Plenty of events this weekend

A wide diversity of music, food and entertainment will be featured in several events this weekend in the Mid-Valley area.

Ranging from the Cultural Celebration in Yuba City to the Chinese Moon Festival and Mexican Independence Festival in Marysville to the Crawdad Festival in Colusa, the weekend has something for everyone.

Weekend activities start with the 10th annual Cultural Celebration Saturday at Gauche Aquatic Park. Groups performing include Bhanghara, the Marysville Taiko Drummers, the Lindhurst High School Hmong Butterfly Dancers, Thunderfoot Cloggers and R.O.O.T.S Afro-Fusion Dance and Drum Co.

In addition, food and varied exhibits are planned.

The event is hosted by the Yuba City Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, call Abbie Cesena at 822-4710, Ext. 104.

Chinese Moon Festival

The second annual Moon Festival on Saturday in Marysville to benefit the Bok Kai Temple includes tours of Chinatown and a presentation of the area's history.

A Chinese dinner with moon cakes for dessert, catered by Szechwan Restaurant, follows the festival.

Tickets, $45 per person or $80 for two, may be purchased at Amicus Books or the Candy Box, both on D Street in Marysville.

The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Marysville Bok Kai Temple. For more information, call 713-2378 or 300-7486.

Blues and brew

Tickets are available for the seventh annual Blues, Brews and Barbecue set Saturday at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds in Yuba City.

The event features 20 breweries, tri-tip barbecue and live music.

Tickets are $30 in advance, available at the fairgrounds office or at Mapco in Yuba City; or $35 at the gate.

In addition, Mitchell's Towing is offering a free tow and Geweke Ford will provide free shuttle service to help ensure everyone gets home safely.

The event is sponsored by the Early Risers Kiwanis Club of Yuba City.

Crawdad festival

Saturday also includes the third annual Colusa Crawdad Festival at the Colusa County Fairgrounds.

With crawfish, corn and potatoes with red beans and rice, the menu also includes carnitas, hot dogs and hot links plus beverages.

Admission is $10, general, and free for children under 10 years. Proceeds support community charities.

The festival is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council No. 2145. Advance tickets may be purchased in Colusa at Hoblit Motors, Kittles Outdoor and the Colusa County Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact the Chamber at 2963 Davison Court or call 458-5525.

Mexican independence

Sunday features the Mexican Independence Festival at Beckwourth Riverfront Park in Marysville.

Admission is free to the festival that includes music, dancing, food and cultural exhibits.

For more information, call Veronica Ramos, RVR Enterprises, at 755-9997. Mexico's independence day is Sept. 16.

Sunday also includes an "Afternoon of Song" and spaghetti dinner, a fundraiser for the Yuba Sutter Master Chorale.

Admission is free to the event set at the First Lutheran Church in Yuba City. Donations will be accepted. Call 742-ARTS for more information.

The Circo Caballero is also scheduled through Monday at the Kmart parking lot, Gray Avenue in Yuba City.

Shows are at 8 p.m. today and Monday and 5:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

The Lineup

• Tenth annual Cultural Celebration

11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday

Gauche Aquatic Park, 421 C St., Yuba City

Free admission

• Third annual Colusa Crawdad Festival

1 to 10 p.m. Saturday

Colusa County Fairgrounds, 1303 Highway 20, Colusa

Admission: $10 general; free, children under 10 years.

• Second annual Moon Festival

3 to 5 p.m. Saturday

First and C streets, Marysville

Tickets: $45 each or $80 for two.

• Blues, Brews and Barbecue

4 to 8 p.m. Saturday

Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds, 442 Franklin Ave., Yuba City

Tickets: $35.

• Mexican Independence Festival

Noon to 8 p.m. Sunday

Beckwourth Riverfront Park, Marysville

Free admission.

• "Afternoon of Song"

4:30 p.m. Sunday

First Lutheran Church, 850 Cooper Ave., Yuba City

Free admission, donations accepted.

• Circo Caballero

8 p.m. today and Monday; 5:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Kmart parking lot, Gray Avenue, Yuba City.

Tickets at door.

Contact the Appeal-Democrat at 741-2400 or at adnewsroom@appealdemocrat.com.