California Corner

BANNING--This former wagon stop will celebrate Stagecoach Days Thursday through next Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 3. There will be a carnival all four days; a parade at 10 a.m. Saturday down Ramsey Street; and rodeo events Friday to Sunday. Carnival admission $1; free under 12. Rodeo admission $10; $5 under 12. Call for hours. (909) 922-3129.

SANTA MARIA--Fall’s bounty will be celebrated at the Grapes and Grains Festival Saturday, Oct. 2. A street fair will include a barbecue cook-off. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (800) 331-3779.

CORCORAN--A parade at 9 a.m. along Dairy Avenue will kick off the Cotton Festival Saturday, Oct. 2. A street festival will follow. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (559) 992-4514.

WEST POINT--This tiny lumber town will flex some muscle Saturday, Oct. 2, with Lumberjack Days. Lumberjack competitions, music and children’s games will fill Main Street 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. A parade with horse-drawn vehicles will begin at 11 a.m. Free. (800) 225-3764.

CARPINTERIA--Dip into what locals claim will be the largest vat of guacamole in the world at the 13th annual California Avocado Festival Friday to next Sunday. After a street festival Friday night, the main events get underway Saturday, with eight stages of entertainment. Downtown. Free. Call for hours. (805) 684-0038.

Schenden’s e-mail address is [email protected].