On the second Sunday in June, the California Strawberry Commission brought a miniature version to the city of Encino. Residents could buy, taste and take home their own strawberry plants. In addition to strawberries, the festival had fun bounce houses for kids, arts and crafts and even a cancer education group shared about the 43rd Annual Cancer Convention being held at a local hotel in Universal City on the first week in September.
Watch now and learn more about what the festival had to offer, including tips on how to grow strawberries.
This year’s annual celebration brought the community of Oxnard together for its 32nd year as residents got to see everything Strawberry at the Strawberry Meadows in College Park. The two day festival took place on May 16 and 17 from 10 o’clock to 6:30 and featured a variety of different strawberry concoctions including chocolate covered strawberries, strawberry drinks and strawberry food.
There was also love music throughout the meadows of the college, arts and crafts for kids, strawberry themed rides and various food demonstrations including the much anticipated Berry Blast Off Recipe contest where the top two or 500 entries, compete in an hour-long competition for the title of best strawberry themed recipe, which includes a trip to a spa and a chance to compete in a national championship in November.
Watch the video below to see more about the recipes that won and the music that entertained crowds or click here to see past years.
This year marks the 20th year of the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at the University of Southern California. As previously reported, there were thousands of books ranging from children to young adult and many more in between. There were also several celebrities that brought their own books for people to purchase as well as a cooking stage, music and much more.
Watch now to see just which books were the highlight of this year’s festival and stay tuned for a follow up with even more exclusive interviews from more of the authors at the 2015 LA Times Festival of books.
For the first two weekends in March, residents celebrate the annual migration of the grey whale with a variety of fun events for all ages.
Large balloons including this grey whale entertained crowds as the parade made its way down the historic Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point.
A friendly octopus greeted kids while flying high in the sky.
The sea turtle reminded of all of the wildlife in our oceans.
And residents didn’t need to go on a boat to see this killer whale as dozens of people controlled the largest balloon in the parade.
As the only human balloon, this pirate reminded crowds of the real people that sailed across the oceans.
Shark! But this one had to be kept down as winds made the balloon difficult to control.
There were also various high school marching bands and as well as Dana Point’s 5th Marine Regiment, who came all the way down from San Clemente to march for the whales.
Marines carried the colors as crowds saluted with miniature American Flags.
High school marching bands played various sea tunes and drum cadences down the highway.
Drill teams danced and Tall Flags twirled to the music.
There was also a street fair that further kept crowds entertained with a variety of different booths.
Ocean Institute reminded crowds of the various discoveries and creatures in the ocean.
local farmers brought their latest harvest to sale at the farmers market.
And pet day care groups like camp bow wow offered special offers to pet owners to encourage them to use their services.
Down by Dana Point Wharf, local artists had their latest creations on display for the Art Show and sale.
Artists of all types from photography to color pencil as well as paints brought out their latest creations of the sea.
These painting are on sale at Wharf until March 15.
Crowds marveled at the beauty that the artist captured.
And as the sun set at Lantern Park and crowds took in the beauty of the coast, the festival concluded its first day with a fitting movie overlooking the ocean.
The park overlooked the entire harbor area of Dana point.
Residents spread out blankets in the park as the sunset over the ocean.
The Disney Classic, The Little Mermaid entertained crowds as they enjoyed free popcorn and refreshments while watching the movie.
On the Second weekend of October, hundreds of vendors brought their own taste to the Anaheim Convention Center at the Original Arts and Crafts Harvest Festival. There was thousands of handcrafted originals from a variety of food options to fashion and even a unique travel laundry bag that its creators hoped to entice crowds to purchase . And artists like Duo Hijinx, Scott Land’s Marionettes and even a juggler showed up to offer their talents on the three day weekend while residents shopped for hours at the convention center.
To see more of what was at this year’s festival, click the video below.
The Watermelon Festival is back for their 53rd year, sponsored by the Sunland-Tujunga Lions Club. This year, they were pleased be at the famous Santa Anita Park, home to the legendary horse racing stadium. There was free watermelon and much more on the third weekend in July and hundreds came out to partake of the fun festivities including the royal court, featuring Watermelon Queen Calista Yakhamen, a junior from Verdugo Hills High School as well as Watermelon King Ruben Mendez, a senior also from Verdugo Hills High School.
And of course this year’s National Watermelon Queen, Brandi Harrison made her presence to support California Watermelons on behalf of the National Watermelon Association.
Watch the video below, to see more of the fun and festivities that this unique festival had to offer.
In times, where the economy doesn’t seem to be getting better, there is always an alternate reality to take your mind of your troubles and it’s relatively inexpensive. As summer kicks off officially, blockbusters like Avengers and Men In Black III are bringing relief to California Residents. It’s the ultimate movie going experience that keeps everyone laughing and crying all at the same time.
The Santa Monica Pier in Southern Calif. is more than just a place to relax next to the Pacific Ocean.The Pier was first opened September 1909.It was originally built to allow its residents to “walk above the waters of the Pacific Ocean”.Now, the pier offers residents as well as tourists the opportunity to visit unique shops, restaurants and a mini amusement park including the Heal The Bay Aquarium. In addition, some residents have chosen to make the beach their home.
Watch now, to see just what this unique beach in Southern California has to offer for all ages.
