Summer Splash : The Best of Fests: Artisans to Zydeco

June 1: A re-enactment of the Normandy landing that led to the liberation of France 50 years ago is the highlight of this tribute to American soldiers. Display of a World War II landing barge, tank and Jeeps. French veterans’ tribute; outdoor screening of U.S. Navy’s “Victory at Sea,” performance by U.S. 3rd Fleet Band. Santa Monica Beach, dusk.

June 3-5: The Salute to Recreation Family Festival, an annual L.A. City Department of Recreation and Parks event, features a parade, entertainment on four stages, a chili cook-off, miniature train ride, bicycle rodeo, arts and crafts, carnival rides, food booths, karate demos, a Hawaiian village. Northridge Park, 10058 Reseda Blvd.

June 4-5: The Cajun & Zydeco Music-Dance-Food Festival takes place at Rainbow Lagoon, next to the Convention Center, Long Beach. Noon-7 p.m. $17; seniors-students $15; youths 10-16, $5.

June 5: California Ranch Day honors “Women of the West.” Roping tricks, barrel racing, demonstrations of blacksmithing and leather tooling; domestic chores of the early 20th Century; exhibits of clothing and farming equipment; entertainment. Rancho Los Alamitos, 6400 Bixby Hill Road, Long Beach. $3; children 15 and under $1.

June 11: Citywide soccer relay and festival, World Cup ’94 festivities. A 7-hour relay--each participant kicks a soccer ball 1/10th of a mile--begins at Kenneth Village at 8 a.m., finishing at Verdugo Park, Glendale. Festival 2-6 p.m. in Verdugo Park. Food booths, exhibits, entertainment. Free (relay $10).

* Colorado Street Bridge Celebration. Pasadena Heritage celebrates reconstruction of the landmark bridge with live music, dancing, a 1909 fire engine, vintage cars and bicycles, food on the bridge. 6-11 p.m. $12.50 in advance; $15 at the gate.

June 15-July 4: New this year at the Del Mar Fair is a circus--with acrobats, animals, trapeze artists (June 19-23). Thursday night concerts ($10-$18.50) include country singers Wynnona Judd, Trisha Yearwood, Taylor Dayne and Little Richard. Carnival rides and games, contests; laser light show. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Parking $3. $7; seniors $4; children 6-12, $2. Daily 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

June 24-25: Summer Solstice Folk Music, Dance and Storytelling Festival. African storytelling, Spanish songs, Japanese tea ceremony, children’s activities, music workshops. American, Celtic, Irish and other international dances. Crafts fair, food booths. Fri. 7:30 p.m. $4 in advance, $6 at the gate; jam session free. Sat.-Sun. 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. $18 in advance, $20 at the gate; children under 12 free. Parking $3. No pets. Soka University, 26800 W. Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas.

June 30-Aug. 28: Laguna Beach has not one or two, but three huge summer arts festivals, two that begin June 30 and run through Aug. 28: Art-a-Fair, weekends $3.50, free Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., (714) 494-4514; and the Sawdust Festival arts and crafts extravaganza, at 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, $5, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

July 8-24: The Orange County Fair includes carnival rides and games, exhibits (from photography and arts and crafts to horticulture and agriculture), entertainment (performers from Crystal Gayle to Queen Latifah), special days include Unlimited Rides Day, Seniors Day, Kids’ Days and more. Mon.-Wed. noon-midnight, Thur.-Sun. 10 a.m.-midnight. $5 weekdays; $6 weekends; seniors $3; ages 6-12, $2; 5 and under free.

July 8-Aug. 29: The Festival of Arts-Pageant of the Masters, a live art display, takes place in Laguna Beach. Grounds, $3; pageant, $15-$40.

July 19-25: The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Circus comes to town, arriving first at Long Beach Arena, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.