Don’t Miss the Strawberry Festival

Saturday Aug. 1 • Sunday Aug. 2

WATSONVILLE — One of Watsonville’s signature summer traditions will return to downtown Aug. 1-2 as the Watsonville Strawberry Festival celebrates the region’s most iconic crop while raising money for local nonprofit organizations.

The free, family-friendly festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day in downtown Watsonville, centered along Main Street and East Beach Street.

Organizers say the event serves as both a celebration of the Pajaro Valley’s agricultural heritage and a showcase for community organizations.

The festival traces its origins to the Watsonville Strawberry Dessert Festival, which was founded in 1994 as part of efforts to help revitalize downtown following the devastating 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. More than three decades later, the event has grown into one of the city’s largest annual gatherings.

In addition to providing a safe, family-oriented event in the heart of the city, the festival highlights strawberries, the Pajaro Valley’s largest and most valuable agricultural crop. Organizers also use the event to provide fundraising opportunities for local nonprofit groups while increasing awareness of their work throughout the community.

Food vendors, community booths, entertainment and activities fill downtown streets. The festivities begin Saturday morning with the annual Strawberry Jam 1K/5K Fun Run and Walk, coordinated by the Friends of Watsonville Parks and Community Services.

This year’s race will be held at Landmark Elementary School rather than its traditional location because Ramsay Park is undergoing renovations. The course begins and ends at the school and takes participants through portions of Watsonville’s slough system, including an out-and-back stretch along Ohlone Parkway.

Organizers describe the course as easy and family-friendly. Strollers are welcome, though dogs will not be permitted.

For more info, call 831-768-3240.