California Corner
Festivals, Feasts & Fairs
LAGUNA BEACH--The spirit of the Emerald Isle comes alive at the Orange County Irish Faire, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and next Sunday at the Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. Put on your green for the fourth annual celebration, featuring bagpipers and Irish music, step-dancers, games, rides, arts and crafts, traditional foods and leprechaun contests. $5 general; free for children under 12. Proceeds benefit Straight Ahead Inc., a drug-abuse rehabilitation program. Interstate 5 south to California 133. (714) 493-9643.
SAN DIEGO--Exotic blooms take the spotlight in “Jewels of Nature,” the 47th annual Orchid Show and Plant Sale, March 12-14 in the Scottish Rite Memorial Center, 1895 Camino Del Rio S. The San Diego County Orchid Society’s show features competitions, classes and displays from 6 to 10 p.m. March 12; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 13, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. March 14. $3 in advance; $4 at the door; free for children under 12. A portion of the proceeds benefits the preservation of Central American rain forests. (619) 295-2951.
SOLVANG--A sampling of temptations from local restaurants, bakeries, wineries and shops is featured at the Taste of Solvang, March 12-14. Activities kick off with a golf tournament, 11 a.m. March 12 at the Alisal Guest Ranch. From 8 to 10 that night, the Dessert Showcase and Competition is held at the Solvang Royal Scandinavian Inn. Locations throughout Solvang host a “walking smorgasbord” 11 a.m.-4 p.m. March 13, as craft demonstrations, music, dancers and storytellers are featured around town. The “World’s Largest Danish” event in Solvang Park at 10 a.m. March 14 features an enormous Danish pastry. Weekend pass $35 ($15 for kids under 12); golf tournament $50 additional; $15 for “walking smorgasbord” only. Tickets available at visitors’ booths: 1511-A Mission Drive and 1639 Copenhagen Drive. U.S. 101 north to California 246 east. (805) 688-6144.
MONTEREY--More than 200 California wineries are represented at the Monterey Wine Festival, March 14-16. A sparkling wine reception is at 7:30 p.m. March 14 at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row ($125). Seminars, luncheons and a white wine tasting are on March 15; more seminars, a vintners’ luncheon and a red wine tasting are held March 16. Activities are in the Monterey Conference Center and nearby locations. $375 covers all events--tastings, seminars and luncheons. Tastings only: $75 each. (800) 525-FEST.
SAN FRANCISCO--Jewelry, stained glass, toys, furniture and wood vessels are among the hand-crafted creations for sale at the Contemporary Crafts Market, a juried show March 19-21. More than 350 artisans from around the country bring their wares to the event, held 4-9 p.m. March 19 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. March 20-21 in the Ft. Mason Center, Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street. $5 general; free for kids under 12. (415) 863-3906.