There was another apricot-tastic party in downtown Patterson earlier this month, as the city came together to celebrate its most famous export at the annual Patterson Apricot Fiesta.
 

Apricot Capital of the World

Apricot-fever took over the self-proclaimed ‘Apricot Capital of the World’ over the first weekend of June as a juicy line-up of free apricot-themed events hit the streets.
 
And with good reason: California still boasts approximately 90 percent of the commercial apricot-growing in the US, and the Patterson Apricot Fiesta celebrates the city's heritage and the famous ‘Patterson Apricot’, which is named after it.
 
In fact, apricots are so important in Patterson, that the city has been holding the festival for almost five decades.
 

Fiesta Time

This year’s event saw antique farm equipment show taking over North Salado Avenue, a fiesta booth at Center Plaza, children’s games, a special happy hour for the grown-ups and the Little Mister and Miss competition on the Circle Stage on the Friday. The day was capped off with the traditional Miss Patterson Pageant.
 

Firefighters and Fireworks

The apricot-themed entertainment continued on Saturday with a patriotic parade, arm-wrestling contests, a barbecue, a firefighters’ challenge, special fun zones for the kids, a street fair and some stunning fireworks at dusk.
 
All the fun continued into Sunday, which also saw an apricot-themed breakfast in the park and a hilarious apricot pie-eating contest. However, the biggest culinary hit at the festival had to be the city’s famous apricot ice cream!
 
Nestled in a peaceful valley beneath the picturesque Diablo Mountains, the Best Western Plus Villa Del Lago is a great option for travellers seeking out the tastiest, most incredible, apricots in the Apricot Capital of the World. Just off the I-5, the hotel is located in a resort-like neighborhood near Diablo Grande Golf Course.