For a few weeks in May and June, the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center will take on a festive international air during two popular cultural celebrations.

New this year, the Heritage India Festival is a celebration of the culture of India. The May 31-June 1 observance is one of six being held in venues across the United States to acquaint Americans with India.

The festival will bring together vendors, craftsmen and artisans from all parts of India and the U.S. to display India's unique diversity in handicrafts, garments, furniture and furnishings, and services such as tourism, herbal products, yoga and healing disciplines.

Other attractions will include performances by Indian folk dancers and musicians of Indian background, and a food plaza offering culinary delights from several Indian regions.

The Heritage India Festival will be open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults; children 6 and under are free.

Returning for their annual Highland Festival and Games on May 24 and 25, the United Scottish Society will turn OCFEC into a bonny spot for oldsters, youngsters, lads and lassies.

The Memorial Day weekend event will feature Highland dancing; the skirl of the pipes and the thrum of the drums; typically Scottish athletic events such as throwing the caber, a wooden beam about the shape and size of a telephone pole; clan tents where visitors can get help in tracing their Highland or Lowland ancestors; entertainment; food and other attractions.

The Scottish Festival will be open both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advance ticket prices through May 15 are $12 for adults (one day) and $18 (two days); seniors (65+) and students $10/$15; and children 4-12, $2/$4. At the gate ticket prices will be adults $14/$20; seniors $12/$17, and children $2/$4. For additional information call (310) 370-9887.