Tag Archives: Castroville

The 60th Annual Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival Gives Back to the Community through its 12 Charity Partners

The Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival not only provides the community with a wealth of fun and learning every year, it gives back to the community through its dozen charity partners.

Castroville, CA, May 09, 2019 — The Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival not only provides the community with a wealth of fun and learning every year, it gives back to the community through its dozen charity partners.

The 60th annual festival takes place June 1-2, 2019 at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center in Monterey and continues the legacy of celebrating the iconic artichoke and region known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.”

For almost six decades, the Artichoke Festival has been dedicated to informing and exciting festival attendees about the unique qualities of artichokes including farming, harvest, and preparation to demonstrate how the artichoke industry has influenced the history of Monterey County. And now, as a 501c3 organization, the purpose remains the same with an emphasis on giving back to the local community.

“We look forward to the Artichoke Festival each year because the event paints a clear picture of how this community comes together to support one another,” said Diana McClean, senior director of marketing at Ocean Mist Farms and board member for the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival. “The purpose of this organization aligns directly with Ocean Mist Farms’ values, which is part of the reason we enjoy sponsoring this annual event.”

Proceeds from the festival are used to support 501c3 community organizations and activities that align with the festival’s mission. The following are the 2019 Artichoke Food & Wine Festival Donation Recipient Organizations:

>Ashleigh Nicole Swain Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was set up in the memory of Castroville’s Ashleigh Nicole Swain, 16, a junior at North Monterey County High School, who died in a tragic car accident on Nov. 4, 2011. She was born January 18, 1995 in Salinas, to Jeremiah and Tobi Swain. She was a member of PAL at NMC, was talented in stained glass and jewelry making, and hoped to pursue a career in nursing. A page on Facebook was set up for her, In Loving Memory of Ashleigh Swain. https://www.facebook.com/In-Loving-Memory-of-Ashleigh-Swain-218362504897879/

>Bikers for Bikes

Founded in 2008 by motorcyclist Rick Jenkins and members of the West Coast/Monterey Bay Harley Davidson Owner’s Group, Bikers for Bikes provides 20-30 new bicycles a year to underprivileged youth. The group is also involved in a Turkey Trot to raise funds and buy turkeys for holiday meals, donates toys to kids during Christmas and participates in other charitable events. This is their third year with the festival. To donate to Bikers for Bikes, contact Rick Jenkins at 831-320-2956.

>North Monterey County High School Baseball

North County High School Baseball is heading in the right direction of its old traditions. NMC Baseball teaches young teens the core values of life through the game of baseball while pursuing greatness, sportsmanship and respect. North County has a rich tradition of athletes, who can play at the highest levels of baseball if given the opportunity and financial help they deserve. nmcusd.org

>North Monterey County High School Golf

Head Coach Tim Bearden heads the 2019 Condor Golf Team in Monterey Bay League action. nmcusd.org

>Marina Lions Club

The Marina Lions Club, established in 1984, is a small, but active club, part of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world. One hundred percent of funds raised by the club goes back to the community. http://e-clubhouse.org/sites/marina_lionsca/

>Ord Terrace Elementary School

Ord Terrace Elementary School in Seaside provides a positive learning environment, establishes high expectations, and worsk collaboratively with each other, families, and the community to ensure all students achieve academic success and demonstrate social responsibility. https://ote-mpusd-ca.schoolloop.com/

>Agricultural History Project

The Agricultural History Project (AHP) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization founded in 1986, and opened its doors to the public in May 2004. Its mission is to honor and promote knowledge about agriculture on the Central California Coast, both past and present. It does this through exhibits and interactive activities that help visitors experience daily life on farms and ranches on the Central Coast during the 1800’s and early 1900’s. http://aghistoryproject.org

>Peacock Acres

Peacock Acres in Salinas provides supportive housing, intense case management, and life coaching for foster children and young adults who have been separated from their families. With high character and resolve, Peacock Acres youth are steered towards opportunities for healing and growth as they continue their journey toward a fulfilling, productive life. peacockacres.org.

>North County Bulldogs

The North County Bulldogs play in the 12-team Monterey Bay Youth Football League in Midgets, Pee Wee and Jr. Pee Wee divisions. The league’s mission is to provide a positive outlet for the youth around the Monterey Bay and tri-county areas. The league strives to teach kids the sport of football and cheer and how to be productive citizens who are proud of their teams and the MBYFL.

http://montereybayyouthfootball.com/football/teams/north-county-bulldogs/

>North County Recreation & Park District

NCRPD is a Local Government Agency (Special District) providing recreation and parks services to the North Monterey County area, including the communities of Castroville, Moss Landing, Oak Hills and parts of Elkhorn and Prunedale, along with the surrounding rural community. NCRPD operates the North County Recreation Center, Cato-Phillips Park, Crane Street Park, Japanese School Park, Rancho Moro Cojo Park and the Moro Cojo Nature Trails. ncrpd.org

>Hope Horses & Kids

Hope, Horses & Kids serves as a resource for families, organizations and schools that utilizes authentic learning experiences to foster positive character and leadership development. HHK, a non-profit organization, is committed to positively impact the emotional, mental, behavioral and social challenges of individuals that are underserved or have special needs. www.hopehorseskids.org

>North Monterey County Middle School Library

The library has been partnering with the festival for the past 26 years. Funds are used to buy books, computers, and whatever is needed for the library. And from time to time, funds have been used to gift students who are unable to afford graduation. nmcusd.org

About the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival

The Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine 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.

Festival attendees enjoy several fresh artichoke food delicacies, a beer, wine and spirits garden, chef demos, live entertainment, field tours and more during the two-day festival. To support these events, the Artichoke Festival is encouraging individuals and organizations to volunteer their time to ensure another successful year.

For more information about giving back to the community through volunteering, please visit http://artichokefestival.org/general-info/volunteers/. For general information, visit http://artichokefestival.org/.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://artichokefestival.org/

Castroville Celebrates the 60th Annual Artichoke Food & Wine Festival in June 2019 with Food, Live Music, Kids Zone, Chef Demos, and Beer, Wine and Spirits

In 1959, the Central Coast community gathered to celebrate the harvest of the iconic vegetable and the region that became known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.”

Castroville, CA, April 05 , 2019 — In 1959, the Central Coast community gathered to celebrate the harvest of the iconic vegetable and the region that became known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.”

In June of this year, festivalgoers will gather again, this time to celebrate the 60th anniversary of what is now known as the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival, set for June 1-2, 2019, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center in Monterey.

The festival not only celebrates the artichoke with dozens of delicious artichoke dishes, a beer, wine and spirits garden, chef demos, live entertainment, a kids zone, field tours and more, but has also became a primary source of funding for local non-profit groups that depend upon a successful event for their viability.

Open and free to all for both days of the Festival, Wild Science! by Imagination Gallery is hands-on fun with captivating STEM/STEAM displays and activities, for kids 1-101. Kids can take an excursion into the wild and amazing world of science through a plethora of interactive, fun, and visually captivating displays and activities. Families, adults, and children can experience the mysterious and entertaining aspects of science and technology in a fun and casual environment, through puzzles, hands-on displays, maker activities, and cool experiential demonstrations.

The Festival also has a full schedule of fantastic entertainment in two separate venues, the Main Stage and Family Stage. Enjoy live music and performances for the whole family on the Family Stage. Listen to some of your favorite local bands and hot tribute bands on the Main Stage, along with a scholarship presentation, Marilyn Monroe lookalike contest, artichoke-eating contest and artichoke canasta (harvesting) contest.

Bands performing on the Main Stage include the Chicano All Stars, Raise Your Glass tribute to Pink, Woodstock tribute to Jimi Hendrix, Maroon Vibes tribute to Maroon 5, and Purple Fox and the Heebie Jeebies. Entertainment is presented by KDON 102.5-FM.

Chicano All Stars

The Chicano All Stars Band is an extremely talented, dynamic and energetic all pro-musician band that plays Latin Rock, Rhythm & Blues, Old School and danceable Reggae. Lead vocalist Sam Martinez and lead guitarist and vocalist John Mallare, along with the polished horn section, create a sound that has made it one of the top Latin Rock bands in the area.T his dance band’s music appeals to a wide variety of audiences and will keep everyone dancing ‘til the music stops.

Raise Your Glass

Raise Your Glass (RYG) is quickly establishing itself as THE definitive Pink tribute show in the U.S. Based out of Los Angeles, CA, RYG has developed a growing fan base that includes a cross diversity of Pink aficionados as well as those who are captured by the group’s high-energy performances and quickly become Pink fans. Because of the multi-generational appeal and pop inclusiveness that defines Pink’s music, RYG brings a “Perfect Storm” trifecta to any event producer, high-end booking agent or corporate talent agency.

Woodstock

Sometimes a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard is a step back in time. To 1969, to be exact. It’s that way when Anthony Aquarius plugs in his battery-powered amplifiers, straps his electric guitar on upside down and belts out “Hey Joe” to startled passersby. Aquarius sounds like Jimi Hendrix. He looks like him too — right down to the lanky gait, bushy hair and flamboyantly colored clothes.

Maroon Vibes

Hailing as Northern California’s Premier Maroon 5 Tribute Band, Maroon Vibes, will grace the ears of Artichoke Festival attendees. Playing a variety of Maroon 5 hits including “This Love”, “She Will Be Loved”, and “Moves Like Jagger”, Maroon Vibes will have you dancing and singing along for their entire set.

Purple Fox and Heebie Jeebies

Purple Fox and the Heebie Jeebies is a Fun, Funky, upbeat Reggae, Rockin’ and Rollin’ Band based in Silicon Valley. Their sophomore album “The Something of Love”, won the Tillywig and the NAPPA Award for 2018, and is currently up for the Grammy nomination for the Best Children’s Album. A celebration of kindness and sharing,the songs bring kids and grownups together, an uplifting, meaningful, dynamic album for an instant Perfect Day. Upbeat Reggae tunes with catchy melodies, nostalgic horns, funky bass and sweet guitar solos.

A complete schedule of entertainment events can be found at: https://artichokefestival.org/entertainment-events/

For many years, the Artichoke Festival has been dedicated to informing and exciting festival attendees about the unique qualities of artichokes, including farming, harvest, and preparation to demonstrate how the artichoke industry has influenced the history of Monterey County. Now as a 501c3 organization, the purpose remains the same, with an emphasis on giving back to the local community.

Proceeds from the festival are used to support 501c3 community organizations and activities that align with the festivals mission.

Proceeds from the festival are used to support 501c3 community organizations and activities that align with the festivals mission. The following are the 2019 Artichoke Food & Wine Festival Donation Recipient Organizations:

Ag Against Hunger

Sun Street Center

North County Baseball

North County High School Golf

North Salinas Athletic Booster Club

Hope Horses & Kids

Marina Lions

Bikers for Bikes

Ashleigh Nicole Swain Memorial Scholarship

Ag History Project

Ord Terrace Elementary School

North County Wrestling Team

Monterey County Middle School

Golden State Elite

North County Recreation & Park

North County Bulldogs Cheer

North County Bulldogs

Monterey county Girls Basketball

Members of the current board of directors are:

Glenn Alameda

Stefani Cortopassi

David Delfino

Lynn Clark

Alex Gracia

Lionel Handel

Wes McClellan

Angie Micheli

Kathy Parish

Terry Bei Rohrs

Linda Scherer

Debbie Stadig

Kevin Tottino

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 in the small town of Castroville.

The first Artichoke Festival was held in 1959 under the sponsorship of the Marinovich Marching Units, with the assistance of the Castroville Rod and Gun Club. In 1961 it was a joint venture of the Marinovich Marching Units and the Castroville Chamber of Commerce to produce a larger festival, and Sally DeSante was chosen as the first Artichoke Queen. In 1963 , 1964, and 1965 it was solely sponsored by the Castroville Chamber of Commerce under the direction of the Artichoke Festival Board with Bill Price, one of the originators of the festival idea.

Advance tickets and discounted ticket packages are available online for the 60th annual festival at artichokefestival.org.

General admission is $15 for those 13 and older; seniors 62 and older and military personnel with ID are $10; children ages 6-12 are $5; general admission for one adult, with wine tasting pass, is $40 (must be 21 years or older); wine tasting alone is $30; and field tours are $10 (daily tour schedules to be announced at the Festival), good for adult or child 5-12. Online purchases are available through 9 a.m. June 2, 2019. No refunds.

Two discounted packages are also available, the Arti-Family Pack and the It’s A Date package. The former is $30, a $10 saving over the regular price. It includes two adult tickets and two children’s tickets, good for Saturday or Sunday. This early bird discount ends May 18, 2019, at 12 a.m. No refunds.

The It’s A Date package for 21 and older only, is $60, a savings of $20, includes two adult tickets and two wine and beer tasting tickets, good for Saturday or Sunday. This early bird discount also ends May 18, 2019, at 12 a.m. No refunds.

The Wine & Beer Garden is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Must be 21 to enter.

In addition to live entertainment, there will also be live chef demonstrations. All chef demos will be held on the Chef Demo Stage at the festival and are free with admission to the festival.

About the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival

The Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine 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/.

Links:

https://artichokefestival.org/general-info/media/

https://artichokefestival.org/blog/castroville-celebrates-the-60th-annual-artichoke-food-wine-festival-in-june-2019/

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

https://artichokefestival.org

Castroville Celebrates the 60th Annual Artichoke Food & Wine Festival in June 2019

In 1959, the Central Coast community gathered to celebrate the harvest of the iconic vegetable and the region that became known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.”

Castroville, CA, Feb 04, 2019 — In 1959, the Central Coast community gathered to celebrate the harvest of the iconic vegetable and the region that became known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.”

In June of this year, festival goers will gather again, this time to celebrate the 60th anniversary of what is now known as the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival, set for June 1-2, 2019, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center in Monterey.

California’s artichoke history begins 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 near the small town of Castroville.

The first Artichoke Festival was held in 1959 under the sponsorship of the Marinovich Marching Units, with the assistance of the Castroville Rod and Gun Club. In 1961 it was a joint venture of the Marinovich Marching Units and the Castroville Chamber of Commerce to produce a larger festival, and Sally DeSante was chosen as the first Artichoke Queen. In 1963 , 1964, and 1965 it was solely sponsored by the Castroville Chamber of Commerce under the direction of the Artichoke Festival Board with Bill Price, one of the originators of the festival idea.

Advance tickets and discounted ticket packages are available online for the 60th annual festival at http://artichokefestival.org/.

General admission is $15 for those 13 and older; seniors 62 and older and military personnel with ID are $10; children ages 6-12 are $5; general admission for one adult, with wine tasting pass, is $40 (must be 21 years or older); wine tasting alone is $30; and field tours are $10 (daily tour schedules to be announced at the Festival), good for adult or child 5-12. Online purchases are available through 9 a.m. June 2, 2019. No refunds.

Two discounted packages are also available, the Arti-Family Pack and the It’s A Date package. The former is $30, a $10 saving over the regular price. It includes two adult tickets and two children’s tickets, good for Saturday or Sunday. This early bird discount ends May 18, 2019, at 12 a.m. No refunds.

The It’s A Date package for 21 and older, $60, a savings of $20, includes two adult tickets and two wine and beer tasting tickets, good for Saturday or Sunday. This early bird discount also ends May 18, 2019, at 12 a.m. No refunds.

The festival’s live entertainment lineup, free with festival admission and held on the Main Stage.

The Wine & Beer Garden is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Must be 21 to enter.

Over the years, the Castoville Artichoke Festival has been dedicated to informing attendees about the unique properties of artichokes, showcasing dozens of delicious artichoke dishes, cooking demonstrations, and field tours. A wine and beer garden, live entertainment, arts and crafts booths, and artichoke eating contests add to the festive atmosphere. As a 501c3 organization, the festival has become a primary source of funding for many local non-profit organizations that depend upon a successful event for their viability, such as:

Ag Against Hunger

Sun Street Center

North County Baseball

North County High School Golf

North Salinas Athletic Booster Club

Hope Horses & Kids

Marina Lions

Bikers for Bikes

Ashleigh Nicole Swain Memorial Scholarship

Ag History Project

Ord Terrace Elementary School

North County Wrestling Team

Monterey County Middle School

Golden State Elite

North County Recreation & Park

North County Bulldogs Cheer

North County Bulldogs

Monterey County Girls Basketball

Members of the current board of directors are:

Glenn Alameda

Stefani Cortopassi

David Delfino

Lynn Clark

Lionel Handel

Wes McClellan

Angie Micheli (Honorary Member)

Kathy Parish

Terry Bei Rohrs

Linda Scherer

Debbie Stadig

Ruben Torres

Kevin Tottino

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain

Chatterbox PR

Salinas, CA 93901

(831) 747-7455

http://www.artichokefestival.org/

Castroville Gears up for The 59th Annual Artichoke Food & Wine Festival

As the 59th annual Artichoke Food & Wine Festival approaches, the Castroville community is excited to come together to support the local community with entertainment and artichoke education this summer.

Castroville, CA, March 28, 2018 – As the 59th annual Artichoke Food & Wine Festival approaches, the Castroville community is excited to come together to support the local community with entertainment and artichoke education this summer. The festival will take place June 2-3, 2018 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds and will continue the legacy of celebrating the iconic artichoke and region known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.”

For many years, the Artichoke Festival has been dedicated to informing and exciting festival attendees about the unique qualities of artichokes including farming, harvest, and preparation to demonstrate how the artichoke industry has influenced the history of Monterey County. Now as a 501c3 organization, the purpose remains the same with an emphasis on giving back to the local community.

“We look forward to the Artichoke Festival each year because the event paints a clear picture of how this community comes together to support one another,” said Diana McClean, senior director of marketing at Ocean Mist Farms and board member for the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival. “The purpose of this organization aligns directly with Ocean Mist Farms’ values which is part of the reason we enjoy sponsoring this annual event.”

Proceeds from the festival are used to support 501c3 community organizations and activities that align with the festivals mission. The following are the 2017 Artichoke Food & Wine Festival Donation Recipient Organizations:

Ashley Nicole Memorial Scholarship Fund

Bikers for Bikes

North Monterey County Baseball

North County Golf

Marina Lions

Ord Terrace Elementary School

Ag History Project

Peacock Acres

North County Bulldogs

Festival attendees enjoy several fresh artichoke food delicacies, a beer, wine and spirits garden, chef demos, live entertainment, field tours and more during the two-day festival. To support these events, the Artichoke Festival is encouraging individuals and organizations to volunteer their time to ensure another successful year.

For more information about giving back to the community through volunteering, please visit http://artichokefestival.org/general-info/volunteers/.

For more information contact:

Diana McClean

dmcclean@oceanmist.com

(831) 770-6435

About The Annual Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival

The Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival began in 1959 and has since development 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://artichokefestival.org/