7th annual "Art of the Avocado" competition is coming

FALLBROOK – This year’s Fallbrook Avocado Festival will again feature the art competition ‘Art of the Avocado’ – based on the avocado itself, and sponsored by the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce. The competition started with the vision of George and Gayle Bamber of Holy Guaca-Moly, who created and managed the ‘Art of the Avocado’ in years past.

The competition is open to everyone, any age. Any artistic medium may be submitted – the only restrictions are that the viewer can actually “see an avocado somewhere in the work.”

Contest judging, by a panel of judges chosen from the community, will be held at an “invitation only” reception on April 4.

During the festival, the Art of the Avocado entries will be on display at Brandon Gallery, 105 No. Main Avenue. Festival-goers can vote for their favorite entry, the “People’s Choice Award,” which will be presented along with the first through third place awards, at 3 p.m. on the Community Stage.

For art lovers who can’t make it to the festival, the entries will be on display at Brandon Gallery April 1 through 29. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Monday.

Last year’s winners were Yucaipa artist Mark Flowers, who won the $300 first prize with his 3-dimensional artwork titled ‘Avocado Sunset.’ He also earned the People’s Choice award. Local artist Brian Bateman won second place and $200 for his oil painting, titled ‘Avocado Delight.’ Third place and $100 went to another local artist, Kelsey Adams. Her crate label was titled ‘Miss Fallbrook Brand.’

To sign up for this event, contact Anita Kimzey at the Chamber of Commerce office (760) 728-5845 or email at anita.kimzey@fall

brookchamberofcommerce.org or go to http://www.fallbrookchamberof

commerce.org for an entry form and contest rules.