California, a great big farmers market
FAIRFIELD
‘Killer’ tomatoes, ‘cue and more
Fairfield celebrates Solano County’s agricultural heritage with the 14th annual Tomato Festival on Aug. 13. Area growers will showcase close to 100 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, competing for attention with the second annual Western States Barbeque Championships, eating and cooking contests and the “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!†Film Festival. Lots of children’s activities and entertainment run 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (707) 422-0103, www.fairfielddowntown.com.
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KLAMATH
Pit-fire salmon, Yurok culture
The Yuroks traditionally cook salmon on redwood sticks over a fire pit, and that’s what draws crowds to the Aug. 20-21 Klamath Salmon Festival, tribal members say. The Yuroks host the annual salmon barbecue and festival on tribal grounds adjacent to Redwood National and State Parks off U.S. 101. Besides the dinner, arts and crafts, Native American shell and bead artists, games, dancing and singing provide a peek into Yurok culture and draw attention to the salmon industry in Del Norte County. Free. (707) 482-1350, www.northerncalifornia.net.
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TRACY
Farmers plant the seed of knowledge
San JOAQUIN COUNTY is full of beans and proud of it. The 19th annual Tracy Dry Bean Festival, Sept. 10 and 11, features about 350 food, arts and crafts and community booths; three stages of entertainment; a bean-tasting pavilion; a chili cook-off; and a children’s area. People representing San Joaquin County farms and the bean industry -- which includes peas, beans and assorted legumes -- will plant themselves at the festival and answer questions for those who don’t know beans about beans. Festivities run all day in the historic downtown district. Free. (209) 835-2131, www.drybeanfestival.com.
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OXNARD
Land creatures venture to water
More than 200 commercial fishing boats operate out of Channel Islands and Ventura harbors. The second annual Channel Islands Harbor Seafood Festival, scheduled Sept. 16 through 18, honors that industry. The event, sponsored by Channel Islands Marina and the Ventura County Channel Islands Harbor Department, includes a shrimp-eating contest, wine and beer tasting, and seafood from about 20 Ventura County restaurants. Music, children’s rides, sea-life touch tanks and educational displays by harbor marine agencies round out the day. $9; 12 and younger, free. Food and beverage tastes, $1 to $5. Harbor View Park, 3600 S. Harbor Drive, Oxnard; (800) 390-6694, www.ci-seafest.com.
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BIG BEAR LAKE
Roll out the barrels of fun
Oktoberfest began here in 1970 when German immigrant Hans Bandows threw the first celebration for new friends and business associates. The Bavarian-themed celebration was a hit with Hans’ new pals and has become one of the town’s biggest special events of the year. The 35th annual Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest, scheduled for weekends from Sept. 17 through Oct. 29 at the Convention Center, features dancing, singing and feasting in the German tradition, with log-sawing, stein-holding and beer-drinking contests. Admission is free on Sept. 30 (the only Friday of Oktoberfest). Saturdays, $10; seniors, $8; 12 and younger, $5 (under 21 not allowed after 6 p.m. Saturdays). Sundays, $5; seniors, $4; 12 and younger, free. (909) 585-3000, www.bigbearevents.com.
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CARPINTERIA
Here, it’s easy being green
Santa BARBARA County, the third-largest avocado producer in North America, boasts one of the largest free festivals in California, the 19th annual Avocado Festival, Oct. 7 through 9. Three days of food, music and contests for the best guacamole and biggest avocado get underway in downtown Carpinteria, where three entertainment stages will carry more than 40 acts. About 130 booths will showcase arts and crafts, and food and commercial vendors. The Avocado Expo Tent will provide information on the avocado industry. Activities for kids include a youth block party, petting zoo, games and the avocado rock climb. At Linden and Carpinteria avenues. Free. (805) 684-0038, www.avofest.com.
-- Laurie Schenden
