Costume Parade (Image courtesy of Castroville Artichoke Festival)

Spring is the time for fresh artichokes and a wonderful time to visit California's beautiful Monterey County for the Castroville Artichoke Festival.

Every year, artichoke lovers from far and wide travel to Castroville to sample the many unique flavors of the artichoke in an atmosphere of fun, tasty treats, musical entertainment and crafts. This year's Festival will take place on Saturday, May 15th and Sunday, May 16th. Festival goers enjoy a parade, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, a classic car show, and more for the whole family.

It's artichiokes galore everywhere you turn. The Agro Art Competition calls for 3-dimensional fruit and vegetable artwork. It's a quirky competition fostering imagination, creativity, and fun. There's a colorful parade and 2 days of live music. Everything from Swing to Mariachi, Country to 50's Rock & Roll. For the kids there are games, face paints, clowns, stilt walkers, and puppets.

Foodies can sample artichokes fried, sautéed, grilled, marinated, pickled, fresh, and creamed in soup. Visitors can also taste foods from the many ethnic groups that give the area its character. You can watch the area's finest chefs showcase the versatility and unique techniques for preparing and using artichokes. The Festival is a great chance to enjoy the best from the area's award-winning producers.

For arts & crafts enthusiasts there are unique gifts and apparel crafted by artisans from throughout the country; plus artichoke souvenirs galore!

Artichokes in Garden (photo by Matthew Bridges, courtesy of morguefile.com)

Vist the Farmers Market and get yourself some artichokes and more, fresh from the heart of the nation's salad bowl. You might want to hop a bus and take a field tour of the artichoke patch for grower talks and photo ops.

The entrance fees are family friendly at $10 for adults and $5 for children. Enjoy!

For more info visit the Festival's official website: Castroville Artichoke Festival

Here are some recipe ideas to click on for enjoying those fresh artichokes:

Fresh California Artichokes & Party Dip Recipes

Focaccia Stuffed Artichokes Recipe

Couscous-Stuffed Artichokes Recipe

Baked Artichokes Stuffed with Bacon Recipe

Baby Artichoke Chicken Saute'

To view all the recipes on the American Feast web site just scroll down after you go to: American Feast's Recipe Collection

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For information related to the purchase of advertising space and editorial coverage on the American Feast web site call Jeff Deasy toll free at 877-332-7875 or email him at jdeasy@americanfeast.com