California Corner

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SONOMA--Chocolate and wine join forces in a sweet union for the Chocolate Cherub Classic at Cline Cellars, Nov. 14-15. The winery hosts the first-time event, showcasing chocolate purveyors of the Bay Area, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. $3.50 for wine tasting and a sou glass. Lunch available. The winery is at 24737 Arnold Drive (California 121). Take U.S. 101 north to California 37 east, then left at the California 121 turnoff. (707) 935-4310.

SAN DIEGO--Those who have served in the U.S. armed forces are honored at the fourth annual San Diego Veterans Day Parade, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. The downtown procession on Broadway begins at Seventh Street and moves west to State Street. Marching bands, floats, drill teams and National Guard tanks are among the participants. Following the parade, veterans and parade participants are invited to a free barbecue in Balboa Park at Park Boulevard and Presidents Way. (619) 589-2111 or (619) 239-2300.

ROSEVILLE--The 16th annual International Railfair, Nov. 14-15 at the Placer County Fairgrounds. Featured are American and European modular railroads of many scales, a country store with railroad items, historical and educational exhibits, raffles and slide shows. Repairs are available for model locomotives. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. $5, general admission; $2, kids 5-12; free for kids under 5. The fairgrounds are at Washington Boulevard and Junction Way. I-80 to Riverside Boulevard, left on Cirby Way beyond freeway overpass, right on Foothill Boulevard, then right on Junction Way. (916) 991-4343.

SACRAMENTO--The Blues and Jazz Barbecue fund-raiser for the Towe Ford Museum is Nov. 15, 3-9 p.m. There will be a jazz jam session featuring Kent’s Gang at 3 p.m., followed by a barbecue dinner at 5 p.m., and rhythm and blues by Masi and Soul at 6 p.m. $15. Proceeds benefit the museum, which houses 180 antique cars. (Museum is open during barbecue festivities.) The museum is at 2200 Front St. Interstate 5 to the Broadway exit, left on Broadway, then right on Front Street. (916) 442-6802.

SOLVANG--It’s Dixieland in clog land at the second annual Solvang Jazz Festival, Nov. 20-22 at the Solvang Royal Scandinavian Inn, 400 Alisal Road. The Hot Frogs Jumping Jazz Band plays 7-10 p.m. Friday (accompanied by Cajun finger food); the Copenhagen Jazz Band plays 2-5 p.m. Saturday (Danish smorgasbord served), and the Creole Syncopators play noon-3 p.m. Sunday (Creole champagne brunch featured). A charity frog-jumping contest is 6 p.m. Friday. Concert and meal package $40 per person, hotel package $245 per couple. Reservations required. U.S. 101 north to California 154, left on California 246, then left on Alisal Road. (800) 624-5572 or (805) 688-8000.