Ready to celebrate? See special events coming to the Modesto, Mother Lode regions
Spring blossoms are about to arrive in the region, and there’s a festival for that.
It’s the annual Almond Blossom Festival, which returns this month in Ripon. And if that isn’t enough to get you ready to shake off winter, March also brings a handful of festivals to the Modesto and Mother Lode regions.
The Camellia Society of Modesto show returns in March, but the location has changed from the E.&J. Gallo Winery administration grounds and building to the Masonic Center this year.
Here’s a look at some of the bigger planned events:
ALMOND BLOSSOM FESTIVAL — Feb. 24-27: The fest promises a carnival, a parade, live music, vendors and more. The parade will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in downtown Ripon. Festival events are 5-10 p.m. Thursday, carnival only; noon-10 p.m. Friday, with carnival at 4 p.m. and vendors ending at 8 p.m.; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, with carnival at noon and vendors ending at 8 p.m.; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, with carnival at noon. Mistlin Sports Park, 1201 River Road, Ripon. Free entry. riponchamber.org.
CALAVERAS CELTIC FAIRE — March 11-13: The fair celebrates the cultures of Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall, Wales and all Celtic nations. The event will feature jousting, other combat, live music, other performers, vendors and more. 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Calaveras County Fairgrounds, 2465 Gun Club Road, Angels Camp. $10-$40. calaverascelticfaire.com.
CAMELLIA SHOW — March 19: The event will display award-winning camellias in a judged American Camellia Society-sanctioned show. Camellia plants will be for sale from Nuccio’s Nursery. Doors open at 7 a.m. for competitors, and the public is encouraged to take blooms to enter. Show open 1 to 5 p.m. Masonic Center, 800 Rose Ave., Modesto. Free. camelliasocietyofmodesto.org.
MURPHYS IRISH DAY — March 19: The historic Gold Rush town also celebrates its Irish heritage. The community will host a parade, live entertainment, vendors, food, drink and more. Parade begins at 11 a.m. with the festival running 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Main Street, Murphys. visitmurphys.com/murphys-irish-day.
This story was originally published February 17, 2022 at 10:40 AM.
