Jousting knights in armor, more coming to the Modesto region
Knights in armor? Check. Dragon? Check. Almond blossoms? Check.
What more do you need to see to shake off the winter doldrums and get out and about the next several weeks?
February and March offer just a few of the traditional community and cultural celebrations in the Modesto region for 2024. They include a festival of blossoms in Ripon, the annual Celtic celebration in the Mother Lode and heralding the Chinese Year of the Dragon.
Here’s a look at some of what’s planned:
Ripon Almond Blossom Festival — Feb. 22-25: The annual celebration offers food, a carnival, a parade, vendor booths, live music and more. The parade will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in downtown Ripon. Festival events are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Mistlin Sports Park, 1201 River Road, Ripon. Free. riponchamber.org.
Chinese New Year Celebration — Feb. 24: The Stanislaus Chinese Association welcomes the Year of the Dragon with food, entertainment, a raffle and more. There will be free cultural crafts for kids beginning at 4 p.m. Event 5-9 p.m. Modesto Centre Plaza, 10th and K streets. $40, $30 age 12 and under. 209-602-0763. stanchineseassn@yahoo.com.
Calaveras Celtic Faire — March 8-10: The fair celebrates the cultures of Celtic nations and will feature jousting, live music, living history, a marketplace, food and more. Events begin 9:30 a.m. Friday, 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Calaveras County Fairgrounds, 2465 Gun Club Road, Angels Camp. $10-$33. calaverascelticfaire.com.
Camellia Society of Modesto Show — March 16-17: The annual event will show off award-winning flowers in the E.&J. Gallo Winery administration building. In addition, the private Gallo Camellia Gardens will be open to the public. Plants also will be for sale. 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday with lunch available for purchase; 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. E.&J. Gallo Winery administration building, 600 Yosemite Blvd., Modesto. Free. camelliasocietyofmodesto.org.
Murphys Irish Day — March 16: 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. to 5 p.m. Free. Main Street, Murphys. visitmurphys.com/murphys-irish-day.
