It's a "take your pick" weekend.

Two long-standing big community gatherings are popular destinations for people this time of year.

There's ClovisFest -- in its 38th year -- in Old Town Clovis, which is happening Saturday and Sunday.

And there's the 35th annual Highland Gathering & Games, Fresno's festival of all things Scottish being held at Kearney Park.

ClovisFest

The basics: ClovisFest could also be called Not-as-Big Hat Days. It's similar to Clovis' annual gigantic street fair, but it has a smaller footprint.

The scene: Two hundred vendors -- food, crafts and otherwise, local and from out-of-town -- spread out along Pollasky Street in downtown Clovis, which is closed for the weekend. People mill around, shop, eat, stop in the beer garden and let their kids play.

The big draw: The balloons. ClovisFest starts each day with the launching of hot air balloons at Clovis Rodeo Grounds. Preparations start at 6:15 a.m.; the launch is at 7 a.m.

New and interesting: "It's not just craft booths up and down Pollasky now," says Fran Blackney of the Clovis Chamber of Commerce. Indeed, this year's event will include a variety of performers on Fourth and Fifth streets -- skaters, dancers, wrestlers and more.

The crowd: In its two-day run, ClovisFest usually draws 60,000 to 70,000 people. Or, in other words, double the amount of people at the Fresno State-Weber State football game a couple weeks ago.

You should go if: "We always say it's free family fun," Blackney says. "There's free admission, free parking and there's something for everyone. I think every stroller in Fresno County comes out to this event."

Details: It runs 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on Pollasky Avenue between Third and Seventh streets. Admission is free. More info: (559) 299-7363.

Scottish Highland Gathering & Games

The basics: It's a celebration of all things Scottish at the Highland Gathering & Games, which is in its second year at Kearney Park.

The scene: There's a little bit of everything: Bagpipes, Celtic food and music, hammer throwing, sheep herding, dancing, a living history stage, storytelling, magic and more.

The whole park is devoted to the event, and most of the attractions will go throughout the day. "It's a wholesome event," says Robyn Frasier-Gutierrez, this year's games chieftain. "We have something for everyone, from little kids on up to the older ones."

The big draw: The parade of clans, where people march in their "clans," or families. There's a lot of pageantry. Another big draw is the North American Hammer Throw Championship, which is decided at the games and draws competitors from around the country.

New and interesting: Sheep herding is back. Organizers report it hasn't been a part of the Highland Games in several years, but it is happening again.

The crowd: About 2,000 fill the park, which, if you're wondering, isn't close to the 5 million people who live in Scotland, but it's still a good number.

You should go if: "All Celts and people who have a little Celtic spirit at heart should be coming out to enjoy this special day," Frasier-Gutierrez says.

Details: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Kearney Park, 7160 W. Kearney Blvd. Admission costs $14; $10 for seniors, military and students; $5 for children 6-12; free for kids younger than 6. Tickets sold at the gate. Parking fee is $5 per car. Details: (559) 250-1758, scottishsociety.org.