Held continuously since 1959, Artichoke Festival cancels event for 2020

1. Held continuously since 1959, Artichoke Festival cancels event for 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns Festival board announces June 5-6 as dates for 2021 event Salinas, CA, May 14, 2020 - In light of the current crisis surrounding COVID-19, and in the interest of public health and safety, the Artichoke Festival has cancelled its annual summer celebration, scheduled for Aug. 8-9, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center in Monterey. Held continuously since 1959, the festival has made this difficult decision following recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with local health agencies. “It was decided due to theuncertainty of the times and our concerns for the health of our attendees,” said Linda Scherer, executive director. “We are excited to announce June 5-6 as the dates for 2021.” The Artichoke Festival will refund all pre-purchased tickets by patrons for the 2020 event. The festival celebrates the harvest of California’s state vegetable and the region that has become known as the “Artichoke Center of the World.” Over the years, it has become a primary source of funding for local nonprofits that depend upon a successful event for their viability. To continue helping these important nonprofits, the festival has added Donate Now buttons to its website at (www.artichokefestival.org), with 100 percent of all donations given to the following charity partners: Food Bank for Monterey County; Manzanita Youth Playground; Monterey County PAL; Meals on Wheels — Salinas; Monterey County Agricultural Education, Inc. Contact: Marci Bracco Cain Chatterbox PR Salinas, CA 93901 (831) 747-7455 http://www.artichokefestival.org