California Corner

CHOWCHILLA--A cattle drive through the middle of town at 10 a.m. Wednesday kicks off the 42nd annual Western Stampede. Roping, barrel racing, music and food follow at the fairgrounds, 1 p.m. to dusk, and Thursday-Sunday, April 15-18, 8 a.m.-dusk. Check out the western art show 5 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Chowchilla Fairgrounds. Free. (559) 665-5603.

MONTEREY--The Old Monterey Seafood and Music Festival next Saturday and Sunday, April 17-18, will include music, arts and crafts, children’s activities and lots of seafood. Alvarado Street at Custom House Plaza. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. Free. (831) 655-8070.

BAKERSFIELD--The Village Artisans Spring Fair will be held in this Central Valley town next Saturday and Sunday, April 17-18. Explore handmade arts and crafts, ethnic food booths and entertainment at 19th and R streets. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. Free. (661) 328-1943.

NICE--The redbud wildflowers are expected to bloom in time for the Redbud Festival, next Saturday and Sunday, April 17-18. There will be entertainment, arts and crafts and a barbecue dinner-dance (5 p.m.-midnight Saturday; $7.50). Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (707) 274-8029.

FALLBROOK--The self-proclaimed Avocado Capital of the World sets out to live up to its title next Sunday, April 18, with the Avocado Festival. Highlights include avocado dishes (from deep-fried avocado to tequila-and-avocado pizza), arts and crafts, entertainment, cooking demonstrations and tours of an avocado packinghouse. Main Street. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (760) 728-5845.

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