Author: Pecan Festival

Sahuarita Pecan Festival Raises $14,000 for Community

Post author By Pecan Festival
Post date December 5, 2017

10th Annual Festival Scheduled for Nov. 10, 2018

2017 Sahuarita Pecan Festival — More photos in our gallery

SAHUARITA, Ariz. – Green Valley Pecan Company hosted the 9th Annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017 at the Green Valley Pecan farm, drawing approximately 25,000 guests throughout the day. Families and friends celebrated Veterans Day at the Festival with horse-drawn wagon rides, pecan cracking contests, tractor pull contests, and Veteran recognition events, including a flyover by the 162nd Wing and a special photo at the Festival of more than 50 local veterans that was featured in the Green Valley News.

The Sahuarita Pecan Festival kicked off in the morning with the 9th Annual Pecan Classic and Family Fun Run—hosted by Tagg Running Events—that led nearly 350 runners and walkers through the pecan orchard. The top male finisher in the 3.3-mile was 29-year-old Jose Rodriguez with a time of 18:22.0; the top female finisher was 33-year-old Lauren Reasoner from Sahuarita with a time of 20:58.6.

2017 Sahuarita Pecan Festival Pie Contest — More photos in our gallery

Thirteen pies were entered in the Festival’s Pecan Pie Contest, hosted by Mama’s Hawaiian Barbeque. The 2017 winner was Morgan Scott of Sahuarita. In second place was Louann Young and in third place was Christina Stephens. They all used Green Valley Pecans as the main ingredient in their pies. Participants were judged by District 4 Pima County Supervisor Steve Christy, Chef Frédéric Lange from Lavender’s Restaurant in Green Valley, Town of Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy, retired actor Michael Caprio who performed in well-known productions such as “Amistad” and “The Sopranos,” and Chase Emery, a member of the Sahuarita High School culinary arts program.

As a major annual event in the Sahuarita and Green Valley communities, the Sahuarita Pecan Festival helps support local volunteer groups and non-profits. This year, $14,000 was raised, a portion of which will be distributed to local community groups within the coming weeks, including: the Amado-Green Valley Community Food Bank; Walden Grove High School groups such as the Student Council, the Booster Club, Wolfpack Football team, the Camera Club, the Cheer team, and the Law & Public Safety; Boy Scouts of America Troop 301; Valle Verde Rotary Club; the Sahuarita Food Bank; the Sahuarita Police Explorers; Tucson Synchro; and Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, an organization dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing. In total, the Festival has raised nearly $100,000 for the community over the past nine years.

“The 9^th Annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival was a huge success! Guests were able to get some holiday shopping done while also learning about the farm and honoring our veterans. Best of all, we raised money for local charities that will help families in our community. Join us next year for our 10^th Anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 10!” said Paula Beemer, Sahuarita Pecan Festival Coordinator.

The Sahuarita Pecan Festival is held at the Green Valley Pecan Company located at 1625 E. Sahuarita Road in Sahuarita, AZ. The inaugural event was in 2009; over the past nine years, the Festival has raised approximately $100,000 for local charities. For the more details, please visit the official Festival website at www.SahuaritaPecanFestival.com. Additional information can also be found on Facebook (/SahuaritaPecanFestival) and Twitter (@PecanFestival).

Tags 2017 Featured

Events Food News Pecan Store

Judges Selected for the Pecan Pie Contest

Post author By Pecan Festival
Post date October 30, 2017

SAHUARITA, Ariz. – Judges have been announced for the Pecan Pie Contest, to be held during the 9^th Annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017 at the Green Valley Pecan farm. Judges will include local elected officials, media representatives, a culinary arts high school student, and a chef. Judges will taste the pecan pies the morning of the Festival with an official announcement of the top three pies at 1:30 p.m.

Judges for this year’s Pecan Pie Contest will be:

Pima County Supervisor Steve Christy
Town of Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy
Green Valley News Publisher Dru Sanchez
KGUN 9 reporter Allen “Big Al” Kath
Lavender Restaurant Chef Frédéric Lange
Sahuarita High School culinary arts student Chase Emery

The general public is invited to compete in the Pecan Pie Contest; entry forms, along with a $10 entry fee, must be submitted by Nov. 10 to Mama’s Hawaiian Barbecue, located at 15990 S. Rancho Sahuarita Blvd. Contestants will bake and deliver two pies to the Sahuarita Pecan Festival on Nov. 11 by 11 a.m. Winners will be announced at the main stage during the Festival at 1:30 p.m.; top three finishes will receive prizes from Green Valley Pecan Company. For more information, including a downloadable entry form, visit sahuaritapecanfestival.com.

“The Sahuarita Pecan Festival’s Pecan Pie Contest is always a fan-favorite! This year our competitors will have to show off their baking skills to several local community leaders, such as Pima County Supervisor Steve Christy. It’s not too late to enter the Pecan Pie Contest; entries are due Nov. 10,” said Paula Beemer, Sahuarita Pecan Festival Coordinator.

The Sahuarita Pecan Festival is held at the Green Valley Pecan Company located at 1625 E. Sahuarita Road in Sahuarita, AZ. The inaugural event was in 2009 and averages approximately 20,000 attendees each year. Over the past eight years, the Festival has raised more than $75,000 for local charities. For the more details, please visit the official Festival website at www.SahuaritaPecanFestival.com. Additional information can also be found on Facebook (/SahuaritaPecanFestival) and Twitter (@PecanFestival).

Community News

Adoption of a Deployed Military Unit

Post author By Pecan Festival
Post date October 26, 2017

Hello all,

FICO collectively has decided to adopt a deployed military unit surrounding the upcoming Pecan Festival that falls on Veterans Day. Our own Emily Robino from accounting has a stepson who is currently deployed in the United States Air Force, and we would like to send him and his comrades a care package. If you would like to contribute, please bring any of the below items, or anything non-perishable you may think their unit would appreciate, to the admin office no later than 11/15/2017 so we can send the package out on Friday the 17^th. We will also include the notes to Veterans that are collected during the festival, if you have a moment be sure to stop by.

Ideas of items to donate:

Trail mix
Baby wipes
Magazines
Q-tips
Instant Mac n Cheese
Tuna-To-Go packages
Dehydrated fruit and snacks
Powdered drink mix – hot cocoa, crystal light, instant tea/coffee
Protein and snack bars
Jerky
Cookies, crackers, chips (try to ensure in rigid containers)
Candy and gum
Foot powder
Puzzles and games

Any contributions made are greatly appreciated. Please let me know if you have any questions.

News

Sahuarita Pecan Festival Announces Schedule of Events

Post author By Pecan Festival
Post date October 22, 2017

To Include Special Veterans Day Events to Honor Our Military

SAHUARITA, Ariz. – Green Valley Pecan Company is hosting the 9th Annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. The festival, which is held on the Green Valley Pecan farm, runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Welcoming Ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the Main Stage. This year’s Sahuarita Pecan Festival will pay special tribute to the men and women who have served this country. As part of this Veterans Day celebration, there will be a Posting of the Colors by Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, a veteran recognition program, and a flyover by the 162^nd Wing.

This year’s Sahuarita Pecan Festival attractions include:

The 9th Annual Pecan Classic and Family Fun Run, starting at 8 a.m. Register online at Tagg Running Events by Oct. 31 to receive a free tech T-shirt.
A Kids Area—sponsored by Green Valley News and Sahuarita Sun—to include bounce houses, bungee jumping, a rock climbing wall, the Boy Scouts monkey bridge, and Arabian horse demonstrations presented by the Southern Arizona Arabian Horse Association.
Arts and crafts vendors in the marketplace, selling locally made, unique items perfect for holiday shopping.
Food vendors from all over Southern Arizona, preparing BBQ, sweets, and treats.
A Heritage Area, featuring tractor pull contests and antique tractor displays.
Horse-drawn wagon rides into the orchard for pecan harvest demonstrations. Cost is $2 per person (free for kids five years old or younger). All proceeds go directly to the Community Food Bank – Green Valley.
A Pecan Pie Contest, sponsored by Mama’s Hawaiian Barbeque. The entry fee is $10 and the registration form is due on Nov. 11. Open to all ages!
Two pecan cracking contests.
Special entertainment guests include the Walden Grove High School dance team (The PAC), Southern Reins Band, and Great Expectations Academy Blue Jazz Band.

Festival attendees can take advantage of the free shuttle service from two locations around Sahuarita: Walden Grove High School and Sahuarita School District’s parking lot. Also, parking (general and disabled) will be available immediately south of the festival grounds for $5 per car.

“We’re less than a month out from the 9^th Annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival! We have a great line-up of entertainment, including the famous Walden Grove High School Dance Group—The PAC. Plus, in honor of Veterans Day, we’re incorporating special activities to honor the service of our neighbors and friends,” said Paula Beemer, Sahuarita Pecan Festival Coordinator.

News Sponsor

Last Call For Sahuarita Pecan Festival Sponsor Applications

Post author By Pecan Festival
Post date August 22, 2017

SAHUARITA, Ariz. – Green Valley Pecan Company has only a few remaining sponsorship spots available for the 9^th Annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. Community response to sponsoring this year’s Festival has been strong, with sponsorship levels filling up quickly. Those interested in participating should submit an application as soon as possible in order to be considered. For more information on sponsorship opportunities and an application, please visit our Sponsors page on www.SahuaritaPecanFestival.com.

The Sahuarita Pecan Festival, held on the grounds of Green Valley Pecan Company in Sahuarita, Ariz., draws more than 20,000 visitors every year and is a family-focused, community oriented one-day event. The Festival features the Pecan Store, food vendors, shopping with local artisans, Arabian horse demonstrations, horse-drawn hay wagon rides, entertainment, tractor pulling competitions, and much more. This year, the event will highlight the contributions of veterans.

Sponsorship of the Sahuarita Pecan Festival is the perfect way to reach the growing, prosperous market of young families and active adults in the Santa Cruz River Valley. Sponsors will be part of an aggressive marketing campaign utilizing Festival media partners, digital and print advertising, and social media promotion. Sponsorship levels range from $750 up to $10,000; the number of sponsorship slots is limited. The Festival sponsorship deadline for final media exposure is Sept. 19, 2017.

“The Sahuarita Pecan Festival is a great opportunity to showcase your business and dedication to the community. The fact that we’ve received so many positive responses to our call for sponsors is a testament to the importance of this event for the region. If you’re thinking about being a sponsor, act today because time is running out,” said Paula Beemer, Sahuarita Pecan Festival Coordinator.

The Sahuarita Pecan Festival was first held in 2009 and averages approximately 20,000 attendees each year. Over the past eight years, the Festival has raised more than $30,000 and nearly 6,000 pounds of food for local charities. For the more details, please visit the official Festival website at www.SahuaritaPecanFestival.com. Additional information can also be found on Facebook (/SahuaritaPecanFestival) and Twitter (@PecanFestival).

Events News Pecan Classic

Orchard Series Continues On July 29 With 7th Annual Breeze In The Trees 5k

Post author By Pecan Festival
Post date July 11, 2017

Men Active 20-30 Club of Tucson Named Event Beneficiary

SAHUARITA, Ariz. – Green Valley Pecan Company is hosting the 7^th Annual Breeze in the Trees 5K on Saturday, July 29, 2017. The race begins at 6:30 a.m. at the Green Valley Pecan Farm, starting near the Pecan Store parking lot. Registration and bib pickup on the day of the race opens at 5:30 a.m. Cost is $30 for all participants; free t-shirts guaranteed for entries received by July 22. All ages are welcome; no dogs allowed on the course. Registration is available online through Tagg Running Events at https://www.taggrun.com/event/breeze-in-the-trees-5k-2/.

The Breeze in the Trees 5K is the second of three races in the Orchard Series, counting down to the 9^th Annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival and the Pecan Classic on Nov. 11. These races offer participants a unique inside look at the farm by running under the trees on dirt roads and trails. The Orchard Series kicked off with the Nut Run on April 22, raising more than $500 for the Continental School District Educational Foundation.

This year, the Breeze in the Trees event is benefiting Men Active 20-30 Club of Tucson, a service organization of men and women in their 20s and 30s who have a passion for improving the lives of children in the Tucson area. The Active 20-30 Club of Tucson has a distinguished and honored history as one of Arizona’s most prestigious and active fundraising men’s clubs. Since the club’s inception, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised and thousands of hours have been dedicated to local children’s charities, including Beads of Courage, Tucson Alliance for Autism, and Therapeutic Ranch for Animals and Children.

All runners and guests can enjoy a complimentary pancake breakfast served by the Green Valley Firefighter’s Association and the Pecan Store is offering a 10 percent discount that weekend for race participants. For more information regarding this event, please visit http://taggrun.com/. For information regarding FICO/Green Valley Pecan Company, please contact Paula Beemer at (520) 248-1219 or email us.

“The Breeze in the Trees 5K has become a tradition in Sahuarita, offering residents a fun way to stay active and outdoors during the summer while at the same time raising money for worthy causes,” said Paula Beemer, Sahuarita Pecan Festival Coordinator. “We’re excited to share this event with the distinguished Men Active 20-30 Club of Tucson, serving our community’s children.”

Crafts Food Jewelry Marketplace News Sponsor

Sahuarita Pecan Festival Opens Registrations for Vendors and Sponsors

Post author By Pecan Festival
Post date June 1, 2017

SAHUARITA, Ariz. – Green Valley Pecan Company is now accepting applications for vendors and sponsors for the 9th Annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017. The Sahuarita Pecan Festival, held on the grounds of Green Valley Pecan Company in Sahuarita, Ariz., draws more than 20,000 visitors every year and is a family-focused, community oriented one-day event. The Festival features the Pecan Store, food vendors, shopping with local artisans, Arabian horse demonstrations, horse-drawn hay wagon rides, entertainment, tractor pulling competitions, and much more. This year, the event will highlight the contributions of veterans. For more information on sponsorship opportunities or vendor applications, please visit www.SahuaritaPecanFestival.com.

The Sahuarita Pecan Festival also features local vendors, including food vendors, artisans for the marketplace, and community organizations. The Sahuarita Pecan Festival is seeking vendors that will enhance the atmosphere of the Festival. This event highlights regional and local businesses, particularly those with locally grown foods or products of the Santa Cruz River Valley. Those interested in being a vendor must fill out an application, which is subject to approval by a committee. The deadline for vendor registration is Oct. 1, 2017; however, spaces are limited and will fill up quickly.

“This is a very important day for us, the event, not only provides an opportunity to share our story with our families, neighbors, and friends, but it also allows us and all participating business to support the well-being of our community,” said Paula Beemer, Sahuarita Pecan Festival Coordinator.

Events News Pecan Classic

9th Annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival on Veterans Day, November 11

Post author By Pecan Festival
Post date May 1, 2017

SAHUARITA, Ariz. –The 9th Annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival is Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hosted by the Green Valley Pecan Company, the Sahuarita Pecan Festival offers family-friendly activities for all ages while supporting local community organizations.

The Sahuarita Pecan Festival is held at the Green Valley Pecan Company, 1625 E. Sahuarita Road, Sahuarita, AZ. Festival attendees can take advantage of the free shuttle service from two locations around Sahuarita: Walden Grove High School, and Sahuarita School District’s parking lot. Also, parking (general and disabled) will be available immediately south of the festival grounds for $5 per car. Most of the festival grounds and parking areas are not paved; please take care and be aware of the grounds when getting around.

The Festival averages nearly 20,000 attendees each year. Over the past seven years, the Festival has raised more than $25,000 and 7,000 pounds of food for local charities. Additional information can also be found on Facebook (/SahuaritaPecanFestival) and Twitter (@PecanFestival).

Our planning is underway. Please check back for full details.

· The 9th Annual Pecan Classic Nut Run/Walk, starting at 9 a.m. Register online at www.taggrun.com/event/pecan-classic; register by Oct. 31 to receive a free tech T-shirt.

· The Kid’s Area will include bounce houses, carnival games, bungee jumping and pony rides and our popular Arabian horse demonstrations presented by Southern Arizona Arabian Horse Association.

· Arts and crafts vendors in the marketplace, selling locally made, unique items perfect for holiday shopping.

· Food vendors from all over Southern Arizona, preparing BBQ, sweets, and treats.

· A Heritage Area, featuring tractor pull contests, antique tractor displays, and Model A cars.

· Horse-drawn wagon rides into the orchard for pecan harvest demonstrations.

· A Pecan Pie Contest, sponsored by Mama’s Hawaiian Barbeque. The entry fee is $10 and the registration form, due on Nov 10, can be found on the Festival website, along with additional details.

Tags 2017 Featured

Pecan Classic

Join us for the 2017 Nut Run 5k on April 22

Post author By Pecan Festival
Post date April 5, 2017

Continental School District Educational Foundation selected as beneficiary of Green Valley Pecan Company’s 5th annual Nut Run 5k

SAHUARITA, Ariz. – Green Valley Pecan Company has named the Continental School District Educational Foundation as the beneficiary of this year’s Nut Run 5K Run/Walk. As part of this partnership, volunteers with the Foundation will participate in this annual community event. The Nut Run will take place on Saturday, April 22, 2017 and starts at 8 a.m. at Green Valley Pecan Company. Previous recipients of the Nut Run include Sahuarita 4H, Green Valley Senior Games, Sahuarita Educational Enrichment Foundation. Last year’s beneficiary was Sahuarita Unified School District.

As this year’s event beneficiary, Continental School District Educational Foundation will be the recipient of a portion of the funds raised through race registrations. The Foundation’s mission is to enhance the educational excellence of children. Julie Ciruli, vice-president of the board of directors of the Continental School District Educational Foundation, said, “Since our beginning, the Walden family and FICO have not only been great supporters of our Foundation but Continental School as well. We wouldn’t be where we are today without their support.”

The Nut Run 5K Run/Walk is the first of three races in the “Orchard Series,” which takes runners through Green Valley Pecan Company’s pecan orchards. Those registered by April 16 will receive a free race t-shirt, a 10 percent discount at the Green Valley Pecan Store, and the top three finishers in each age division will receive awards. Registration, bib pickup, and transition area opens at 7 am. All ages are welcome; no dogs allowed on the course. Registration is available online through Tagg Running Events.

“FICO is committed to supporting quality education in our community,” said Deborah Walden-Ralls, Owner/VP of
Risk Management. “For 2017 we’ve selected to team up with Continental School District Educational Foundation, raising
funds for their organization while also providing the opportunity for students, parents, and volunteers to participate in a local
event that promotes health and fitness.”

For more information regarding this event please visit www.taggrun.com.

Who: Runners, Nature enthusiasts and Pecan lovers

What: Nut Run 5k / Walk

When: April 22, 2014 at 8am

Where: Green Valley Pecan Company – 1525 E Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629

Full Press Release 4/4/2017

Crafts Events Food Marketplace News Photos

8th Annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival Draws Nearly 25,000

Post author By Pecan Festival
Post date November 21, 2016

SAHUARITA, Ariz. – On Saturday, Nov. 12, the 8^th Annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival welcomed nearly 25,000 guests, topping last year’s attendance of 20,000. The 2016 Festival raised almost $25,000 benefitting student organizations and community partners, in addition to the food that was collected for the Community Food Bank – Green Valley; in exchange for canned food, guests were able to ride a horse-drawn wagon through the orchard for a harvest demonstration.

“FICO and The Green Valley Pecan Company are pleased to once again offer this free, family-friendly event for the community. The Sahuarita Pecan Festival continues to grow every year, becoming a tradition in the Santa Cruz River Valley for families from across Southern Arizona. The Festival offers unique entertainment, shopping opportunities, and a variety of food choices while supporting local organizations, such as the Community Food Bank – Green Valley and the Boy Scouts of Southern Arizona,” said Bruce Caris, COO of The Green Valley Pecan Company.

The Pecan Classic Run was held in the morning with more than 350 participants. And as always, Power from the Past Tractor Pull was especially popular. The kids’ area was once again sponsored by Green Valley News and Sahuarita Sun. Returning this year was Southern Arizona Arabian Horse Association (SAAHA) with parades and demonstrations.

The Pecan Store expanded its store tent by 2500 square feet for the day. It was still bustling with customers to pick their favorite treats as the Festival was shutting down. Guests that missed the Festival or would like to purchase additional products can visit the Pecan Store seven days a week, Monday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm, Sundays from 10am to 4pm, or online at www.pecanstore.com.

The partnership with KGUN9 and Tucson’s CW has grown to include many of their top news and entertainment personalities on site to greet fans throughout the day. Big Al has been a fixture at the event since year one and this year he brought along Erin Christiansen and many others. The partnership with KGUN9 and Tucson’s CW and the on-air, on-line support they have provided is a major contributor to this year’s success.