Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

MARICOPA--Gusher Days, in honor of the city’s record-setting 1910 oil gusher, will be held next Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Maricopa Park on California 166. There will be country music, a carnival and about 90 vendors selling food and items such as Native American jewelry, ceramics, wood carvings, T-shirts and toys. 4-11 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. A parade with floats and marching bands will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at California 166 and Bush Street. Free admission; carnival rides are 50 cents each. (805) 769-8049.

SANGER--The city shakes off winter with its Blossom Days Festival, an open-air event next Saturday and Sunday on the grounds of the Depot Museum, 1789 Jensen Ave. Vendors will sell food and arts and crafts, including pottery, metal sculptures and handmade quilts. Live bands will accompany the event. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Also free of charge will be instructions for a self-guided car tour through Fresno County orchards, vineyards and wildflower areas--about a three-hour excursion. (209) 875-4575.

LAGUNA BEACH--Patriotism will be on parade Saturday at the 31st Patriots Day Parade, with bands, floats and other pageantry among the 100 entries. It all begins at 11 a.m. at Park and Forest avenues. (714) 494-1018, Ext. 5.

CARMEL--For the 66th year in a row, competitors will gather seaside to hoist their colorful creations into the breeze at the Kite Festival on March 8. About 75 people are expected to compete, and homemade kites are the order of the day. Free for spectators. The event starts at noon on Carmel Beach at Scenic Drive and 13th Avenue. (408) 626-1255.

TURLOCK--Step into the Carnegie Arts Center, 250 N. Broadway, for a free look at the 15th annual Spring Art Show and Sale, March 16 through April 12. The event includes oil paintings, watercolors and photography. 1-4 p.m. daily (209) 668-5698.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.