California Corner : Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

LODI--Have a barrel of fun at the Grape Festival and Harvest Fair, Thursday through next Sunday, Sept. 16-19. Grape stomping, wine and microbrew tastings, and children’s activities are planned each day. On Sunday, a parade will start down Pine Street at 12:30 p.m. Downtown and at the Fairgrounds. 4-11 p.m. Thursday, noon-midnight Friday-Saturday, noon-10 p.m. Sunday. $6; $3 for ages 5-12; seniors free on Friday, noon-6 p.m. (209) 369-2771.

SOLVANG--Celebrate this town’s heritage during Danish Days, next weekend, Sept. 17-19, with Danish food, music and folk dancing. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday with a torchlight parade in Solvang Park. Kick off Saturday and Sunday with a Danish breakfast at 8:30 on Copenhagen Drive. A parade will get underway at 2 p.m. Saturday. Throughout the village. Free. (800) 468-6765.

HIOUCHI--The little town beneath the big redwoods hosts the Jammin’ at Jed Music Festival on Saturday, Sept. 18. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California Highway 199. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $18; 12 and under free. (707) 464-8311.

TRUCKEE--About 100 teams will compete in the National Handcar Races, held during Railroad Days next weekend, Sept. 18-19. Other festivities include rail car exhibits, steam locomotives, model trains and a parade at 10 a.m. Saturday through the historic downtown area. Donner Pass Road. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Free. (530) 546-1221.

CHULA VISTA--Tour the tall ships and modern working vessels during the Harbor Days and Tall Ship Festival next weekend, Sept. 18-19. Arts and crafts, Civil War encampment, food, entertainment. J Street Marina and Sandpiper Way. Free. (619) 426-2882.

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