Gold Coutry:April

Pastels USA International Open Exhibition - April 11 - June 1, 2006

ARTS 808 Lincoln Way Auburn, CA

Schedule: Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Cost: Free

Primary Phone: (530) 885-2787

Considered the most important yearly show of pastel art outside New York City, this annual event features 100 of the approximately 600 works submitted by top pastel artists from the United States and beyond.

Gold Nugget Days - April 20 - 23, 2006

Various locations Paradise, CA

Schedule: Times vary

Cost: Most events free

Primary Phone: (530) 872-8722

The 1859 discovery in nearby Maglia of a 54-pound gold nugget is commemorated with a Historical Queen Contest, an old fashioned melodrama, an arts & crafts fair, a parade and a donkey derby, a costumed ball, and more.

Asparagus Festival - April 21 - 23, 2006

Downtown Stockton, CA

Schedule: Call or check Web site for hours

Cost: Admission $10 general, $5 seniors and youth 11–17, free for those under 11

Primary Phone: (209) 644-3740

Web site: www.asparagusfest.com

Close to 100,000 asparagus fans are expected for this annual, multi-event festival. Included are entertainment by nationally known performers, deep-fried asparagus–eating and celebrity spear-throwing contests, more than 100 crafters, cooking demos, a kids' play area, and a home and garden pavilion. In the vast food pavilion, where you can sample dishes like deep fried asparagus, cooks manage to go through 30,000 pounds of San Joaquin County's most prestigious agricultural product.

Ceramics Festival - April 28 - 30, 2006

John Natsoulas Gallery & various other locations Davis, CA

Schedule: Call or check Web site for schedule

Cost: Call or check Web site for details

Primary Phone: (530) 756-3938

Web site: www.natsoulas.com

Ride a free shuttle to visit more than 10 exhibitions where you can admire the handiwork of acclaimed sculptors. The smaller set can join hands-on workshops that allow kids of all ages to experiment with clay.

Feats of Clay - April 29, May 3 - 28, 2006

Gladding McBean Terra Cotta Factory (meet at 6th & F sts.) Lincoln, CA

Schedule: Opening event April 29 at 7 p.m.; exhibition tours Wed.–Sun. 9 a.m.–noon (May 3–28)

Cost: Opening event $50; guided exhibition tours $10; reservations required for both

Primary Phone: (916) 645-9713

Web site: www.lincolnarts.org

This juried exhibition of artwork by upward of 70 of the nation's finest ceramists takes place in an historic terra cotta factory. The exhibition can be seen only on a guided tour; participation is limited to adults and children 12 and up. No open-toed shoes. At the opening benefit event, you can mingle with the artists and enjoy an 1800s-themed dinner of chicken or tri-tip.

Spring Festival - April 29, 2006

Downtown Sonora, CA

Schedule: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Cost: Free

Primary Phone: (209) 532-7725

Stroll through the historic downtown district where you'll find local restaurants offering special meals and recipe cards for popular dishes. There will also be craft booths for the kids, including a reptile petting zoo, butterfly-making, and food art stations. Plus, live music and dance performances, as well as more than 40 artists selling their work and demonstrating techniques ranging from lace-weaving to cartooning.