Nicole Dembowich of NZ Designs Studio is creating mugs for the 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. “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.”
Paul Crabtree, owner of Colorburst Studios, will display earrings (including strawberry designs), barrettes, necklaces and bracelets made from Niobium and Titanium.
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.
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.
