The California Strawberry Festival

There’s lots to love when the heart-shaped fruit is cause for celebration at the 30th Anniversary California Strawberry Festival. If your destination is delicious fun, then this Festival is the perfect summer kickoff! Join as one of the sweetest treasures of the Golden State serves up an array of strawberry goodness benefiting the community.

The berry best gets underway on 15 acres of parkland with more than 50 food booths, live concerts, free rides and attractions, celebrity chef demonstrations, gooey contests, 200 Arts & Crafts exhibits, a new Zip Line, and more. With proceeds benefitting Southland charities, more than $4,000,000 has sweetened the lives of others over the years, all in the name of seasonal fun. This is sure to be one fun and tasty weekend!

Strawberry Treats

Strawberry pizza anyone? With strawberries as the celebrated fruit, more than 50 food booths offer everything from strawberry pizza and strawberry nachos, to strawberry kabobs, chocolate dipped strawberries, strawberry funnel cake, strawberry flan, strawberry cotton candy, deep-fried strawberries, strawberry beer, strawberry margaritas, and even more sinful strawberry delights.

Wine Pavilions

Savor a distinctively unique strawberry wine or an assortment of other wines at the conveniently located Wine Pavilions. Toast the fun with a commemorative glass to keep celebrating for years to come (must be 21 years of age for service).

Build Your Own Strawberry Shortcake Tent

Create your own strawberry wonder at this popular destination with heaps of fresh strawberries and pound cake, topped off with gobs of whipped crème. Assembly required!

Strawberry Tart Toss

Ready set goooooooo!!! In your face fun at the Contest Area. Sign up 30 minutes prior to each event, entry fee is $1. Contest times: 11:00 am and 2:30 pm daily.

Strawberry Pie Eating

A timed challenge you can really sink your teeth into. Contestants are challenged to devour every last bite of a yummy strawberry pie — no fork or spoon allowed. Contest times: 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm daily.

Strawberry Relay Race

A team timed challenge where participants go through a set of obstacles to gather fixings for a strawberry dish the teammate must devour in record time. Contest times: 5:00 pm daily.

Berry Best Hat Contest

Put the Kentucky Derby to shame with your own berry-creation bonnet. Attend the Festival with sensational strawberry “bling” on your crown, and you could win an exotic vacation getaway! The contest gets underway after 3:00 pm with a parade on the Festival Stage. Must be 18 or older and check in by 2:00 pm at the Community Connections booth. Click here for official rules.

Berry Best Dressed Baby Contest

For kids up to 4 years of age. Attend dressed in your most fetching berry attire. The contest parade gets underway at 3:30 pm at the “Jest In Time Family Fun Stage.” Must check in by 2:30 pm at the Community Connections booth. Click here for official rules.

Berry Best Dance Contest

Put your best foot forward and earn cash and prizes. Five teams of five have 30 minutes to learn an easy one-minute dance routine from an expert choreographer. The “dance-off” performance begins at 12:00 pm daily at the Festival Stage with the crowd deciding which team wins $500. All ages can apply and there’s no limit to the fun. It’s your one-minute of fame, so start grovin’ to the beat! Click here for official rules.

Musical Entertainment

Serving up a medley of tunes to suit any musical taste, two stages will be jammin’ throughout the weekend with a variety of stunning concert performances.

Award-Winning Arts and Crafts

More than 250 artists and crafters from across the nation showcase their original works with a festive array of paintings, sculptures, ceramics, children’s toys, accessories, photography, textiles, outdoor furniture, jewelry, and more. The fun is in the discovery and the chance to visit with the artists and also get items personalized for that special someone. Nestled amidst the booths, youngsters will enjoy the new “Kids Interactive Berry Craft Patch” where they can make and take crafts and enter to win prizes.

Strawberryland for Kids

Kids rule in this magical oasis where all activities are included in the admission price. Youngsters won’t want to miss the free rides, bungee bounce, climbing wall, berry go whirl, mini train, and more. Everyone’s berry best friend, Strawberry Shortcake is the official reigning princess of Strawberryland For Kids, greeting her pals and giving hugs to friends.

Watch a video of the Festival here.

WHAT: The California Strawberry Festival 
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19, 2013 | 10:00 am – 6:30 pm
WHERE: Strawberry Meadows of College Park | 3250 South Rose Avenue | Oxnard, CA 93033

DETAILS:

• Tickets: General admission = $12, Seniors (62+) = $8, Active military and dependents with ID = $8 (only available at entrance gate), Children ages 5-12 = $5, Free for kids 4 and under
• Avoid traffic, use the free shuttle service and save $10 on parking, click here for info
• Arrive with your tickets in your hand. Tickets may be also purchased at the Festival entrance gates.  Cash and credit cards will be accepted.

CONTACT INFO: 1-888-288-9242

SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Twitter | Yelp

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