A Berry Merry Oxnard Festival

It’s “Strawberry Fields Forever”--or at least for two days--in Oxnard this weekend when the sixth annual California Strawberry Festival unfolds today and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Oxnard, which produces 22% of the state’s strawberry output on 4,000 acres, is sanguine over its berries and eager, as always, to share lore and orders with the outside world.

Activities and crafts, many of them berry-oriented, are planned: Among them are strawberry-shortcake-eating contests, berry-stemming competitions and a search for the festival’s favorite strawberry blond (open to men and woman; tinted locks and wigs acceptable).

A waiters’ race (including dropping a strawberry into a glass of champagne), family 2K and 10K runs and a petting zoo will occupy the active, while musical entertainment, from pop and jazz to country and salsa, will be virtually continuous. More than 150 booths will demonstrate and sell jewelry, toys, sculptures, leather goods, prints and strawberries.

The festival is easily accessible via U.S. 101 (Ventura Freeway). Signs will direct visitors to free parking areas, where a free shuttle joins the fete. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for seniors and children 5 to 12; under 5 free. For information, call (805) 984-4767.