A staycationer’s guide to Memorial Day weekend

There’s nothing that says “relaxing holiday” quite like sitting in six to eight hours of traffic on the way to Tahoe or the Bay Area over Memorial Day weekend. Really, you’re a fool for staying in town, and you’re really missing out on all that elbow-to-elbow beach time and/or waiting two hours to eat at TGI Friday’s because everything else is a four-hour wait.

Luckily, there’s no shortage of local events for all you lazy (a.k.a. smart) homebodies this weekend in search of something special:

The Sacramento County Fair kicks off on Thursday, May 26, and runs through Monday, May 30, at Cal Expo (1600 Exposition Boulevard). Get your fill of monster trucks, bull riding, classic-rock tribute bands, pig racing and everything else your down-home heart desires. General admission is free if you’re under 12 and $5 otherwise; some events require additional tickets. Visit http://sacfair.com for more info.

For something less deep-fried but equally family friendly, Eatwell Farm in Davis (5835 Sievers Road) opens its strawberry patches to the public on Saturday, May 28, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Strawberry Days on the Farm. Eat to your heart’s content for $5 if you’re 18 or under, and $10 if you’re an adult. Visit www.eatwell.com to find out more or call (707) 999-1150.

Alternatively, you can participate in the time-honored Memorial Day weekend tradition of beer drinking on Friday, May 27, at the Elk Grove Brewfest at the Old Town Plaza (8401 Laguna Palms Way in Elk Grove) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets range from $35-$45 for unlimited sampling of more than 40 craft breweries. Call (916) 229-8681 or visit www.elkgrovebrewfest.com for tickets.

For those looking for a more traditional celebration (and to, y’know, actually spend time honoring the veterans for whom this holiday is reserved), this year is the 50th annual Memorial Day Parade in North Highlands. It takes place on Monday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and starts at I Street and Watt Avenue. Hot dogs, soda and beer will follow. Call (916) 847-5057 or visit http://memorialdayparade.vfwpost4647.org to find out more.