CASTROVILLE, California (Feb. 23, 2023) — The 2023 Artichoke Festival is looking for volunteers for the festival set for June 10-11 in Monterey.
This year’s 63rd annual festival will return to the Monterey County Fair & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey with the theme “Thistle be Fun: Artichoke Festival 2023.”
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Artichoke Festival is fully run by more than 300-plus volunteers. With the growth of the festival comes the need for even more volunteers — and the festival is hoping members of the community will consider sharing their time and talents at the festival.
By volunteering, you help aid the festival in providing support and benefits through cash and donations to non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations throughout the California central coast, such as local school sports and education programs, animal-assisted developmental and education programs, community programs that serve seniors, and community enrichment programs. The festival has given back nearly $300,000 in the past decade.
Individuals and clubs wishing to volunteer for the Artichoke Festival must complete a Volunteer Application, and will be contacted by the Festival Volunteer Committee about next steps and placement for working on committees.
Volunteer registration deadline is May 19, 2023. Go to https://artichokefestival.org/general-info/volunteers/ and click on the Vounteer Now! button to access an application to volunteer. For more information about becoming a volunteer, contact the festival by email at: artivolunteers@gmail.com.
Volunteers must use a readily accessible email account in the application. Volunteers will be sent a private profile link to their application so they can go back to finish filling it in later. Registrations cannot be accepted if the form is left incomplete.
ARTICHOKE FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER POLICY
- Volunteers between 12 to 17 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian’s signature. All applicants must be 12 years of age or older. (The form available on the festival’s website allows for one parent or guardian to sign up two (2) minors per secure email/phone log-in.)
- Must be 18 years of age to become an Artichoke Festival Committee person.
- Must be 21 years of age to work where alcohol or cooked food is served, or on security. Pourers in the Wine Tasting area will be asked to attend a training class and required to provide proof of RBS certification no later than one month before the event.
- No benefits such as entry tickets or Committee ID badges are issued until approved and placed on a committee.
- Vaccination against COVID-19 is highly encouraged, but proof will not be required. Volunteers may wear a face mask if they feel it necessary for their own safety, and will not be discouraged from doing so. Protocols may change prior to the event.
The health and safety of the Artichoke Festival and Monterey Peninsula communities remains the festival’s top priority and is working closely with local and state officials to create the safest festival experience possible. The festival will post all requirements for volunteers and guests to adhere to prior to the festival dates on the festival’s website at: artichokefestival.org/health-safety.
About the Artichoke Festival
California’s artichoke history began in 1922 when the first artichoke shoots were planted in Castroville. Today, more than nine decades later, nearly 100 percent of America’s fresh artichoke supply is grown in California and nearly two-thirds is grown in the small town of Castroville.
The first Artichoke Festival was held in 1959 under the sponsorship of the Marinovich Marching Units, with the assistance of the Castroville Rod and Gun Club. In 1961 it was a joint venture of the Marinovich Marching Units and the Castroville Chamber of Commerce to produce a larger festival, and Sally DeSante was chosen as the first Artichoke Queen. 1963 began with the Festival’s sole sponsorship by the Castroville Chamber of Commerce under the direction of the Artichoke Festival Board with Bill Price, one of the originators of the festival idea.
The Artichoke Festival is produced by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose hearts and minds are focused on enriching the lives of the next generation, continuing a legacy to build a future in which our area’s youth will have the skills and knowledge they’ll need to grow and flourish as community-minded leaders.
