California Corner: Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

Santa Cruz--The 15th annual Migration Festival Feb. 9 will feature crafts, music and children’s games in celebration of the seals, birds, monarch butterflies and other creatures that migrate through the Central Coast. Natural Bridges State Park, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and Sea Cliff State Beach. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Parking ($3) allows admission to all three parks. (831) 423-4609.

Yuba City--About 30 teams will compete in the Chili Cook-off Feb. 9. Also live music, Kids’ Corner and raffle. Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds. 6-9 p.m. $5 (includes tastes); 10 and younger free. (530) 749-3664, www.sutternorth.org/community/chili.html.

San Diego--Celebrate the Year of the Horse at the 20th annual Chinese New Year Food and Cultural Faire Feb. 9-10. Asian cuisine, martial arts, children’s area and cultural exhibits. 3rd Avenue and J Street. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Feb. 9; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 10. Free. (619) 234-7844.

St. Helena--Hunt Street will be tented for Savor St. Helena Feb. 16. Sample the cuisine of area restaurants and wineries in historic downtown. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $15; $5 ages 12 and younger. (800) 799-6456, www.sthelena.com.

Kernville--Western duds are optional for Whiskey Flat Days Feb. 15-18. Festivities include a parade (11 a.m. Feb. 16), carnival, rodeo, gunfighters, street dances (7 p.m. Feb. 15-16), children’s activities, food and crafts. Noon-10 p.m. Feb. 15; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Feb. 16; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 17-18. Free. (760) 376-2629, www.kernvillechamber.org.

*

--Laurie K. Schenden

*

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