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ENTRY AND RULES

1. Recipes for the 25th Anniversary California Strawberry Festival Berry Blast Off Recipe Contest must be original and specify the use of strawberries without baking in the preparation (use of grill, fryer, stove top permitted). Recipes must serve six (6) and must be able to be prepared and presented within 60 minutes. The recipe contest encourages the use of strawberries as a key ingredient and fresh ingredients where appropriate. No restriction on what type of strawberry recipe: (sauce, dessert, main course, dip, drink, jam, spread, appetizer, snack, etc.)

1. Contestants may enter as many recipes as they wish, one entry per envelope or Internet transmission. Each entry must be typewritten, or hand-printed legibly, in recipe format; listing ingredients in order of use with amount/quantity, followed by step-by-step method of preparation. The contestant name, address and telephone (include day/evening numbers) must be included with each recipe submission.

1. The contest is open to any and all food lovers. Winner of Grand Prize Cruise must be at least 18 years of age. Contestants should be mindful of the requirement that if selected as a finalist they compete in a timed “Iron Chef” approach that requires them to prepare their recipe at the following:

a) Top 5 Finalists: Timed “Berry Blast Off” contest where recipes are prepared and presented within a 60-minute time frame for judging. Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at professional kitchen of the Courtyard Marriott Oxnard (600 East Esplanade Drive, Oxnard, CA 93036). Presentation is also a part of the overall juding. Media invited to attend.

b) Top two challengers to compete for Grand Prize Cruise vacation package at actual California Strawberry Festival Saturday, May 17, 2008 (3250 South Rose Avenue, Oxnard, CA)

1. Deadline for recipe submissions 12:00PM Wednesday, April 30, 2008 (no exceptions)

By mail:
California Strawberry Festival
Attn: Berry Blast Off
1661 Pacific Avenue #15
Oxnard, CA 93033
By fax: 805/ 385-4729
By email: csf@strawberry-fest.org

(please submit in memo form and also as attached file)

All recipes submitted as entries become the property of the California Strawberry Festival, a non-profit 501 c3. By entering the contest, all participants consent to the commercial use of their name, picture, likeness and recipe for advertising and publicity/promotional purposes without further compensation. Contestants must also allow the Festival use of their recipe, with proper credit, for inclusion in the souvenir California Strawberry Festival Cookbook.

1. Food professionals will consider qualifying entries to select five finalists. Notification and details of Berry Blast Off participation will be made to the five finalists by May 2, 2008. Finalists must participate personally in the timed Berry Blast Off to be eligible for prizes.

1. Finalists provide the ingredients necessary for their recipes (with the exception of strawberries which the Festival provides), as well as all required preparation/cooking utensils (stoves, sinks and refrigerators will be provided).

1. Basis for judging: best taste/flavor, texture, ease of preparation, presentation, and creative use of strawberries. Judging panel includes professional chefs, California Strawberry Festival Executive Committee members, Festival goers. The judging panel decision is final and binding.

1. On stage participation during the Festival in the Strawberry Promenade is limited to the two contestants and any volunteer helpers must be those provided by the Festival. Family and friends of the contestants are not permitted on-stage during the event.

1. Prize Packages only awarded to those finalists who participate in Berry Blast Off activities:

*Top 5 Finalists:  All finalists receive four complimentary tickets to attend the 25th Anniversary California Strawberry Festival in Oxnard the weekend of May 17, 18, 2008, a complimentary collector poster, and Festival cookbook.

*Runner Up: Four passes for special entry to the California Strawberry Festival’s VIP Pavilion presented by Wells Fargo and two 2008 Festival T-Shirts.

*Grand Prize Winner: Vacation cruise getaway compliments of Shell Vacations Club, along with four passes for the VIP Pavilion presented by Wells Fargo and two 2008 Festival T-Shirts. (must be over 18 years of age)