California Corner : Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SAN FRANCISCO--Start training now for the Examiner Bay to Breakers Race. The wacky, scenic and hugely popular 7.5-mile race from downtown to Ocean Beach is May 15, but registration is Tuesday through April 15. $14 fee includes T-shirt, pre-race health expo and post-race festival. (415) 777-7770. SAN CLEMENTE--Handmade treasures, fresh produce and entertainment are featured at the Village Arts and Crafts Fair, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. next Sunday along Avenida Del Mar. (The Farmers’ Market is 10 a.m.-2 p.m.) Free. (714) 361-0735.

LA QUINTA--A juried show with about 200 artists is the centerpiece of the La Quinta Arts Festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 17-20 in La Quinta Community Park, Eisenhower Drive and Montezuma. $5, general; free for kids under 12. (619) 564-1244.

SAN DIEGO--A floral extravaganza awaits at “Kaleidoscope of Orchids,” March 18-20 at the Scottish Rite Memorial Center, 1895 Camino del Rio South. The 48th annual Orchid Show and Plant Sale, with competitions, classes and displays, is 6-10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. $3 in advance; $4 at the door; free for kids under 12. Sponsored by the San Diego County Orchid Society. (619) 232-5762.

SOLVANG--Sweet, savory and scenic, the second annual Taste of Solvang shows off the area’s foods and sights, March 18-20. Featured: The Dessert Showcase, 7-9 p.m. Friday at the Royal Scandinavian Inn, 400 Alisal Road ($8); the “Walking Smorgaasbord,” 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday throughout the village ($18 includes carriage rides and a souvenir plate), and the World’s Largest Danish, a continental breakfast with kransekage (Danish ring cake), 8-10 a.m. Sunday in Solvang Park ($5). $25 for weekend pass. Advance ticket purchase recommended. (800) 467-6582, Ext. 519.

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