California Corner

IMPERIAL--This rural town will celebrate the California Mid-Winter Fair with livestock, arts and crafts, entertainment and carnival rides this weekend through March 12. Imperial Valley Fairgrounds, 200 E. 2nd St., 4-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday; noon-midnight Friday and Saturday; noon-11 p.m. Sunday. $6; $3 ages 6-12. $2 parking. (760) 355-1181.

SAN FRANCISCO--Immerse yourself in tulips at the Tulipmania Festival, daily through March 12. Accessible 24 hours a day, but guided tours of the 39,000 blooms begin at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily. Free refreshments for tour participants. Pier 39. Free. (415) 705-5500.

MONTEREY--March 7 is Fat Tuesday at the Mardi Gras on Cannery Row. A parade, music and dancing are among the festivities. Cannery Row. 7 p.m. until the music stops. Free. (831) 649-6690.

MARIPOSA--Folk tales and Gold Rush stories are part of the Storytelling Festival, March 10-12. Mariposa County High School on 8th Street. 6:30-11:30 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday. $8-$12 per event; $33 all day Saturday; $55 weekend pass; $6-$45 for seniors and ages 12 and younger. (800) 903-9936.

SAN DIEGO--The 20th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Festival, March 11, includes food, kids’ rides and Irish dancing. The parade steps off 5th Avenue and Ivy Street at 11 a.m. Balboa Park, 6th Avenue and Laurel Street. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (858) 268-9111.

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