PHOTO: Representatives from Driscoll’s offer festival-goers a chance to spin a wheel to win various prizes and join a raffle at the company’s booth in Watsonville Plaza Sunday. (Photos by Johanna Miller/Pajaronian)
WATSONVILLE — The 24th annual Watsonville Strawberry Festival was still in full swing as of Sunday afternoon, with guests breaking out into dance in front of the Main Stage, and long lines forming for carnival rides and to buy strawberry delicacies.
Founded in 1995 as a way to raise funds and recover from the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake, the festival has turned into the city’s most popular event, attracting thousands of locals and visitors alike every year.
“For me, being here is a yearly thing,” said Watsonville artist Paul De Worken, whose branded Watsonville merchandise has become a common sight throughout the area in recent years. “I really enjoy it. It’s a chance to see old friends, meet new ones and just celebrate Watsonville.”
Strawberries were of course the main draw of the festival — with a slew of local nonprofit organizations and businesses serving up various strawberry-themed foods on a strip of Main Street dubbed Strawberry Lane. A big hit was Corralitos Pizza, offering up some classic flavors as well as strawberry pizza. El Pajaro CDC gave out samples of their fresh, organic strawberry jam.
Families enjoy taking photos together at the 24th annual Watsonville Strawberry Festival.
(Photo by Johanna Miller/Pajaronian)
New to the food lineup this year was strawberry tamales, courtesy of Friends of Watsonville Parks and Community Services.
“I also heard something about smoothies,” said Rachel Danielle, who was visiting from the Mendocino area with her two young daughters. “We’ll definitely have to look into that.”
Danielle said her daughters’ grandmother had recommended that they visit the festival.
“We’re excited to see what’s here,” she said. “This looks like a great event for kids.”
Vendor booths stretched from Main Street and all the way around Watsonville Plaza. Children enjoyed face painting and playing with marionette puppets. In the plaza, Driscoll’s set up a taste-testing tent where guests could spin a prize wheel and enter a raffle.
“Things are going really well,” said coordinator Israel Tirado, who was helping man the festival’s information booth. “I think this ideal weather definitely helped.”
Sunday afternoon saw Monterey-based band Victory Lane take to the Main Stage to perform some classic rock tracks, as a group of Folklorico dancers entertained visitors in the beer and wine garden area not far away. Pie eating contests were held throughout the weekend in between the entertainment.
But Tirado admitted that Strawberry Lane was still his favorite part of the event.
“It’s a classic,” he said. “I love having our booth right here in the middle of it, watching the mascots walking by with all the excited kids. It’s great.”
Attendees browse vendors along Main Street on Sunday afternoon.
(Photo by Johanna Miller/Pajaronian)
Victory Lane performs Sunday during the Watsonville Strawberry Festival.
(Photo by Johanna Miller/Pajaronian)
