The 98th annual Capay Valley Almond Festival, this Sunday, February 24

Celebrate a glorious spring weekend among billows of almond blossoms at the Almond Festival, this Sunday, February 24, in the Capay Valley towns of Esparto, Capay, Brooks, Guinda, and Rumsey.

A tradition since 1915, this is springtime, old school. The festival follows the Blossom Trail – it’s really California Highway 16, one of California’s scenic backroads -- from town to town through the groves of blossoming almond trees, into the Capay Valley. Along the way, each town celebrates with live music, special events and food. And you’ll get to meet the Almond queen and her court.

Here’s the topline:

Esparto

• The Future Farmer’s of America breakfast, winners of the Almond Baking Contest, food, Erica Davis’ “Kiss and Tell Band” (dancing!), crafts, rides.

Rumsey

• Hayride, Sheep to Shawl demonstration, “The Heel Draggers” bluegrass music for listening and dancing, sausage sandwiches.

Brooks

• Capay Valley Vineyard wine tasting, Seka Hills extra virgin olive oil sampling (and olive oil ice cream!), great picnic area to enjoy your lunch.

Capay

• The Terry Sheets band, food, t-shirts.

Guinda

• Barbeque oysters at the Fire Department (come early, they sell out). At the Grange, fresh-baked goods, locally made almond blossom ice cream, and Grammy Wyatt's famous almond rocha; crafters and artisans, local 4-H petting zoo for the little kids, musicians including TimBuck Tunes, Clarence VanHook & friends' blues, gospel and more, and Candy Schaer on her accordion; vintage engines and tractors

Get maps, schedules and all the details online at the Esparto Almond Festival website.

The Capay Valley is about an hour drive – and a world away – from the East Bay. Take Interstate 80 east to the 505 exit at Vacaville, then take 505 north, the Highway 16 exit, and head west onto the Blossom Trail.