News, Tips & Bargains : California Corner : Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

PALM SPRINGS--A huge lineup of events at the Palm Springs Harvest and Wildflower Festival celebrates the desert blooms and nearby agricultural riches. Activities are Thursday through April 3 at downtown venues. For details: (800) 34-SPRINGS.

SAN FRANCISCO--Llama llovers gather at the Golden Gate Breeders’ Choice Llama Show and Sale, Friday-Saturday in the Festival Pavilion at Ft. Mason Center. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, followed by a live auction, 1-5 p.m. Free. (707) 937-1465.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO--Fiesta de las Golondrinas, once again celebrating the return of the swallows, keeps alive the tradition of the Swallow’s Day Parade, scheduled this year at 11 a.m. Saturday. The huge, non-motorized procession begins at El Camino Real and Ortega Highway. (714) 493-1976. Also in town: The third annual San Juan/Art-A-Fair Art and Music Festival, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday to next Sunday at the Mission San Juan Capistrano. (714) 643-0522.

SAN DIEGO--Southwestern and Native American culture is showcased at the Santa Fe Market, Friday to next Sunday in Bazaar del Mundo in Old Town State Historic Park. Arts and crafts, music, and storytelling featured at the event, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. next Sunday. (619) 296-3161.

SANTA MARIA--A Strawberry Cook-Off, farmers market and Berry-Go-Round are among the features at the Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival, April 14-17 at the Santa Barbara County Fairgrounds, Stowell Avenue and Thornburg Street. A carnival, music and crafts also featured. $4, general; $2, kids 6-11; free for kids 5 and under. 4-10 p.m. April 14 (carnival only); noon-midnight April 15-16; noon-10 p.m. April 17. A campfire/barbecue with cowboy poet/humorist Baxter Black is 6 p.m. Saturday ($15). Also on tap: A rhythm-and-blues concert and a rodeo/dance. (800) 549-0036.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.