Yearning for spring? Here are places in Modesto region where you can get a start

The post-holiday heavy sigh is over as spring tries to wiggle its way into the Modesto and Mother Lode regions.

And while blooms, poetry and jousting don’t sound like they have much in common, they do around here. Festivals for each are among those coming up in February and March.

Below is a look at just some of what’s planned. Anything missing? Let us know by sending an email to scene@modbee.com and we’ll add it to the list on our website.

Ripon Almond Blossom Festival — Feb. 19-22: The annual celebration heralds spring with a carnival, parade, vendor booths and more. The parade will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in downtown Ripon. Festival events are 4:30-10 p.m. Thursday, 2-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at Mistlin Sports Park, 1201 River Road, Ripon. Free. riponchamber.org.

Lunar New Year Celebration — Feb. 21: Asian Market will welcome the Year of the Horse. The event will feature Leung’s White Crane Dragon Lion Dance Association and informational booths. The store itself will close from 10 a.m.-noon for the celebration, which begins at 10:45 a.m. 2425 McHenry Ave., Modesto. Free. www.facebook.com/asianmarketmodesto.

Calaveras Celtic Faire — March 6-8: The 40th annual fair this year celebrates the cultures of Celtic nations with concerts, jousting, Scottish Highland games, pipe bands, a Celtic market, whiskey tasting, jugglers, fire eaters, Celtic living history and more. Festival is 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Calaveras County Fairgrounds, 2465 Gun Club Road, Angels Camp. $13-$43 online; prices vary by day and will be higher at the door. calaverascelticfaire.com.

Murphys Irish Day — March 21: The historic Gold Rush town honors its Irish heritage with booths, food, art, wine, entertainment and more. A parade on Main Street begins at 11 a.m. with the festival running 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Main Street, Murphys. visitmurphys.com/murphys-irish-day.

Festival On The Green — March 21: Turlock United School District hosts an annual all-day festival to showcase its music students. Performances are scheduled throughout the day. There also will be vendor and informational booths. Starts at 9 a.m. with the final concert beginning at 3:30 p.m. Pitman High School, 2525 W. Christoffersen Parkway, Turlock. www.turlock.k12.ca.us/information/festival-on-the-green.

Camellia Show — March 21-22: The 65th annual event by the Camellia Society of Modesto will show off award-winning flowers at the Modesto Junior College West Campus. Open to the public from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. MJC Mary Stuart Rogers Student Learning Center, 2201 Blue Gum Ave. Free. camelliasocietyofmodesto.org.

MoSt Poetry Festival — March 28: The Modesto-Stanislaus Poetry Center holds its annual event, this year a bilingual conference where Spanish and English will be celebrated in poetry. Guest poet/facilitator is Juan Luzuriaga. Registration and continental breakfast 9:30-10 a.m. A light lunch will be served. Event is 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Carnegie Arts Center, 250 N. Broadway, Turlock. $40. www.mostpoetry.org.