California Corner

CARPINTERIA--Dip into what’s billed as the world’s largest bowl of guacamole at the California Avocado Festival, Sept. 29-Oct. 1. Festivities will include food, arts and crafts, contests and entertainment, children’s activities and a petting zoo. Downtown. 4-9 p.m. Sept. 29; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 30; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 1. Free. (805) 684-0038.

WELDON--The Kern Valley Turkey Vulture Festival, Sept. 29-Oct. 2, celebrates the birds’ migration. Join a field trip, workshops, lectures, children’s activities, fish hatchery tours and exhibits. Kern River Preserve, 18747 Highway 178. 4-9 p.m. Sept. 29; 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 30; 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 1; 7-9 a.m. Oct. 2. Free. (760) 376-2629.

DINUBA--Raisin growers welcome visitors to the Raisin Harvest Festival, Sept. 29-30. Highlights include more than 50 food booths, a raisin baking contest, arts and crafts, and a parade at 10 a.m. Sept. 30. Rose Ann Vuich Park. 4-11 p.m. Sept. 29; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 30. Free. (559) 591-2707.

MOORPARK--High Street will be closed for Country Days, Sept. 30. A parade at 9:30 a.m. kicks off festivities, which include a street fair with games, children’s rides and entertainment. High Street. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (805) 529-0322.

KELSEYVILLE--Pear orchards surround the town that hosts the Kelseyville Pear Festival, Sept. 30. The event includes an antique tractor exhibit, a parade at 10 a.m., quilt show, arts and crafts, and children’s activities. Main Street area. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. (800) 525-3743.

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