Celebrating the Fourth

The Fourth of July celebration in Seward sounds like a lively and festive event! Here’s an overview of the festivities you can expect:

Midnight Fireworks: The celebrations kick off with a thrilling fireworks display on the waterfront at midnight (12:01 AM) on the 4th of July. It’s a spectacular way to welcome Independence Day.

Daytime Activities:

During the daytime, you can explore historic downtown Seward. The streets are filled with street vendors offering a variety of souvenirs, knickknacks, noise makers, and toys. It’s a great opportunity to take a leisurely stroll and soak up the festive atmosphere.

Parade: The town comes alive as the parade makes its way through Main Street. Almost every organization in town contributes a float, including the Bear Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Seward Fire Department, and the American Legion. It’s a colorful and vibrant procession that showcases community spirit.

Food: The Fourth of July celebration in Seward also offers a diverse range of food options. You can enjoy traditional local favorites as well as the delicious offerings from street vendors. Whether you’re in the mood for burri - tos, tacos, deep-fried onions, or classic cotton candy, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings.

Overall, Seward’s Fourth of July celebration provides a unique and enjoyable experience. From the exciting fireworks display to the lively parade and delectable food options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the festive spirit and celebrate Independence Day with the Seward community.

CASTROVILLE - Celebrating the theme “Thistle be Fun,” the 63rd annual Artichoke Festival takes place June 10-11 at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, with online ticket sales now available.

Entertainment options abound at the 2023 Artichoke Festival, set for June 10-11 in Monterey, including live rock, country, blues and yacht rock music, stand-up comedy, artichoke-eating contest, and a canasta contest.

The 2023 festival will feature a wide-ranging variety of entertainment, including the popular Chef’s Demo, a farmers market, live music, wine tasting, NEW this year a Saturday Night comedy show, and a quilting challenge.

Tickets to the 2023 Artichoke Festival are on sale online now for the 63 rd annual festival, which will return to the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey with the theme “Thistle be Fun: Artichoke Festival 2023.”

Free with festival general admission, the festival’s lineup of live music Saturday, June 10 features the 831 All-Star Band at 10:15 a.m., followed by the John Michael Band at noon, Wild at Heart at 2 p.m. and Mustache Harbor yacht rock band at 4:30. On Sunday, June 11, Banda La Prohibida will open the day at 10:30 a.m., followed by

The Chicano All-Stars, which will start at 12:30, with Shane Dwight closing the day’s shows at 3 p.m. All music performances are onehour long.

Also on the Main Stage will be volunteer awards at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, an artichoke-eating contest at 3:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, and a canasta contest at 4 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Saturday night’s standup program, “Thistle Be Funny Comedy Show” will feature comics K-Von at 6:30 p.m., and Jose Sarduy at 8 p.m. The festival offers a special Comedy Combo discount package

(two festival tickets, two comedy show tickets, two Saturday wine tasting passes) for $170 plus processing fee. A standalone comedy ticket is $40 for adults only, must be 18 and over. Doors open to all comedy show guests at 6 p.m., with the entry for festival attendees at the Monterey Room east entrance. Entry for non-festival guests is at the Monterey Room street entrance, on Fairground Road. Remember, children are not allowed inside the Monterey Room for this event. Participants must show a valid ID to enter.

K-Von could be the most famous half-Persian comedian in the world. Millions have seen his ap- pearances on Netflix, NBC’s ‘Last Comic Standing’, and his popular TED Talk that introduced him to a global fanbase. He is the author of the book “Once You Go Persian,” a funny detailing of his upbringing and how he got into comedy.

Jose Sarduy takes audiences on the rollercoaster ride that’s been his life. Born in Cuba and deported because of his father’s political prisoner status, he came to the U.S. at a young age. Growing up with a hard working, and always quirky Cuban family brought loads of funny moments. A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and former officer in the Air Force, Sarduy is also an accomplished avia- tor and war veteran.

Chef’s Demo

Currently five chefs have confirmed participation for the Chef’s Demo in the Seaside Room, including Chef Brandon Miller of Paella LLC, who will open the demos at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, June 10-11. He will offer recipe inspiration, tips and tricks for cooking artichokes, as well as samples and small bites to enjoy.

In addition, Kevin Fisher from Sea Root at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa will return to the stage at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 11. Chefs Ivan Guadarrama from Tarpy’s and Chef Luis Osorio from Rio

Grill will also be back for a second year performing demos at 1:30 and 3 p.m., on Saturday, respectively. Chef Mark Simpson from Montrio will conduct a demo at 3 p.m., Sunday. More chefs are expected to be announced by festival organizers.

Wine Tasting - Pouring of quality wines from around the state begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Sunday. A raffle drawing for a barrel of wine takes place at 2 p.m., on both days.

Quilt Challenge

The fourth annual Artichoke Festival Quilt Challenge invites fabric artists to win prizes and show off their quilting talents in two categories. The Judge’s Choice winner gets a $250 cash prize.

With the help of the Valley Heritage Quilt Guild from King City, the Quilt Challenge has been a resounding, creative success.

Farmers Market

Some claim this to be the “crown jewel” of the Artichoke Festival. Where else can you shop for the best locally grown, hand-harvested fresh vegetables at amazingly low prices? The market is open Saturday and Sunday in the Salinas Room, at the festival grounds.

There are several varieties of price packages available, depending on choice of events. For more information, go to artichokefestival.org.