Courtesy photo.
OXNARD — Entry applications are now available for the 37th 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 and non-baked strawberry dishes. Entries can include sauces, desserts, entrées, dips, drinks, jams, spreads, appetizers or snacks–any food or drink creation that includes plenty of strawberries and fresh ingredients.
The deadline to submit a recipe is April 3. 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 Tuesday, May 5 at 11:00 a.m., they will have one hour to prepare and present their strawberry dish before judges in the Courtyard by Marriott Oxnard’s professional kitchen. Two finalists will then be chosen to create their entries during a timed, “Iron Chef”-type challenge on Saturday, May 16, at the California Strawberry Festival where the winner will be selected.
Judges are looking for best taste/flavor, texture, preparation ease, presentation and creative use of strawberries.
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 one of three Welk Resort properties (travel expenses 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 Maddalena Restaurant at San Antonio Winery, 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 37th annual celebration May 16 and 17 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 four 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.