150 Artisans Will Display Their Designs At CA Strawbery Festival

Artisans from California and beyond will display their creations at the 38th Annual California Strawberry Festival, May 18 and 19 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001).

Known for its array of strawberry-themed food and beverages, the festival has also established itself as one of the top destinations for unique and eclectic artistic designs. Many of the 150 crafters at the festival incorporate strawberries into their paintings, woodwork, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, specialty foods, furniture, children's toys and photography. “While strawberries are the main attraction, festivalgoers often head straight to the arts and crafts booths to check out what’s new,” says Dana Hale-Mounier, director of Pacific Fine Arts Festivals and coordinator of the festival's arts and craft booths.

For Britney Mendoza, this will be the first time she will be displaying her candle designs at the festival. One of her creations is a 100 percent soy wax candle with a hemp wick that features a custom-blended strawberry scent that will only be available at the festival. “The California Strawberry Festival is very nostalgic for me,” says Mendoza, who began her Thirty Four Charms business nearly a decade ago. “My family would attend all the time when I was a kid growing up in Oxnard. Spring is officially here when I see the festival come to town.”

“The arts and crafters add their special touch to the festival,” says Hale-Mounier. “They share their stories about their work and personalize many of their pieces.”

Paul Crabtree, owner of Colorburst Studios, will display earrings (including strawberry designs), barrettes, necklaces and bracelets made from Niobium and Titanium. “I enjoy working with these metals because they are very colorful, lightweight and non-allergenic,” says Crabtree. Crabtree, who has been a jeweler for over 40 years enjoys the face-to-face connection at festivals. “I’ve exhibited at the Strawberry Festival for many years. It’s an opportunity to display my work and enjoy all the strawberries of course!”

Nicole Dembowich of NZ Designs Studio is creating mugs, berry bowls, sponge holders, trinket trays, pitchers, olive oil bottles, serving trays, butter dishes, garden stakes and more that will all be strawberry-themed. This will be Dembowich’s third year participating at the festival. “I enjoy the comradery of the Strawberry Festival and everyone in their amazing outfits,” she says.

The California Strawberry Festival, which attracts 50,000 visitors over two days, features more than 50 food and beverage booths, many with a strawberry dish or drink made from fresh strawberries. Other attractions include live entertainment on multiple stages, Strawberryland for Kids, carnival rides, a Ninja Nation obstacle course and a $5 "build-your-own" Strawberry Shortcake Experience.

Festival general admission is $15, active military with ID and family and seniors 62 and over, $10, youth ages 5 to 12, $8, and children 4 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.CAStrawberryFestival.org or upon entry to the festival. A limited amount of parking is available onsite for $20 per vehicle.

Festival-goers are encouraged to use the free shuttles, which will run every 15 minutes to the festival from nearby locations in Oxnard and Ventura. Festival hours are 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.

For more about the festival visit www.castrawberryfest.org or follow on Facebook and Instagram.