by Noella Noelophile®
(Photo courtesy of Steven Restivo Event Services, and used with permission.)
Did you hear something that sounded like, “zoom”?
That’s exactly how this month seems to be going! With Memorial Day weekend coming up, here’s a quick look at some upcoming California almost-summertime crafts fairs.
SANTA ANA – PATCHWORK SHOW Modern Makers Festival.
Sunday, May 29th, 2nd and Sycamore, 11 am – 5 pm. Admission is free.
More than 160 local vendors celebrate the “unofficial start of summer” in this all-handmade festival. Fine jewelry and costume, scented soaps and handcrafted cards have been among my favorite “finds” here.
Live performances are part of the fun…
,…and so is the opportunity to “get crafty” at one of the DIY areas.
And, the food is completely fantastic! Between the artisan-food area and the food trucks, this is a “foodie’s” day out. I personally always hurry to get in the Front Porch Pops line–can we say “summer on a stick” here? But you’ll probably find quite a few other personal favorites, as well.
Santa Ana is right where it all started for the Patchwork Show. Co-founders Nicole Stevenson and Delilah Snell opened their first show in the parking lot of Delilah’s store, The Road Less Traveled, in 2008. Since then, the show has grown to a twice-yearly event in three different cities–both in Northern and Southern California!
The best part? This is just the start of the 2016 Springtime Patchwork Shows! Patchwork comes to Oakland’s Jack London Square on June 4th–and to Long Beach’s Marine Stadium on June 12th!
(Photo courtesy of Steven Restivo Event Services, and used with permission.)
SAN FRANCISCO – UNION STREET FESTIVAL.
Saturday and Sunday, June 4th and 4th, Union Street, Fillmore to Gough
10 am – 6 pm. Admission is free.
(Photo courtesy of Steven Restivo Event Services, and used with permission.)
Again, where does the time go? This will be the 40th annual Union Street Festival–and it’s never looked better!
(Photo courtesy of Steven Restivo Event Services, and used with permission.)
To say the exhibiting artists have some incredible handmade work, would be an understatement.
Among the exhibitors this year, according to the website, will be S for Sparkle (I love Kate’s delicate rings and the “tiny pop of color” earrings she creates!), along with fiber artist Judy Sauer (if you want to see a gorgeous “table topper”, here’s one!) and glass artist Frank Thompson, who manages to get sea, rainbows and iridescence all into his glorious work.
(Photo courtesy of Steven Restivo Event Services, and used with permission.)
Live music, dancing, health and fitness, and great food are all a part of the Union Street Festival. So are health and fitness, and kids’ amusements!
(Photo courtesy of Steven Restivo Event Services, and used with permission.)
And–this is the second year they’re having a juried fine-art section! You’re invited to take a look as the judges vote on the best for cash prizes.
One other feature that’s always popular at the Union Street Festival? The craft beer and wine sampling pavilions; and tickets are available now. But, one warning–if this will be your first time at the Union Street Festival, and you want to have dinner afterwards, in one of the area restaurants, you may want to look into making reservations NOW. Union Street lives up to San Francisco’s reputation for great restaurants, and a lot of Festival attendees will have the same idea.
OJAI – OJAI VALLEY LAVENDER FESTIVAL
Saturday, June 25th, Libbey Park, 10 am – 5 pm.
Admission is free.
This one offers more than a hundred vendors, lavender for sale everywhere and all kinds of lavender essential oils, soaps and lavender-related food items. Lavender ice cream, iced tea and even lavender-flavored entrees were on the menu when we went for the first time last year.
In addition to all the artisans, the Festival had a crafts booth where visitors could make lavender wreaths, as well as live music by some very talented local bands. 
And while I don’t see it listed yet, I hope the Ojai Valley Raptor Center will be exhibiting again this year.
Bob, the kestrel, hammed it up for the camera when we were there–and may be ready for an encore
And if you happen to love cooking, Chef Robin Goldstein teaches a very popular special class on “Cooking with Lavender” at the Lavender Inn, especially for the Festival. Here’s the link with a phone number for reservations.
Now, two warnings. If you’re going to this one, get there early, as it does get crowded. Free parking was available, last year, when we pulled in at 9 am. Two hours later, every spot was taken. 
And–the traffic can be heavy! The Ojai Valley Lavender Festival’s deservedly popular, but as mentioned in a previous post, we narrowly missed being hit, by two different cars, as we tried to navigate one pedestrian crossing. So please be careful. And again, we highly recommend the Ojai Trolley, for a gorgeous ride around town.
Enjoy, and I’ll see you at the festivals!