom Ring” is the theme of the 13th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade, 11 a.m. Jan. 16. The procession starts at Eighth Avenue and Broadway, and moves west on Broadway to State Street. Several local marching bands and orchestras are competing in the parade; floats and celebrity participants are also scheduled. Following the parade, an awards ceremony is held in the park at State and G streets. Vendors and booths representing nonprofit organizations will be in the park. (619) 264-0542.

SANTA ANA--In winding up its exhibit, “Tribute to the Gods: Treasures of the Museo del Oro,” the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art is offering an afternoon worth its weight in gold. Pre-Columbian gold is the focus of the Jan. 23 event, featuring demonstrations of goldworking techniques; films from the Museo del Oro in Bogota, Colombia, and a mask-making workshop for kids. Activities 1-4 p.m. at the museum, 2002 N. Main St. $7.50, general; $4, children 12 and under. Interstate 5 south to the Main Street or 17th Street exit, and follow signs. The museum is at Main and 20th streets. (714) 567-3600.

NAPA VALLEY--The 13th annual Napa Valley Wine Auction isn’t until June 10-13, but tickets go on sale this month to the event, which often sells out. Ticket packages range from $175 per person for the vintner dinner, at 6 p.m. June 11, to $950 per couple for four full days of food and wine activities. Tastings, dinners, the auction and other events are held at St. Helena’s Meadowood Resort Hotel and nearby wineries and vintners’ homes. To request an invitation, contact auction director Ellen Russell, Napa Valley Wine Auction, P.O. Box 141, St. Helena 94574, (707) 963-5246.