California Corner

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

CAMBRIA--Tales from around the globe are spun at the Cambria Village Storyfest, Friday to next Sunday. Five storytelling performances, a “story swap” and a workshop are featured at the first-time event. Individual tickets run 50 to $6; a Saturday pass is $12, $7.50 for kids; a festival pass is $22, $15 for kids. Passes do not include the workshop, which costs $25. Space is limited; advance registration is recommended. Events are Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday at 9 a.m. and 1, 2:30, 4 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 11 a.m. All take place at the Coast Union High School gymnasium, 2950 Santa Rosa Creek Road. (805) 927-3624.

TEMECULA--Flight meets fancy at the 1993 Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival, Saturday and next Sunday at Lake Skinner. Hot-air ballons take to the skies at 7 a.m., followed by festivities on the ground from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., including arts and crafts, live music, a children’s fair and an antique/classic car exhibition. Wine tasting and wine seminars, accompanied by gourmet foods, are offered 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $10, general; free for kids under 10. Balloon rides and wine tasting are extra. Interstate 15 south to Rancho California Road; go left and follow signs to the lake. (909) 699-0802.

FRESNO--A hometown literary hero is honored at the ninth annual William Saroyan Festival starting Saturday. Among the activities recognizing the Pulitzer Prize-winning writer: a Saroyan Armenian Historical Walk, 8:30 a.m. Saturday from the William Saroyan Theatre, 700 M St.; a symposium, “How I Remember Willy,” 2 p.m. Saturday at the Fresno State University Student Union, and a dedication of the Saroyan Monument sculpted by Varaz Samuelian, 3 p.m. next Sunday at the Varaz Museum, 1331 R St. More activities are planned throughout May. (209) 221-1441.

SELMA--Tiny dried fruit makes for big fun at the 14th annual Selma Raisin Festival, May 6-9. The festival kicks off at the John B. Howard Community Center, 1710 Tucker St., with a Gourmet Row, 6-8:30 p.m. May 6, featuring raisin dishes and the coronation of the Raisin Royalty ($3). Carnival rides are open 5-10 p.m. May 6-7, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. May 8 and 3-10 p.m. May 9 at Pioneer Village, California 99 and Highland Avenue. Also at Pioneer Village May 8-9: live entertainment, raisin-industry exhibits and competitions in raisin baking and rolling. Interstate 5 north to California99; go left at Floral Avenue and turn right on Highland. (209) 896-3315.

SANTA BARBARA--A host of maritime festivities are in store at the fifth annual Harbor Festival, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 8 at the Santa Barbara Harbor Marina. Enjoy the “Creatures of the Sea Touch Tank,” tours of the USS Fort McHenry, harbor cruises, marine exhibits, volleyball and skateboard demonstrations and participatory art projects. Free. U.S. 101 north to Cabrillo Street; follow waterfront to the yacht harbor. (805) 563-0003.