Escapes: Stockpile citrus at Auburn festival

Mandarin festival

Every year just before Thanksgiving, thousands head to Auburn to revel in sweet, juicy mandarin oranges.

The Mountain Mandarin Festival returns for three days – Friday through Nov. 23 – with growers selling plenty of five- and 10-pound bags for your citrus stockpiling needs. Vendors will also serve mandarin-infused drinks, mandarin fudge, mandarin popcorn and other fun, inspired eats, along with mandarin-based products such as olive oil, marmalade, honey and syrup. If you start feeling a citrus overload set in, note there will also be an assortment of traditional fair food available.

The festival takes place at the Gold Country Fairgrounds, 1273 High St., Auburn, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 23. General admission on Friday costs $3. On Saturday and Sunday, it climbs to $8, but seniors and military get in for $5. Free entry for kids under 12. For more information, visit www.mandarinfestival.com.

Ancient movement

What: The eighth annual Tribal de Chico will celebrate the art of belly-dancing with live performances from local and visiting dancers.

When: 7-10 p.m. Friday

Where: Chico Women’s Club, 592 E. Third St., Chico

Cost: $15

Information: www.allegorybellydance.com

Puppet festival

What: Some of the nation’s top puppeteers will showcase their work at the 18th annual Puppet Festival and Workshop. After watching live performances, feel inspired to create your own puppet to keep.

When: Various times, Friday and Saturday

Where: Jarvis Conservatory, 1711 Main St., Napa

Cost: $10-$15 for performances, $10 for workshop

Information: jarvisconservatory.com

Wine tasting

What: Taste an array of wines – and buy what you like on the spot – at the San Francisco Vintners Market. About 200 wineries will pour samples and sell bottles at all price points and styles. Some wine will be imported from around the world, but most will be regional: Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Santa Barbara, Russian River, San Luis Obispo and so forth.

When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Nov. 23

Where: Fort Mason, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco

Cost: $80

Information: www.SFVintnersMarket.com

Rethinking Thanksgiving

What: The seventh annual Thangs Taken: Rethinking Thanksgiving event explores the holiday’s challenging history, American colonialism and the treatment of American Indians. It’ll combine those heady topics and local social justice organizations with live music, film, visual art installations, spoken word poetry and hip-hop theater.

When: 7-10 p.m. Nov. 23

Where: La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley

Cost: $10-$25

Information: www.arielluckey.com

Living history

What: Learn how families lived in the early Mexican rancho days. Expect fun, hands-on activities such as roping, cooking, horse wagon rides and lawn games.

When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 23

Where: Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Coast Road, Santa Cruz

Cost: Free

Information: www.parks.ca.gov

Bee Staff

This story was originally published November 15, 2014 at 10:00 AM with the headline "Escapes: Stockpile citrus at Auburn festival."