Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

COLUMBIA--The distinguished Thaddeus E. Hare will lead Victorian-clad locals down Main Street on Easter Sunday, April 4. The Victorian Easter Celebration in the Sierra foothills also features Easter egg hunts in Columbia State Historic Park, off Highway 49 in Tuolumne County. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (209) 536-1672.

LINDSAY--Homemade contraptions in the Orange Crate Derby will be a highlight of the Orange Blossom Festival April 10-11. On Saturday, a parade down Elmwood Avenue will begin at 10 a.m. Food and arts and crafts booths will fill Lindsay City Park on Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Orange Crate Derby takes place at Towt’s Hill at noon Sunday. Free.

CHULA VISTA--Awaken your taste buds at the salsa-making contest and check out the three stages of entertainment April 10 at the Taste of the Art by the Bay. Marina View Park, 500 J St. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (619) 585-5627.

BORREGO SPRINGS--To sample the Borrego pink at its source, check out the 10th annual Borrego Springs Grapefruit Festival April 10-11. Christmas Circle in the town center, off S-22. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. Free. (760) 767-5555.

LOWER LAKE--Join visitors flocking to the Heron Days Wildlife Festival April 10-11. Nature walks, slide shows and children’s activities will celebrate the marsh residents. Reservations are required for boat rides ($10) to the heron rookeries on Clear Lake. Anderson Marsh State Historic Park, California Highway 52. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. both days. Free. (800) 525-3743.

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