Tis the season when youngsters search grassy fields for hidden eggs—chocolate, hardboiled cackleberries, or plastic ovals filled with candy—and folks exchange baskets brimming with sweets. Spring has sprung, providing the perfect excuse for feasting and expressing gratitude for having survived another winter, regardless of how mild the weather may have been.
In Santa Maria, the arrival of spring heralds the ripening of one of the region’s most important crops: strawberries. Spangling rows of low-growing plants like so many ruby-red gems, the juicy fruit reaches peak sweetness beginning in March, inspiring locals to celebrate with an annual party aptly known as the Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival.
This year’s Strawberry Festival, gaily billed as “A Berry of a Good Time,” takes place April 29 through May 1 at the Santa Maria Fairpark, longtime home of the family-friendly event. In addition to varietal sampling and berry-licious desserts, there will be educational exhibits, cooking demonstrations, and a farmers market, all featuring the popular berry at center stage.
“We want to invite the community to come out and help celebrate the beginning of the strawberry season, our No. 1 commodity here in the Santa Maria Valley,” said Yvonne Biely, events promotions and public relations liaison for Santa Maria Fairpark. “We have something for every age group.
“The Fairpark has worked hard,” she added, “to continue to make the festival an affordable event for families to come and enjoy. There will be a lot of great entertainment, food, and fun.”
Festival attractions include a children’s activity area called Ag-Venture Land, a petting zoo presented by the Great American Animal Entertainment Company, and a full-fledged carnival. Cowboy Ken’s Trackless Train offers tours of the festival grounds for kids and adults alike, while a female funster named Flo the Clown sends giggles through the crowd.
The Wildlife Experience presentation in the Strawberry Pavilion showcases a variety of critters, including snakes, foxes, tiny monkeys, and broad-winged birds. The show, which plays three times each day, gives visitors a chance to observe and learn about some very special creatures.
“Also in our Strawberry Pavilion building,” Biely said, “we will have California Women of Agriculture doing strawberry tasting throughout the day, and there will be strawberry pie eating contests each day, too.
“One of the exciting shows in that building,” she continued, “is the Everything that Matters in the Kitchen cooking show. Dianne Linderman is back by popular demand, and she will be teaching us how to make several strawberry dishes that are to die for.”
Linderman specializes in creating healthy meals in just 10 minutes, a handy skill to have in these harried times. She also demonstrates how to prepare quick, nutritious fare without breaking the budget.
At the Comcast Center Stage during this 24th annual celebration of all things strawberry, local entertainers and musical acts strut their stuff throughout each day. On Saturday night, music fans can relive the wonder of an iconic singer when a skilled impersonator performs “The Legend Continues—A Tribute to Michael Jackson.”
“We have some great grounds acts, too,” Biely said, “performers who will be strolling the festival grounds. We’ll have clowns, a balloon artist, and Washboard Willy’s Jamboree.”
Also making the rounds, rough-and-tumble cowboys Curly and Duke perform their rollicking version of Fables of the West, an interactive act sure to bring smiles to audiences of all ages.
On Saturday night, local go-kart racers fill the arena with the buzz and excitement of live racing. As a bonus to festival-goers, the show is free with paid admission into the Fairpark.
“On Sunday, which is Fiesta Day,” Biely said, “there will be Hispanic musical entertainment. This is a separate ticket item and is presented by Cal Giant, in the Minetti Arena.”
Strawberry Festival organizers have designated April 29 Seniors’ Day, with admission for seniors at just $1. April 30 is Kids’ Day, when children between the ages of 6 and 11 get in for one thin buck.
“Before 3 p.m. on Friday, April 29,” Biely revealed, “there will be a carnival special. Buy one carnival wristband and get one free. This is a great deal for the rides!”
With more than 10,000 acres planted to the glorious strawberry, it’s fitting for the Santa Maria Valley to host an annual party honoring this marvelous treat. Thanks to a mild climate all year long, strawberries usually ripen in March, right on schedule and just in time to celebrate spring.
K. Reka Badger is berry sweet. Contact her at rekabadger@hotmail.com.
This article appears in Apr 21-28, 2011.
