The two best months for cherries in California are upon us. June and July are the two biggest months for cherry growers. Harvest is in full swing and everyone is celebrating their favorite fruit by holding cherry festivals all over the state. Both sweet and sour varieties are available. Sweet cherries are family favorites and can be eaten fresh. Sour cherries, on the other hand, are best used in pies and other baked goods.
In California, you will find both farm festivals and community festivals. Farm festivals revolve around the orchard and many of the activities that take place during the growing and harvesting seasons. Community festivals revolve around the celebration that comes along with a successful harvest. They bring together every facet of the community including churches, businesses, schools, and the local Chamber of Commerce. They are more expensive to hold, but they bring everyone together and are sometimes considered to be a cultural event that benefits everyone involved.
Linden – Stockton Cherry Festival
The Linden -Stockton Cherry Festival is held every year at the Linden Elementary School Grounds located at 18100 E Front Street, Linden, CA. The festival parade starts at 10 am with no entry fee to participate. The festival hosts live bands and other forms of entertainment. Vendors are available for both food and games. There is something for every member of the family, no matter what their age. Fresh cherries will always be available to sample and to buy! You can email lindencherryfestival@aol.com for more information.
Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival
The Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival is held each year at Barnes Park. Located at 350 S McPherrin Avenue in Monterey Park, CA, there is no fee for admission. Volunteers of the Monterey community host the festival each May to showcase both the Japanese and American culture and how cherries play an important role. There are games, food, martial arts exhibitions, and traditional Japanese dances and music. Visit their website to learn more about this culturally diverse festival.
Leona Valley Cherry Parade and Festival
The Leona Valley Cherry Parade and Festival is held each year at 8367 Elizabeth Lake Rd in Leona Valley, CA. Their festival is free of charge and open to the public. Come and enjoy the beautiful cherry trees and the parade with all of its cherry-themed floats. You can also take part in the Cherry Festival Pie Eating Contest. A staple of the community for over 40 years, the festival is one to remember. You can call 661-270-0771 or email lviacherryfestival@yahoo.com for more information.
Murray Family Farms
Murray Family Farms hosts one of the largest orchard-based farms in the state. Held at 6700 General Beale in Bakersfield, CA, the festival celebrates all of the produce harvested at the farm. They offer fruits and vegetables that are Certified Organic. Visit the farm each season to see which fruits and vegetables are being showcased. You can call 661-330-0100 or 661-371-0400 for more information.
At Sunrise Fresh, we offer many varieties of dried cherries for you to enjoy all year long. Our unsweetened, 100% natural dried cherries are picked at the peak of ripeness so you can enjoy the best flavor possible. Help us celebrate one of our most popular fruits by visiting one of these community cherry festivals.
