California Corner

CRESCENT CITY--The Del Norte County Fair takes place amid the redwoods Thursday through next Sunday, Aug. 5-8. The fair includes a carnival, livestock competitions, entertainment and fine arts. 421 U.S. 101 North. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. $5 Thursday and Friday, $6 weekend, $2 each day for ages 6-12, seniors free on Friday. (800) 350-9556.

SALINAS--John Steinbeck’s hometown focuses on the author’s World War II years at the 19th annual Steinbeck Festival, Thursday through next Sunday, Aug. 5-8. It offers speakers, entertainment (including a staging of “The Grapes of Wrath”), workshops and bus ($40) and walking tours ($10) of sites from Steinbeck novels. 2-7:30 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 8:45 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. National Steinbeck Center, 1 Main St. $25 daily ticket covers museum admission and most events. (831) 796-3833.

TRACY--A chili cook-off and a bean-tasting pavilion are favorites of the California Dry Bean Festival next weekend, Aug. 7-8. There will also be a car show, children’s activities, arts and crafts and entertainment. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. 10th Street and Central Avenue, downtown. Free. (209) 835-2131.

FAIRFIELD--Plump, ripe tomatoes will take center stage at the Tomato Festival next weekend, Aug. 7-8. Salsa tasting, a farmers’ market, chili cook-off, arts and crafts and entertainment for all ages are among the festivities. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Texas Street, downtown. Free. (707) 422-0103.

BIG FLAT--Gold might be scarce in this former mining town, but the blackberries are plentiful. The Downriver Blackberry Festival Aug. 13-14 includes music, blackberry jams and pies and Civil War reenactments both days. On Saturday, feast on a tri-tip barbecue ($8.50; $4.50 ages 10 and under) and enjoy a country dance. 5-10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday. Free. (530) 623-6101.

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