BERRY BASH: Let people elsewhere think that we have a major strawberry festival every weekend here in Southern California. It's practically true, right? Well, it certainly seems that way come May. Both Oxnard and Garden Grove throw big, berry-filled soirees, complete with pie-eating spectaculars and kooky contests and some fine dessert-type scarfing. The California Strawberry Festival happened in Oxnard on May 21 and 22, but Garden Grove is all set for its Memorial Day Weekend party. The party is four days long, so that should give you an idea that this is a major.
IT'S HISTORIC, TOO: The festival marks year 53 in 2011. But this year marks a first for the festival's parade, which is taking place on Saturday, May 28. It's the first time a brother and sister have served as Grand Marshals. And those siblings? Rico Rodriguez of "Modern Family" and Raini Rodriguez of "Prom" will be the stars in the cars (there are several other celebs set to show). If you can't catch the parade, make sure to head for the rides; there are a lot of them. And the famous giant strawberry shortcake'll get sliced up on Friday, May 27 at 6 p.m. Free slice if you're there. So you'll want to be there.
