The Artichoke Festival, a staple in Monterey County since 1959, has been canceled indefinitely by its board of directors due to financial strains. Initially held in Castroville, it moved to the Monterey County Fairgrounds and was set to take place in Salinas in June. Organizers cited escalating production costs, insurance increases, and permitting challenges as unsustainable factors. The festival has a rich history of supporting local agriculture and community, with significant charitable contributions over the years. The board is considering how to preserve the festival's legacy going forward.
The board determined the costs of putting on the festival were unsustainable due to increasing production costs, insurance premiums, and permitting requirements.
Executive director Linda Scherer said, 'Watching it grow from a hometown celebration to a regional highlight has been one of the greatest honors of my life.'
The festival began when Swiss Italian farmers, aiming to support their community, organized the first event to raise money for local causes.
The board indicated it would contemplate ways to preserve the festival's legacy and continue supporting local agriculture in the future.
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