California Corner

San Diego: The Latino Book and Family Festival, March 10-11, will offer children’s activities plus information on health, education and recreation. San Diego Convention Center. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. March 10; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. March 11. Free. (760) 434-7474, Internet https://www.latinobookfestival.com.

* San Francisco: You don’t have to be Irish to join an early St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 11. A Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church will be followed at 12:30 p.m. by the parade from 2nd and Market streets to City Hall. Free. (415) 584-7941.

* Solvang: Get a Taste of Solvang beginning with a dessert reception 7-9 p.m. March 16. The next day, the Walking Smorgaasbord, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., will offer food samples at 40 stops, rides on a horse-drawn carriage and a streetcars. A wine-tasting reception, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. March 18, ends the festival. Various locations. $25 (includes 40 taste coupons) March 17 only; $40 for all three days. (800) 468-6765, https://www.solvangusa.com.

* Merced: The March 16-18 Kiki Raina Tahiti Fete will feature a Tahitian dance competition. Golden Valley High School. 6-10 p.m. March 16; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. March 17; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 18. Advance tickets $8; $6 ages 5-12; $10 adults and $8 kids at the door. (209) 726-1925.

* Fresno: Feast your eyes on the Spring Blossom Festival, March 17-18. Wander through the displays of fruit blossoms or check out the bonsai demonstrations. Shinzen Friendship Garden, Woodward Park. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. both days. $1; 50 cents for seniors and ages 4-14. (559) 226-8034, https://www.shinzenjapanesegarden.org.