| Ventura County Star
See strawberry shortcake get gobbled in contest
The California Strawberry Festival in Oxnard included an eating contest, and the victor shares his secret.
JUAN CARLO, VC Star
(This story has been updated to add the event times of operation.)
The California Strawberry Festival will open its doors to the public May 16 and 17 in Ventura for the 40th year.
The annual celebration of the red, sweet fruit will not only feature oodles of mouth-watering treats, but also carnival rides, live music and miles of handmade crafts and artwork.
“Festivalgoers can always find something unique and new with our artists,” said Dana Hale-Mounier, director of Pacific Fine Arts Festivals and coordinator of the festival’s arts and craft booths, in a news release.
As the event grew over the years, it moved from Oxnard to the Ventura County Fairgrounds with more of everything on offer. For more about the festival visit www.castrawberryfestival.org.
Where is the Strawberry Festival?
The 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival will be at the fairgrounds at 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura. The festival runs 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. both days.
What kind of food is available at the event?
Organizers have lined up more than 50 food and beverage booths, many with a strawberry dish or drink made from the region’s strawberries.
A popular favorite of guests is the $7 build-your-own Strawberry Shortcake Experience.
How much are tickets?
General admission is $15. Tickets for active military with ID and family and seniors 62 and over are $10. Youth ages 5 to 12 are $8, and children 4 and under are free.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.CAStrawberryFestival.org or at the gate.
What are the parking options?
Festival organizers offer and encourage visitors to use their free shuttles that run every 15 minutes. Shuttle sites are spread across Ventura and Oxnard.
- Ventura County Government Center, Lot F, 800 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura
- Pacific View Mall, 3301 E. Main St., Ventura
- Parking lot, 955 S. Seaward Ave., Ventura
- Ventura Unified School District headquarters, 255 W. Stanley Ave., Ventura
- Oxnard High School, 3400 W. Gonzales Road, Oxnard
Otherwise, on-site parking is available for $30 but on a very limited basis.
What other ways can festival-goers get to the event?
For those who prefer pedal-power, a free bike valet will also be available at the fairgrounds on a first-come, first-served basis.
Train service, with discounted fare options, is also available from Metrolink and Amtrak’s Surfliner.
Metrolink trains are set to arrive at the Ventura-Downtown/Beach Station each day at 12:19 p.m. and 7:05 p.m. and depart at 12:53 p.m. and 4:14 p.m. The station short walk to the fairgrounds entrance.
Metrolink offers $10 SoCal Day Pass promotion, which provides unlimited rides on the day of purchase. On weekends, up to three children 17 and under also ride free with a paying adult.
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains operate between Los Angeles and Ventura and serve the fairgrounds. Metrolink ticketholders can use the agencies’ robust codeshare program, which provides more flexibility for customers. Throughout the weekend, a special Pacific Surfliner promotion will also allow up to three children, ages 12 and younger, to ride free with each paying adult.
