California Corner: Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

Grass Valley--The Nevada County Fair will sprout to life Aug. 7-11 with carnival rides, livestock, Monster Truck competitions and agricultural exhibits. Nevada County Fairgrounds. 10 a.m.-midnight Aug. 7-10; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 11. $5; $2 ages 6-12. (530) 273-6217, www.nevadacountyfair.com.

San Francisco--Get ready to jam at the North Beach Jazz Festival Aug. 7-11. Highlights include a Taste of New Orleans ($15, $18 at the door) at 8 p.m. Aug. 9 and the free Jazz in the Park, featuring outdoor concerts, food and vendors 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 10-11 in Washington Square Park. North Beach. Free to $18. (415) 771-2061, www.nbjazzfest.org.

Boonville--Food, clothing and household items will be among the earthy goods at the All Things Organic Festival Aug. 10. Mendocino County Fairgrounds. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. $15; $20 includes beer/wine; $10 children 12 and younger and seniors. (707) 895-3616, www.allthingsorganicfestival.org.

Solvang--Mariachis will set the mood for the Santa Ines Fiesta Aug. 10-11. Food, music and children’s games will contribute to the celebration of Hispanic heritage. Mission Santa Ines. Noon-7 p.m. both days. Free. (805) 688-4815, www.missionsantaines.org.

Lower Lake--It’s berry season, and the Blackberry Festival Aug. 10-11 will offer a pie-eating contest, arts and crafts, Audubon walks, living history exhibits. Anderson Marsh State Historic Park.

8 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. $10 per car. (800) 525-3743, www.lakecounty.com.

*

Schenden’s e-mail address is Lkschenden@hotmail.com.