In the health-conscious world we live in today, where everything organic is all the rage and farm to fork matters when we dine, celebrating one of spring’s best greens at the 2017 San Joaquin Asparagus Festival on April 21, 22 and 23 at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds in Stockton couldn’t be any better.

The fresh green spears are an excellent source of Vitamin K, along with other nutrients like Vitamin C and Vitamin E and will be available at multiple locations throughout the festival. According to EatingWell.com the five powerful health benefits of asparagus are that it is filled with nutrients, it can help fight cancer, it is packed with antioxidants, it is a brain booster and a natural diuretic.

The fairgrounds will have a variety of attractions for the entire family to enjoy from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. each day of the fest like Asparagus Alley, Asparagus Plaza, a health and wellness area, farm animals, craft fair, carnival rides and a lineup of live entertainment.

Whether you attend the festival for the beloved deep fried asparagus, the asparagus margaritas, or a scoop of asparagus ice cream, the vendors and live entertainment along with dancers are sure to delight the entire family.

For the past 33 years, the festival has been held in Stockton, but has moved locations over the years. In 1986, the very first Stockton Asparagus Festival was held at Oak Grove Regional Park and stayed there until 2004. Then the festival made its way to the Waterfront downtown where guests enjoyed entertainment and tasty treats until 2014.

Tony and Carol Noceti, owners of the Noceti Group Inc., decided to get involved in 2014 to assist in keeping the festival going in Stockton. In 2015, the asparagus festival was moved to the San Joaquin County fairgrounds where it continues to thrive today. With over 85,000 guests attending the festival last year and with 7,810 pounds of locally-grown asparagus consumed, the festival has been well received in its new location.

The main stage will have a mixture of live music to entertain the crowds along with two community stages that will have local dancers, singers, bands and a talent show.

There will also be craft beer and a wine pavilion to keep patrons refreshed and an asparagus recipe contest and an asparagus eating contest to participate in.

According to Festival Coordinator Heather Chamber, the Noceti Group has given back over $350,000 to non-profit groups that volunteer at the event as well as the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, Ronald McDonald House, Shriner’s Hospital, Sacramento Food Bank, CHIPS for Kids Toy Drive and more.

Presale tickets will be available at local and surrounding Save Mart Supermarkets and Lucky Grocery stores until April 20. For the participating locations, visit

. There are group discounts being offered for April 21 to corporate and company groups of 30 or more people at $5 per person, as well as community youth group organizations ages 12 and under in groups of 12 or more for $3 per person.