Almond Festival 2010

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Almond Festival II March 14th 2010 ~ Capay Valley

Come join us again! Almond Fest II Sunday March 14th. Remember, “Two parties are better than one” right? 

Howl’in Allan Trio 3-7pm 

Granzella's Restaurant is hosting our BBQ at 1pm.

 

Check out the previous photos on the photo album page.

Last year's letter to the Editor printed by The Daily Democrat:

“You can change Almond Fest on a calendar, but you can’t schedule the blossoms.”  

It’s too bad the Capay Valley Almond Festival has become so commercialized over the last few years.   It has lost almost all its tradition in name of the “almighty buck.” Somehow it’s evolved into a random date on the calendar, based on the convenience of those more interested in money than the celebration of blossoms and friends.  

The Capay Valley Almond fest probably began like most farming festivals, a celebration of the bounty to come and has been celebrated as such for the past 100 years. Almond trees in the valley usually bloom in the last week or so of February. I’m guessing that Sunday was chosen because it’s the 7th day of the week, the day of rest. I’ve been listening to people over the last few years as they try to keep up with all the date changes. Is it Saturday and Sunday? One day or two? Is it three weeks later? Or is it through? 

  Each year people make the journey back to Yolo County from around the country on last Sunday in February for the Capay Valley Almond Fest. It’s a chance for them just to see the blossoms and meet up with old friends. And boy are they upset when they find out the date has been changed. Last year a woman had flown in, reserved a hotel room, and was really upset when she found out the date had been changed. What do you mean it’s been rescheduled? They can’t change the date. Who did that? How could they? No one has the power to stop the trees from blooming. They felt just as betrayed as if someone were to move New Years or Christmas. As for Capay Junction and most of the local people, we will always get together to celebrate Almond Fest on the day it was originally intended. The last Sunday in February, and that’s just what we did….   

On Sunday, February 22, the almond blossoms were in full bloom and spirits were high despite the imperfect weather. In keeping with tradition, the people of the valley and surrounding areas came out to Capay Junction to celebrate Almond Fest. It was quite a sight with the mass of cars up and down the road. Everyone was trying to make their way through the BBQ smoke, and sea of people, to the food and live music. For the past 18 years, Cheryl Dutton has put on a benefit BBQ for MS, but this year she retired and decided to enjoy life a bit. She deserves it. Thanks Cheryl for all the great BBQ’s and memories! This year the BBQ was hosted by the group “Save Rural Yolo County,” A grassroots organization coming together to oppose the construction of the prison in Madison or any other rural area of Yolo County.  

Throughout the day a constant barrage of people stopped by to show their support. Even our beloved County Supervisor, Dwayne Chamberlain came by to say hello. I also saw my favorite author/pastor Walt Lucas here too.. I have to admit the highlight of the day was the nostalgic trip down memory lane, when long time resident/musician; Butch Nichols of Butch Nichols and the Swing’ in Strings got up and played with band members Val Zentner, Mike Ward and Tony Passantino of the Mike Ward & Testify band. Butch lives in Idaho now, but still blows through occasionally to reminisce. He’s played many an “Okie Stomp” in his day. We tried to get Butch’s drummer and our own bartender, Hershel Hart, up there to play with Butch, but he was a bit shy I think. Maybe next time…  

So here’s a big THANKS to all of you who came out to celebrate Almond Fest and to support “Save Rural Yolo County.” It was a great success and well worth the effort.  They raised almost $800 for the cause. Thanks to Bill who donated the meat and manned the fire while Cynthia cooked up the bacon and the beans, Eileen for driving us all crazy selling the 50/50 raffle tickets, Cathy for making the coleslaw, Krista for making the ajus and Gail for selling tickets through it all. What a potluck! And last but not least, our bartenders; Christina, Chris and John. Without them we would have been really thirsty. Everyone pulled together to make this happen, truly a team effort. And I apologize in advance if I forgot to mention anyone by name. THANK YOU!--What an all around great day it was! I can’t wait till next year...  

Thanks again everyone! 

Click on the photo below to see more...  

Walt's Blog from last year:

 SUNDAY, MARCH 08, 2009 -From Walt

Butter! No, its Chiffon.
For anyone born before 1970, you may know the television commercial with Mother Nature sitting in a rocking chair, surrounded by woodland creatures, eating what she thinks is a buttered muffin. When she discovers she has been fooled by margarine, she exclaims, "It's not nice to fool Mother Nature." There is a loud crackle of thunder and you immediately realize the folly in trying to trick her.

All of which brings us to the Capay Valley Almond Festival. Since 1915, the festival has taken place on the last Sunday in February. The festival coincides with the almond tree blossoms. Rain or shine, the "Almond Festival" as it is know by the locals, is a tradition. As it is with most traditions, change comes with more than a little resistance.

This year was typical almond festival weather; the last Sunday in February was filled with rain, and lots of it. The locals, who were not buying into the new festival date, crowded into the Capay Junction to keep the tradition alive. I know because I was one of them. While I applaud their stiffed neck response to moving the date, I am inclined to believe this is a win-win proposition. Follow along with me.

You can hold a party on the traditional Sunday, and if the weather is nice, you can laugh at the folks who moved the festival date. If it pours that day and its nice two weeks later, you have enjoyed both days. It is a win-win situation, at least for a decade or so. With each passing year, the last Sunday in February will lose a little of its luster. Ultimately, it will fall the way of Washington's Birthday.

Do not get me started on President's day; I have a few choice words on taking Washington and Lincoln's birthday and reducing them to a generic holiday. If there were ever two Americans to celebrate, I can't think any better. But I digress.

The main problem, as I see it, is the almond trees will have finished blooming by March 15. The whole idea of the Almond Festival is to see the valley in its full glory. This past weekend was a wonderful time to experience the Valley. The white almond blossoms, the lush green grass on the hillside, the soft fragrance of spring in the air, the "NO PRISON IN MADISON" signs along Highway 16, it was just perfect.

If you have a few hours of free time this Sunday, take a trip up the Capay Valley. The Almond Festival is a great time, food everywhere, kid’s games, car chows, Harleys and the beauty of the Valley.

If you come in early, Esparto's FFA chapter will have a Pancake breakfast at the High School gym, then head up for live music at the Capay Junction, more food and a craft fair at the Guinda Western Grange Hall and a trip to the festival is not complete unless you have at least one of the Famous Rumsey Ribs.

If you are new to the area and have never driven up the Capay Valley, this is a great time to see it, even if some of the blossoms have already fallen to the ground.

Well, you know what she says, “It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature.”
POSTED BY YOLO COWBOY AT 8:54 PM

Howl'in Alan Sunday March 14th 3-7pm