SeeCalifornia.com

Today starts the pig racing season for Santa Barbara when the Fair and Expo (earlwarren.com) opens the gates to a five day festival event that includes 14 pig races at “Old MacDonald’s Farm”. If you never watched pigs race around a ring, it’s a sight to see. You really have to watch the end of the race and finish line to understand what drives these little four legged creatures–it’s the food. At the end of the races are snacks for the pigs –they gulp them as quickly as they run to get the treats.

The annual fair held at Earl Warren Fairgrounds in Santa Barbara includes more excitement than you can shake a stick at. There’s dairy goat milking, wool spinning, kids tractor pull contest and so much more! But if you miss this pig race, you’ll have around 50 additional opportunities to see them run at a fair near your California destination or home. Pig races are one of the most attended events at county and local fairs and the crowds line up to watch them, even though there’s no betting allowed.

For those who have other plans this last week of April, we’ll look for you at the Santa Maria Strawberry Festival, Asparagus Festival in Stockton, Lemon Festival in Upland, or Rivers of Chocolate Festival in Saratoga. If you’re looking for breakfast foods, head for Petaluma Butter & Eggs Festival and Parade–please hold the ham!