After a protracted three-year absence, the thirty seventh annual Strawberry Competition returns with acquainted meals and faces in new digs.
The competition will happen on Might 20 to 21 from 10 a.m. to six:30 p.m. on the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura, a change of venue from its longtime dwelling in Oxnard.
Competition Chairman Dean Kato answered questions from the Ventura County Star about what’s new and what guests can anticipate from this yr’s occasion.
Since there’s a new location, how will this yr’s Strawberry Competition be completely different than earlier yr’s?
The general ambiance can be similar to earlier years. It is all the identical arts and crafts, most of all the identical meals distributors and the identical sort of native bands. Proper once you stroll in, you’ll see 4 strawberry growers. It should be good as a result of every thing can be centrally positioned.
What are a number of the highlights of the competition?
I might say positively it is the vine-ripened, hand-picked strawberries. They’re blood pink strawberries, direct from a grower.
Are there any new strawberry gadgets anticipated to be bought? Any new unique meals for the individuals to get pleasure from?
Nothing new as a result of, like all the time, individuals like chocolate-covered strawberries, the funnel cake topped with strawberries, the strawberry shortcake, strawberry pizza, strawberry beer, strawberry margaritas.
Except for strawberry-centric meals, what different gadgets can competition goers discover?
They’ll positively discover good paintings, jewellery and clothes.
Are there any new bands this yr?
I’d say all of the bands, all 24 acts are new, within the sense that we haven’t had them. They didn’t carry out in earlier years. I might say 90% of all of the bands are from Ventura county. It’s really an area showcase.
How a lot is admission and what’s included?
Normal admission is $15 and $10 for seniors and army with ID. What that covers is the free shuttles, the music, the leisure, the ability rental. That is what the final admission covers.
How a lot is parking?
The competition parking exterior is $20.
What occurs as soon as the parking zone is full?
There is a free shuttle from the Ventura County Authorities Middle, Pacific View Mall in Ventura, the Esplanade Towers in Oxnard and Harbor/Schooner Drive in Ventura. There can be free shuttles that run each 15 to twenty minutes so you possibly can park there at no cost. You’ll be able to take Amtrak in from Oxnard, the Valley, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Lots of people are logging on to purchase tickets by Amtrak.
You already know what lots of people do? Since all of us grew up going to the county truthful, everyone knows of a great spot that we all know of. That’s the place you possibly can park someplace in Ventura and stroll to the fairgrounds at no cost.
What kinds of rides are there?
We now have 5 teenage/grownup rides and 5 toddler/younger child rides. It isn’t going to be just like the truthful. It is only a a lot smaller space of rides. There can be trip tickets on sale on-line.
Are there any offers for any of the rides?
Sadly, we’re a two-day occasion, and we do not provide an all-you-can-ride wristband at our occasion.
What types of cost are accepted on the competition?
Many distributors are going cashless. So it is good to carry a bank card. I do know that the alcohol — strawberry beer and wine — these are all cashless registers now. Don’t depend on an ATM machine. Convey your individual money or carry a bank card.
Can individuals depart the competition after which come again?
If somebody is available in and so they must go someplace, we are able to stamp their hand and so they can come again in.
Andres Garcia is an intern on the Ventura County Star and may be reached at andres.garcia@vcstar.com.
