VENTURA — After a three-year hiatus due to challenges brought on by the pandemic, the 37thAnnual California Strawberry Festival will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 20-21. For the first time, the event will be held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001). Festivalgoers can indulge in strawberry treats from over 50 food and beverage booths. The festival features artists and crafters, a Ninja Nation obstacle course, live entertainment on two stages, Strawberryland for kids and “build-your-own” strawberry shortcake.
An estimated 1.5 million strawberries will be consumed over the two-day festival. Vine-ripened strawberries grown in the Oxnard Plain are considered by many to be the juiciest strawberries in the world. Since its inception, the nonprofit California Strawberry Festival has donated over $5 million to Southern California charitable organizations. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., both days. Admission is $15, active military with ID and family and seniors 62 and over, $10, youth ages 5 to 12, $8, children 4 and under, free. Limited parking onsite, Free shuttles. Amtrak station across the street. For more information, go to www.CAStrawberryFestival.org or email info@castrawberryfestival.org.