California Corner

VISALIA--The Motorsports Festival, inspired by the 1913 Pan-Pacific road race from Sacramento to Los Angeles via Visalia, opens with cruise night 6-10 p.m. May 26 at the Visalia Mall. Visitors can view the mostly vintage autos from a road rally that arrives that night. On May 27 and 28 there will be entertainment, a children’s fair and car and motorcycle displays at Mooney Grove Park. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. May 27-28. $7; $5 ages 6-12; $25 for families (up to six members). (559) 651-5025.

COALINGA--Daily horned toad races and water-fight contests will set a raucous tone for the Horned Toad Derby over Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-29. Other activities include a parade (10 a.m. May 27 down Elm Street), and carnival rides. Olsen Park. 3-11 p.m. May 26; noon-11 p.m. May 27; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. May 28; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 29. Free. (800) 854-3885.

YUCCA VALLEY--Miners’ traditions will be celebrated on Grubstake Days, May 26-29. The event includes a parade (10 a.m. May 27), carnival rides, a gold-panning exhibit, country and western bands and a demolition derby. 4 p.m.-midnight May 26; 7 a.m.-midnight May 27 and 28; noon-5 p.m. Monday. Free. (760) 365-6323.

SANTA BARBARA--Artists will create 200 large-scale chalk paintings on the pavement in front of Mission Santa Barbara May 27-29 during the I Madonnari Italian Street Painting Festival. Visitors can feast on Italian food and visit the children’s play area. Los Olivos and Laguna streets. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. each day. Free. (805) 569-3873.

POWAY--Arts and crafts, food and entertainment will fill Midland Road for the Springfest Street Fair on May 28. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. (858) 748-0016.

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