California Corner

EUREKA--Logging trains were referred to as donkeys in these parts, so don’t expect too many of the four-footed critters at the Dolbeer Steam Donkey Days and Rhododendron Festival, next Friday-Sunday, April 23-25. Activities include a parade starting at 10 a.m. Saturday at 7th and E streets, and train rides, logging contests and exhibits 10 a.m.-4 p.m Saturday and Sunday at Fort Humboldt State Park. The rhododendron show is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at the Eureka Inn, 518 7th St. Free. (800) 356-6381.

SANTA MARIA--Music, food, carnival rides and entertainment are planned for the Strawberry Festival next weekend, April 23-25. Santa Maria Fairgrounds, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Unlimited ride pass, $15. Daily admission $5 adult, $2 ages 6-11. Friday only: $3 seniors, $1 ages 6-11. (805) 925-8824.

PETALUMA--The Northern California town celebrates its turn-of-the-century history as the World’s Egg Basket with Butter and Egg Days. Activities begin next Saturday, April 24, with a breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by a “cutest little chick” contest at 11 a.m. and a parade at noon. Next Sunday, April 25, an antique street fair runs 8 a.m.-4 p.m., followed by a sock hop ($10) 7:30-11:30 p.m. Historic downtown. Free. (707) 769-0429.

SEBASTOPOL--Celebrate the first signs of apple season with the Apple Blossom Festival, next Saturday and Sunday, April 24-25. There will be a parade down Main Street at 10 a.m. Saturday. Food, wine, arts and crafts, children’s activities and entertainment are planned in Ives Park, 282 High St. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. both days. $5, $2 seniors and ages 10-17. (877) 828-4748.

SAN DIEGO--The Sicilian Festival next Sunday, April 25, will offer authentic Italian food, music and merchandise in Little Italy downtown. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (619) 233-3506.

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