The 13th annual Taste of the Valley event not only had an assortment of wine and cheese, but a flavor of community thrown in the mix. On Oct. 8, people gathered on the Turlock Fairgrounds to enjoy a night of food and laughs to support California State University Stanislaus’ (Stan State) Agricultural Department and Friends of the Fair Foundation.
The chair of the Agricultural Department, Dr. Oluwarotimi Odeh, was very excited about the event. “This is my second year attending this event and the support is great,” said Dr. Odeh, “Knowing that the profit is allowing our program to grow and the scholarships it is proving for students and future students is amazing.”
Each year, Taste of the Valley raises $50,000 to $75,000 and automatically $25,000 is given to Stan State’s Agriculture Department. The money received is mainly used for scholarships and attributes pertaining to agricultural studies. Andrea Zylstra (Sophomore, agricultural studies), benefited from this event personally. “Last year I volunteered for Taste of the Valley and after they announced people who won scholarships and I was one” said Zylstra, who received a $500 scholarship for helping volunteer with the event.
Raquel Gomez (Junior, Agricultural Studies) became involved after a former Agricultural student asked if she was looking for a summer job and accepted. Now she is in charge of the Taste of the Valley silent auction, in which she helps clear tables, makes sure all bids are cleared (valid) and taking them over to the bank. “With the sponsorship, it means a bigger Ag. Department, more laboratory classes, more hands on learning experience, and maybe expanding the departments with adding more professors,” said Gomez
This event is a big deal to those involved in the agriculture community. For students, that even means networking with some people who help sponsor the events. Narciso Cuevas (Senior, Geography) was asked to volunteer at the event after speaking to Dr. Odeh about his minor (agricultural studies). “Networking and potential employers is what I hope to gain from this experience,” said Cuevas. This was a common factor among the agriculture students.
Not only does Taste of the Valley benefit Stanislaus’ Agricultural Department, but also the Friends of the Fair Foundation. Matthew Cranford, CEO of the Stanislaus County Fair and Friends of the Fair was in attendance and spoke of his excitement involving the event and explained what the foundation covers. “The foundation is to help raise funds for capital improvements – repair building, doing air conditioning, and to help raise it from a non-profit standpoint,” said Cranford. Cranford is a Stan State alumni who recently moved here from San Mateo. “I love it, coming back home” said Cranford, “Great position, great location, back home, family is all out here, it all came out perfect.”
Along with the benefits of the event came locals who come out to support the agricultural community. Third generation egg farmer, Michael Silva has attended the Taste of the Valley event for three years. “We like to support the ag. community, we donate by buying tickets to the event, and we come and buy items that were donated and raffled off,” said Silva. People come from far away to join the occasion as well. Doug Brinkley has attended the event for two years and drives from Fresno to do so. “I look forward to the commanderie and had a great time,” said Brinkley, “I come back and contribute by buying items and am looking forward to coming back next year.”
Cardella Winery, Table 26, Nicolau Farms, and first timers La Morenita are some of the names who helped highlight what the valley has to offer. “I met a lot of great people, and have potentially met new clients,” said Javier Gonzales, La Morenita’s Special Events and catering manager. Also making their debut at the event was the Andrew Rosenblum Experience with their eclectic three-man band. “We do whatever kind of music you like,” said guitarist Andrew Rosenblum, “Lana Del Rey? We can do that.”
In his third year in helping with the event, Art Razo said the event is a hit, “About 400 people have come in support of both the agricultural studies department and Friends of the Fair Foundation,” said Razo.
“Helping out the ag. department is what we highly look forward to,” said Adrenna Alkhas, marketing director.
Both E&J Gallo and Hilmar Cheese are the biggest contributors to the Taste of the Valley event. With the assortment of food, delectable wines, and scrumptious alcohol infused desserts, it is no wonder why the community comes together for this agricultural powerhouse of an event.