4 Days of Berryment at Annual Festival

From performing with Chicago’s Second City comedy troupe to hosting the Emmy-winning “Talk Soup,” Hal Sparks has long been one of the nation’s most beloved comedians.

Now you can catch him in person as the grand marshal of Garden Grove’s 42nd annual Strawberry Festival parade.

This four-day celebration--the largest community-sponsored event in the 13 Western states--also features carnival rides, arts and crafts, a Tiny Tot King & Queen Contest, a talent show, and of course, all the luscious little berries you can eat in shortcakes, pies, chocolate coatings and tarts.

Festival hours are 1-10 p.m. today; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday. Admission to the grounds at 12862 Euclid Ave. is free all four days; today, a $15 wristband buys all rides.

For syrup and celebs, dig in at a pancake breakfast. Billy Barty, Allison Dunbar of Comedy Central’s “Stripmall,” Justin Berfield of “Malcolm in the Middle” and the Los Angeles Kings’ Sean O’Donnell are among those who have been invited to attend.

The breakfast starts at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Garden Grove Community Center, 11300 Stanford Ave. The parade begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of 9th Street and Chapman Avenue.

Information: (714) 638-0981.