California Corner

MARIPOSA--Set up camp for the weekend or just come for the day to the Gold Rush Bluegrass Festival, May 19-21. May 20 is family day, with children’s activities and arts and crafts. Mariposa County Fairgrounds. 3-11 p.m. May 19; 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. May 20; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 21. $17 May 19 or 21; $19 May 20; 16 and younger free; $48 weekend pass includes breakfast May 20 and 21. (800) 903-9936.

OAKDALE--The Chocolate Festival, May 19-21, in this town that is home to a Hershey factory, features chocolate-themed games, arts and crafts, children’s activities and, of course, lots of chocolate. Downtown. Noon-7 p.m. May 19; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. May 20-21. $4; $3 seniors; free ages 12 and under. (209) 847-2244.

IMPERIAL BEACH--Get your fill of music and food at the Chili and Jazz Festival, May 20. A pancake breakfast at 7:30 a.m. ($2.50) will be followed by chili competitions, jazz music, a beer garden and food booths. Veterans Park, 8th Street and Imperial Beach Boulevard. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (619) 575-7997.

CAMPBELL--The annual Prune Festival, May 20-21, features packaged prunes and prune dishes along with other food, arts and crafts and entertainment. Downtown on Campbell Avenue. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Free. (408) 378-6252.

OXNARD--Strawberries abound on more than 6,000 acres of this coastal town, the site of the 16th annual Strawberry Festival, May 20-21. Strawberryland will keep the kids busy; there will also be fine arts and crafts, three stages of entertainment, strawberry shortcake and even strawberry pizza. Strawberry Meadows, College Park, 3250 S. Rose Ave. 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. both days. $9; $5 seniors and ages 5-12. (805) 385-7578.

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Schenden’s e-mail address is lkschenden@msn.com.