Farm-to-fork fun on the Capitol Mall

In many ways, the annual Farm-to-Fork Festival on Sept. 24 is Sacramento’s flagship event.

Ever since Mayor Kevin Johnson dubbed Sacramento “the farm-to-fork capital of America” in 2012, local food and farm pride has swelled. Now it’s practically the city food movement’s whole identity — and it fits.

More than 1.5 million acres of farmland occupy the Sacramento region, supplying more than 40 farmers’ markets, as well as much of the world’s sushi rice, tomatoes and even caviar. Fittingly, farmers will heavily dot the half-mile length of the family-friendly festival on Capitol Mall, along with advocacy organizations focused on subjects such as nutrition, food access and childhood obesity.

“As the Sacramento region’s reputation as a food destination continues to grow on a national scale, our September Farm-to-Fork Celebration will also expand to provide even more experiences for residents and visitors,” said Steve Hammond, CEO of the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau, in a statement. “From farm tours, to intimate dinners, to our incredible Farm-to-Fork Festival on Capitol Mall, there’s always a unique opportunity to learn more about where your food comes from.”

In other words, it’s not all about chefs creating plates of locally sourced everything.

Still, they’re certainly part of the festivities. Though local chefs will dominate the five demonstration stages, one celebrity guest is sure to draw a crowd: Las Vegas chef Rick Moonen, the former “Top Chef Masters” competitor and pioneer in sustainable seafood practices.