[ Heads up, pucker up ] 1. Visitors to eat up contests centered on sweet, tart and sticky fruit at Santa Paula's annual Citrus Festival

Vitamin C will be splattered all over Santa Paula this weekend. The city's 41st annual Citrus Festival is bursting with competitions that entail scarfing down, peeling or bobbing for a trio of fruits grown in Santa Paula, the "citrus capital of the world." Depending on your own personal tastes, you can chomp down on oranges, lemons or avocados (the guacamole ingredient isn't citrus, but it's technically a fruit, and still a good source of vitamin C).

Don't worry about getting a little juice on your face: Antioxidants such as vitamin C are supposed to be good for the skin. Avocado chunks, however, could be a bit unsightly.

Those not engaged in consuming or playing with fruit can enjoy the other attractions, including carnival rides, a Citrus & Avocado Pavilion, craft and food vendors, family entertainment and lots of live music.

A parade with all the hometown standards — bands, antique cars, people waving from floats or horseback — will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday on Main Street between Seventh and 11th streets. A car show with classic and antique autos will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

On Friday, the musical lineup will feature Rico & Mambo, Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries and singer-songwriter Brenton Wood. Scheduled Saturday are DJ Devine, Aspen, Angela Skeels Band, Anthony Prieto Band, House Arrest and Lakeside. Sunday has DJ Big Mike, Mariachi Camarillo, Nuestro, Banda Santa Elena, Group Sismo, Banda Reina del Sure and others.

A continuous slate of contests offered from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday will include eating, peeling or bobbing for oranges and lemons; citrus packing; lemonade drinking; avocado peeling; and lemon pie eating.

On Saturday, judging will take place for best guacamole, most creative avocado dish and best lemon dessert at 1:30 p.m.; and kids' best dressed avocado, orange or lemon at 3:30 p.m. On Sunday, see who wins for best orange dessert, best orange or lemon marmalade, and biggest lemon, avocado or orange at 2 p.m. You still have time to get creative: Submissions can be turned in the day of the contest. Entry forms are available at City Hall or online at the festival Web site, http://www.santapaulafestival.org.

The Citrus Festival will take place from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $5 for general admission and $1 for children 12 and younger. Carnival rides cost extra.

[ dogged determination ]

2. On your bark, get set, go

Pet owners with their eyes on a best costume prize will be responsible for the dressed-up canines traipsing at San Buenaventura State Beach Park for the annual 2008 Pooch Parade on Sunday. Contest categories that don't require goofy togs include best kisser, best tail wag and most obedient. The event, a fundraiser for the Canine Adoption and Rescue League, will also feature agility demonstrations, pet vendors and food. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (parade at 10 a.m.). Parade registration: $40-$50; walkers also collect pledges. 652-1001; http://www.poochparade.org.

[ church carnival ]

3. Recreation at St. Rose

St. Rose of Lima earned her sainthood in part by fasting, and wearing a spiked metal crown. About 400 years later, followers at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Simi Valley are more inclined to enjoy themselves. The church is hosting its annual family carnival, featuring rides, games, a raffle, food booths, live entertainment and a sale of used books. 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday, 1305 Royal Ave. $2; free for seniors and children younger than 13. 526-1732.

[ pirate party ]

4. Days of plunder

Skull-and-crossbone tattoos ... flying axes ... thieving rogues. It's a family event! The third annual Pirate Days at Ventura Harbor Village on Saturday and Sunday will mark our endless fascination with seagoing knaves who rob, snarl and swill rum. Activities will include demonstrations by knife- and ax-thrower Jack Dagger, a treasure hunt, pirate look-alikes, shanty singers and pirate merchandise. New are Pi "Rat" Races, featuring racing rodents, and astrology readings and rum tastings. 1 to 4 p.m., Spinnaker Drive off Harbor Boulevard. 477-0470; http://www.venturaharborvillage.com.

[ THE RAIL WAY]

5. Trains of thought

A giant event is about to happen in the world of miniature trains. The National Model Railroad Association's annual Train Show moves to a different city every year, and for 2008, the lucky host is Anaheim. Billed as the world's largest model train show, the event will feature a wonderland of more than 25 operating train displays, a children's area, railroad-related vendors and a Lego MiniLand made up of more than 2 million Legos. Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W. Katella Ave. $5-$10; free for kids under 6. http://www.nationaltrainshow.org.