The 26th annual California Strawberry Festival is hosting a "Berry Blast Off" recipe contest for the best no-bake strawberry dish.

The grand prize is a fournight Carnival Cruise vacation getaway.

All entrants who submit a recipe for consideration will receive free admission to the festival, scheduled for May 16 and 17.

Entry deadline is noon April 30.

In the recipe, the use of grill, fryer or stove-top is permitted, and strawberries must be a key ingredient.

No restrictions apply on what type of recipe or food is created.

Five finalists will compete in a timed "Iron Chef"type competition on May 5 at the professional kitchen of the Courtyard Marriott Oxnard. Contestants will have 60 minutes to prepare and present their strawberry dish for judges.

Judges are looking for best taste and freshness/flavor, texture, ease of preparation, presentation and creative use of strawberries.

No advance preparation is permitted for the timed competition. Strawberries will be provided, but finalists are responsible for other ingredients. The finished dish must serve six.

All finalists receive prizes.

For rules and guidelines, call (888) 288-9242 or visit www.strawberry-fest.org.