VISTA — Tens of thousands of visitors, many clad in berry-themed gear, flocked to downtown Vista Village for the 14th annual Vista Strawberry Festival.
The Vista Chamber of Commerce, which puts on the festival each year, expected more than 100,000 festivalgoers this year.
More than 450 vendors lined the streets – many featuring sweet confections, attire and decor celebrating the strawberry, a fruit that has played a significant role in Vista’s history for over half a century.
According to the festival’s website, strawberries were shipped daily from Vista during peak season to many parts of the United States, as well as to Europe and Asia, in the 1960s and 1970s. At the time, Vista was considered to be the “Unofficial Strawberry Capital of the World.”
Although strawberry production in Vista has decreased over the past few decades, the festival has celebrated Vista’s “berry important history” since 2010.
“We’re thrilled to continue our tradition of bringing people from all over San Diego County to Vista each year to enjoy a special day that celebrates our community, our citizens, and the small businesses that support our quality of life,” said Vista Chamber CEO Rachel Beld.
Sponsors who made the festival possible include the City of Vista, Vista Unified School District, County Supervisor Jim Desmond, Frazier Farms, North County Ford Dealerships, La Jolla Vein and Vascular, The Film Hub, Alchemy Print Co., Children’s Paradise, Dr. Bronner’s, Santa Fe Dental Group, EDCO, North County Transit District, Lifetime Home Remodeling and Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream.
