Willian L. Lyon & Associates Inc.
09/04/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/04/2024 09:22
Sacramento’s Farm to Fork Festival: The Ultimate Guide
Sacramento is proud of its agricultural heritage. Surrounded by 1.5 million acres of farmland, there's a lot to be proud of! A showcase of that pride is held each September during theFarm-to-Fork Festival, a weeks-long celebration of food, wine, and everything in between!
The Sacramento region was farm-to-fork before farm-to-fork was cool. The area is home to the Davis Farmers' Market, one of the largest (and oldest) farmers' markets in the state,and theMidtown Farmers' Market, named one of the top three farmers' markets in the nation. Local restaurants are more than happy to show off the bounty from area farms, with local, seasonal ingredients taking center stage. In fact, the Sacramento area has some of the best farm-to-table restaurantsin the state, if not the nation.
This year, the Farm-to-Fork Festival will be held Sept. 5-21 in Downtown Sacramento. The event consists of a wine festival, a communal dinner along the Tower Bridge, and a street fair with live music, vendors, and of course, plenty of food!
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Legends of Wine
The Farm-to-Fork Festival kicks off with Legends of Wineto be held Sept. 5 from 6-9 p.m. near the west steps of the State Capitol. It highlights the world-class wineries that surround the Sacramento region, including those from Yolo, Placer, Calaveras, and Amador counties, as selected by international wine legends Darrell Corti, David Berkley, Elizabeth-Rose Mandalou, Keith Fergel, and Matthew Parker. The evening includes wine tasting, food from the area's top restaurants, and live music.
Tower Bridge Dinner
The festival's signature event is the Tower Bridge Dinnerscheduled for Sunday, Sept. 8 from 4:30-10 p.m. The dinner takes place along the city's iconic Tower Bridge, which is closed to traffic and transformed into a beautiful dining space with a long communal table down its center. The dinner features ingredients from local farms, ranches and producers, and serves more than 800 diners at a single seating. Best of all, proceeds from the dinner funds scholarships for the College Assistance for Migrants Program at Sacramento State. This year, participating chefs include the following:
- Brock MacDonald, Beast + Bounty
- Cecil Rhodes, Nash & Proper
- Jamie Rathburn, Ella Dining Room & Bar
- Pedro Depina, The 7thStreet Standard
- Yekaterina Balagian, Seasons Kitchen and Bar
The Grand Tasting
Another food-focused event during the Farm-to-Fork Festival is theGrand Tasting, to be held Friday, Sept. 20 from 6-9 p.m. The 21+ event features tastings from 20 of the Sacramento region's top chefs, libations, and live entertainment by local band Dunsbar Road. Participating restaurants include the following, with more to come:
- Bawk
- Camden Spit and Larder
- Canon
- Chicha Peruvian Kitchen & Café
- Hawks Public House
- Nixtaco
- Urban Roots
Farm-to-Fork Street Festival
The event culminates with a two-day street fair celebrating all things food and wine. Scheduled for Friday, Sept. 20 from 4-9 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 21 from 11 a.m.- 9 p.m., the festival will feature dozens of vendors lining Capitol Mall. There will be local artisans, gourmet food products, regional wine, craft beer, cooking demonstrations and much more.
Live Music at the Farm-to-Fork Festival
Photo courtesy of sacfarm2forkIt wouldn't be a celebration withoutlive music, and this year's Farm-to-Fork festival is chock full of both local, regional, and national acts. Performers include the following:
- Andra Day
- Hayes Carll & The Band of Heathens
- Stacey Ryan
- The Hip Abduction
- Chance Emerson
- Boot Juice
- Arden Park Roots
- Nat Lefkoff
- Inner Nature
- Eddy
- Zephyr
- DJ Stace Lace
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More Farm-to-Fork Events in the Sacramento Area
The Sacramento area's love for its agricultural heritage doesn't end with the official festival. There are plenty of other celebrations scheduled throughout the region as well! The Old Sugar Millin Clarksburg is hosting its annual Farm-to-Fork Uncorked WeekendSept. 6-8, featuring tastings from its 14 onsite wineries, food trucks, artisan vendors, hands-on workshops, and live music. There's also a kickoff concert Friday night featuring Tower of Power.
On Sept. 15 from 5:30-9:30, Woodland puts on its own farm-to-fork event, the annualDinner on Main, a communal feast in which long, beautifully decorated tables are set out in the center of Main Street. Local chefs prepare a five-course meal incorporating ingredients grown right in Yolo County. This year, participating restaurants include Savory Café, Burger Saloon, Father Paddy's Pub, and Las Brasas.
The city of Davis also celebrates the region's farm-to-fork season with its annual Village Feaston Sunday, Sept. 22, modeled after the late-summer communal feasts found in Provence, France. The family-style meal showcases food from Yolo County and across the region, with proceeds benefiting Davis Farm to Schooland Saint John's Program for Real Change, which Lyon Real Estate regularly supports during its annual Community Service Dayand through grants from the Lyon Cares Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Farm to Fork?
Farm to Fork refers to the movement that emphasizes sourcing food directly from local farms and producers, ensuring that the food served is fresh, seasonal, and sustainable. It promotes a direct connection between farmers and consumers, reducing the distance food travels from where it's grown to where it's eaten.
Why is Sacramento the Farm to Fork Capital?
With more than 1.5 million acres of farms around the city, Sacramento has made a name for itself by prioritizing local farms for our food year-round, as well as supporting local agricultural businesses that are based in the city.
Why is Farm to Fork Important?
Farm-to-Fork is important because it supports local agriculture, reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation, and ensures fresher, more nutritious food. It also strengthens local economies by keeping money within the community and promotes sustainable farming practices.
How Does Farm to Fork Support Local Farmers?
Farm to Fork supports local farmers by providing them with a direct market for their products, often at a fair price. This movement helps small-scale farmers compete with larger, industrial agriculture operations and keeps farmland in productive use.
Is Farm to Fork Only About Fruits and Vegetables?
No! Farm to Fork encompasses all types of food, including meat, dairy, seafood, grains, wine, beer, and more. The key is that these products are sourced locally and sustainably, often directly from the growers and producers.
Are Farm to Fork Foods More Expensive?
Farm-to-Fork products can sometimes be more expensive due to the costs of sustainable farming practices, but not always. But any additional costs are offset with the savings of not transporting food long distances, which can add to the price of out-of-season produce grown in warmer climates.
What Impact Does Farm-to-Fork Have on the Environment?
Farm to Fork reduces the environmental impact of food production by minimizing the distance food travels, supporting sustainable farming practices, and reducing the need for packaging and processing. It also encourages biodiversity and helps maintain healthy ecosystems by supporting diverse, small-scale farming operations.