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 the uncertainty 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