The California Avocado Festival has named longtime Carpinteria growers Cecilio Marquez and Mary Valadez Marquez of Rancho Santa Cecilia as honorary chairs of this year’s 40th annual festival.
The selection recognizes the Marquez family’s longstanding ties to Carpinteria agriculture and the festival, where Rancho Santa Cecilia has been a familiar presence selling locally grown avocados and exotic fruits.
“We’re proud to have Rancho Santa Cecilia as our honorary chairs, celebrating their longstanding connection to the local community and the avocado festival,” festival organizers said in announcing the selection…