WEEKEND FESTIVALS PARTY WITH THE IRISH.

Byline: Barbara De Witt Staff Writer

You don't have to be Irish to join in the jigs and reels at the 28th annual Great American Irish Fair and Music Festival in Encino this weekend.

The event that attracts up to 50,000 people starts off each day at noon with a parade of honor guards, followed by the queen of the fair, costumed characters and bagpipers.

``You'll learn that the Irish invented bagpipes and gave them to the Scottish, but they never got the joke,'' says event spokesman Allyn Anderson, with a laugh. Jokes aside, the Scots and the Irish are Celtic cousins, and both will be participating, Anderson explains, so feel free to wear green or your favorite plaid.

If you don't want to dance, just relax in a meadow of grass and trees (otherwise known as Woodley Park in Encino) while 2,000 performers present a variety of music, songs and dances on 16 stages. The headliners are a Celtic Irish band called the Young Dubliners, the Fenians, Dublin 4, Wrath of McGrath and harpist/singer Sheila O'Donnell.

But this lively event promises something for everyone - from an Irish dog show to a collection of vintage Delorean cars made in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

For children, there's the Leprechaun Kingdom with games and rides, Gaelic language and Irish Theatre and the Ancient Tara, a group of costumed characters who provide a living history of ancient Ireland by re-enacting battles with swords, as well as demonstrations of everyday tasks.

Refreshments can be found at the beer gardens and food courts offering Irish soda breads and biscuits to go with stew, fish and chips, and corned beef.

Since you'll be outdoors all day, wear comfortable clothing, and bring sunscreen and a jacket.

IRISH FAIR AND MUSIC FESTIVAL: Woodley Park, Woodley Avenue at Victory Boulevard, Encino. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $16 for adults; $12 for ages 62 and older and students; 16 and under free when accompanied by adult; food and souvenirs priced separately. Handicapped accessible; no pets or alcohol. [phone]; www.irishfair.info.

Also happening this weekend:

HUCK FINN JUBILEE: Hear ghost stories by Mark Twain, tap your toes at a barn dance or take off in a hot air balloon at this outdoor family festival in Mojave Narrows Regional Park, Victorville. Also planned are concerts by Patty Loveless and Rhonda Vincent, an arts and crafts fair and the Russell Bros. Circus.

To get to the festival from the San Fernando Valley, take Interstate 10 or the 210 east to Interstate 15 north to Victorville; exit at Bear Valley Road; go east four miles to Ridgecrest Avenue; exit and go north, following signs to the park. Free parking. 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. $15 for adults and students; $5 for ages 6-11; under 6 are free; food and souvenirs priced separately. Handicapped accessible; no pets or alcohol. [phone]; www.huckfinn.com.

SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE GALLERIES: An evening art festival in Ventura's downtown cultural district is sponsored by the Ventura County Museum of History and Art as well as 12 participating galleries. You'll find live music, food and a festive time at each stop, but the focus is on fine art by Ventura and Los Angeles artists, including Seco, the resident artist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, whose work will be at Accolades Gallery. The event takes place on Main Street in Ventura.

To get there from the San Fernando Valley, take the Ventura (101) Freeway north and exit at California Street; turn right and follow to Main Street. Parking and admission are free. 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Handicapped accessible; no pets or alcohol. [phone]; www.ventura-usa.com.

FESTIVAL DIA DEL PADRE: Celebrate Father's Day at this annual street fair representing 21 Latin countries with carnival rides and games, arts and crafts, product demonstrations and ethnic foods. 6500 Van Nuys Blvd. at Vanowen Street, Van Nuys. Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Parking and admission free; food and games priced separately. Handicapped accessible; no pets or alcohol. [phone].

ARTS & CRAFTS FAIRE: Stroll through the park and meet numerous artists and artisans at the Woodland Hills Rotary Club's event for art lovers. You'll find original designs in ceramics, glass, mixed media, paintings, jewelry and photography, with food available. Warner Center Park, Topanga Canyon Boulevard at Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills. Parking and admission free. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Handicapped accessible; pets on leashes allowed; no alcohol. [phone].

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