The 12th annual “Tastes of the Valley,” a wine and cheese affair presented by the CSU Stanislaus Agricultural Studies Department and Friends of the Fair Foundation will be this Thursday, Oct 2, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds.

The event is sponsored by Rabobank with food provided by Hilmar Cheese as well as 15 other food vendors and restaurants. 

With 20 local wineries and an assortment of craft brews that will provide tasting, the evening will include wine, cheese, hors d’oeuvres and silent and live auctions in order to help raise funds for the programs.

 “Our goal for the Friends of the Fair Foundation is to promote Agriculture Education in Stanislaus County,” said Chris Borovansky, Chief Executive Officer for the Stanislaus County Fair. “The collaboration between the Fair and the CSUS Ag Department helped us accomplish our goal. We were able to raise a significant amount of money for the Ag Department at CSUS.” 

 “CSU Stanislaus Agricultural Studies is proud to partner with the Stanislaus County Friends of the Fair Foundation,” said Dr. Oluwarotimi Odeh, Professor and Endowed Chair at the CSU Stanislaus Agricultural Studies Department.  “We see this continuing partnership as one that will, not only solidify future funding for our Stanislaus agriculture students, but begin a long relationship that will support youth and agriculture activities at the Stanislaus County Fair.  What a great opportunity to come together to benefit two important organizations that support Stanislaus County Agriculture.”

The mission of the Agricultural Studies Program is to provide students with an understanding of basic economic principles governing the production and distribution of agricultural resources; agricultural and environmental resource management; pre- and post- production business and marketing practices; physical, chemical, and biological principles of agro ecosystems; global perspectives on food issues; restorative and sustainable agricultural practices; spatial and quantitative techniques; the social context of agricultural production; and public policy, regulatory, and land use issues.

The mission of the Stanislaus County Fair is to provide a family and community oriented experience promoting agriculture, entertainment and technology.

Tickets to the event can be purchased at www.stancofair.com or from Saundra West at the fairground office, (209) 668-1333, ext. 303. Donations of auction items can be arranged at the fairgrounds at 209-668-1333.