Patterson Apricot Fiesta

I love our Central California small town festivals!! Which is why we took the short journey to the small town of Patterson, California, the apricot capital of the world! This was the first time I attended this 3-day annual event and I wonder what took me so long. Free entrance to this event stocked full of vendors and food trucks! Lots of apricot themed drinks, desserts and fresh apricots themselves. Parking was easily had, and to tell you the truth we lucked out on a parking spot close to the event. It was pretty packed being Sunday the last day of this Fiesta. As we entered, on this warm Sunday afternoon, we were greeted with some upbeat, entertaining live music. I quickly wanted something apricot and something cold. I found it! A delicious apricot freeze, not too sweet but with natural apricot taste with real pulverized apricot amidst blended ice slush. We shared and killed that while checking the vendors out and all the food trucks conveniently located together under lots of shade. We next had some apricot ice cream !!!! Again, cold and delicious with bits of that golden orange apricot in each lick/bite. As for food they had many options. From Portuguese food, Filipino barbecue, hamburgers/hot dogs/ typical fair food AND Lockeford Sausage. I had a Smoked Dakota Lockeford Sausage in a bun with sauerkraut and it didn't disappoint. They never do. Picked up a fresh lemonade to go with it, enjoyed more live musica then rounded off our stay with APRICOT PIES!!!! I got an apricot cobbler and a regular one. They each had great buttery crust with bits and halved apricots through out and served only to deepen my love for this wonderful fruit. I think I want to plant my own apricot tree now. Lol! Well, if you've never been to this annual event in early June you've gotta check it out. I'll be back for sure next year for more apricot delights and delicious food.

I always enjoy going to this festival. I like going on Sunday morning before it gets too busy and when the crowd is still pretty tame. Admission is free and parking that's only a short walk away is usually easy to find. This year, I got tacos, a jumbo loaded baked potato, Hawaiian shaved ice, an apricot funnel cake, an apricot lemonade, and apricot kettle corn from the food stands. Everything was good, but I especially liked the baked potato and apricot lemonade. There looked to be less craft and commercial vendors this year. I usually will find some crafts or pottery type items to buy, but I didn't get anything this year.

Weak festival. More of a flea market meets dangerous Mexican carnival rides and had a baby diarrhea fest, the food is terrible but cheap. Its basically an excuse for public intoxication.. everyone i mean even women with strollers were constantly returning to the nearby gas station to fill up styrofoam cups with alcoholic beverages. Lots of unsavory bikers attending as well.

Neat event in Patterson. Watched the fireworks show from my patio last night. Went this morning and had the Lockeford Sausage giant brautworst with kraut for only 6 bucks. See ya next year!

I have been calling 892 3118 to enter in the parade for three days now, no answer and no return calls. I just tried the Chamber of Comm and no answer, unreal, just unreal

A great small town annual event. Had a great time. Nice vendors and great food. Gotta try the BBQ chicken!

What a excellent annual event hosted by the Patterson Apricot Fiesta Committee! They do a fantastic job bringing in three days of entertainment, food, arts and crafts. The Festival parade on Saturday is a fun community event! The firework show Saturday night is always amazing. I absolutely love coming to Patterson and really enjoy all three days activities (BBQ Saturday is not to be missed!!) Beautiful town, nice people and the Fiesta Committee deserves a huge WELL DONE!!!