Strawberry Cruzin’ drive-through event begins at Santa Maria Fairpark

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- A modified version of the popular Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival begins its five-day run today at the Santa Maria Fairpark.

Titled "Strawberry Cruzin' 2021," the event will be held in a drive-through format, where cars will roll along a route that travels around the Fairpark property.

"They are going to see the Fairpark decorated up with all the strawberry decorations and festivities stuff," said event spokesperson Rebecca Barks. We've got our berries out with our sponsors on it. We have our traditional coloring contest. Then, the best thing about coming to fairs and festivals, is that we have that fair food, all that great stuff. We also have Critics Car Club out here also that will have on display some vintage cars to add to that fun cruzin' theme."

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Santa Maria Fairpark Foundation, 2021 Youth Scholarships, and the 2021 Junior Livestock Virtual Show and Auction.

"The event is free for the community, so everybody can come, but the Foundation is asking for donations," said Barks. "That donation goes towards the Fairpark, keeping it running, keeping it updated, keeping things in working order, and also towards our local scholarships too, and that services San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties students that show here at the fair."

The event is being held in a modified format to help ensure public safety during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

All Santa Barbara County and California Department of Public Health COVID-19 health orders and guidelines are being strictly followed.

Strawberry Cruzin' will feature a wide variety of food booths offering attendees “car hop” service.

"It's all drive-through," said Barks. "We set up the food vendors car hop style to do along with that cruzing, where you'll come up, somebody will take your order, you'll move up, and then they will deliver your order. We also have carnival souvenirs for all the kids. The Strawberry Commission has booklets that they're giving out to everyone that comes, which features a little bit of the history of strawberry in the Santa Maria Valley, and some coloring pages. At the very end, we have strawberry growers that will be selling strawberries."

Some of the vendors lined up include: Fanny’s Fabulous Funnel Cake, Old West Cinnamon Rolls, Noel's Mexican Food, Colossal Corn Dogs and Log Cabin Kettle Corn.

Each day, a different local strawberry vendor will be on location selling world-famous Santa Maria Valley strawberries.

"We will be showcasing them throughout the event, so each day a different grower will be selling until they sell out," said Barks. "We have Mar Vista. We have Manzanita. We have Driscoll's and Darenberries and Little Pete's. They are all coming on one day and will be showcasing and selling their strawberries."

Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Cruzin is scheduled from April 28-May 2.

Hours of operation are April 28-29, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., April 30-May 2 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, click here.