California Corner

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SAN DIEGO--Rowers from all over the United States compete in the 20th annual San Diego Crew Classic, the country’s second largest rowing regatta, April 3-4 at Crown Point Shores on Mission Bay. Competition is 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday,and features approximately 70 races in various divisions. Some 2,400 competitors from more than 80 clubs, universities and colleges will compete. $5 general, free for kids under 12. Interstate 5 south to the Sea World Drive exit; go right to Ingraham Street, follow it to Crown Point Drive and take a right. (619) 488-0700.

CUPERTINO--The Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival, a celebration of springtime blooms and Japanese culture, will take place April 3-4. The eighth annual event, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day, features Japanese dance and music, including two Taiko Dojo drummer groups; demonstrations of such cultural activities as origami (paper folding), ikebana (flower arranging) and bonsai (tree sculpture); Japanese foods, arts, crafts and artifact exhibits. The free festivities are at the Oaks Center on Stevens Creek Boulevard. U.S. 101 north to Interstate 280 north; take the Stevens Creek Boulevard exit and turn left. (408) 378-7861.

LODI--Partake of California’s culinary bounty at the 13th annual Lodi Spring Wine Show and Food Faire, April 3-4. Featured are 40 California wineries and 12 San Joaquin Valley restaurants. Cooking and wine-tasting seminars, floral and art displays and classical music performances are scheduled 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday and 2-5 p.m. Sunday at the Lodi Grape Festival Pavilion on Lockeford Street. $20 per person, $35 per couple (per day). I-5 north to the Lodi exit; head east on California 12 toward California 99; the pavilion is on the left-hand side. (209) 369-2771.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO--As part of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas, celebrating the annual return of the swallows, the 16th annual “Follow the Swallow” run is scheduled April 3. There are actually three events, all starting at Cook Park, Calle Arroyo and La Novia Avenue: a 10-kilometer run (beginning at 7:30 a.m.), a 1-mile kids’ fun run (8:30 a.m.) and a 5-kilometer run/stride (9 a.m.) Registration is $17 by Wednesday, $20 after; the kids’ run is free. A pre-race “Carbo-Load” dinner party is 5-8 p.m. April 2 at Sarducci’s Cafe, 31751 Camino Capistrano; $10 general, $5 kids under 12 (reservations recommended). (714) 493-5911.

BAKERSFIELD--A barbecue and a California Indian exhibit are highlights at the 10th anniversary celebration of the California Living Museum, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 3-4. Also scheduled are nature games, wildflower walks and family activities. $3.50 general, $2.50 seniors, $2 kids 4-17, free for kids 3 and under. Interstate 5 north to California 99; exit at California 178 east and turn left on Alfred Harrell Highway. The museum is located at 14000 Alfred Harrell Highway. (805) 872-2256.Q