Hotel in Stockton Hosts Attendees for 27th Annual

STOCKTON, CA--(Marketwired - Apr 12, 2013) - Parents looking to get their kids to eat their vegetables may have the perfect guise in the Stockton Asparagus Festival. Celebrating 27 years, the annual festival, taking place near the Residence Inn Stockton, puts the green stalks at center stage for a weekend of family-friendly fun and food -- all for a good cause.

From April 26 ^th through the 28 ^th , the area near this Stockton, CA hotel will host the annual event, which is the perfect way to experience the city for those planning to come for the festival or who just happen to be in town for the weekend.

While there are plenty of restaurants near this Stockton hotel , festival attendees will find their fill of good food at the festival itself. Its Asparagus Alley is where visitors will find deep-fried asparagus, asparagus tri-tip sandwiches, asparagus burritos, asparagus pasta and this year's new addition the Asparaberry shortcake. If visitors are wondering how much asparagus people can eat, last year's event served nearly 63,000 asparagus dishes -- including 38,500 orders of deep-fried asparagus -- to attendees and volunteers.

As one of the most popular events near the Haggin Museum, the Stockton Asparagus Festival features fun for the entire family. Catch major musical performances from groups including the Gin Blossoms, Night Ranger and Starship, and join the crowd as they "ooh" and "aah" at the Velocity Circus, Sky Dogs & Stunt Dog Productions and the Sea Lion Encounter. The kid-friendly Asparazone features rides and entertainment for little ones. Check out the home and small business expos, and see what the chef is cooking up in his live demonstrations. Pick up gifts including arts, crafts and wine. And, don't miss the festival-favorite -- the deep-friend asparagus-eating contest.

While food is certainly the focus of the festival, giving back is the underlying mission. Since its inception, the festival has benefitted more than 129 charities by raising more than $5.8 million.

General admission to the Stockton Asparagus Festival is $13. For more information, visit http://asparagusfest.com/

About the Residence Inn Stockton Many things bring guests to the Residence Inn Stockton, from meetings at University of the Pacific and tours of Lodi wine country to a dose of culture at the Haggin Museum and sports at Stockton Arena. No matter the reason for one's visit, this Central Valley hotel offers guests a place to call home for a few nights or even a few months. Combining comfort and functionality, this extended-stay hotel features apartment-style suites with separate areas for living, sleeping, dining and working. Kitchens include a refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker and stovetop; utilize the hotel's complimentary grocery-shopping service and delivery to make meals and snacks any time of day. Stay productive with an ample work desk and complimentary high-speed Internet. Accommodations are pet-friendly and offer daily housekeeping; on-site laundry is also available. Whether here for the weekend or a few weeks, guests can unwind with an outdoor heated pool, sport court, fitness center, whirlpool and outdoor BBQ area. Mornings include a complimentary breakfast buffet while evenings, Monday thru Thursday, feature a manager's reception, with complimentary light bites, beer and wine. Meet with clients or colleagues in the hotel's meeting room, with space for up to 80 guests.

Residence Inn Stockton: 3240 March Lane, Stockton, California 95219; 209-472-9800