California Strawberry Festival
A sweet tradition jam-packed with family fun, the California Strawberry Festival celebrates its 26th delicious season the weekend of May 16 and 17, 2009 at Strawberry Meadows of College Park in Oxnard. The event pays tribute to the region’s agricultural heritage, and has won awards for its green recycling initiatives while helping raise funds for multiple Southland charities.
Delicious strawberries served every way imaginable are only a taste of the fun available at the weekend celebration along California’s Strawberry Coast. Beyond the concert performances, there’s the Strawberry Promenade with cooking and berry decorating demonstrations, 300 Fine Arts & Crafts booths, Strawberryland For Kids with rides and attractions, gooey contests, the Star Berry Hunt, and more.
Oxnard is located 60 miles north of Los Angeles and 30 miles south of Santa Barbara. A free Park & Ride “Strawberry Express” shuttles from convenient locations off the 101 Fwy. Parking is also available for $5 on site at Strawberry Meadows of College Park (3250 South Rose Avenue in Oxnard).
General admission is $12, seniors 62+ at $8 and children ages 5-12 at $5. Kids 4 and under are free. Active military and dependents with ID are $8. Special VIP tickets can be purchased in advance. Hours are 10:00a.m. to 6:30p.m. both days. Advance tickets can be purchased via the website.
Never in short supply, delicious berry delicacies abound, from kabobs to pizza and even strawberry beer
— strawberries shortcaked, chocolate dipped, glazed and powdered, are all for the feasting from 50 food and beverage booths. Field-fresh berries are among the take-home favorites. Those with an appetite for “in your face” entertainment get a healthy serving in the tart toss and strawberry pie eating contest happening daily.
A non-profit corporation, the Strawberry Festival, which began in 1984 pays homage to the region’s $230 million annual strawberry industry garnered from 11,538 bountiful berry acres while giving back to the community through a multitude of beneficial ways.
The California Strawberry Festival Information Line is 1-888: 288-9242.
