One of Stanislaus County’s longest running fundraisers — the 37th annual Edible Extravaganza, presented by Beard Land Improvement Co. and Modesto and Empire Traction Co. — has a new date at an old location.
Typically held in September, this year’s extravaganza will be held on Oct. 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. And, once again, it’s back at Modesto Centre Plaza, 1000 L St.
First Taste VIP admission ($120) begins at 5 p.m., with general admission ($60 pre-sale; $70 at the door) starting an hour later.
Tickets can be purchased online at edibleextravaganza.com.
Hailed as the Central Valley’s most anticipated food and beverage show featuring more than 40 local vendors, the event benefits the Center for Human Services.
The Edible Extravaganza is the signature fundraiser for Center for Human Services, a private, local, non-profit agency, celebrating 53 years of service to Central Valley youth and their families. Programs operated by Center for Human Services include the Youth Navigation Center providing shelter and housing for homeless youth and young adults; Family Resource Centers, Community Counseling Services; Student Assistance Program; and more.
“I’m very involved in the community and I like community-based events,” said Modesto native Maria Apodaca, owner of Mocha Magic Cafe & Bake Shop, 920 16th St., Modesto. “I love that the community can come together and socialize and have a good time but still support a great cause.”
During a sneak-peak event held at Mocha Magic Cafe & Bake Shop, Apodaca demonstrated how she makes tiramisu cupcakes, which will be available to sample at the extravaganza.
Fresh espresso is poured over a vanilla cupcake, which is then frosted with a rum-flavored cream cheese frosting, with a little cocoa sprinkled on top of the finished product.
With support from underwriting sponsors Andreini and Company, Save Mart Supermarkets, Oak Valley Community Bank, Health Plan of San Joaquin, and Cumulus Media Group, this year’s event will feature the best restaurants, caterers, bakers, confectioners, vintners, beverage purveyors and local growers that the area has to offer.
A champagne reception, accompanied by live music, will be held in the courtyard for sponsors and VIP ticket holders from 5 to 6 p.m. During that first hour, VIP guests will be able to sample the food and drinks on the main floor before anyone else. Plus, they’ll have access to an exclusive lounge throughout the evening with special dishes and drinks available solely to them.
The doors to the main event will open to the public at 6 p.m. with live music provided by CHS’ own Jordan Waters and his band Horizon Point. All guests will be able enjoy samplings of signature dishes and drinks created by dozens of the area’s best restaurants and beverage purveyors, including longtime favorites such as the Mobile Mixologist, Fuzio Universal Bistro, Mocha Magic Café & Bakeshop, Skewers Kabob House, Greens Market and many more.
The extravaganza will also feature Wend-Tyler Winery, Get Toasted, Yogurt Mill and Track 424 Brewery, and Allison’s Cafe, 219 W. Canal Dr., from Turlock.