Food | Julie Moree's News Watch

February 21, 2018February 21, 2018

72 Years of Dates in Indio, Calif.

Fair season kicks off early in Indio, Calif as residents travel down southeast to the largest Date Festival to enjoy ten days of music, fun and of course the popular date.

Inside the Taj Mahal, it was the highlight of the festival as the popular Date was displayed for all to see the various types as well as being able to sample and even take unique styles home by the box which can not be down at the regular grocery store. The most popular, Medjool Dates were the prominent, but people could also learn about the other types as Chef Matthew from Mario’s Place showed different recipes each day to create taste creations with the Dates.

Animals were also another much see with unique to Riverside, Hendrick’s Camels and Ostrich Races which are held daily in the Grandstands and pets showed off their skills with Marvelous Mutts as they performed for the fun with frisbees, as well as splash dogs.

Camel Racing

Ostrich Chariot racing

Ostrich Racing

zebra racing

Marvelous Mutts

And of course the Fair concludes each day with their highly anticipated salute to america and Nightly musical pageant by the students of the local high schools.

And the Queen Shaharazad and her royal court was

alive and active at all parts of the fair including the Queen’s Gallery of photos judged for the past year.

And the court made an appearance at the performances including the Santana Tribute band that rock the Magic Carpet Stage at 5 p.m before the nightly pageant.

The Fair is open until February 25, 2018 from 10- 10 and is located in the city of Indio just south of Palm Desert in Southern California. Don’t miss the excitement especially if you’re in the area.

August 22, 2017

79th Years of Fair Fun, Antelope Valley

Various displays were judged in the home arts section including ones with pop culture references such as these.

Fair goers could see the craftsmanship of woodworkers in action.

Homemade chocolate chip cookies were one of the first place winners in the baked goods.

Photographs like this Human Interest were one of the tops in the photography section.

Of course being the fair, the top fair themes were this cute kitten and berries.

Still more craftsman were on display in the gems section.

And it was too hot to handle with the blacksmith carefully crafting this jewelry.

Knitters and woolmaking entertained crowds.

This years Cele-Grape-tion, included various canned fruits and home grown fruits and veggies.

This harvest themed table setting won the adult competition.

The Miss Edwards and Miss Hughes Elizabeth Royal Courts were in the Home Arts Section to raise awareness of their cause.

The California Raisins collection took First place their array of scene.

There was even a dinosaur that showed up at this year’s fair.

As well as groups including this AGAPE Community Church group that performed at the select stages throughout the fairgrounds.

Floral arrangements in the Floriculture had a run for the first place ribbon won by this high heel decoration.

Various bunnies were in one barn for fairgoers to see.

And Roosters were bought out to showcase.

This Turkey was the reserve champion for its size.

The Historical society had displaying inside the barn.

Various old fashioned items had viewers in awe.

And scared as bees were also inside cases for everyone’s protection.

Kids were also able to make unique veggie creations.

The Antelope Valley Fair is also known for it’s Alfalfa and it was King here at the barn.

Young 4h teens had their animals up for auction.

Kids from the oldest to one of the youngest competed in the arena equally.

And sheeps enjoyed the attention from spectators.

Spectators also watched kids training their pigs to follow their commands in the arena.

And as the sun set, the fair rides lit up the sky of the desert air.

June 25, 2017June 25, 2017

Cultural dancing in SFV

Calligraphy was on display for the community to learn how to read Japanese.

And the historical society had images from the decades.

The iconic bonsai tree was in one of the building to purchase and take home.

Communal dancing was the highlight of the two day festival.

Of course Sushi was the popular food of choice for many.

Kids were entertained with being able to decorate their own mask in the arts and crafts area.

All were encouraged to participate whether one knew the steps or not.

A drum circle kept time as dancers circled the hard top floor.

Of couse cultural dancers dressed the part as they danced with all.

Various collections of Japanese Dolls enticed people to marvel at in the air conditioning.

Even a hello kitty was dressed for the occasion.

And those that wished could simply sit and reflect on those long past.

There was a little gambling as residents predicted the outcome of a ball toss.

Whatever color the ball landed on won all the coins.

Inside residents could do a little more betting with a friendly game of bingo for a dollar a card.

Or they could do a little more shopping at the Flea market inside.

January 10, 2017

Celebrating 5 years of Pets in Pomona

The Southern California Pet Expo returned to pomona for its fifth year, welcoming pet owners and their dogs to come out and sample all the newest and latest creations to make their lives a little bit better.

Hundreds of dogs were available at the two day Pet Expo in Pomona, ranging from the large breed to the smallest.

This African grey allowed people to learm more about the proper treatment of birds.

New to the expo this year, a rabbit shelter called Some Bunny Loves Me invited the public to view some of the quietest animals at the expo.

Interested in adoption, one could even hold this 2 year old black lionhead rabbit named Dot.

Of course fashion was a thing as venders had their own one of a kind pet bags for sale inside the buildings.

And pet tags could be made for your animals here at this station.

Cats were not excluded as there were tables set up to sell one of a kind cat toys.

And new this year, a design to go in your house to let you cat have its own fun by jumping on these cat posts installed in your house.

Bone Appetit was just one of the many food venders selling dog food and treats for your four legged creature.

including fresh made order meals that require preparation before feeling to you animal.

One foundation that wasn’t selling anything but trying to raise awareness for Senior pet owners to be able to keep their pets with them by providing needs including a food pantry, low cost spay and neuter as well as vaccinations, through donations and a silent auction.

And this welch corgi was trying to bring awareness to her disability,

Of course beagle and buddies were there with their animals trying to find homes.

And Kitty Devore, had cats looking for friendly faces and loving homes.

unique dog collars and leashes entices people to try one one.

And for the untrained ones, dog training classes were available.

And pet owners could bring their animals up to speed on their shots with low cost vaccinations.

And pet owners could bring home a little something for themselves and their pets by visiting booths like Essential Living Healthy who were selling bath salts and more.

BioDOGradable afforded a ecofriendly clean up kit for your dog.

And while owners shopped, large dogs socialized with the smallest dogs.

A month service, Surprise Pawty offered a way to get monthly items for your animal for only 35 dollars.

And a pet Attorney was even there, to talk about creating pet trust to protect your animal in case of emergency.

June 28, 2016June 28, 2016

Obon Festival In The San Fernando Valley

On the last weekend in June, the Obon festival took place at the Japanese American Center in Pacoima, California. It was a night of authentic style food, dancing and more as thousands came out to pay their respects to past generations and to get in touch with their Japanese roots.

The Japanese American Community Center hosted a 2-day event for the community to come out and experience authentic Japanese food, dancing and games on the last weekend in June.

The main purpose of the Obon Festival was to bring the community together for a time of reflection and gratitude to past generations.

Residents could view various bonzai trees on display at the festival.

Seasoned dancers invited the community to join in a night of communal dancing.

Young and mature dancers gathered together in rhythm

Taiko drummers kept the beat for the night’s festivities.

There were also games where people could try their look in winning a prize.

And handcrafted dolls entranced crowds as they marveled at the detail and authenticity of the collections.

Even select proverbs as the “see no evil” collection, showed a diversity in the doll collection.

Children were able to create their own Japanese themed bookmarks in the kid’s area.

And Senior crafts were on display in the hall for reasonable prices of only a few dollars.

And Bingo was the highlight of the senior craft area as the community came out to try their luck for just one dollar per card.

Homemade donuts by a local foursquare church enticed people to try for only 2 dollars a bag.

And of course people could partake of Japanese style Udon in the kitchen.

February 4, 2016

Riverside welcomes “The Monkey”

Festivities start early in Downtown Riverside as the 6th annual Asian Pacific Lunar New Year kicks off the Year of the Monkey on Saturday January 31, 2016. Roughly 70 thousand people turned out for the celebration which included a Parade of Nations, opening welcome, entertainment throughout the streets as well as food and culminating with fireworks to officially kick of the New Year.

Watch the video below to see just what kind of performances people saw throughout the day’s free event.

The Year of the Monkey official starts on the first new moon between January 20 and February 15 and concludes with the Lantern festival in Los Angeles on March 5, 2016. Stay tuned for the conclusion coming in a few weeks.

September 25, 2015

79th Annual LA County Fair

Back again for a month long of fun at the Pomona Fairgrounds, there is fun for all ages including carnival rides, food, entertainment and more. The garden floriculture theme was Mardigras and the flowers displayed the New Orleans theme.

The greenhouse was transformed with a New Orleans flare

Complete with a MardiGras float similar to the ones that are made for the occasion.

The fair was alive with the sounds and touch of a variety of animals including those in the farmhouse as well as Mojo’s Safari.

Eggs hatched all month long for fairgoers to see the cute chicks inside at The Little Red Hen hatchery.

More mothers and their babies like this sheep and her lamb entertained crowds.

A donkey and her foul grazed in the barn.

This young goat blends in with the log next to her.

In Mojo’s Safari, more wild animals like this wallaby educate people.

A petting zoo allowed people to get up close and personal with this cow.

New this year to the fairground was Poenology, a building with many artifacts of pop culture, science fiction and popular science.

Movie props like the Zoltar machine from “Big” had people marveling over them.

The terminator showed that the future is now as machines are being used today for multiple things.

An 8-track showed where recording began.

Video games from the past and present intrigued crowds.

From the world of comic books, new and old was displayed next to each other.

More shows like this pirate acrobats, as well as underwater excursions entertained people for hours at the fairgrounds.

Miniature Trains were on display for people to experience the beauty.

Pirate did many acrobatic moves from high wires and moving platforms.

The LA County Fair opened Labor Day weekend and ran Wednesdays through Sundays until September 27, 2015.

July 24, 2015July 24, 2015

125 Years of Fun in Costa Mesa, Calif.

The fair is back at the Orange County Fairgrounds and there is a lot to do starting July 17 through August 16. For just 12 dollars, fairgoers can view the baby animals that are born throughout the month and fast the fun fair foods at the various stands throughout the grounds. There’s farm animals, floriculture, photography and more. See it now, before it’s too late.

Livestock entertained crowds at two different sections of the fair.

Ships with black wool and white showed off for crowds.

Residents gazed at turkeys big and small at the fair.

In the auction arena, cattle were paraded around for spectators to take in and bid on.

various photography and artwork was awarded ribbons for their uniqueness and style.

Baby Animals stole the show including these day old chicks.

Beekeepers brought their bees to educate on how bees work including learning about how to locate the queen.

Ice creatures were illuminated in bright colors to highlight the art of ice sculptures.

Residents ventured inside a one degree cooler to marvel over the frozen sculptures in the Ice Museum.

And woodwork was also on display to view and buy.

In the collection corner, people could vote on their favorites for the people’s choice award.

And people marveled over the 5 day old piglets born at the OC Fairgrounds.

There were even reptiles in the explorium area, including this

The OC Fair celebrates 125 years from when the original fair first began in 1890.

And for an addional charge, concerts entertained crowds at nighttime.

There’s a different concert each and every night all month long at the fair.

And of course pig races are a must see at every fair in So Cal.

Calves of only a few months rested in the nursery area of the barn.

June 19, 2015

Strawberries in Encino

On the second Sunday in June, the California Strawberry Commission brought a miniature version to the city of Encino. Residents could buy, taste and take home their own strawberry plants. In addition to strawberries, the festival had fun bounce houses for kids, arts and crafts and even a cancer education group shared about the 43rd Annual Cancer Convention being held at a local hotel in Universal City on the first week in September.

Watch now and learn more about what the festival had to offer, including tips on how to grow strawberries.

May 23, 2015

32nd Annual Strawberry Festival in Oxnard

This year’s annual celebration brought the community of Oxnard together for its 32nd year as residents got to see everything Strawberry at the Strawberry Meadows in College Park. The two day festival took place on May 16 and 17 from 10 o’clock to 6:30 and featured a variety of different strawberry concoctions including chocolate covered strawberries, strawberry drinks and strawberry food.

There was also love music throughout the meadows of the college, arts and crafts for kids, strawberry themed rides and various food demonstrations including the much anticipated Berry Blast Off Recipe contest where the top two or 500 entries, compete in an hour-long competition for the title of best strawberry themed recipe, which includes a trip to a spa and a chance to compete in a national championship in November.

Watch the video below to see more about the recipes that won and the music that entertained crowds or click here to see past years.

Tag: Food

72 Years of Dates in Indio, Calif.

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79th Years of Fair Fun, Antelope Valley

Cultural dancing in SFV

Celebrating 5 years of Pets in Pomona

Obon Festival In The San Fernando Valley

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Riverside welcomes “The Monkey”

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79th Annual LA County Fair

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125 Years of Fun in Costa Mesa, Calif.

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Strawberries in Encino

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32nd Annual Strawberry Festival in Oxnard

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