California Corner

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

RIO DELL--A logging show, fireman’s rodeo, rubber-duck race and jet-ski contest are highlights of the annual Wildwood Days celebration in Humboldt County, Friday through next Sunday. Most activities, including an arts-and-crafts fair and a parade, are along Wildwood Avenue and in Fireman’s Park. 5-8 p.m. Fri.; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. and Sun. Admission is free to all events, except the Sunday barbecue, which is $7 for adults, $3.50 for kids 3-12. (707) 764-3436 or (707) 764-3310.

SANTA CRUZ--The 13th annual Original International Calamari Festival runs Saturday through Sept. 7 at India Joze restaurant and the Santa Cruz Art Center, 1001 Center St. Peak squid season is celebrated with cooking classes at noon Sat. and Aug. 8 ($19.75 per class); an International Tasting Room at 7 p.m. Tuesdays ($1-$3 for each dim sum-style serving); Calamari Cabarets at 7 and 9 p.m. Aug. 12 and 26; the multimedia Squid Art ’92 exhibit; different regional calamari specials each week in the restaurant; and the free Fanciful Foolish Festival Finale at 9 p.m. Sept. 6 (aquatic costumes encouraged). (408) 427-3554.

SONOMA--Taste the best of the vine and make purchases for your cellar at the 12th annual Sonoma County Showcase and Wine Auction, Aug. 6-8. On the opening Thursday, dinners are held at four wineries from 5-10:30 p.m. ($75). The Winemakers Barrel and Silent Auction is from 5-11 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards (dinner $125 per bidder; $240 for two). The Main Auction is from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa; breakfast and lunch are included ($100 per bidder; $190 with a guest). A champagne reception and gala dinner follow from 6:30 p.m.-midnight at the inn ($125). Proceeds benefit Sonoma County charities. (707) 579-0577.

WILLITS and UKIAH--Witness the potential of alternative energies at the third annual Solar Energy Expo and Rally, Aug. 7-9. The free Electrathon Challenge, an endurance rally with electric cars, is noon Aug. 7 at the Ukiah Fairgrounds. The expo, Aug. 8 and 9 in Recreation Grove on East Commercial Street in Willits, features exhibits, panel discussions, demonstrations, children’s activities, a solar-powered concert on Sat. night and a clean-air vehicle rally through Little Lake Valley. $5 general; $2.50 seniors 55 and over and students; free for kids under 12. (707) 459-1256.