Memorial Weekend launches California's summer of overload. You think that the school year was tough? Well, wait till you see what hundreds of California cities and towns have up their sleeves to keep you in overdrive, being fed, entertained and happy!

Memorial Weekend's three days of celebrating will not go down as a quiet time, unless you opt to stay at home and watch the grass grow. There are two Strawberry Festivals, one in Garden Grove and one in Arroyo Grande, and a Strawberry Parade on Saturday in Orange County.

If you're Scottish and you know it clap your hands. If you're Scottish and you know it do a Highland Dance, toss a saber, play the bagpipes, and wear a kilt this weekend at the Scottish Festival at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa.

Our favorite event we've never seen but want to attend some year is going on this weekend (starting today) launching at the Victorian Village of Ferndale and ending up at the college town of Arcata on the Redwood Coast. Don't miss the World Championship Kinetic Sculpture Race, the event responsible for many copy-cat events around the globe!

The Sacramento (and surrounding) area hosts a variety of events that will keep you dancing. Vacaville Fiesta Days includes lots of bands, carnival rides and entertainment, while the Sacramento Jazz Festival is a massive, musical feast. Sacramento County Fair this Memorial Weekend features entertainment and events for all ages. Don't miss out!

San Bernardino's National Orange Show Festival, Santa Maria's Cruisin' Nationals, Hollister Air Show, Ojai Art in the Park, Bishop Mule Days, Arnold Spring Peddler's Faire, Hemosa Beach's Fiesta Hermosa, Avila Beach Blues Festival, Point Arena Hog & Lamb BBQ, and Sausalito's Caledonia Street Spring Faire all are being held in one single weekend in California. And that's just scratching the surface of what's out there!

Be safe, stay cool, and have fun in the sun! Most of the state will be sunny this Memorial Weekend 2011. It's a great time to be alive.