Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

IMPERIAL--The annual California Mid-Winter Fair and Fiesta, Feb. 27-March 8, features Latino history exhibits, pinata-making, live music, a hypnotist show, food, arts and crafts vendors and an exhibit for kids. 4 p.m.-11 p.m. weekdays, noon-midnight Fridays, 10 a.m.-midnight Saturdays, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sundays at the Imperial Fairgrounds, 200 E. 2nd St. $6, $3 ages 6-12, 5 and under free. (760) 355-2362.

REEDLEY--The kickoff ceremony for the annual Fresno County Blossom Trail will be at 10 a.m. Feb. 27 at Reedley Opera House, 1720 10th St. Maps will be handed out for the self-guided tour of the 62-mile trail, which wends its way through Fresno County orchards and vineyards. There will be music, speeches and free trolley rides over a small portion of the trail. Free. (800) 788-0836.

SANTA CRUZ--Participants will don their nautical best for the annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off, Feb. 28, at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, which borders Beach Street. Teams in the past have dressed as clams, mermaids, clowns and King and Queen Neptune. Cooking starts at 10 a.m., tasting at 1 p.m. ($5 buys five tastes and the right to vote for your favorite chowder; proceeds benefit the city parks and recreation department). Free. (408) 423-5590.

MARICOPA--The 88th anniversary of this town’s 1910 oil gusher will be celebrated at Gusher Days, March 5-8. Highlights include a parade at 9 a.m. March 7 along California Street. Also a carnival (4 p.m.-midnight), live music, food and crafts vendors, and a carnival. 9 a.m.-11 p.m. at Maricopa Park, where California 33 and 166 meet. Free. (805) 769-8049.

LA QUINTA--The Main Street Marketplace swings into action March 6. There will be live swing music and dancing, a beer and wine garden, fare for sale, and about 60 arts and crafts vendors selling paintings, flowers, jewelry, clothing and more. 6-9 p.m. on Calle Estado at Bermudas. Free. (760) 777-0134.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.