Ripe for the Taste Test

OXNARD —  The Strawberry Festival is back, opening its doors today to thousands of strawberry-loving visitors eager to sink their teeth into the juicy red fruit.

And along with the popular strawberry tart toss and the shortcake-eating contest, this year’s two-day event will have lots more treats and events.

For the first time, the Claddagh Highland Dancers will perform Irish numbers at the Strawberry Land for Kids tent. Adventurous children will also be able to ride the Strawberryland train.

But of course, the most delectable and important element of the festival is the food.

From ingenious entrees like strawberry burritos and pizzas to the more common desserts like chocolate-dipped strawberries, trips to the scores of food booths are sure to keep visitors busy. But not as busy as workers at a local restaurant who spent the past two days dipping 30,000 berries into chocolate.

In between noshes, visitors can check out any of the three stages to hear a variety of musical groups.

The musical selection this year promises to be diverse, with bands ranging from the swingin’ Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to the jazzy Estrada Brothers to the funky disco of the ‘70s band War.

For members of Ventura-grown Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, returning to the festival is a source of pride. The band last played there four years ago, said Scotty Morris, the group’s lead singer and guitarist.

“It really is important for us to play in front of our friends and family,” Morris said. “We are very excited to play at home.”

In addition to the music, visitors can tour the arts and crafts booths throughout the fairgrounds, where more than 270 items will be displayed. Some of the creations include delicate and original Art Deco-style chairs, baby clothes and interchangeable magnets.

Although many of the craft items are not strawberry themed, the creators’ originality is the key.

“The festival is again proud to present an amazing list of well-respected and multitalented artists who are selected based on professionalism, quality and diversity,” said festival Chairman Don DeArmond. “Our goal is to have a show with variety, both in media and price range.”

This year, founding sponsor J.M. Smucker Co. will offer a $1,000 award for the donation of works to Oxnard’s Carnegie Museum. In addition, eight creativity awards will be given to participating artists.

For strawberry magnet designer Judy Pfanner, returning to the festival every year has been something to look forward to.

“One of the reasons you come is because it is such a good family event,” said Pfanner, who drove down from Sacramento. “You can forget all your woes and just have a good time.”

The weekend also offers a shot in the arm for local businesses and Oxnard tourism. Steve Kinney of the Oxnard Tourism Board said the festival is the crown jewel in Oxnard’s yearlong list of events.

“This is a direct economic boost to [the] community,” said Kinney, noting that the tourism board has prepared weekend packages for folks to visit places like the Channel Islands Harbor and downtown Oxnard. “The festival is one of the ways that Oxnard can secure its place on the map statewide.”

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Strawberry Festival Events The California Strawberry Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. today and Sunday at College Park, 3250 S. Rose Ave., Oxnard. Admission is $7 for adults and $4 for children. TODAY

DR. KATO STAGE

10-11:30 a.m: Blues Stew, blues

12-1:30 p.m.: Chet McCracken Jazz Trio, jazz

1:30-1:50 p.m.: Lindy Hoppers Dance Group, swing dance

2-3 p.m.: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, swing

3:30-5 p.m.: Big Mountain, reggae, pop

FESTIVAL STAGE

10 a.m.-noon: Teresa Russell Band, rock and blues

Noon-2 p.m.: Estrada Brothers, Latin jazz

2-4 p.m.: Hazel Payne & A Taste of Honey, disco

4-6 p.m.: Yoka Enzene, rumba and Soukous from Zaire

PARK STAGE

10 a,m.-1 p.m.: Iron Mountain Boys, bluegrass

2-5 p.m.: Mr. O, jazz

SUNDAY

DR. KATO STAGE

10-11:30 a.m.: Crosscut, rock and blues

Noon-1 p.m.: Stevie Davis & The Stealers, blues

1:30-2:30 p.m.: Papa Nata, reggae, pop and R&B;

3:30-6 p.m.: War, R&B;, rock

FESTIVAL STAGE

10-Noon: Southern Cross, alternative rock

Noon-1 p.m.: The Pontiax, blues

1-4 p.m.: King Cotton, New Orleans R&B;

4-5 p.m.: Acadiana, Cajun

PARK STAGE

10-1 p.m.: Buzzwold, Celtic

2-5 p.m.: Domino Effect, pop, hip-hop and R&B;