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Grab & Go: Cook-offs, Gardens and Parades

Here's a chili cook-off, a spring garden party, rodeo parade and a magician— pick and choose from this week's array of activities for families and kids.

Posted Mon, May 9, 2011 at 6:09 pm PT|Updated Wed, May 11, 2011 at 12:07 am PT

FAMILY BEST BETS OF THE WEEK

20TH ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF

Where/When: Rowell Ranch Rodeo Park in Castro Valley; Friday, May 13, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Why Go: Spice up your family dinner this weekend and take your family to taste over 20 different chili recipes!
Pricing: $1 tasting tickets

Where/When: Ochoa Middle School Garden, 2121 Depot Rd., Hayward; Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Why Go: Participants will have the opportunity to meet master gardeners, enjoy freshly prepared food, learn how anyone can produce fresh foods in their own gardens, and walk away with their own plants to grow at home.
Pricing: Free

Where/When: McConaghy House in Hayward; Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Why Go: Bring the family to explore the McConaghy House gardens as everything starts to bloom. Use magnifying glasses to discover the different parts of a flower, and plant seeds in a pot that you and your family can take home.
Pricing: $5 for adults, $3 for seniors/students, free for children 10 and under

Where/When: Castro Valley Boulevard (between San Miguel Avenue and Lake Chabot Road) in Castro Valley; Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to noon
Why Go: Take the kids to see the annual parade featuring horse teams, rodeo queens and local community groups.
Pricing: Free

Where/When: Newark Library; Saturday, May 14, from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Why Go: Take your kids to see the magician Heather Rogers and prepare to be amazed!
Pricing: Free

You can also always add any event yourself to our calendar here.

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