California Corner

CLOVIS--Hats are off to originality at the Big Hat Days Festival, next Saturday and Sunday, April 10-11 in the San Joaquin Valley. Live music, arts and crafts, a children’s carnival and other activities will take place in Old Town Clovis, off California Highway 99. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Free. (559) 299-7363.

ENCINITAS--Get a healthy dose of ocean air at the Encinitas Street Fair next Saturday and Sunday, April 10-11. Just one block from the beach, more than 300 vendors and a beer garden will fill U.S. Highway 101. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Free. (760) 943-1950.

PACIFIC GROVE--Celebrate the Good Old Days with this town, incorporated in 1889. The 42nd annual event next Saturday and Sunday, April 10-11, includes a street fair (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days), arts and crafts and a pie-eating contest. A parade on Saturday begins at 9 a.m. down Pine Avenue. Free. (800) 656-6650.

LOCKEFORD--Taste local sausages, from sweet apple to Cajun andouille, at the Lockeford Street Faire, Saturday, April 10. Festivities include arts and crafts, ethnic foods and train rides for kids. Corner of Highway 88 and Jack Tone Road. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (209) 727-3142.

SANTA BARBARA--A Zorro costume contest will be part of Presidio Day on Friday, April 16. Other activities: arts and crafts, a living history presentation, blacksmithing and a simulated archeological dig for kids. El Presidio State Historic Park, 123 E. Canon Perdido. 5-9 p.m. Admission free; barbecue, $15. (805) 965-0093.

Schenden’s e-mail address is lkschenden@msn.com.