This past weekend, the Moorpark community revived a beloved tradition that had been dormant for over a decade: the Moorpark Apricot Festival & Arts Fair. Held on May 11, 2024, the festival returned with a burst of community spirit, a demonstration of a wide variety of arts, history and, of course, the delicious apricots.
Signature Signs was thrilled to be part of this vibrant celebration, providing essential wayfinding signage and event banners, and through the involvement of our Operations Manager, Bruce Rokos, who played a key role on the organizing committee.
The Moorpark area was once known as "the apricot capital of the world," and has a rich history dating back to 1887 when Robert W. Poindexter was granted the title to the land. For decades, the Moorpark Apricot dominated local agriculture, earning the town its name and a reputation that reached far beyond its borders. There were occasional festivals celebrating this beloved fruit, however, the city hasn’t enjoyed an apricot festival for more than 15 years.
The revival of this festival was not just about celebrating the apricot but was a deliberate effort to reconnect the community with its heritage while celebrating the vibrant arts community found in Moorpark. Organized by the century old Moorpark High Streets Arts Foundation, the event on Historic High Street ran 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., was designed as an arts showcase, vendor crafts fair, music and dance festival, and food court rolled into one! With more than 5,000 attendees, the event's return was a testament to its significance and the community's enthusiasm for bringing it back.
Apricot products of all kinds were featured including apricot beer, flavored kettlecorn, apricots smothered in chocolate, dried apricots, apricot preserves and, of course, locally sourced fresh apricots. At this time, Moorpark doesn’t produce commercially available apricots, demonstrating how the times have changed.
At Signature Signs, we understand the importance of community events in building and maintaining a strong local spirit. We were proud to supply the festival with high-quality signs and banners that added to the festive atmosphere. Our involvement in such events is driven by a commitment to support and participate in our community's cultural and social initiatives.
Bruce Rokos, our Operations Manager, dedicated his time and expertise to ensure the festival's success. His role in the organizing committee was instrumental in bringing together various elements of the event, from logistics to participant coordination. Bruce exemplifies the values we cherish at Signature Signs — teamwork, community service, and a passion for making a positive impact.
The festival also highlighted the historical significance of apricots in Moorpark, with a local historian providing an overview of the history of the city. The EATM program, the Exotic Animal Training and Management staff from the renowned Moorpark College Zoo program brought animals out for a show and tell. The day concluded with a special performance by the Moorpark Symphony Orchestra at the Walnut Canyon Auditorium, featuring the “Moorpark Suite,” a piece composed by orchestra member Steve Burch, celebrating the local culture.
Events like the Moorpark Apricot Festival and Arts Fair not only bring us together but also reinforce our commitment to the prosperity and vibrancy of Moorpark. We look forward to continuing our support for community events, helping to ensure they remain a staple in our town’s cultural landscape.
