SeeCalifornia.com

Photos left to right: Flying Fish Festival in Catalina; Kinetic Sculpture Race in Ferndale; Strawberry Festival Parade in Garden Grove

• This is the weekend of wacky in California. In addition to the launch of several new theme park rides, Memorial celebrations and  dozens of pretty strawberry queens and princesses, you haven’t lived until you’ve raced a Horned Toad. Races begin today and go throughout the weekend at the Coalinga Horned Toad Festival (coalingachamber.com).
• If Coalinga’s Toad Derby doesn’t strike your fancy, check out the land & sea Kinetic Sculpture Race that limits only man’s & woman’s ability to build exotic vehicles that race for several days on land and in the ocean between Arcata and Ferndale. The races are more entertaining than you can imagine–who thinks these things up?
• And for those who love a sense of adventure, grab a flashlight and get ready to take a boat ride to look for those spectacular flying fish that frequent the shores of Catalina Island. Tours are offered this weekend during the Flying Fish Festival–but you have to get to the island first, and for some that may be a challenge.
• On the artsy-traditional side of life Arnold has been having its annual Spring Peddler’s Fair for 34 years. This Memorial Weekend,  May 26 & 27, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day browse over 60 booths of antiques, collectibles and crafts among the giants–the Big Trees of Calaveras County. Arnold isn’t far from the entrance to the state park.  Gourmet foods will be for sale. The Ebbett’s Pass Fire Department offers local beers, and the Arnold Lion’s Club holds a pancake breakfast both days from 8 – 11 a.m. Held in downtown Arnold, on Highway 4, amongst the pines & redwoods on the grounds of Bristol’s Ranch House Cafe. Free admission & parking. Info: 925/372-8961, afterthegoldrush@sbcglobal.net