Mountain Mandarin Festival November 20, 2009

The Mountain Mandarin Festival is a November destination, held annually the week-end before Thanksgiving. The Festival celebrates the harvest of locally grown Owari Satsuma Mandarin oranges. The Mandarin orange is truly a citrus experience! This very unique Placer County harvest has recently made headlines with USDA supported information regarding the substantial health benefits associated with this delicious fruit.

For the pleasure of the attendees, there are three stages of live entertainment; hundreds of quality crafters; a cooking stage with demonstrations by professional Chef’s; a very competitive recipe contest with substantial prizes; an area devoted to children’s activities; and fifteen local citrus farmers selling their freshly harvested Mandarin oranges. This year there will be a new dynamic Kaleidoscope Exhibit.

The food offered at the Festival is carefully selected. Each food vendor is required to have one item on the menu that includes Mandarin oranges. Last year, a recipe for Mandarin orange gelato was developed especially for the Festival. You’ll find Mandarin orange flavored pistachios and almonds; pulled pork and sausages; coffee, smoothies and adult beverages; a variety of sauces, syrups, jams, jellies and marmalade; infused olive oil; and chocolate dipped Mandarin oranges!

The quality and innovation of the Mountain Mandarin Festival has received state-wide recognition. Proceeds from the Festival fund three scholarships presented each year by the Newcastle Area Business Association. Crowds have grown from 1,500 in 1993 to 40,000 in 2008. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend this major agriculture festival, devoted to providing something for all ages.

Official Website: http://www.mandarinfestival.com