Art Faire:Central Coast:May

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Carmel Art Festival - May 18 - 21, 2006

Various locations Carmel, CA

Schedule: Event times vary

Cost: Free

Primary Phone: (831) 642-2503

Web site: www.carmelartfestival.org

Plein air paintings created by 60 artists over a two-day period compete for cash prizes in this event that also features auctions, a youth art show, outdoor and indoor sculpture shows, and a free, do-it-yourself Make Art Day for kids.

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Artichoke Festival - May 20 - 21, 2006

Downtown Castroville, CA

Schedule: Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Cost: Admission $6, $3 children under 12

Primary Phone: (831) 633-2465

Web site: www.artichoke-festival.org

Going strong since Ms. Monroe's debut as queen in 1948, this festival pays homage to its patron veggie with a car show, a parade, an agro-art show (with works of art made from fruits and veggies), a 10K race, live music from rock 'n' roll to mariachis, craft booths, and lots of fun stuff for the kids. Oh, and artichokes prepared every conceivable way.

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Horned Toad Derby - May 26 - 29, 2006

Olsen Park Jane Ave. at Garfield St. Coalinga, CA

Schedule: Fri. 3 p.m.–midnight, Sat. noon–midnight, Sun. 10 a.m.–midnight, Mon. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Cost: Free

Primary Phone: (800) 854-3885

Secondary Phone: (559) 935-2948

Web site: www.coalingachamber.com/derbyinfo.html

Carnival rides, a downtown parade on Saturday at 10 a.m., craft and food vendors, firemen's water fights, a deep-pit barbecue, and horned toad races.