CASTROVILLE, CA – Ocean Mist® Farms, a presenting sponsor of the 2017 Artichoke Food & Wine Festival, is proud to announce that the company has experienced a 27 percent increase in attendance from last year, confirming that the California state vegetable is continuing to excite consumers and those seeking to explore new, flavorful applications for the artichoke.
For several years, Ocean Mist Farms has been a supporter of the two-day festival intended to elevate artichoke awareness, inspire consumption, and give back to the local community where the vegetable is grown, the company noted in a press release.
To support the company’s trade partners throughout the year, the Ocean Mist Farms event sponsorship helps host a popular Farmer’s Market and Agro Art competition, more than 13 chef demos, field tours, and food booths featuring artichokes front and center.
Members of the local media were on hand to cover the event and encourage local community members to stop by and sample all things artichoke.
Additionally, the company recently held its annual Ocean Mist Farms Academic Scholarship presentation. The scholarship program recognizes students who demonstrate the company’s guiding values of Integrity, Quality, Passion, and Success in their daily lives and in their pursuit of higher education.
“This year’s recipients each received scholarship funds toward their college education, which supports our community education initiative,” said Director of Marketing Diana McClean, who noted that the growing festival is looking to also add participants beyond the local community. “Looking toward next year, we’re hopeful that more and more non-residents of Central California will continue to join us, as this event becomes a highlight of the year for artichoke enthusiasts all over the country.”
In addition to helping spread the word about artichokes, both locally and nationally, the Artichoke Food & Wine Festival is a celebration of the Castroville community and heritage. Proceeds from the Festival support several local programs including like Ag Against Hunger, local community centers, school libraries, and senior activity centers.
Dates for next year’s event have already been announced; the 2018 Artichoke Food & Wine Festival will be held June 2-3, 2018. For more on the event and Ocean Mist Farms, visit the company’s website and its Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest accounts.
