What a shock when the super nice public relations person from the Castroville Artichoke Festival contacted me this week to inform me that they’re moving to a new location! Life is filled with change, and this surprise could be a winner. This festival in which Marilyn Monroe got her start enters its 55th year in 2014. The event includes a festive parade, vendors selling all sorts of artichoke foods (plus other tasty treats,) and then there’s the celebrity chefs, contests, games, and more food! This year the fun takes place at the Monterey County Fair & Events Center (home to the county fair.) The Castroville Artichoke Festival celebrates the valley’s unique crop beloved by locals and served in fine restaurants all over the world. For ticket info, or to buy an event poster, head for the official Castroville Artichoke Festival website, artichoke-festival.org