The aroma of strawberries will fill the air as an estimated 60,000 community members are expected gather to celebrate the local strawberry industry. The 30th annual California Strawberry festival is this Saturday, May 18 and 19 at College Park in Oxnard.
The strawberry festival started 30 years ago when the former mayor of Oxnard, Dr. Tsujio Kato, wanted to honor the $230 million a year local strawberry industry. The current chairman, William Belcher, was on the special events planning commission for the city at the time, and has since held the Chief Financial Officer position.
Belcher believes that this year is going to be the biggest yet. “We have added a lot of contests, we have a berry best hat contest, the berry best baby and we got a dance off,” said Belcher. He said they are hosting more entertainment that appeals to teenagers and young adults. The event’s newest feature is a 150-foot zip-line that guests can fly thru for an additional $10, and are also the award for the dance-off is a $500 prize.
Guests can also browse more than 250 artists and crafters from all across the U.S., and according to Belcher, every item must be handmade and cannot be manufactured. Dana Hale-Mounier, an organizer with Pacific Fine Arts Festival, said in a press release that “The artists are a highlighted tradition of the festival and the presentation along Rose Avenue makes it a wonderful way for guest to browse the various booths and chat with the artists.”
Attendees can choose from over 50 vendors who guarantee to fulfill your strawberry indulgence with strawberry-centered menu choices. Some menu items include strawberry pizza, strawberry nachos and tamales, deep fried strawberries, strawberry popcorn, strawberry kabobs, and classics like chocolate dipped strawberries, strawberry funnel cake, strawberry parfaits, and more.
The California festival has raised over 4 million dollars for Southland schools, religious groups, civic, youth and charitable organizations and college scholarships. They also allow 20 affiliated non-profit organizations to set-up food booths and retain 100 percent of their earnings. Festival organizers hope to raise $50,000 this year for local charities.
Oxnard is located 30 miles from Moorpark College. On-site parking is available for $10 at 3250 S. Rose Avenue. Alternatively, visitors can ‘go green’ and use the free shuttles which are available for drop off and pickup at seven stops throughout Oxnard and Ventura. General admission is $12, seniors 62+ and active military and their dependents with ID are $8, kids ages 5-12 are $5, and children 4 & under are free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information about the 30th Anniversary California Strawberry Festival you can visit their website at www.strawberry-fest.orgor call 1-888-288-9242.
