The 2nd Annual Hat Creek Beer, Food and Wine Festival, Day at the Ranch, was held Saturday, September 9th from 1 pm to 8 pm at the Hat Creek Hereford Ranch RV Park and Campground. The event showcased the bounty of the Intermountain Area and provided an opportunity to raise money for numerous local charities including the Intermountain Heritage Foundation, Mayers Intermountain Healthcare Foundation, the Raymond H. Berry Memorial Pool in Burney, and the Hat Creek Fire Department.
A beneficent way to spend a beautiful day
Pam Giacomini did a marvelous job organizing the event. She was there early meeting with and coordinating all of the preparations and then beginning at 1 p.m. graciously greeted the people as they came.
Pam Giacamini welcoming guests as people enjoy swimming in the pond
Ms. Giacomini said, “We held our first Hat Creek Food Fest in 2013 as a ‘thank you’ to our beef customers. We expected about 40 folks to show up, 200 did!! We were shocked and thought we were probably onto something. Then 2014 was the Eiler Fire, 2015 the Wind Fall, lots of family deaths in 2016 . So, here we are in 2017 hosting our 2nd Annual local food, wine and beer festival!“
A craft fair featuring local arts and crafts began at 1 p.m. and lasted until 7:30. Vendors included Wildlife artist Chuck Gularte, Shasta Soap, Fall River Arts and Trophies, and beautiful animal hides displayed by Donner Hat Creek Ranch.
Wildlife Art by Chuck Gularte
Hides from the Donner Hat Creek Ranch
Fall River Arts and Trophies
There was live music throughout the afternoon beginning with Alex Colvin playing folk music on the Pavilion Lawn, followed by the Smokin Roaches. At 4:30 California Country began playing for the evening celebration on the Playground Stage.
The Smokin Roaches perfoming on the Paviliton lawn
There was fun for people of all ages. Young people enjoyed swimming and fishing in the pond. Pit River Casino hosted a horseshoe tournament beginning at 2 p.m. The Rotary Club of Burney-Fall River ran a Corn Hole toss that began at 3:30.
Also, four ranch tours were provided during the day to give folks a glimpse of local agriculture and explain the importance of sustainability for our local communities.
A great variety of food and beverages for all ages was available. Local brews were provided by Fall River Brewery, Alaskan Ale and Lost Coast Brewery. Local wines included Alpen Cellars, Dakaro and Churn Creek Cellars.
Churn Creek Cellars
In addition. Intermountain Fair Heritage Foundation sold beer from a truck donated for the occasion by Redding Distributing. Delicious food was served by Crumbs, JJ’s, and Anna’s Country Kitchen. Mayers Intermountain Healthcare Foundation sold water and sodas, and Hat Creek Volunteer Fire Department sold ice cream and root beer floats.
By 6:30 p.m., all of the game competitions were completed and winners were announced. The music and the fun continued however until 7:30 p.m. after which the festivities ended and everyone headed home with smiles on their faces.
Lots of volunteers, businesses and local organizations came together to make this a wonderful event. In addition to the other sponsors and participants already mentioned Palo Cedro Printing provided printing.
People relaxing as they enjoy the refreshments and music
It was a beautiful day filled with food, fun, refreshment, music, and fellowship – all to support good causes. Who could ask for more?
Pit River Country 