Courtesy photo.
OXNARD — Entry applications are now available for the 36th Annual California Strawberry Festival‘s “Berry Blast Off Recipe Contest.” Strawberry-themed recipes that show exceptional creativity and culinary flair will be selected to compete in the contest.
Submissions must be original, non-baked, sweet or savory-tasting strawberry dishes. Entries can include sauces, desserts, entrées, dips, drinks, jams, and spreads–any food or drink creation that includes plenty of strawberries and fresh ingredients.
The deadline to submit a recipe is April 5. Those who have already won the contest two or more times are not eligible to enter. Submit recipes by going to www.CAStrawberryFestival.org, click on “Events & Attractions” and then “Contests.” Full contest rules are on the festival website.
Five semi-finalists will be selected from the submitted entries. On May 7 at 11:00 a.m., they will have one hour to prepare and present their strawberry dish before judges at the professional kitchen at the Courtyard by Marriott Oxnard. Two finalists will then be asked to create their entries during a timed challenge on Saturday, May 18 at the California Strawberry Festival where the winner will be selected.
The grand prize winner receives four passes to the festival’s VIP pavilion, one VIP parking pass, a 4-day, 3-night getaway vacation at a Welk Resort property (airfare not included) and a Cutco studio knife set valued at close to $500. The runner-up receives a one-night stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Oxnard, a $100 gift certificate to Riboli Family Estate Wines, four passes to the festival’s VIP pavilion and one VIP festival parking pass.
All contestants who submit a qualifying recipe will be awarded a free ticket to this year’s 36th annual celebration May 18 and 19 at Strawberry Meadows of College Park (3250 South Rose Avenue, Oxnard). Tickets are limited to one per person/one per family/one per residence.
Festival general admission is $12, seniors 62+ are $8 and children ages 5-12 are $5. Kids 4 and under are free. Active military and dependents with ID are $8. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. both days. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.CAStrawberryFestival.org. The free Park & Ride “Strawberry Express” shuttles just off the 101 Freeway make getting to the festival a breeze. Onsite parking is $10. For more festival information: 888 288-9242, csf@CAStrawberryFestival.org, @CaliforniaStrawberryFestival.