Tahoe Onstage photos by Pheonix Gruneich
It was a nice day out for the eighth annual farm to fork festival, Sample the Sierra, held at Bijou Community Park in South Lake Tahoe. Many gathered to enjoy what people brought to the table. The line was out to the street to get in at noon. Booths were set up ready to welcome guests. Once you got your wrist band you also received a keepsake cup with “Sample the Sierra” on one side; the other side said “Elevate Your Palate.” Selfies were snapped, guests poured in and got their pour on. Wine and beer samples were offered, and a sales booth was at the ready — if you liked a sampled wine you could buy a bottle to take home.
Vendors had fun things and handmade treasures to sell and plenty of free swag, too. Treats to sample were at almost every booth. even drinks. Bands played the day away and folks were watching, dancing and even the hula hoops came out. Water stations were present to keep folks hydrated and the weather wasn’t bad at all.
The was a Sierra Chef Challenge where four chefs competed in a “Chopped” style competition, getting ingredients last minute and having to come up with an appetizer, main course and dessert. A chef was eliminated by judges each round until there were just two, who then went at it face-off style. Patrick Harrity from Cold Water Brewery took the crown. Spectators even got to try some of each course. Kids played at the playgrounds and older ones had their fun at the skate park. Folks were in high spirits for the Tahoe kind of day.
Jeff Sparrow of The Lake House won Best Taste and BellaGrace Vineyards took Best Wine.
-Pheonix Gruneich
