Castroville community exploring new annual community festival, following Artichoke festival cancelation

CASTROVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) The community of Castroville is exploring the establishment of a new annual community festival. It comes after the recent cancelation of the Artichoke Festival, which was last held in Castroville in 2013.

On Wednesday night, the North County Recreation and Parks District brought up the idea.

“The community is thirsty, is really excited about doing something else here. It could look like parts of other events that have been here in the past, but the main thing is to have it be created from ground up," Vice President of the North County Recreation and Parks District Board Jacqueline C. Simon said.

The discussion served as a brainstorming session during the very early planning stages.

“Obviously something artichoke themed as this is the artichoke center of the world, but you know, something involving the community, music, dance performances, food booths, obviously different things that can be a fundraiser," Castroville native Jordan Caballero said.

The proposal of a new event also comes at a unique time. Over the last couple of weeks, the central coast has seen the cancelation of the multiple events. That includes the Salinas Food and Wine Festival, Spreckels 4th of July Celebration, and of course the Artichoke Festival.

That’s something Victor Garcia, who previously assisted with entertainment for the Artichoke Festival in Castroville, said has been tough.

“I've seen all these festivals having struggling and having to shut down. I think it's very sad to see that happen. I think the communities need to come together and have committees that really probably put their hearts on this," Garcia said.

There’s still no firm timeline as the Recreation and Parks District continues to seek community input.

Board members also encourage people to provide their input on a possible future event at their upcoming meetings.