(CLAIR) – Mark your calendars for September 21, 2024, as Simi Valley hosts its very first Apricot Festival at the historic Strathearn Park and Museum, located at 137 Strathearn Place. This vibrant event promises to bring the community together to celebrate the rich apricot heritage that once flourished in this part of Ventura County.
A Festival Born from Passion and History
The Simi Valley Apricot Festival is the brainchild of Andrea Lamberth and Sue McElvogue, two local residents deeply connected to the area’s history. Lamberth, a dedicated volunteer and former docent at Strathearn Historical Park and Museum, alongside McElvogue, has envisioned a festival that does more than just celebrate the delicious fruit. They aim to weave together the cultural tapestry of Simi Valley, showcasing its agricultural history, while also providing a stage for local artists, musicians, and craftspeople.
Volunteer and Participate
As preparations for the festival ramp up, the organizers are calling on the community for volunteers to help bring this event to life. Anyone interested in being a part of this inaugural celebration can reach out at [email protected] to find out more about volunteer opportunities.
Proposed Activities and Attractions
While the final details are still being polished, here are some ideas for festival activities we hope might be considered:
- Enjoy the melodies of wandering singing minstrels.
- Dance and watch others as they swirl around Strathearn in square dance demonstrations.
- Let your kids experience a Cool Whip shave at the barbershop.
- Discover the rich history of the Chumash people through engaging storytelling.
- Explore games from over 100 years ago in the children’s game area.
- Tour historic buildings where real people lived starting in the 1880s.
- Visit Museum Row to see our outstanding local museums and the historical site of Corriganville.
- Operate a printing machine and bring words to life.
- Meet reenactors who will discuss life in their historical times.
- Shop with the market vendors in the old barn.
- Observe the traditional process of apricot pitting in the Apricot Pitting Shed, showcasing techniques from the 1900s.
- Experience amazing entertainment, savor delicious apricot-flavored foods, shop creative arts and crafts, play the Penny Press, and enjoy much more.
A Festival with a Purpose
The Simi Valley Apricot Festival is set to be an enriching experience for all ages, aiming to educate, entertain, and inspire. It’s an opportunity for the community to reconnect with its agrarian roots and for visitors to learn about the pivotal role apricots have played in the area’s development. With a mix of fun, education, and community spirit, this festival is poised to become a staple in Simi Valley’s cultural calendar, celebrating the past while looking forward to a fruitful future.
