Courtesy photo.
OXNARD — Bright colors and whimsical figures are just part of the winning poster design for the 36th Annual California Strawberry Festival. Artist Aaron Trask of Glendale created his design with his two-year-old daughter in mind.
Trask’s winning entry was revealed March 5 to dignitaries and festival sponsors gathered at Yolanda’s Mexican Café in Oxnard. The luncheon officially kicks off activities for the 2019 festival celebration taking place May 18 and 19 in Oxnard.
As the winning designer, Trask took home $2,000 and other prizes. “This is the first art contest I have ever entered,” says Trask, 42. “I wanted the design to capture the attention and imagination of my 2 year old daughter. She loves strawberries. I feel so grateful for the recognition. Both my wife and mother-in-law, who suggested I enter the contest, cried when I told them that I had won. The whole process from start to finish has been a family affair.” Both Trask and his wife grew up in Thousand Oaks.
Each year, the festival’s volunteer board selects the poster design winner. “We look for a design that not only represents the multidimensional aspects of the festival, but how the festival is always changing and looking for new ways to make the experience that much better,” says Mike Thompson, the festival’s board chair. “Aaron’s design does just that.”
Trask is a senior graphic designer at Dragonfly Design Group in Burbank. He received his degree in applied art and design from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. In addition to traditional graphic design, he has always been interested in 3D illustration and animation. “I was thankful that this contest gave me the opportunity to explore this medium in such a creative way,” says Trask.
The 36th Annual California Strawberry Festival, May 18 and 19 at Strawberry Meadows of College Park (3250 S. Rose Avenue, Oxnard), features more than 50 food booths, each with at least one strawberry dish or drink, live concerts, contests, a build-your-own strawberry shortcake booth, Strawberryland for Kids with rides and attractions, hundreds of fine arts and craft booths and cooking demonstrations.
General admission is $12, seniors 62 and over 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 Free Park and Ride “Strawberry Express” shuttles with pickup locations off the 101 Freeway save patrons time and money. Parking onsite is $10. Tickets are available for purchase in advance online via the website. Toll free information is available at 888-288-9242.
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