For many who came to California in the Gold Rush, fortune was found in the rich alluvial soils of the valley, not in the riverbeds of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Gold was the elusive target, but agriculture has been the enduring reward. A single year's agricultural production in California exceeds the value of all the gold ever taken out of Caifornia mines and rivers.
There were those
who came during the Gold Rush who were more comfortable with a plow
than a pick. French viniculturalist Louis Peller was one such man,
and on a rich tract of land near Mission San Jose in 1856, he and his
brother grafted plum cuttings from the district of Agen in France.
Their experiment led to the establishment of the rich California
prune industry.
Today, California produces about 70 percent of the world's prunes. With almost one-third of California's plum acreage in Yuba and Sutter counties, the area rightfully claims the title of Prune Capital of the World.
The California Prune Festival was established in 1988 to celebrate the California prune industry, provide family entertainment and promote a sense of togetherness in the Yuba-Sutter area. Each year, dozens of Yuba-Sutter non-profit groups help stage the two-day music and food festival and share in the rewards. With 30,000 visitors each year, the festival has generated over $150,000 for these groups.
Each year, dozens of Yuba-Sutter non-profit groups help stage the two-day festival for a share in the rewards. With 30,000 visitors each year, the festival generates funds for their annual budgets.
Headline entertainment at the festival includes jazz, rhythm & blues and rock & roll music. The festival also features the annual Prune Run, floral displays, celebrity chefs, artist's demonstrations, wine tasting, informational displays and one of the finest arts and crafts shows in the state.
The Artisans Village is packed with the finest handmade arts and crafts in the valley for shoppers to peruse as music fills the air.
The International Pavilion's cultural foods, displays and crafts exhibit the diverse cultural heritage of the Yuba-Sutter area.
Youngsters are treated to live entertainment, a workshop for making souvenirs and a petting zoo.
Other Prune Festival highlights include the educational Prune Pavilion, Antique Chugger Engine, Tractor & Motorcycle Show, an elegant Wine Garden and a fabulous Farmers market.
The jewel of the festival is the Tastes of the Valley area where diverse entertainment and food showcase the cultural heritage of the Yuba-Sutter area.
Headline
entertainment at the festival includes jazz, rhythm & blues and
rock & roll music. The festival also features the annual Prune
Run, a floral display, celebrity chefs, artist's demonstrations, wine
tasting, informational displays and one of the finest arts and crafts
shows in the state.
Visit The Official
California Prune Festival Web Site
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