May in California is the event "wake up and smell the roses" time of year. Outdoors and in gear, Californians and tourists from far and near celebrate a variety of activities and events that include fairs, races, cultural heritage, concerts and wine sampling. Some of our very favorites include the annual Kinetic Sculpture Race in Humboldt County. Sacramento Fair is always a crowd pleaser, as well, and is especially enjoyed because it is held in May before the weather gets too hot to enjoy this outdoor event.  Strawberry Festivals are prominent in May. There are 4 we can think of for certain: Santa Maria Strawberry Festival, Garden Grove Strawberry Festival, Arroyo Grande Strawberry Festival and Oxnard Strawberry Festival. It must be the season for ripe, red pickin' and eatin'.

When planning your time at an event, your participation often may help some cause, and it doesn't hurt to ask event planners if the event is produced by a non-profit organization with proceeds benefitting some special group. Most  planners can tell you if your purchases during their event will be tax deductible. And while the expense and write-off may be minimal, what you get out of attending about 25 percent of the calendar events postings we list for free is the satisfaction in knowing that your money helped some special cause that you enjoyed.

Resources include:

Fairs and Festivals May

Calendar:

 April 2008 < May 2008 > June 2008

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