SAHUARITA, Ariz. – On Saturday, Nov. 12, the 8th 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.
