Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SANTA MARIA--In its 105th year, the Santa Barbara County Fair will once again feature a full offering of live entertainment, kids’ attractions, rides and games, exhibits and livestock. This year’s fair, themed “Where Everyone’s a Winner,� is July 3-7, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily, at the fairgrounds at Stowell Road and Thornburg Street. $5, general; $2, kids 6-11; free for those 5 and under. (805) 925-8824.

PALM DESERT--The annual Independence Day celebration is 5-9:30 p.m. at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park and the adjacent College of the Desert Practice Center. The free Fourth of July event, with the Olympic theme “Carrying the Torch for America,� has carnival games and children’s rides, entertainment on two stages, food booths (or bring a picnic) and fireworks. Fred Waring Drive. A free shuttle bus runs from the Palm Desert Town Center mall at California 111 and Monterey Avenue. (800) 873-2428.

TRUCKEE--The Fourth of July isn’t just about fireworks in this community; it also means the annual Camel and Ostrich Races are coming. This year’s races are 1 p.m. July 4 and noon July 5 in McIver Arena at Truckee Regional Park. ($5, general; $3, kids 6-16 and seniors; free for children under 6.) Other holiday events include: A Fourth of July Parade at 10 a.m. downtown; fireworks at West End Beach on Donner Lake; family activities all day July 4 at West End Beach; and a downtown street dance at 9 p.m. July 5. (916) 587-2757.

SAN DIEGO--The Broadway Pier is the setting for the Harbor Avenues of the Arts festival, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 6-7. Works by more than 50 artists, representing a marine and wildlife theme, are featured, plus artists’ demonstrations and hands-on activities for children. Free. On Broadway at Harbor Drive. (619) 239-1143.

MENDOCINO--The Mendocino Music Festival once again brings classical music, jazz, dance and more to Mendocino Headlands State Park, July 9-20. Most concerts take place in the evening in the festival tent, next to the Ford House Museum. The artists at the 10th annual festival include the Arden Trio, Dimensions Dance Theatre, Spanish Soul and the Festival Chamber Orchestra. Tickets: $8-$28. (707) 937-2044.