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Danny Bissonette of Frazier Farms packs bags of berries to sell on Sunday at the Vista Strawberry Festival. Photo by Laura Place
Danny Bissonette of Frazier Farms packs bags of berries to sell on Sunday at the Vista Strawberry Festival. Photo by Laura Place
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Vista celebrates 12th annual Strawberry Festival

VISTA — A berry good time was had by all on Sunday as the city of Vista kicked off the start of summer with the 12th annual Strawberry Festival.

The jam-packed day began bright and early with the Strawberry Run, featuring 5k, 1-mile and quarter-mile courses for kids and adults to jog or walk. From there, attendees went on to attend the festivities in the city’s Main Street historical area.

The sounds of various performers echoed throughout the streets all day from the Vista Community Stage, Tri-City Medical Center Main Stage and Frazier Farms Flag Pavilion Stage, including youth acts like the Grapevine Elementary School choir and local groups like Jimmy’s Buffet.

While attendees clad in strawberry-themed attire perused rows of vendors and enjoyed delectable treats like fresh berries from Frazier Farms, dozens participated in community-favorite contests taking place throughout the day.

Young girls vied for the title of Little Ms. Strawberry Shortcake in the afternoon, and folks of all ages attempted to eat pie face-first faster than their competitors. In the beer garden, adults participated in the frozen t-shirt and beer stein-holding contests.

“More than 100,000 attendees joined the Vista Chamber of Commerce for the 2023 Vista Strawberry Festival,” said Chamber CEO Rachel Beld. “Thank you to our vendors, runners, performers, volunteers, contest participants and all the fun and friendly attendees for making the festival so sweet. Special thank you to Tri-City Medical Center, the City of Vista and our sponsors for supporting the 2023 event. Mark your calendar for May 26, 2024 – we will see you there!”

More photos from this year’s festival

Young visitors get their faces painted at the Vista Strawberry Festival on Sunday. Photo by Laura Place
Young visitors get their faces painted at the Vista Strawberry Festival on Sunday. Photo by Laura Place
Families clad in their strawberry-themed best enjoy the jam-boree at the 12th annual Vista Strawberry Festival on Sunday. Photo by Laura Place
Families clad in their strawberry-themed best enjoy the jam-boree in Vista. Photo by Laura Place
Employees with Frazier Farms sell strawberries to visitors at the Vista Strawberry Festival on Sunday. Photo by Laura Place
Employees with Frazier Farms sell strawberries to visitors at the Vista Strawberry Festival. Photo by Laura Place
Young girls participate in the Little Ms. Strawberry Shortcake Contest. Photo by Laura Place
Young girls participate in the Little Ms. Strawberry Shortcake Contest on Sunday at the Vista Strawberry Festival. Photo by Laura Place
Youth musicians perform with Kainga Music. Photo by Laura Place
Youth musicians perform with Kainga Music at the Vista Strawberry Festival. Photo by Laura Place
Strawberries from Frazier Farms await hungry visitors at the 12th annual Vista Strawberry Festival on Sunday. Photo by Laura Place
Strawberries from Frazier Farms await hungry visitors. Photo by Laura Place

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