The 32nd Annual CALIFORNIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL gets underway May 16 & 17, 2015 at Strawberry Meadows of College Park in Oxnard from 10:00a.m. to 6:30p.m. After three decades of goodness and good deeds, the Festival has contributed $4.5 million to 20+ charitable organizations and funded scholarships by bringing people together for two days of strawberry bliss. The tasty tribute serves up a menu of delicious strawberry delights and more fun than you can imagine jam-packed into one weekend. Happenings include Strawberryland For Kids with rides and attractions, gooey contests, 200+ award-winning Fine Arts & Crafts exhibits, the Strawberry Promenade, non-stop entertainment, and more.
Strawberries, strawberries, strawberries -- from chocolate dipped, deep fried, shortcaked and even atop pizza, berries abound as desserts, main courses and even as thirst quenching delights like strawberry beer. With more than 50 food booths to choose from, 100 percent of sales benefit southland charities.
Live Concerts fill the air with non-stop entertainment on two stages within the 15-acre park, all included in the admission price. The medley of music offers something special for everyone.
A Fine Arts & Crafts showcase with unique collectible creations from 200+ artists dot the landscape with exhibits specializing in paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, furniture, children's toys, and more. Artists are on hand to greet Festival guests. Nestled amidst the booths, the “Kids Interactive Berry Craft Patch” area
provides make & take crafts for youngsters.
Strawberryland For Kids, offers a childhood oasis with rides and attractions like the Berry Zipline, Bungee bounce and others. The “Jest In Time” tented stage features ongoing puppet shows, juggling and entertainment for the young at heart. Strawberry Shortcake is the reigning princess of Strawberryland and gives out hugs and poses for pictures.
The Strawberry Promenade offers a berry haven where patrons can enjoy cooking demonstrations, the Berry Blast Off Recipe Contest, the Strawberry Smackdown with dueling chefs, kids activities, and more.
Contests get everyone into the act. Hearty appetites rule in the Strawberry Pie Eating Contest. The gooey TartToss finds strawberry goo flying into faces poking through cut out boards. The timed Strawberry Relay race requires teamwork to assemble and devour berry goodies and the popular Strawberry Shortcake Build Off contest rewards the contestant with the tallest creation. Creations in The Berry Best Hat Contest put the Kentucky Derby to shame, while the Berry Best Dressed Baby Contest finds youngsters strutting the runway in their finest berry bling.
The Green Scene boasts interactive exhibits that showcase simple ways to integrate eco-friendly lifestyle choices that can positively impact our environment.
The Community Connections booth showcases all the wonderful ways the Festival engages the community and gives back to impact lives by fundraising. Prizes and special appearances attract patrons.
Admission:
Adults: $12; seniors 62+, active military and dependents with ID card: $8; Youths (5-12): $5, Free for kids 4 and under. Special ticket discounts available online at www.strawberry-fest.org
Free Shuttle: FREE Strawberry Express shuttle service offers multiple convenient Park ‘n’ Ride locations off the 101 Fwy: Camarillo Premium Outlets adjacent, Channel Islands Harbor, Santa Clara High School, and the Oxnard Transportation Center (Amtrak offers rider discounts/shuttles meet trains). Follow signs for exits. Info at http://strawberry-fest.org/free-shuttle-service/
