Category: News

Categories
News

FICO cancels 2019 Sahuarita Pecan Festival

(SAHUARITA, Ariz.)  Today, Farmers Investment Co announced that it was cancelling the 2019 Sahuarita Pecan Festival due to global economic conditions, particularly those affecting the pecan market resulting from the imposition of trade tariffs.

“We are disappointed to cancel the Pecan Festival this year, but we believe we owe it to our employees to focus our resources on our core business,” said Dick Walden FICO President and CEO. “You can be assured that FICO remains committed to Sahuarita and Green Valley and will continue to invest in our community and region as a wonderful place to live and work.”

Today, FICO emailed letters to vendors and sponsors making them aware of the cancellation and indicating that refunds for sponsorships and vendor fees will be sent within 30-days.

FICO is also exploring different meansby which it can share with the public the FICO/Green Valley Pecan story instead of the festival.

For more than six decades, the Walden family has owned and operated Farmers Investment Co. and the Green Valley Pecan Company. Today, FICO is one of the world’s largest grower and processor of quality pecans.

Categories
Community Events News Pecan Classic

Orchard Series Continues on July 27 with 9th Annual Breeze in the Trees 5K

SAHUARITA, Ariz. – Green Valley Pecan Company is hosting the 9th Annual Breeze in the Trees 5K on Saturday, July 27, 2019. The race begins at 6:30 a.m. at the Green Valley Pecan Farm, starting on the east side of the new cold storage building. Registration and bib pickup on the day of the race opens at 5:30 a.m. at the FICO park on the west side of the building. Cost is $30 and t-shirts are guaranteed for entries received by July 17. All ages are welcome; no dogs allowed on the course. Registration is available online through Tagg Running Events.

The Breeze in the Trees 5K is the second of three races in the Orchard Series, counting down to the 11th Annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival and the Pecan Classic on Nov. 9. 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 27.

The Breeze in the Trees event is once again benefiting Men’s 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 pbeemer@greenvalleypecan.com.

“Men’s Active 20-30 Club of Tucson is dedicated to serving our community’s children and we’re honored to once again partner with them for the Breeze in the Trees 5K on July 27,” said Paula Beemer, Sahuarita Pecan Festival Coordinator. “This race, now in its ninth year, is always a local favorite; runners and walkers can experience racing through the beautiful pecan orchard followed by a delicious pancake breakfast thanks to the hardworking men and women of the Green Valley Firefighter’s Association.” 

The Sahuarita Pecan Festival was first held in 2009 and averages approximately 20,000 attendees each year. Over the past 10 years, the Festival has raised more than $114,000 for the community. 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).

Categories
Community Crafts Events Food Jewelry Marketplace News

Vendor Applications for the Sahuarita Pecan Festival Open to General Public Starting June 1

SAHUARITA, Ariz. – Green Valley Pecan Company will begin accepting vendor applications from the general public for the 11th Annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival on June 1, 2019. The Sahuarita Pecan Festival, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, is held on the grounds of Green Valley Pecan Company in Sahuarita, Ariz. and draws approximately 20,000 visitors every year. The Festival is a family-focused, community oriented one-day event; this year the Festival will pay special tribute to teachers and other local educators. The Festival features food vendors, shopping with local artisans, Arabian horse demonstrations, horse-drawn hay wagon rides, entertainment, tractor pulling competitions, the Pecan Store, and much more. For more information on how to become a vendor, please visit www.SahuaritaPecanFestival.com.

The Sahuarita Pecan Festival also features 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, 2019; however, spaces are limited and will fill up quickly.

“The Sahuarita Pecan Festival is a day for our neighbors to come together and celebrate our community, our region’s history, and special for this year, our educators! Vendors at the Festival will help highlight the best our community has to offer—unique, handmade items that make great holiday gifts, as well as delicious food from local businesses. We have a limited number of spots for vendors, so those interested should submit an application soon!” 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 10 years, the Festival has raised more than $114,000 for the community. For more details, please visit the official Festival website at www.SahuaritaPecanFestival.com. Additional information can also be found on Facebook (@SahuaritaPecanFestival) and Twitter (@PecanFestival).

Categories
Community Events News Pecan Classic

Sahuarita Pecan Festival Raises $18,000 for Community

Next Year’s Festival Scheduled for Nov. 9, 2019

SAHUARITA, Ariz. – On Saturday, November 10, 2018, Green Valley Pecan Company hosted the 10th Annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival at its pecan farm. Families and friends celebrated the Festival’s 10th anniversary with horse-drawn wagon rides, pecan cracking contests, tractor pull contests, a pecan pie contest, and other activities. This year’s Festival—with the highest attendance to date—was dedicated to farmers and their essential work to feed communities worldwide.

Sahuarita Pecan Festival 2014

The Sahuarita Pecan Festival kicked off in the morning with the 10th Annual Pecan Classic and Family Fun Run—hosted by Tagg Running Events—that led 290 runners and walkers through the pecan orchard. The top male finisher in the 3.3-mile was 47-year-old Daryll Brosanders from Tucson with a time of 20:52.9; the top female finisher was 34-year-old Lauren Reasoner from Sahuarita with a time of 22:46.4.

Fourteen pies were entered in the Festival’s Pecan Pie Contest, hosted by Mama’s Hawaiian Bar-B-Cue. The 2018 winner was Meghan Predenkoski of Tucson. In second place was Hannah Gardner of Rio Rico and in third place was Miroslava Peterson of Sahuarita. They all used Green Valley Pecans as the main ingredient in their pies. Participants were judged by Green Valley News and Sahuarita Sun editor Dan Shearer, Arizona Illustrated host Tom McNamara, Green Valley-Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce President Joseph Erceg, Continental Elementary School District Superintendent Roxana Rico, retired actor Michael Caprio who performed in well-known productions such as “Amistad” and “The Sopranos,” and a randomly selected member of the audience.

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, $18,000 was raised, a portion of which will be distributed to local community groups within the coming weeks, including: Valle Verde Rotary/Interact, Boy Scouts of America Troop 301, Walden Student Council, Walden Grad Night/Boosters, Walden Grove Wolfpack Football, SEEF, Sahuarita Food Bank and Community Resource Center, Sahuarita Police Explorers, Southern Arizona Project Healing Waters, Walden Grove Law & Public Safety, Tucson Synchro, Walden Grove Camera Club, Green Valley – Amado Community Food Bank, Sahuarita 4H Club, SUSD Construction Club, Elks, United Prospect Dancers, AZ Rangers, and The First Tee of Tucson. In total, the Festival has raised more than $100,000 for the community over the past 10 years.

“This year’s Sahuarita Pecan Festival marked 10 years of Green Valley Pecan Company giving back to the community. We were able to showcase the contributions of farmers and the farming industry, all while providing a family-friendly event that helps raise funds for local non-profits and service groups. We’ll be back next year on Nov. 9 for the 11th Annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival!” 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 10 years, the Festival has raised more than $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).

Categories
Agricultural Community Crafts Events Food Jewelry Marketplace News Partner Pecan Classic Pecan Store Sponsor

10th Anniversary of Sahuarita Pecan Festival on Nov. 10

SAHUARITA, Ariz. – Green Valley Pecan Company is hosting the 10th Annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. The festival, which is held on the Green Valley Pecan farm, runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. There will be $5 on-site parking available immediately south of the Festival grounds with a portion of the proceeds benefiting groups volunteering at the event. A free shuttle service will also be available from Sahuarita School District and Walden Grove High School. This year’s Sahuarita Pecan Festival is dedicated to farmers and their essential work to feed communities worldwide.

This year’s Sahuarita Pecan Festival attractions include:

  • The 10th Annual Pecan Classic and Family Fun Run, starting at 8 a.m. Register online at taggrun.com. Participants will receive a free race t-shirt; top qualifiers in the Pecan Classic will win pecan-themed awards. Members of the Sahuarita 4-H Club will volunteer at the race and receive a portion of the funds for their activities.
  • A Kids Area—to include bounce houses, bungee jumping, a rock climbing wall, the Boy Scouts monkey bridge, petting zoo, craft activities and Arabian horse demonstrations presented by the Southern Arizona Arabian Horse Association.
  • Arts and crafts vendors in the marketplace, selling mostly, locally made, unique items perfect for holiday shopping.
  • A large area of 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 four years old or younger). All proceeds go directly to the Community Food Bank – Green Valley/Amado.
  • A Pecan Pie Contest, sponsored by Mama’s Hawaiian Barbeque. The entry fee is $10 and the registration form is due on Nov. 10. Open to all ages!
  • Pecan cracking contests.
  • Special entertainment guests include the Walden Grove High School dance team (The PAC), Southern Reins Band, Grizzly Band, and more.
  • Commemorative Festival items for purchase, including tote bags, t-shirts, lapel pins, and posters. In addition to the Festival, these items can be purchased in advance of the event at the Pecan Store.

“The Sahuarita Pecan Festival turns 10! We’re making our 10th anniversary the best one yet, featuring the America’s Got Talent famous dancers from Walden Grove’s PAC dance team, unique farming and pecan interactive activities, and the best gifts offered in the Santa Cruz Valley! We’re honoring the contributions of farmers this year and we’re excited to invite the community to celebrate with us,” said Paula Beemer, Sahuarita Pecan Festival Coordinator.

The success of the Sahuarita Pecan Festival is a result of the collaboration of Green Valley Pecan Company and its community partners through various sponsorships. Major sponsors of the 2018 Festival include: Desert Diamond Casinos, Crown Community Development, Day’s Excavating, Meritage Homes, Sierra Mining & Crushing LLC, Stotz Equipment, Green Valley News, and KGUN 9 on Your Side.

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 nine years, the Festival has raised more than $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).

Categories
Community Crafts Food Jewelry Marketplace News

Accepting Vendor Applications for the 2018 Sahuarita Pecan Festival

SAHUARITA, Ariz. – Green Valley Pecan Company will begin accepting vendor applications from the general public for the 10th Annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival on June 1. The Sahuarita Pecan Festival, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, is held on the grounds of Green Valley Pecan Company in Sahuarita, Ariz. and draws approximately 25,000 visitors every year. The Festival is a family-focused, community oriented one-day event. It 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. For more information on how to become a vendor, please visit www.SahuaritaPecanFestival.com/vendors.

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, 2018; however, spaces are limited and will fill up quickly.

“The Sahuarita Pecan Festival is a day for our neighbors to come together and celebrate our community and our region’s history. Our vendors highlight the best our community has to offer—unique, handmade items that make great holiday gifts, as well as delicious food from local businesses. We have a limited number of spots for vendors, so those interested should submit an application soon!” said Paula Beemer, Sahuarita Pecan Festival Coordinator.

The Sahuarita Pecan Festival was first held in 2009 and averages approximately 25,000 attendees each year. Over the past nine years, the Festival has raised nearly $100,000 for the community. 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).

Categories
Community News Pecan Classic

Beneficiary Selected For The 6th Annual Nut Run 5k On April 28

2017 Pecan Classic / Nut Run

Continental School District Educational Foundation Selected As Beneficiary Of Green Valley Pecan Company’s 6th 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 28, 2018 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, and 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. Bonnie Klahr, President of the Continental School District Educational Foundation, said, “Since the inception of the Continental School District Educational Foundation, the Walden family and FICO have shown their commitment to support its mission to enhance the educational experience of our children. We are extremely grateful to be the recipient of the 2018 Nut Run Grant. It will enable CSDEF to continue to provide CSD students with creative art and music programs.”

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 19 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 at https://www.taggrun.com/event/nut-run-5k-4/. Participants that sign up by April 28 for all three races in the Orchard Series will receive a Boco Hat.

“The Orchard Series runs are the perfect opportunity for FICO is highlight great organizations in the community by naming one as a beneficiary of the event,” said Deborah Walden-Ralls, Owner/VP of Risk Management. “We’re teaming up with Continental School District Educational Foundation for this year’s  Nut Run to show our continued support for students, parents, and teachers.”

For more information regarding this event please visit http://taggrun.com. For information regarding FICO/Green Valley Pecan Company, please contact Paula Beemer (520) 248-1219 or email us.

Categories
News

9th Annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival and the Waldens featured in National Horseman Arabian magazine

National Horseman Arabian magazine highlighted the 9th Annual Sahuarita PecanFestival in its article, “Dick & Nan Walden: From Pecans to Purebreds.” In addition to telling the history of the Green Valley Pecan Company—including its impact on the local community through the annual Festival—the article features the Waldens’ passion for sharing the Arabian horse with others.

Read more about the Waldens’ journey from pecans to purebreds on pages 151-154: National Horseman Arabian Magazine

Categories
Community Events News

Sahuarita Pecan Festival Paid Special Tribute to the Military

Military Vet Tribute 2017

Care Packages Delivered to Troops Serving Overseas During the Holidays

SAHUARITA, Ariz. – The 9th Annual Sahuarita Pecan Festival, held earlier this year on Veterans Day, honored those who have served the country as well as active members of the United States military. In addition to several veteran recognition events, including a flyover by the 162nd Wing and a special Festival photo of more than 50 local veterans, Green Valley Pecan Company collected messages from the public to send to troops currently serving overseas.

Sahuarita Pecan Festival guests of all ages wrote words of gratitude on leaf-shaped paper that was then attached to pecan tree branches during the Nov. 11 event. These messages were later laminated and attached to various items as part of care packages that were shipped overseas to a troop adopted by Green Valley Pecan Company; this particular troop includes a Green Valley Pecan Company employee’s stepson.

In total, Green Valley Pecan Company shipped six boxes with items ranging from magazines and games to snacks and personal care essentials. An additional two boxes were also included in this shipment containing 500 one-ounce bags of pecans.

“Green Valley Pecan Company honors all veterans and those currently serving in the United States military. We feel that it is our duty to support the efforts and morale of those who are protecting the land that we harvest. We are proud to have worked together among the staff and community in sending care packages to the troops, especially this time of year when many are celebrating the holidays away from their home and their families,” said Paula Beemer, Sahuarita Pecan Festival Coordinator.

Community members interested in sending their own care packages to troops overseas can work with the United States Postal Service to request a kit with packing supplies and all necessary forms. More information can be found at usps.com or by calling 1-800-610-8734.

Categories
Agricultural Crafts Events Food Jewelry Marketplace News Pecan Classic Pecan Store

Sahuarita Pecan Festival Raises $14,000 for Community

Sahuarita Pecan Festival 2018

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 9th 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 10th 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).