California Corner : Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

SAN FRANCISCO--The Year of the Dog, Lunar Calendar Year 4692, officially begins Feb. 10, and festivities are scheduled Feb. 5-27. A highlight will be the San Francisco Chronicle Chinese New Year Parade, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 26. A community fair will be in Chinatown Feb. 26-27. For a complete schedule, call (415) 391-9680, or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: San Francisco Chronicle Chinese New Year Festival and Parade, Golden Gateway Station, P.O. Box 2653, San Francisco 94126.

HOLTVILLE--Sing the praises of the popular orange root at the Holtville Carrot Festival, Feb. 9-13. This year’s event features a parade at 10 a.m. Feb. 12 on 5th Street, and a festival in Holtville City Park, Feb. 12-13. Other events: A carnival and a rib cook-off. (619) 356-2923.

SAN LUIS OBISPO--Celebrate Fat Tuesday, New Orleans-style, at the 16th annual Mardi Gras Festival, Feb. 12. A free street fair is set for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Garden Street, a parade is at 7:15 p.m. along Higuera Street, and the Masked Ball and Buffet Banquet is at 8 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 801 Grand Ave. $25. (805) 541-2183.

LAGUNA BEACH--Take your Valentine to the 30th annual Winterfest, Feb. 12-14 at the Festival of the Arts grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Road. 11 a.m.-dusk daily. About 150 artisans expected. $3, general; $2, seniors; $1, kids 12 and under. (714) 494-1018, Ext. 5.