Festivals, Feasts & Fairs

REDLANDS--Firefighters, using antique equipment, will compete in bucket brigades and other old-time contests at the Redlands Chili Cook-Off and Firemen’s Muster, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. About 25 chili cooks will vie for the people’s choice award. At University of Redlands Quad, 1200 E. Colton Ave. Free admission, $1 for three chili tastes. Telephone (909) 793-2546.

MURPHYS--At old home weekend, Homecoming events honor residents, but visitors can find fun too. Activities include a pancake breakfast, 7 a.m. July 20 at Native Sons Hall, on Main Street ($5 adults, $3 kids under 12), and a 10 a.m. parade down Main Street. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., activities at Murphys Community Park, at Algiers and Main streets, include games, food booths and bands. Free admission. (800) 225-3764.

SAN JOSE--Dim sum and ethnic dance troupes will enliven the Chinese Summer Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 20 on the grounds of the San Jose Historical Museum, 1600 Senter Road. Activities will include tours of the re-created Ng Shing Gung Temple at the museum; Chinese acrobats and a Dragon Parade; and children’s crafts. Free. (408) 287-2290.

GILROY--Break out the breath mints. It’s time for the Gilroy Garlic Festival, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 25-27, where fare for sale will include stuffed mushrooms, calamari, garlic bread and fresh corn with garlic butter. Free samples of garlic ice cream will be available. There will also be a juried arts and crafts show and musicians. At Christmas Hill Park, at Miller Street and Uvas Park Drive. $10 adults, $4 children 6-12 and those over 60, kids under 6 free. (408) 842-6436.

KINGSBURG--About 20 tons of ice-cold watermelon await visitors to the Watermelon Festival, 6-10 p.m. July 26. The 52nd annual event will present about 20 booths with food and carnival-type games. At Kingsburg High School Bowl, at Sierra and 18th streets. Free admission. (800) 411-1119.

Call listed phone numbers for directions.