- Author: Sophie Loeb
The Urban Epicurean Festival held on Saturday, November 7th and Sunday, November 8th at Fort Mason in San Francisco, was a celebration of local makers and the bounty of the season. From the team that produces the long-running and well-loved San Francisco Bazaar craft festival, the Urban Epicurean Festival was comprised of over 200 vendors filling Fort Mason Center. A modern marketplace where craft, food, drink, and lifestyle converge, Urban Epic Fest was a chance for people of all ages to enjoy a festive and sustainable event with purveyors from their own backyards. Complete with a cocktail bar and food trucks, the event drew foodies and holiday shoppers for spirited fun. Attendees were able to purchase unique art, handmade goods, artisanal food, local wine and beer, while attending workshops on topics ranging from home brewing, gardening, flower arranging to urban beekeeping.
The Master Gardeners of San Mateo and San Francisco counties hosted an information table to answer attendee garden questions, and hand out materials. Master Gardener Jamie Chan was involved in the production of the event: “Urban Epic brought together so many of the things I personally am passionate about. The Bay Area is rich in creativity and love of the land. I want the Urban Epic Fest to be the representation of the bounty we can find here everyday. What better way to celebrate Fall and kick off the holiday season than to attend Urban Epic Fest? Learn to pickle, sip Bay Area-made wines and shop local, all in one place.”
Master Gardener Tyler Robertson noted some of the event's successes: “It was definitely a younger crowd, but we need more young people so it was good in that sense... A few young people approached us because they were just starting out with gardening and are happy to know there's a hotline they can call.”
To find out more about the San Mateo and San Francisco County Master Gardeners, please visit http://smsf-mastergardeners.ucanr.org/