Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SONORA--The Mother Lode Fair in Gold Country runs Thursday through next Sunday, July 8-11. Carnival rides, entertainment, tractor pulls and just about everything else at the fair is included in the admission cost. Fairgrounds, 220 Southgate Drive. 4 p.m.-midnight Thursday-Friday; 1 p.m.-midnight Saturday-Sunday. $8; $7 for ages 5-12; seniors free 1-3 p.m. Saturday. (800) 446-1333.

LOS ALTOS--There will be art, wine, microbrews and more than 400 artists on Main and State streets next weekend, July 10-11, for the Arts and Wine Festival. Downtown, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. both days. Free. (650) 949-5282.

SAN JOSE--Hundreds of dancers in colorful costumes will do traditional dances at the Obon Festival next weekend, July 10-11. Fifth Street will be closed between Jackson and Taylor streets for performances by taiko drummers, food and game booths and entertainment. Japantown. 12:30 p.m.-10 p.m. both days. Free. (408) 293-9292.

SAN MARCOS--Celebrate the season at the Summertime Celebration, next Sunday, July 11. Food, arts and crafts and entertainment will fill San Marcos Boulevard from Rancheros Road to Mission Road. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (760) 744-1270, Ext. 0.

RED BLUFF--Jams, jellies, local art and horse shows are part of the traditional Tehama District Fair, July 15-18. Buildings open at noon each day, followed by carnival rides, games and entertainment 2 p.m.-midnight. Tehama District Fairgrounds, 650 Antelope Blvd. $6; $2 ages 6-12. Children free on Sunday. (530) 527-5920.

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