Festivals, Feasts & FairsINDIO--Celebrate the bounty of...

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

INDIO--Celebrate the bounty of the Coachella Valley at the 49th annual Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival. Festivities continue through Feb. 26 at the Riverside County Fairgrounds, 46-350 Arabia St. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. $6, general; $5, seniors; $3, kids 5-11; free for those under 5. (619) 863-8247.

CAMBRIA--The second annual Gymanfa Ganu Welsh Festival is held March 2-5. Most events, including concerts, seminars and a banquet, are at the Cambria Pines Lodge and the Community Presbyterian Church. Information and reservations: (805) 927-5665.

VENTURA--Don your emerald green for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Festival on March 11. The parade starts at 10 a.m. at San Buenaventura Mission. The festival follows in Plaza Park, with entertainment, food, storytellers, gifts and memorabilia. (800) 333-2989.

FORT BRAGG--The migration of the California gray whales inspires another celebration, the Fort Bragg Whale Festival, March 17-19. Whale watching excursions offered from Noyo Harbor. (800) 726-2780.

AVALON--You have one month to get in shape for the 18th annual Catalina Island Marathon on March 18. The marathon starts at 7 a.m. in Two Harbors. Also scheduled: 5K and 10K runs starting at 8 a.m. in Avalon. Marathon registration: $58 before Feb. 24, $68 after. 5K/10K: $16 before March 3, $20 March 3-17, $25 race-day registration. (310) 433-4557.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.