HOLTVILLE, CALIF.- You can travel your way through California eating at numerous food capitals as you go. And if you plan it right, most of the fruit & vegetable meccas have a celebration to honor their native food, including THE CARROT. This weekend Holtville in Southern California's Imperial Valley invites visitors to come check out its carrots at the Holtville Carrot Festival & Parade.

Throughout the past week there have been carrot events. Carrot cook-off contests have been held for youngsters and adults, a Carrot Queen has been crowned and will ride with her court in the Saturday, Feb. 12 Carrot Parade, and the mayor recently addressed the citizens at the launch of the Carrot Festival.

Floats with carrot themes will entertain those who watch the Carrot Parade starting at 10 a.m.on Saturday. Bands, floats, school kids, antique cars and tractors, equestrians, Citizen of the Year, 2011 Festival Queen, Princess, Junior Princess and runner-ups will ride, walk, march or trot along the route — west on Fifth Street from Maple to Cedar. A carnival and festival continues through the weekend. holtvillechamber.org

Other fruit parades and festival coming to California include: Apple Blossoms, Almond Blossoms, Avocados, Strawberries, Garlic and Artichokes. YUM!