CASTROVILLE — The beloved Artichoke Festival, a cherished tradition in Monterey County for more than six decades, will not return this year.
The festival’s board of directors announced its official closure after 65 years of celebrating the region’s rich agricultural heritage, artichoke royalty and community spirit. In a statement May 9, the board cited growing financial challenges as the primary reason for the decision.
“Ending the festival is one of the most difficult decisions we’ve ever had to make,” they said. “But the financial realities we now face are insurmountable. We want to extend our deepest thanks to the sponsors, volunteers, vendors, growers and loyal guests who made every festival possible. Your support sustained us for more than six decades.”
The festival, which began in 1959 as a local celebration of the iconic vegetable, evolved into a regional highlight drawing visitors from around the world. It has served as a platform to honor local agriculture, educate the public about artichokes, and support community nonprofits through the proceeds it raised.
Linda Scherer, executive director of the Artichoke Festival, expressed her gratitude and nostalgia.
“This festival has been a labor of love for so many of us,” Scherer said. “Watching it grow from a hometown event to a regional attraction has been one of the greatest honors of my life. The memories we’ve made, the people we’ve touched and the good we’ve done together will live on far beyond this decision. Thank you for letting us be part of your family traditions.”
Throughout its history, the festival has generated hundreds of thousands of dollars for charitable causes and created countless memorable moments — crowning artichoke queens, hosting celebrity chefs, showcasing local youth talent and serving generations of families with fresh, fried and stuffed artichokes.
As the organization winds down, the board plans to consider ways to preserve the festival’s legacy and continue supporting the agricultural community that inspired it.
“To the community of Castroville and the entire Monterey County region: thank you. You’ve helped make the Artichoke Festival more than an event — you made it a home,” they added.
For more information and updates, visitors are encouraged to visit artichokefestival.org.
