California Corner : Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

CRESTLINE--A hoedown near the shores of Lake Gregory awaits at the fourth annual Crestline Bluegrass Festival, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 20. Five bands, including the Circuit Riders and the Gangbusters, perform at the Lake Gregory Ballfield on San Moritz Drive. $7, general; $3, kids 11 and under. (909) 338-2706.

PETALUMA--”Life Is But a Dream” is the theme of the ninth annual Petaluma River Festival, 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 20. Events include boat races and rides, entertainment, Kid Village and arts, crafts and food booths. $2, general; free for kids. At the Petaluma River Turning Basin along Water Street, and in the Golden Eagle Shopping Center. (707) 762-5331.

FRESNO--Chantico, the Aztec god of the chili, will be smiling on the spicy activities at Salsa Festival ‘94, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 20-21. Free. In the Downtown Fulton Mall. (209) 251-6347.

HOLLISTER--Seasoned vehicles demonstrate their strength at the Antique Tractor Pull, Aug. 27-28 at Casa de Fruta. Saturday’s pull is at 3 p.m.; Sunday’s is at 1 in the Country Park area. Take the Casa de Fruta Parkway exit off California 152. (408) 842-9316.

NOVATO--Black Point Forest becomes a 16th-Century English marketplace and harvest celebration at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, Aug. 27-Oct. 16. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays (and Labor Day). $16.50, general; $13.50 students, seniors and military; $7.50, kids 5-11; free for those 4 and under. This is the last Renaissance Pleasure Faire to be held in Black Point Forest. (800) 52-FAIRE.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.