California Corner

SELMA--It’s said that 90% of the world’s raisins are grown within a 30-mile radius of this Central Valley town, which puts on its Raisin Festival this week. A five-day carnival runs Wednesday, April 28, through Sunday. On Saturday there will be a pancake breakfast at 6:30 a.m.; the Raisin Fun Run at 7 a.m. ($10); and entertainment from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Carnival hours 3-10 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 3-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. next Sunday. Lincoln Park. Free. (800) 807-3562.

CALIFORNIA CITY--The desert will sizzle with activity during Desert Tortoise Days next weekend, April 30-May 2, with food vendors, children’s games and entertainment. A parade begins at 9 a.m. Saturday. Noon-dusk Friday, 8 a.m.-midnight Saturday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. next Sunday. Central Park. Free. (760) 373-4955.

OROVILLE--The Gold Rush-era town of Bidwell Bar has been underwater since Lake Oroville was created, but its memory lives on in Bidwell Bar Day, next Saturday, May 1. There will be old-time games and gold-panning demonstrations. Noon-4 p.m. Bidwell Marina, Lake Oroville. Free. (530) 538-2219.

LIVERMORE--Taste the fruits of this Bay Area town’s labor at the Days of Wine and Honey Festival next Saturday and Sunday, May 1-2. There will be food, crafts and wine and honey tastings. Entertainers include Starship on Saturday and John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band on Sunday. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. First Street (California Highway 84). Free. (925) 373-1795.

CALEXICO--Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the border town of Calexico on May 5. Mariachis and other entertainment will fill Rockwood Plaza. 3-10 p.m. Free. (760) 357-1166.

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