California Corner

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SANGER--Springtime’s explosion of color along the Fresno County Blossom Trail is celebrated Feb. 27 during Blossom Days festivities. Featured 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Jensen and Hoag avenues are arts and crafts, food, entertainment and a quilt show. Free. From California 99, take the Jensen Avenue exit and follow it due east into Sanger. The 67-mile trail is lined with the colorful blooms of almond, plum, apple and other trees. Two places to get maps for a self-guided driving tour are the Fresno Convention and Visitors Bureau, 808 M St., Fresno 93721 (weekdays only), or Simonian Farms at Jensen and Clovis avenues, about five miles east of 99 near Sanger. (209) 875-4575 or (209) 233-0836.

SOLVANG--Appalachian, Haitian and Navajo tales are among those spun at the second annual Flying Leap Storytelling Festival, Feb. 27 at the Solvang Royal Scandinavian Inn, 400 Alisal Road. The event features five programs: a morning program, 9:30 a.m.-noon ($6 general, $4 children); a swapping ground at Solvang Park, noon-1:30 p.m. (free); an afternoon program, 1:30-3:30 p.m. ($6, $4); cowboy poetry and square dancing, 3:45-5 p.m. ($6, $4), and a storytelling showcase, 7:30-10 p.m. ($10, $5). A festival pass for all events is $20 general, $10 children. Advance ticket purchase recommended. A barbecue dinner is $7. Proceeds benefit the Los Olivos Arts Outreach. (805) 688-9533.

MONTEREY--John Steinbeck, who would have been 91 this month, is honored with a birthday party at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Monterey Bay Aquarium auditorium, 886 Cannery Row. Featured at the free gala are lectures, theatrical excerpts and readings from the late author’s works and songs of old Cannery Row. Following this presentation, the party moves to the American Tin Cannery for refreshments and entertainment. U.S. 101 north to the Monterey Peninsula exit in Salinas; follow California 68 to California 218 (Canyon del Rey) in Monterey; turn left on Del Monte Avenue and follow signs to Cannery Row. (408) 372-8512.

SANTA CRUZ--Boston and Manhattan are a long way away, but the white and red chowders hailing from these cities are showcased at the 11th annual Clam Chowder Cook-off, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St. Up to 100 entrants, clad in a wacky array of costumes, prepare their versions of the soups and serve them from booths specially decorated for the occasion. Tasting kits and ballots: $5. The Great Chowder Chase, a 4 1/2-mile race, starts at 8:45 a.m. Feb. 28 from the Boardwalk ($15). (408) 423-5590.

INDIO--Cheer on a jousting tournament, sip an ale and marvel at magicians at the Crossroads Renaissance Festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 6-7 at the Desert Expo Center, 46-350 Arabia St. Also featured: jugglers, musicians, arts and crafts and Renaissance-period foods. $6 general, $3 children 6-12, free for kids under 6. Tickets at the door, or order in advance by sending check or money order and a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Crossroads Productions, P.O. Box 95, Riverside 92502- 0095. Interstate 10 east; turn right at the Monroe Street exit; turn left on Dr. Carreon Boulevard, and go straight to parking areas. (909) 943-7333.