Artichoke Festival returns to Monterey Fairgrounds on July 24-25, 2021, with renewed focus on Local Food, Fun and Entertainment

  With a renewed focus on local food and entertainment, educational agricultural activities, and fun for all ages, the Artichoke Festival returns to the Monterey County Fairgrounds on July 24-25, 2021, with one promise — “Thistle be a Good Time!” 

Monterey, CA, June 29, 2021 — With a renewed focus on local food and entertainment, educational agricultural activities, and fun for all ages, the Artichoke Festival returns to the Monterey County Fairgrounds on July 24-25, 2021, with one promise — “Thistle be a Good Time!” 

Following a year of shelter-in-place restrictions and social distancing, the festival is eager to celebrate the region fondly known as “the Artichoke Center of the World.” 

With the 2021 theme promising fun for all ages while celebrating the famous thistle, the 61st annual event expects to host at least 8,000 visitors over two days. 

California residents are invited to join in the fun, confident that current safety and social distancing protocols will be followed. Advance festival admission tickets will soon be available at www.ArtichokeFestival.org and at the door, ranging from $15 for adults; $5 for youth 6-12, $10 for active military and seniors (62+). Children under 6 are free. Special early-bird ticket packages will be on sale until July 10.

 Back on the menu for 2021 are gourmet artichoke dishes, with products supplied by the region’s top growers. Artichokes will be prepared in a variety of ways, including: fried, steamed, grilled, and in unique forms such as lumpia, burritos, sausage, cupcakes and even ice cream. 

There will be daily cooking demonstrations with local chefs, who will showcase the artichoke’s versatility and unique cooking techniques. 

The first three chefs confirmed so far for the daily Chef Demos include Chef Daniel Elinan, Executive Chef at The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa; Eduardo Coronel, Executive Chef of Rio Grill in Carmel; and Chef Ivan, part of the Culinary Team at Tarpy’s Roadhouse in Monterey. 

This year’s Chef Demos will be hosted by Partnership for Children, which has been providing transportation to medical care and family support services for children with life-threatening conditions living in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties since 2007. Partnership for Children’s transportation and financial assistance programs increase access to compassionate care for children on the Central Coast. For more about Partnership for Children visit their website at www.partnerforkids.org. 

The festival is also looking for chefs who would like to demonstrate their creative artichoke recipes at the Artichoke Festival Chef Demos. Interested chefs can call Jennifer Ramirez at 831-422-3002, or send her an email at Jennifer@partnerforkids.org. 

Families and festival-goers will enjoy the world-famous farmers’ market, sponsored by Ocean Mist Farms, the largest grower of artichokes in the U.S. New this year are an ag education exhibit and a hot rod car show. Other popular features returning this year are arts and crafts vendors, the artichoke harvest and artichoke eating contests, an artichoke themed quilt competition, and more. 

The Artichoke Festival has plenty of fun for the whole family, including lots of artichoke dishes, chef demonstrations, entertainment, competitions, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities. 

Fresh from the Fields

Visitors will enjoy a world-famous farmers’ market that offers fresh artichokes, along with other seasonal produce such as asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, corn, peas, fennel, green onions, leeks, mixed lettuce, rapini, spinach and so many other fruits and vegetables, at prices that can’t be beat. 

Enjoy special delicious dishes from the Artichoke Food Court, made with artichokes harvested in Monterey County. From appetizers to dessert, this is how you do chokes: fried baby artichokes, grilled and steamed artichokes, barbecued artichoke sausage sandwiches, artichoke burritos, artichoke lumpia, artichoke soup, and artichoke cupcakes. 

Entertainment

The Central Coast hosts a wondrous array of local entertainment talent, and the Festival’s main stage will showcase some of the most popular from the area, such as “Lost and Found Band” and “Chicano All Stars.” Live music and family stage entertainment are free to all attendees. 

A local arts advocacy program will showcase the talents and works of community artists from throughout the area, featuring video, digital, and visual works of art. 

See hot street rides at the car show, both days of the Festival, along with specialty auto vendors and a gift basket raffle. Hosted by Gold Coast Rods, a car club for owners of pre-1985 American cars, viewing is free for general admission attendees. An awards ceremony for winning entrants will be held on Sunday afternoon. 

Arts and Crafts

A Quilt Competition will feature one-of-a-kind handmade quilts made especially for the Artichoke Festival, and will be on display on Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25. Festival attendees can vote their favorite for the People’s Choice Award, to be announced on Sunday. 

Local treasures abound! Arts & Crafts vendors will set up shop for guests to peruse everything from candy apples and artichoke hummus, to beautiful jewelry, soaps and lotions. You’ll find the fun, unique handmade items you can’t find in stores. 

Children’s Activities

Family members of all ages will have fun at the carnival, complete with rides and games, like the 100-foot Super Slide, a Ferris Wheel, and more to keep the excitement flowing. 

Kids of all ages love Arti the Artichoke – the official mascot of Ocean Mist Farms, voted the Salinas area fan favorite mascot. Arti will be present at the Festival for photo opportunities and awards ceremonies. 

Festival Traditions

Attendees can learn about what it takes to grow this unique vegetable. Get a crash course in artichoke husbandry by Castroville’s Artichoke growing experts at the “Talk to a Grower” exhibit in the Farmers Market, both days of the Festival. 

An artichoke-harvesting competition using the same authentic “canasta” baskets used in the artichoke harvesting process, is a race against fellow festival-goers. It’s not as easy as it looks! 

How many artichokes can you choke down? Find out, and win bragging rights at the Artichoke Eating Contest, both days at the Main Stage. 

Festival proceeds will benefit nonprofit organizations and programs that serve the greater Castroville community. This year, onsite activities will directly benefit nonprofit partners, which include Partnership for Children and the Marina Lion’s Club. The festival gives back to nonprofit programs that include local senior centers, sports and parks and recreation activities in North Monterey County schools, and other community enrichment programs, to name a few. 

For more information on this year’s festival, visit www.artichokefestival.org. 

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR LLC
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
http://www.artichokefestival.org

Artichoke Festival returns to Monterey Fairgrounds on July 24-25, 2021, with renewed focus on local food, fun

  With a renewed focus on local food, entertainment and ag-themed activities, the Artichoke Festival returns to the Monterey County Fairgrounds on July 24-25, 2021, with one promise — “Thistle be a Good Time!” 

Monterey, CA, June 11, 2021 — With a renewed focus on local food, entertainment and ag-themed activities, the Artichoke Festival returns to the Monterey County Fairgrounds on July 24-25, 2021, with one promise — “Thistle be a Good Time!” 

Following a year of shelter-in-place restrictions and social distancing, the festival is eager to celebrate the region fondly known as “the Artichoke Center of the World.” 

 

With the 2021 theme promising fun for all ages while celebrating the famous thistle, the 61st annual event expects to host at least 8,000 visitors over two days. 

California residents are invited to join in the fun, confident that current safety and social distancing protocols will be followed. Advance festival admission tickets will soon be available at www.ArtichokeFestival.org and at the door, ranging from $15 for adults; $5 for youth 6-12, $10 for active military and seniors (62+). Children under 6 are free. Special early-bird ticket packages will be on sale until July 10. 

Back on the menu for 2021 are gourmet artichoke dishes, with products supplied by the region’s top growers. Artichokes will be prepared in a variety of ways, including: fried, steamed, grilled, and in unique forms such as lumpia, burritos, sausage, cupcakes and even ice cream. 

There will be daily cooking demonstrations with local chefs, who will showcase the artichoke’s versatility and unique cooking techniques. 

The first three chefs confirmed so far for the daily Chef Demos include Chef Daniel Elinan, Executive Chef at The Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa; Eduardo Coronel, Executive Chef of Rio Grill in Carmel; and Chef Ivan, part of the Culinary Team at Tarpy’s Roadhouse in Monterey. 

This year’s Chef Demos will be hosted by Partnership for Children, which has been providing transportation to medical care and family support services for children with life-threatening conditions living in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties since 2007. Partnership for Children’s transportation and financial assistance programs increase access to compassionate care for children on the Central Coast. For more about Partnership for Children visit their website at www.partnerforkids.org. 

The festival is also looking for chefs who would like to demonstrate their creative artichoke recipes at the Artichoke Festival Chef Demos. Interested chefs can call Jennifer Ramirez at 831-422-3002, or send her an email at Jennifer@partnerforkids.org. 

Families and festival-goers can expect a bountiful farmer’s market, as well as new this year, an ag education exhibit, a new car show hosted by Gold Coast Rods, and a new carnival. Other popular features returning this year include arts and crafts vendors, the artichoke harvest contest, a new art exhibit, and more. The wine-tasting event had to be cancelled due to safety precautions and social distancing protocols. 

Festival proceeds will benefit nonprofit organizations and programs that serve the greater Castroville community. This year, onsite activities will directly benefit nonprofit partners, which include Partnership for Children and the Marina Lion’s Club. The festival gives back to nonprofit programs that include local senior centers, sports and parks and recreation activities in North Monterey County schools, and other community enrichment programs. 

While not hosting the AgroArt competition this year, Ocean Mist Farms continues to support the Festival with cash donations and by donating artichokes and other produce for the Farmer’s Market and artichoke specialty food booths. 

For more information visit www.artichokefestival.org. 

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
http://www.artichokefestival.org

Artichoke Festival returns to Monterey Fairgrounds on July 24-25 with renewed focus on Local Food, Fun

  With a renewed focus on local food, entertainment and ag-themed activities, the Artichoke Festival returns to the Monterey County Fairgrounds on July 24-25 with one promise — “Thistle be a Good Time!” 

Monterey, CA, May 05, 2021 - With a renewed focus on local food, entertainment and ag-themed activities, the Artichoke Festival returns to the Monterey County Fairgrounds on July 24-25 with one promise — “Thistle be a Good Time!” 

Following a year of shelter-in-place restrictions and social distancing, the festival is eager to celebrate the region fondly known as “the Artichoke Center of the World.” 

With the 2021 theme promising fun for all ages while celebrating the famous thistle, the 61st annual event expects to host at least 8,000 visitors over two days. 

California residents are invited to join in the fun, confident that current safety and social distancing protocols will be followed. Advance festival admission tickets will soon be available at www.ArtichokeFestival.org and at the door, ranging from $15 for adults; $5 for youth 6-12, $10 for active military and seniors (62+). Children under 6 are free. Special early-bird ticket packages will be on sale until July 10. 

Back on the menu for 2021 are gourmet artichoke dishes, with products supplied by the region’s top growers. Artichokes will be prepared in a variety of ways, including: fried, steamed, grilled, and in unique forms such as lumpia, burritos, sausage, cupcakes and even ice cream. 

There will be daily cooking demonstrations with local chefs, who will showcase the artichoke’s versatility and unique cooking techniques. The demos will be hosted by Partnership for Children, a local nonprofit. 

Families and festival-goers can expect a bountiful farmer’s market, and an AGRO Art competition sponsored by Ocean Mist Farms, the largest grower of artichokes in the U.S. New this year are an ag education exhibit, and a hot rod car show. Other popular features returning this year include arts and crafts vendors, the artichoke harvest contest, a taste of California wines and beers, and more. 

Festival proceeds will benefit nonprofit organizations and programs that serve the greater Castroville community. This year, onsite activities will directly benefit nonprofit partners, which include Salinas Valley Arts and Innovation Hub, Salinas Steinbeck Rotary, Partnership for Children, Gold Coast Rods, and the Marina Lion’s Club. The festival gives back to nonprofit programs that include local senior centers, sports and parks and recreation activities in North Monterey County schools, and other community enrichment programs. 

For more information visit www.artichokefestival.org. 

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-74555
http://www.artichokefestival.org

Artichoke Festival Cancels Popular 5K Beach Run in Monterey Set for September 2020

The Artichoke Festival has announced that it is cancelling its popular 5K Beach Run, which had been rescheduled for Sept. 12, 2020, from its original date in May 2020.

Castroville, California, July 23, 2020 — The Artichoke Festival has announced that it is cancelling its popular 5K Beach Run, which had been rescheduled for Sept. 12, 2020, from its original date in May 2020.

“The Artichoke Festival Committee has decided that the need to keep participants, spectators, and event volunteers safe and healthy is the most important consideration during this ongoing health crisis,” the festival said in a letter sent to registered entrants and previous participants. “As we have monitored the current situation and look toward the near future, it has become evident that a mass gathering such as a beach fun run will not be safe in our community in September.”

The festival plans on bringing the 5K Beach Run back in the spring of 2021, in advance of the Artichoke Festival on June 5-6, 2021, and will announce a new date at the beginning of 2021. Those interested in participating are encouraged to go to the festival’s website at ArtichokeFestival.org for info, and consider signing up for the festival’s newsletter for the latest news.

“We are immeasurably grateful for the patience and understanding our Beach Run entrants have shown us in the past months,” the message said. “We look forward to a healthier time when we can once again see you all at one of our Artichoke Festival events in the months ahead!”

The Artichoke Festival will return on June 5-6, 2021, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center.

POLICY FOR PAID ENTRANTS

The festival will refund participation fees to all currently registered participants of the 2020 Artichoke Festival 5K Beach Run, beginning on July 20, 2020.

As an organization whose mission involves connecting people with a unique celebration that also allows it to give back to the community, donations and proceeds enable the Artichoke Festival (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization), to continue funding many charitable and educational non-profit organizations within Monterey County. The Artichoke Festival has given back more than $210,800 in the past decade to local support programs and non-profit organizations.

About the Artichoke Festival
California’s artichoke history began in 1922 when the first artichoke shoots were planted in Castroville. Today, more than nine decades later, nearly 100 percent of America’s fresh artichoke supply is grown in California and nearly two-thirds is grown around the small town of Castroville.

The Artichoke Festival began in 1959 and has since developed to become a harvest festival to celebrate the iconic artichoke and region known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.” The Festival features family-fun events for all ages and has been a primary source of funding for local non-profit groups for many years.

For more information, visit http://artichokefestival.org/.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.artichokefestival.org/

Held continuously since 1959, Artichoke Festival cancels event for 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns

Festival board announces June 5-6 as dates for 2021 event

Salinas, CA, May 14, 2020 - In light of the current crisis surrounding COVID-19, and in the interest of public health and safety, the Artichoke Festival has cancelled its annual summer celebration, scheduled for Aug. 8-9, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center in Monterey.

Held continuously since 1959, the festival has made this difficult decision following recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with local health agencies.

“It was decided due to the uncertainty of the times and our concerns for the health of our attendees,” said Linda Scherer, executive director. “We are excited to announce June 5-6 as the dates for 2021.”

The Artichoke Festival will refund all pre-purchased tickets by patrons for the 2020 event.

The festival celebrates the harvest of California’s state vegetable and the region that has become known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.” Over the years, it has become a primary source of funding for local nonprofits that depend upon a successful event for their viability.

To continue helping these important nonprofits, the festival has added Donate Now buttons to its website at (www.artichokefestival.org), with 100 percent of all donations given to the following charity partners: Food Bank for Monterey County; Manzanita Youth Playground; Monterey County PAL; Meals on Wheels — Salinas; Monterey County Agricultural Education, Inc.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.artichokefestival.org

Artichoke Festival’s wild and wacky 5K Beach Run postponed until Sept. 12 along Del Monte Beach

Scheduled for May 2, the Artichoke Festival’s 5K Beach Run promised hundreds of wacky enthusiasts the chance to run along the beach dressed as their favorite vegetable.

Monterey, CA, April 04, 2020 — Scheduled for May 2, the Artichoke Festival’s 5K Beach Run promised hundreds of wacky enthusiasts the chance to run along the beach dressed as their favorite vegetable.

The current COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place requirements make that event impossible — but don’t put away those artichoke and broccoli costumes just yet. The festival has postponed the fun run, rescheduling it for Saturday, Sept. 12.

Those who registered for the May 2 event will be able to participate on Sept. 12 with no changes to fees. Those who can’t make the new date should contact the festival via email at ArtichokeFest5k@gmail.com. The festival is still taking registration through www.active.com.

The 5K Beach Run takes place along the sandy, windswept Del Monte Beach, beginning at the Monterey Tides Hotel. It was originally planned as a prelude to the two-day Artichoke Festival, but that event has now been moved to Aug. 8-9 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds & Event Center in Monterey.

For more information, visit www.artichokefestival.org.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.artichokefestival.org

Artichoke Festival postpones event to Aug. 8-9 to comply with health and safety recommendations

The Artichoke Festival’s mission has always centered around connecting people through a unique, family-oriented celebration, while giving back to the communities it serves.

Monterey, CA, March 29, 2020 - The Artichoke Festival’s mission has always centered around connecting people through a unique, family-oriented celebration, while giving back to the communities it serves.

In these uncertain days, however, the idea of connecting people takes on new meaning. In light of the current crisis surrounding COVID-19, and in the interest of public health and safety, the Artichoke Festival has moved our annual summer celebration from May 30-31 to Aug. 8-9, at the Monterey County Fairgrounds & Event Center in Monterey.

The Artichoke Festival will honor any tickets purchased by patrons for the May event, and prices and ticket packages will remain the same for new guests.

Held continuously since 1959, the festival celebrates the harvest of California’s state vegetable and the region that has become known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.” Over the years, the festival became a primary source of funding for local nonprofits that depend upon a successful event for their viability.

The festival has added Donate Now buttons to its website at www.artichokefestival.org, with 100 percent of all donations given to the following charity partners: Monterey County Food Bank; Manzanita Youth Playground; Monterey County PAL; Meals on Wheels Salinas; and Monterey County Agricultural Education, Inc.

Moving forward, the Artichoke Festival will continue to follow recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with local health agencies, in planning the Aug. 8-9 event.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.artichokefestival.org

Artichoke Festival (May 30-31) continues its Pursuit of Fun, expanding wild and wacky 5K Beach Run, adding two-day, 7-on-7 soccer tournament

Pamplona, Spain may be famous for its annual running of the bulls, but nothing quite compares to the Artichoke Festival’s running of the human vegetables.

Monterey, CA, March 13, 2020 — Pamplona, Spain may be famous for its annual running of the bulls, but nothing quite compares to the Artichoke Festival’s running of the human vegetables.

The festival’s second annual 5K Beach Run takes place May 2 along the sandy, windswept Del Monte Beach in Monterey. The wild and wacky fun run — with participants encouraged to dress as their favorite veggies — is a prelude to the two-day festival to be held this year on May 30-31 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds & Event Center in Monterey.

Started in 1959 in Castroville (the Artichoke Capital of the World), the Artichoke Festival has expanded its scope over the years to include musical entertainment, field tours, art competitions, chef demos, a Kids Zone and more. In addition to the Fun Run, the festival has added the first-ever Artichoke Cup Soccer Tournament to be held on both days of the festival.

Twelve corporate teams of 10 adults each will compete in a two-day, 7-on-7 tournament to win the first-ever Artichoke Cup. A portion of proceeds will benefit the nonprofit Monterey Surf Soccer Club. Admission is free to all festival admission ticket holders The winning team will be announced on Sunday afternoon, May 31.

Last year’s inaugural Fun Run proved so popular that the festival has expanded it for 2020. Runners and walkers alike are invited for fun, exercise and goodies on the beach, starting at the Monterey Tides Hotel, 2600 Sand Dunes Dr., Monterey.

Those dressed as their favorite vegetable have a chance to win a free ticket package to the festival. All registered Fun Run participants receive an Artichoke Festival 5K Beach Run T-shirt, a free artichoke in their goodie bag, one free entry ticket to the festival, and restaurant discounts at Monterey Tides, the beautiful boutique hotel on the sands of Monterey Bay.

What’s more, it all benefits charitable causes across Monterey County.

Online registration continues until April 29 at www.active.com. Race-day registration will start at 8 a.m., on Saturday, May 2, in the Bay View Room at the Monterey Tides. The race begins at 10 a.m. on the beach. Course closes at 12:30 p.m.

Registration fees are $40 per individual through April 1 ($45 until April 29). Kids are $10 through April 1 ($15 until April 20), with a T-shirt included. There are military and senior discounts (with ID).

High Resolution Photos and Link To the Run

5k
https://adobe.ly/32faCAv

Festival
https://adobe.ly/2Y9liOy

For more information, visit www.artichokefestival.org.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.artichokefestival.org