The Californer - 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival Features Designs And Crafts From Nearly 150 Artisans

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In keeping with spirit of the festival, many of the almost 150 artisans and crafters have created original, strawberry-themed items.

VENTURA, Calif. - Californer -- Artisans and crafters from throughout California will display their creations at the 40th Annual California Strawberry Festival, May 16 and 17 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura (10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001).

Items on display include ceramics, wearables, paintings, jewelry, candles, accessories and specialty foods. In keeping with spirit of the festival, many of the almost 150 artisans and crafters have created original, strawberry-themed items.

"Festivalgoers can always find something unique and new with our artists," says Dana Hale-Mounier, director of Pacific Fine Arts Festivals and coordinator of the festival's arts and craft booths. "For many festivalgoers, browsing the artisan booths is a highlight of their festival visit."

Susan Wang-Selfridge is the artist behind Infinite Light Creations, a Ventura-based handmade brand that offers messages of kindness, positivity, and environmental awareness through her designs. Some of her items on display will include strawberry-themed t-shirts, keychains, bags, stickers, and her newly introduced "Infinite Light Riders," featuring her signature strawberry characters. "The California Strawberry Festival is a truly joyful and inspiring community event. It brings together creativity, culture, and connection, and I feel honored to share my artwork in a space that celebrates both artistry and giving," says Wang-Selfridge.

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Coralie's Creations offers specialty hand-knit hats (including strawberry designs) and hand-painted canvas bags. "Last year was our first time at the California Strawberry Festival and we loved it," says Coralie Rebello, Coralie's Creations owner. "Our unique items were a hit with the shoppers, and we sold out all our strawberry hats and bags."

The California Strawberry Festival also features more than 50 food and beverage booths, many with a strawberry dish or drink made from locally grown strawberries. Other attractions include live entertainment on multiple stages, Strawberryland for Kids, carnival rides and a $7 "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.

Festivalgoers are encouraged to use the free shuttles (https://castrawberryfestival.org/getting-here/), which will run every 15 minutes to the festival from nearby locations in Oxnard and Ventura. Metrolink and Amtrak's Surfliner make regular stops throughout the festival weekend with discounted fares. The train station is located steps from the fairgrounds.

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For more about the festival visit www.castrawberryfestival.org or follow the festival on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaStrawberryFes...) and Instagram (http://instagram.com/castrawberryfest).