By Dixie Reid
dreid@sacbee.com
A sure sign that spring is on its way is the Capay Valley Almond Festival, coming up on Sunday.
It's been a rite of the season for years, a way to celebrate the beautiful white blossoms that precede the almonds' arrival.
"The festival started in 1915," said Esparto Regional Chamber spokesman Monique Garcia, "and they moved it from fall to spring. We don't know why or when. It's a complete mystery."
Folks from the communities of Guinda, Rumsey, Brooks, Capay and Esparto - a 21-mile stretch of road - will host the culinary and agricultural tour, which runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Among the events and entertainment:
Almond Festival fun run
Almond baking contest
Countryside Community Church rummage and bake sale
Pancake breakfast
Zumba, folklorico and karate demonstrations
Dilly Dally the Clown
FFA Cow Plot Bingo
Capay Organics hosts a farm tour
Car show
Farmer's market
Climbing hay pyramid
Esparto Library book sale
Petting zoo
Blacksmith and beekeeper demonstrations
Farm equipment
For the schedule and a map: www.espartoregionalchamber.com, or call the chamber for more information: (530) 787-3242
PHOTO CREDIT: Sacramento Bee file photo
