A Berry Tasty Celebration
Once an important crop but now all but squeezed out of the Orange County landscape, the strawberry is not quite forgotten.
In fact, an estimated 350,000 people are expected to turn up in Garden Grove beginning Friday for a four-day celebration of the berry. The Garden Grove Strawberry Festival, in its 34th year, will feature a parade, contests, carnival rides, game and food booths, and entertainment.
Actor and former kiddie show host Billy Barty will serve as grand marshal of Saturday’s parade and Christopher Castile, from TV’s “Step by Step” and the film “Beethoven,” will be the parade marshal. Other entertainment personalities will also be in the parade, according to officials.
The festival kicks off on Friday with events including a “Tiny Tots” beauty and personality contest for children ages 3 to 7 with Barty as emcee (a duty he has performed for seven years) at 3:30 p.m. and the cutting of what festival officials say is the world’s largest strawberry shortcake at 6 p.m. Everyone attending gets a free piece of cake.
Saturday’s schedule of events includes the Strawberry Festival parade stepping off at 10:30 a.m. from 9th Street and Chapman Avenue, an autograph session with parade participants on Main Street in front of the Festival Amphitheatre at 12:30 p.m. and an amateur talent show for children and adults at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday’s events include a musical revue featuring Miss Garden Grove at 7:30 p.m., while Monday will feature the annual Redhead Round-Up contest for adults and kids at noon, with prizes in such categories as best strawberry blonde and most freckles.
The festival donates about $80,000 a year raised by ride ticket and food sales to local service groups.
What: 34th annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival.
When: Friday, May 22, 1 to 11:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m. to midnight; Sunday, May 24, noon to 11:30 p.m.; Monday, May 25, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Village Green, 12862 Euclid St., Garden Grove.
Whereabouts: From the Garden Grove (22) Freeway, take Euclid Street north.
Wherewithal: Admission is free (with exception of carnival rides and refreshments).
Where to Call: (714) 638-0981.