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Calabash to Celebrate its 10th Year!

Calabash Postcard (photo: Bob Cornelis     Gourd art: Bill Colligen)

One of Sonoma County’s most remarkable food and art events – Calabash-A Celebration of Gourds, Art and the Garden – will take place on Sunday, October 3, 2010 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the beautiful organic gardens of Food For Thought - Sonoma County AIDS Food Bank. This year’s event holds special significance as we are celebrating our 10th anniversary.
 
One of the first known art mediums, gourds as art mix tradition with the avant-garde. Close to one hundred exquisite examples of gourd art will be for sale during Calabash’s silent art auction.
 
The event is a vibrant mix of activity. As part of admission, guests are served fine wines, along with delicious hors d’oeuvres created from the finest seasonal ingredients. They are invited to bid the gourd art silent auction and roam through Food For Thought’s beautiful gardens. In October, the gardens are at their peak, brimming with gourds, fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plantings. Gourd musicians provide fitting ambience for the day.
 
This 10th Anniversary we reflect on our roots in this unique event. What began in 2001 has grown into a highly attended food and art festival honoring the memory of so many who have been lost to AIDS.

 “Things have changed significantly since Calabash began a decade ago,” says Ron Karp, Food For Thought’s Executive Director. “There are better treatments and people with HIV and AIDS are living longer. However, the disease continues to have significant health and economic impacts. We provide people with the food and supplements they need to experience a good quality of life.”
 
Food For Thought provides assistance to more than 650 people affected by HIV/AIDS in Sonoma County. In a dynamic grassroots tradition, the organization is largely staffed by 500 volunteers who participate in all facets of the operation.
 
Located on one-acre in downtown Forestville, surrounded by organic gardens and run on solar power, Food For Thought’s facility is a testament to the organization's holistic view. And, Calabash – one of the organization’s most memorable fundraising events – also reflects this view. Calabash is presented by Food For Thought, in collaboration with the Occidental Arts & Ecology Center.
 
Tickets for this must-see event may be purchased for $40 in advance or $45 at the door the day of the event. For advance ticket sales and information about the event, call Food For Thought at 707-887-1647.
 
Buy Tickets Online
(Until 9/25/10)

Gourd art by Chard Lowden Gourd Art: Chard Lowden     Photo: John Hershey