APRIL

Ongoing–Lake Cachuma wildlife cruises. Book a two hour passage around the perimeter of the lake. Tours continue through October. Be sure to call ahead for reservations. For more information, call 805-686-5050 or go to www.sbparks.org.

Ongoing–Solvang Farmers’ Market.  Local and/or organic produce can be purchased directly from the grower on First Street in Solvang every Wednesday from 2:30-6pm.  For more info, call 805-962-5354 or www.sbfarmersmarket.org

Ongoing–Santa Ynez Valley Museum: Historic Postcards of the Valley.  Postcards of Santa Ynez Valley scenes, historic places, landmarks and people artfully displayed in an exhibit that chronicles Valley history. An additional exhibit by Kam Jacoby features historic photos artfully overlaid with current scenes. Through June 20. For more info, call 805-688-7889 or go to www.santaynezmuseum.org.

3-30–Gallery Los Olivos: Plein Air Show. Plein Air paintings (paintings done outdoors) by local artists will be on display through April 30. Reception April 3, 3 p.m.-4 p.m. 805-686-7517 or go to www.gallerylosolivos.com.

16-18–28th Annual S.B. County Vintners' Festival. More than 90 local wineries will provide gourmet food, live music and dancing, a silent auction, winery tours, barrel tasting, etc. Lompoc's River Park, at Sweeney Rd. and Hwy 246. For more info, call 805-688-0881. (Or go to www.sbcountywines.com).

23-25–Lompoc Spring Arts Festival. Food booths (local food only,) a carnival, an arts and crafts show, vehicle shows, and much more. For more info call, 805-736-4567 or go to www.flowerfestival.org.

MAY

1–El Benedicion de los Caballos.Each year the 800 member Rancheros Visitadores riding group starts its week-long trek with a 3 p.m. blessing at the steps of the Santa Inés Mission.

8–Sedgwick Preserve Nature Hikes.Guided interpretive hikes across 5000 unspoiled acres compliments of UCSB can be booked by calling 805-686-1941 or emailing sedgwick@lifesci.ucsb.edu.

A layered photo of the Ballard School then and now by artist Kam Jacoby from the "Historic Postcards" exhibit noted above at the Sana Ynez Valley Historic Museum.

JUNE

6–Wildling Museum: 7th Annual Poetry Reading. To be given at the Wilding Museum in Los Olivos 3-5 p.m. For more info, call 805-688-1082 or go to www.wildlingmuseum.org.

12–Santa Ynez Valley Museum. Third annual Spaghetti Western night includes living history displays and alive music dinner dance. 805-688-7889 or go to www.santaynezmuseum.org.

12- Old Santa Ynez Day. Come and watch mostly local folks go parading by on their horses, in their carriages, in their clasic cars/etc. After the parade, check out the multitude of street vendors selling all manner of arts, crafts, souvenirs and terrific tacos. For more info, call the Santa Ynez Elks Lodge at 805-688-3448.

19–PCPA Theaterfest through October. Solvang Theaterfest season starts with "Curtains." For ticket information, call 805-922-8313 or www.PCPA.org.

23-27– 58th Annual Lompoc Flower Festival. Parade, carnival, arts and crafts, concerts, performing artists, a flower show sponsored by the Alpha Literary and Improvement Club of Lompoc, and tours of the famous Lompoc flower fields. For more info, call 805-735-8511 or go to www.flowerfestival.org.

MORE COMING EVENTS IN 2010

JULY

4–Independence Day Celebration. Hosted by the Solvang Breakfast Rotary, the day-long activities include a morning parade through Solvang and an evening of fireworks at the Santa Ynez Valley Union HIgh School. For more info, call 805-688-6144.

10–Elverhoj Museum: Tidal Transformations. A gallery exhibition featuring the works of Carol Carbine and Blakeney Sanford. Mor more info, go to www.elverhoj.org.