Winter doldrums got you down? Where to go in Modesto, Mother Lode to beat boredom
After a January of festival hibernation, it’s time to shake of those winter doldrums, get out there and celebrate.
There are plenty of community activities geared to get you out of the house in February and March.
From cultural fetes to wine to all things Celtic, the return of these events are an annual harbinger that spring is just around the corner. Here’s a look at some of what’s coming up this month and next:
CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION — Feb. 10: Stanislaus Chinese Culture Society’s 12th annual event celebrates the Year of the Dog with performances, cultural dances, music, martial arts, speakers, demonstrations and more. 2-5 p.m. Senior Center, 211 Bodem St., Modesto. Free. 209-341-2951.
MARDI GRAS 2018 – Feb. 13: Modesto restaurant Tresetti’s scales down its annual celebration for a more intimate Fat Tuesday. Held inside this year, there still will be live entertainment by local bands, Cajun food and plenty of mardi gras beads. Doors open at 5 p.m. with music starting at 7 p.m. 11th Street between I and J streets., Modesto. $20. 209-572-2990
PRESIDENT’S WINE WEEKEND – Feb. 17-18: The Calaveras Winegrape Alliance presents its 22nd annual event. The event is a mass Calaveras County tasting with 22 alliance wineries participating. 11 a.m. to 5p.m. Limited tasting flights are available all weekend with the purchase of a $25 commemorative wine glass. For locations and more, see calaveraswines.org or 209-728-9467.
CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION — Feb. 18: The Stanislaus Chinese Association presents its Year of the Dog celebration with food, entertainment, a raffle and more. 5-9 p.m. Modesto Centre Plaza, 1000 L St. $25, $15 age 6-12. 209-577-2099.
ALMOND BLOSSOM FESTIVAL — Feb. 23-25: The 56th annual fest heralds spring with food, a carnival, parade, art exhibits and more. The parade will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in downtown Ripon. The festival is 3-11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m Saturday; and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at Mistlin Sports Park, 1201 River Road, Ripon. Free. Pancake breakfast is 6 a.m. Saturday at the Grange Hall, 827 Ripona Ave., $7.50 in advance, $8.50 at the door, $5 age 10 and under. riponchamber.org.
SONORA CELTIC FAIRE – March 9-11: The fair marks its 32nd year, celebrating the cultures of Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall, Wales and all Celtic nations. The event will feature jousting, live Celtic music, vendors and street performers and more. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 9, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 10 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 11. Mother Lode Fairgrounds, 220 Southgate Drive, Sonora. $10-$25. 209-532-8375 or sonoracelticfaire.com.
MODESTO MARATHON EXPO – March 10: Annual expo with vendor booths, information and more. Open to the public as well as racers in the annual Sutter Health Memorial Medical Center, which will be held March 11. Expo is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Modesto Centre Plaza, 1000 L St. Free. modestomarathon.com.
MOTHER LODE DAFFODIL SHOW – March 10-11: The Northern California Daffodil Society show features blooming daffodils outside and in the showroom with horticulture exhibits and artistic designs in judged show. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Ironstone Vineyards, 1894 Six Mile Road, Murphys. Free. www.daffodil.org.
MURPHYS IRISH DAY – March 17: The historic Gold Rush town honors its Celtic heritage on St. Patrick’s Day this year with booths, art, food, wine, music, dance, jugglers and more. A bagpipe-led parade begins at 11 a.m. with the festival running 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Main Street, Murphys. visitmurphys.com.
CAMELLIA SHOW – March 17-18: The 57th annual event will show off award-winning camellias in the private Gallo Camellia Gardens, which feature 1,000 of the blooming plants over a 1-mile stroll. Rare camellia plants of various sizes will be for sale on the patio. 2 to 5 p.m. March 17; 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 18. E.&J. Gallo Winery administration building, 600 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto. Free. 209-522-0147.
KNIGHTS FERRY CIVIL WAR DAYS – March 17-18: The Civil War comes alive in Knights Ferry thanks to the American Civil War Association. Experience how life was for soldiers, women and children. Times to be confirmed. Knights Ferry Covered Bridge, 17968 Covered Bridge Road. Free. www.acwa.org.
LUCKY FEST 2018 – March 18: This annual pub crawl in downtown Modesto features 25 pop-up St. Patrick’s Day-themed pubs for one day only. Live music and more. Modesto Centre Plaza, 1000 L St. Gates open at 6 p.m. $12, $20 express pass in advance, $20, $30 express at the door. luckyfestmodesto.com.
This story was originally published February 1, 2018 at 2:44 PM with the headline "Winter doldrums got you down? Where to go in Modesto, Mother Lode to beat boredom."