A festival of loaded fries? Yeah, that’s happening in Modesto; other celebrations
Whether it brings showers or not, April is a month to get out and enjoy spring. With that comes several festivals and celebrations popping up all over the Modesto and Mother Lode regions.
This year’s events include some new entries in the festival bounty: an homage to loaded French fries, a celebration of the Portuguese culture and a day of buzz on pollinators that benefit our environment.
Here’s a look at some of the events coming up:
CESAR E. CHAVEZ FAMILY DAY CELEBRATION — April 6: City of Modesto, Parks Recreation and Neighborhoods Department and Modesto City Schools’ Student, Parent and Community Support Services present guest speakers, cultural dances, entertainment and community resource booths at this family event that honors the late farmworker advocate. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Cesar Chavez Park, 615 Sierra Drive, Modesto. 209-341-2950.
STANISLAUS ARTIST OPEN STUDIO TOUR — April 6-7: More than 50 artists at 29 studios and gallery venues in Turlock, Modesto and Oakdale open their doors to the public. Meet local artists where they create their work, with studio tours, demonstrations and art to view and for sale. Map booklets double as tickets for the tour and will be available for $10, free age 18 and under. Tour hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For map purchase locations, see www.facebook.com/StanislausAOS
MODESTO POLLINATOR FESTIVAL — April 7: Event to raise awareness of the important role of pollinators in the environment. Parade, face painting and vendor booths as well as the unveiling of a mural, a presentation by habitat restorer Glen Schneider, beekeeping demonstration, ladybug release, scavenger hunt and other activities. Guitarist Neil Buettner will lead a parade of kids beginning at noon. Festival hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m. La Loma Native Garden, 1805 Encina Ave., Modesto. Free.
KITE FESTIVAL — April 7: This annual kite fest and community health fair features demonstrations, contests, live entertainment vendors, children’s activities and more. The Merced County sheriff’s Huey helicopter will land to kick of the event; free kites to first 500 kids. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Livingston Middle School. Free. www.livingstonkitefestival.com.
SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY PORTUGUESE FESTIVAL — April 13: Portuguese Fraternal Society of America presents celebration open to all to discover the culture and heritage of the Portuguese people and honor their contributions to the San Joaquin Valley and the state of California. 9 a.m.-midnight. Stanislaus County Fairgrounds 900 N. Broadway, Turlock. Free 9 a.m.-noon, $10 noon-6 p.m., $20 6 p.m.-midnight. www.carlosvieirafoundation.org.
EARTH DAY IN THE PARK — April 20: A day of “green” education, live entertainment, activities for all ages, food, electronic waste and CRV recycling, electric cars, yoga and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Graceada Park, Sycamore and Needham streets, Modesto. Free. www.modestogov.com/415/Earth-Day.
MOTOWN FRY FEST — April 27: Omega Nu presents this first-time festival as local chefs put their culinary skills to the test with a variety of loaded fries, from savory to sweet. There will be a loaded fry battle where the public can vote for the People’s Choice Favorite. With live music, fry-themed entertainment, craft brews and ciders, local makers bazaar and kids zone. 4-8 p.m. Graceada Park, 401 Needham St., Modesto. $10-$25. www.motownfryfest.com.
MODESTO BEER FESTIVAL — April 27: American Outlaws Modesto Chapter brings back its beer tasting celebration for another outing. Tastings of several selections with brewers from Modesto, the valley and beyond with spots both outdoors and indoors. Vote for your favorite brewer at the age 21-and-older event. 2-6 p.m. Tuolumne River Lodge, 2429 River Road, Modesto. $20 advance, $25 at the door. www.aomodesto.com.
TASTE OF CALAVERAS — April 27: Wineries, restaurants, chefs and musicians gather for this annual celebration. There will be cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, art, educational wine and food pairing seminars and a silent auction. Noon-4 p.m. Ironstone Vineyards, 1894 Six Mile Road, Murphys. $50 advance, $55 at gate. 209-736-1333; www.angelscampbusiness.com.
CALAVERAS FLY-IN & OPEN HOUSE — April 27: EAA Mother Lode Chapter 484 event with airplane rides, aircraft and classic car displays, fly-in, music and open house. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; airplane rides for $10-$20. Fly-in and open house are free. Calaveras County Airport, 3600 Carol Kennedy Drive, San Andreas. www.eaa484.org.
HUGHSON FRUIT & NUT FESTIVAL — April 27-28: More than 100 vendors in open-air market with crafts, live entertainment, car show, pancake breakfast, Kidz Zone and more. Farmers market, food, drinks and snacks, barrel room with cold beer and hard cider. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 28. Downtown Hughson. Free. hughsonchamber.org
GOLD COUNTRY PEDDLER’S FAIRE — April 28: The Historic Knights Ferry Gold Country Peddler’s Faire returns. The annual event features antiques, collectibles, crafts and more than 100 dealers. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Stanislaus River Park, Knights Ferry. Free. For more, knightsferry.com