California Strawberry Festival

Submissions must be original, non-baked, sweet or savory-tasting strawberry dishes. Entries can include sauces, desserts, entrées, dips, drinks, jams, and spreads--any food or drink creation that includes strawberries and fresh ingredients.

The artist with the winning strawberry-themed design will receive $2,000.

The festival worked with Rock City Studios in Camarillo to identify four local bands to vie for the title. Stacy, based in Ventura, was a winner of Ventura County's Best Female Artist of the Year.

Festival representatives threw a surprise strawberry cupcake party and award presentation today with Chavez's second grade class joining in.

The live entertainment is just part of the weekend celebration that pays homage to the tasty, juicy fruit.

Entries can include sauces, desserts entrées, dips, drinks, jams, spreads--any food or drink creation that includes strawberries (of course), fresh ingredients and shows creativity. The deadline to submit a recipe is April 6.

Submissions must be original, non-baked, sweet or savory-tasting strawberry dishes.

This is Aitouganov's first time entering the festival's poster contest.

The artist with the winning design will receive $2,000 and four VIP tickets to the festival, which takes place May 19 and 20.

Each year, the festival attracts nearly 60,000 visitors. Festivalgoers come from throughout southern California including Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Kern, Santa Barbara and Orange counties.