18th Annual Strawberry Festival

W A T S O N V I L L E

Official Program Published by the Watsonville Register-Pajaronian Strawberry Festival

2012 - 1

Welcome to the Strawberry Festival

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Welcome to the 2012 Strawberry Festival

We would like to welcome you and your family to our 18th Annual Watsonville Strawberry Festival at Monterey Bay. This is a great time of the year in Watsonville, when we celebrate the annual harvest of sweet red, delicious berries that are a colorful part of our community’s rich agricultural heritage. We also celebrate the workers who pick them and make this place a special place to live. The Pajaro Valley is one of the riches agricultural areas in the country for growing strawberries.

This year’s Strawberry Festival is being held in downtown Watsonville with plenty of nearby parking and admission is FREE! Our family-oriented festival has something for everyone - arts and crafts, carnival rides, tasty strawberry delicacies, a variety of delicious food, a soccer tournament and much, much more. There will be live music everyday on the main stage.

A highlight of the festival will be “Strawberry Lane,” featuring a variety of delicious strawberry treats prepared by local non-profit organizations featuring scrumptious strawberries, provided by local growers. Please support your local non-profits while enjoying one of the two most widely recognized Strawberry Festivals in California. The City, volunteers and our sponsors have worked hard and diligently to bring together a variety of entertainment, activities and contests. You’re sure to find something for everyone in the family. We hope you and your family have a wonderful time!

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the berry state

In California’s strawberry industry, business is growing, and education is paramount.

An improvement from last year’s weather, coupled with a slight growth in acreage has led to an increase in production from last year, California Strawberry Commission spokesperson Carolyn O’Donnell said.

According to O’Donnell, the state has shipped out more than 127 million flats, up about 10 million from this time last year.

A flat of strawberries contains eight onepound clamshell containers.

The Watsonville/Salinas region, which is currently about halfway through the strawberry growing season, has produced more than 45 million flats, an increase of more than 3 million from this time last year, O’Donnell said.

O’Donnell attributed the increases to normal fluctuations in acreage statewide, and to more friendly weather patterns.

“We had a long, slow, cold spring last year, and that got production off to a slow

start,” O’Donnell said.

Scholarship program The commission announced in May that it has awarded $188,300 in scholarships to 193 students through its California Strawberry Scholarship Program.

Now in its 19th year, the program has awarded more than $1.5 million to 1,384 children of California strawberry farm workers.

Formed in 1994 by the California Strawberry Commission, the program was designed as a way to demonstrate grower’s appreciation of the contributions that farm workers make.

Awards are based on individual merit and are sent directly to the student’s school to be applied toward tuition and books. To qualify, scholarship applicants must have at least one parent who has been employed as a strawberry farm worker for the past two consecutive seasons. Students must attend an accredited vocational trade school, junior college or four-year university to be

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eligible for a scholarship.

“After nearly two decades of awarding scholarships to students, we have the privilege and honor to witness their accomplished dreams come true,” said Lorena Chavez, Scholarship Committee Chair, California Strawberry Commission.

“It is clear that the values exhibited by the heart of the strawberry community – the field workers – are being imparted to their children. The determination and passion demonstrated by these young people is extraordinary.”

Strawberry Commission officials say that the program has helped launch several successful academic careers.

“I am currently working on obtaining an MBA from California Lutheran University,” said Heriberto Farfan. “My parents are dedicated and hard-working people who guided me in the choices I made to get to this point. I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from them, as well as the support from programs like the California Strawberry Scholarship Program.”

Crop Production Services Office: (831) 763-4533 Fax: (831) 761-3070 5 Lakeview Road, Watsonville, Ca 95076 www.cropproductionservices.com

2012 Strawberry Lane Non-Profit Organizations & Clubs A variety of local non-profit agencies benefit from the Watsonville Strawberry Festival. Stop by the booths sponsored by these agencies and you can support your favorite charity while enjoying a treat!

Papas/SCCCC Prophet Elias Greek Church Iglesia de Jesucristo Israel Watsonville Police Activities League (PAL) Leukemia/ Lymphoma Society Watsonville Law Center American Red Cross Loaves and Fishes Janus of Santa Cruz Santa Cruz Co. Football Club

Youth Services Pajaro Valley Prevention & Student Assistance, Inc. El Sembrador Radio 700AM Child Development Resource Center Santa Cruz County Healthcare Outreach Coalition Walgreens Narconon Vista Bay

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Live Entertainment

Appearing on the Main Stage • Megan Slankard and the Novelists • The No Respect Band • www.thenorespectband.com • Caravanserai • www.santanatributeband.com • Banda Oro Verde • www.myspace.com/bandaoroverde • Chicano All-Stars • http://chicanoallstars.com/index.html • Mariachi Salinas • Rocio Y Su Sonora • www.rocioysusonora.com • K-Paz de la Sierra • www.myspace.com/kpazunivionrecords • Los Shakas de la Banda • www.facebook.com/losshakas

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Megan Slankard on the Main Stage Saturday Though only in her 20’s, singer-songwriter Megan Slankard has independently sold nearly 30,000 copies of four independently released CDs. Megan’s newest release, A Token Of The Wreckage (Spring 2011), is “an edgy altrock release that is a breath of fresh air” (Maverick Magazine), “gleaming, grooving, and gritty” (Minor 7th), with “thoughtful construction and clever wordplay” (Performer Magazine). The CD, which was recorded with help from David Bryson (Counting Crows) and

Jerry Becker (Train), held a spot in the 10-best selling albums on CD Baby for weeks.

In addition to 12 new songs, the CD also includes Megan’s first official music video, written and directed by Matthew Ward.

The video has earned 18,000 plays on Vimeo and You Tube combined.

In spring 2011, in support of her new CD, the singersongwriter toured her way across the US, driving 20,000 miles in 7 months. Megan returned home to San Francisco, CA in December to play a sold

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out show with her band in the grand ballroom of the venerable Swedish American Hall.

Megan’s recordings have been gaining substantial industry attention: she won the 2011 IMA Vox Populi for “The Happy Birthday” a song from her newest CD, as well as the 2009 IMA Vox Populi for her cover of Paul Simon’s song “America”. Megan earned the January 2009 Top 5 artist in the Famecast.com Competition and was selected as a finalist in the 2009 and 2008 Musician’s Atlas/

Borders Books Independent Music Awards. Additionally, she was selected as a semi-finalist in Discmaker’s 2007 Independent Music World Series and the 2007 International Songwriting Competition.

Megan and her music have appeared on TLC’s “What

See MEGAN, page 10

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contunued from page 8 Not To Wear”, which generated purchases by TV viewers that placed her CD “Freaky Little Story” on the #5 spot on Amazon. com CD sales charts and on the Top-10 Rock Bestseller list on CDBaby.com. Because of the episode’s popularity, the show’s producers featured her in a followup episode a year later, bringing “Freaky Little Story” and her third release, “A Little Extra Sun” back into the Top-10.

In addition to TV, Megan’s music has also been featured on San Francisco AAA station KFOG’s compilation CD. She has been featured in Rockgrl Magazine, Owl Magazine, The Synthesis, Fresh Tracks and Women In Rock, in addition to Acoustic Guitar magazine – whose editors named “Freaky Little Story” one of their

top albums of 2005. She was a final selection artist for RPM Direct Presents: Unsigned Artists Volume 3 compilation CD; an A&R Online featured artist; a Song and Film Spotlight artist; and, an Acoustic Cafe featured artist on the “One to Watch” syndicated radio program (sponsored by the USA Songwriting Competition).

Slankard also co-wrote and performed on the title track of Dire Straits founding member David Knopfler’s new record, “Ship of Dreams”.

Megan has also showcased in Boston (NEMO) and Toronto (NXNE), toured three times as support for David Knopfler through Germany and England, and performed at the international festival InGuitar in Zurich (Switzerland).

Megan starts writing new songs this winter for her next album release (tbd).

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Enjoy the Festival Watsonville Strawberry Festival 2012 - 11

Strawberry Fun Facts and More...

Courtesy of the California Strawberry Commission

Do you love strawberries? If so, you’re not alone because we’ve learned that across the country and around the world, that strawberries are a favorite of kids! It might be because they are sweet and juicy - but did you know that they are really good for your body? They have all kinds of things in them (that you can’t see) that can protect you from getting sick, and can help your brain and your heart!

Here are some facts about why strawberries are good for you - and other things you might want to know about them and can share with your friends.

As you could imagine, we get a lot of questions about California strawberries.

Here are answers to some popular questions. For a chuckle or two, check out the funniest questions we’ve ever been asked.

Here are 10 fun facts about strawberries!

Are organic strawberries healthier than conventional?

Most studies to date show that organic and conventional strawberries are equally nutritious. Many conventional farmers use some of the same production practices that organic growers use. Health and nutrition experts recommend eating fresh fruits and veggies - whether organic or conventional.

According to the US Dietary Guidelines for Americans, most people should be doubling their fruit and vegetable consumption to reduce their risk of chronic disease and maintain a healthy weight.

• One serving of strawberries has more vitamin C than an orange.

• The green “hat” that tops the strawberry is known as the calyx.

• Almost every strawberry that is eaten in the United States is hand-picked by someone in California.

• Strawberries, while considered a fruit, are technically a member of the rose family.

• Some people say that strawberries were named a long time ago by English children who picked the berries, strung them on grass straws and sold them as “Straws of Berries.”

• Last year, almost 2 BILLION pounds of strawberries were harvested in California.

Do you know what a billion pounds looks like?

• It’s estimated that if you lined up all the California strawberries produced throughout the year that they would circle the earth 15 times.

• In California, strawberries grow all year long, not just during the summer!

• Each strawberry has about 200 seeds and each of these yellow seeds is technically an individual fruit.

• Strawberries like to grow where people like to live - in weather that is not too cold and not too hot.

What’s the best method for growing strawberries?

Growing strawberries as a hobby is very different from commercial strawberry production. Our advice is to contact your local nursery for growing tips.

Can I freeze strawberries?

There are a few different ways to freeze strawberries. One popular method is to freeze whole without sugar to maintain shape and health benefits. Directions: After rinsing, gently blot dry and slice stem off at top of berry. Place cut side down on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper and

place uncovered in freezer for a minimum of six hours. Transfer strawberries to a freezer bag or container. Frozen strawberries can be stored frozen for several months.

What’s the best way to store strawberries?

For strawberries to stay fresh, do not wash them right away. Refrigerate them as soon as possible in the original clamshell or in a container with a dry paper towel at the bottom. Separate the berries by layering them with paper towels to maximize freshness. Just before using, wash strawberries with the caps attached under a gentle spray of cool water. For best flavor, serve strawberries at room temperature.

Do small berries taste better than large ones?

Flavor is influenced by growing conditions like weather, stage of ripeness when harvested, and variety. Size is not a factor in determining flavor.

Funny questions we’ve heard: • Can you send me a picture of a strawberry tree?

• Are strawberries sold in brown containers last year’s strawberries?

• Are strawberries grown in a hot house?

• Is a sweetener applied to fresh strawberries to make them so sweet?

• What are those things on the outside of strawberries?

• What does a stem berry look like?

Did you know that California strawberries are...

1. Considered a super fruit by experts because of their high nutrient content.

2. Voted a top favorite fruit among kids.

3. Versatile and easy to use in both sweet and savory dishes.

4. Grown by hundreds of caring and passionate family farmers.

5. Among the safest & healthiest fruit grown in the world. www.safefruitsandveggies.com 6. Shown to aid in disease prevention and improve brain health.

7. Packed with vitamin C and loaded with beneficial antioxidants.

8. Available year-round across the country.

9. The leader with 90% of strawberry production in the U.S. 10. A favorite topic of discussion at: www.facebook.com/castrawberries.

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Delicious Strawberry Recipes Courtesy of the California Strawberry Commission

Grilled Mahi-Mahi Tacos Mexican Fruit Salad Soup Strawberry withSalsa Strawberry Salsa -Mahi Tacos with Strawberry

Strawberry Soup

A cool and refreshing summertime soup, perfect for the hot days

ahead. and other fresh ingredients are combined Ingredients whole new level!

ornia strawberries

4 cups strawberries, hulled and cut in quarters 1 tablespoon honey zest of 1 medium orange or 1 lemon

4 mint leaves, chopped 1 teaspoon vanilla extractMango, (optional) pineapple, lime and other fresh 2 to 3 tablespoons orangeingredients juice or lemon juice are combined to take fish tacos

A cool and refreshing summertime soup, perfect for the hot days ahead.

fruits served up to a whole new level! leSweet and nutritious1/2 cup are water fresh with a dash of savory spice to entice d onion 1 cup low fat plain or vanilla greek yogurt the even the pickiest taste buds.

Ingredients 1 cup evaporated skim milk or any low fat milk queezed lime juice Strawberry Salsa: cilantro Ingredients 4 mint sprigs, for garnish 1 cup diced fresh California strawberries negar 4 cups (about 1 1/4 pounds) halved

Ingredients 4 cups strawberries, hulled and cut in quarters 1 tablespoon honey zest of 1 medium orange or 1 lemon 4 mint leaves, chopped 1/2 cup diced mango stemmed California strawberries 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) 1 cup strawberries, sliced,1/4 forcup garnish diced papaya 2 cups mango chunks 2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice or lemon 1/4 cups diced pineapple melon andmelon pineapple.

Add orange juice, lime 2 cups chunks juice Preparation 2 tablespoons diced red onion s 1Tip: Add 2 tablespoons tequila to fruit cup pineapple chunks cupsauce water pan and simmer over medium 2 honey, tablespoons freshly squeezed : Combine strawberries with zest, mint, vanilla, juicelime and juice water in a1/2 small 1/2 cup fresh orange juice 1 cup low fat plain or vanilla greek yogurt tablespoon chopped cilantrowith a fork as they soften. Remove heat for about 10 minutes,1 breaking down strawberries from heat and let cool to 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 1 cup evaporated skim milk or any low fat 1 1/2 teaspoons rice vinegar room temperature.

1/4 cup sugar milk Salt and black pepper ueezed lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon salt Cayenne pepper rol; 152 mg sodium; 26g carbohydrate; 3 g squeezed juice Once combine strawberry mixture with yogurt and milk in a blender andsprigs, puree until smooth. Add more milk if 4 mint for garnish 1 to 1 1/2 lime teaspoons anchocooled, chile powder you prefer the soup thinner.

1 pound mahi-mahi, cut into 2-ounce pieces Preparation 1 cup strawberries, sliced, for garnish Salt and black pepper Prep time: 20 minutesChill In large bowl, combine soup for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Ground cumin, ground coriander and ancho Preparation strawberries, mango, melon and pineapple. chile powder Combine strawberries with honey, zest, Add orange juice, limeDivide juice,soup sugar, salt and 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas, heated among four bowls and garnish with a mint sprig and ~ 1/4 cup sliced strawberries. mint, vanilla, juice and water in a small chile powder to taste; mix well. Makes 8 8 (6-inch) flour tortillas, heated servings Tip: Add 2 tablespoons tequila sauce pan and simmer over medium heat 4 servings (1-1/4 cuptoeach) 2 cups shredded napa cabbage fruit salad; mix well. for about 10 minutes, breaking down t into 2-ounce pieces strawberries with a fork as they soften.

Directions To make Strawberry Salsa, gently mix Remove from heat and let cool to room coriander and ancho chile powder together all ingredients; season with salt, temperature. heated pepper and cayenne pepper. Season mahi- Once cooled, combine strawberry mixture mahi with salt, pepper, cumin, coriander with yogurt and milk in a blender and puree heated and ancho chile powder. On gas or charcoal until smooth. Add more milk if you prefer cabbage grill, cook fish until it offers no resistance the soup thinner.

1 of 1 Chill soup for at least 30 minutes 7/26/12 before to the 7/26/12 3:20 PM point of a small, sharp knife. Place serving.

1 corn tortilla on top of each flour tortilla.

7/26/12 3:29 PM soup among four bowls and garnish Divide Top each corn tortilla with 1/4 cup cabbage, with a mint sprig and ~ 1/4 cup sliced 1 piece mahi-mahi and 1/4 cup Strawberry strawberries.

Salsa.

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PROUDStrawberry SUPPORTERS OF THE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Crown Criterium

Produced by Syzygy Sports Group — Promotional Presentation

Strawberry Crown Invitational Criterium

Syzygy Sports Group, 221 Karls Dell, Scotts Valley, CA 95066

© 2011 Syzygy Sports Group -­‐ All Rights Reserved.

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www.syzygysportsgroup.com/scic

Thank You to our Generous Sponsors

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL RegisterPajaronian 100 Westridge Watsonville 761-7300

La Santa Cruz Bakery Panaderia y Pasteleria 716 E. Lake Ave. #1 (831) 722-1386 1416 Freedom Blvd. #2 (831) 722-0370 Watsonville, Ca 95076

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