California Corner

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

LOS OLIVOS--Spend a day in the country at the Santa Ynez Valley Carriage Classic IV, April 23-25. Drivers and horse-drawn carriages from around the United States and Canada compete in the event, held on the meadow adjacent to Firestone Winery on Foxen Canyon Road.Competition begins at 9 a.m. Friday-Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday. $10 general, $5 seniors and children. Box seats: $250 for box of eight. Patron tickets are $100 and $150, purchased in advance. Sponsored by St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church. U.S. 101 north to California 154 east; go left on Foxen Canyon Road. (805) 688-4454.

MONTEREY--Explore the homes of some of Monterey’s earliest residents on the 46th annual Adobe Tour, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 24. The self-guided tour features 24 adobes and gardens, most of them built in the 19th Century. $15 general, $10 students, free for kids under 12. Complimentary breakfast at 9 a.m. in the Memory Garden of Custom House Plaza on Del Monte Street. For information and ticket sales locations, call (408) 372-2608.

SAN LUIS OBISPO--Sidewalks become canvasses at the second annual I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival, April 24-25. The event, benefiting the Children’s Creative Project, features colorful chalk creations on the sidewalks inside the Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa gardens and on adjacent streets. Festivities, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. both days, include an Italian market and live music. Free. U.S. 101 north to the Marsh Street exit; go straight, then turn left on Chorro Street; the mission is on the left. Parking on Palm Street. (805) 781-2777.

STOCKTON--The Stockton Asparagus Festival VIII, April 24-25, showcases the elegant spears in wide-ranging cuisine, from pasta to shortcake. In addition to cooking demonstrations and foods available on Asparagus Alley, there are wine tastings, arts and crafts, a classic car show and live entertainment. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. both days in Oak Grove Regional Park. $6 general, $3 seniors and kids 12 and under. A three-mile fun run is at 8 a.m. Sunday. Interstate 5 north to the Eight Mile Road exit. (209) 466-6674.

VENTURA--Summer comes a little early at the California Beach Party ‘93, April 24-25 along the beachfront promenade. Festivities, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days, include longboard surfing, beach volleyball and body-building competitions; a classic car show and street cruise; arts exhibits, and entertainment by Dick Dale and the Deltones, among others. $5.50 general, $3.50 seniors, free for kids 12 and under. U.S. 101 north; turn left at the California Street exit. (805) 654-7830.