Diane Malcoun stood at her kitchen sink, washing dishes, when she noticed her assortment of olive oils on the counter top. Several of which were locally produced brands; some even made by St. Mary’s High School Alumni, where Malcoun works as the Director of Development.
From that moment, Malcoun was inspired to coordinate the Olive Oil Festival, now hosting its fifth annual event at St. Mary’s High School in Stockton on Sunday, September 28. “Olive Oil is such a big part of San Joaquin County,” she continues, “not only does olive oil bring our community together, it promotes a healthy lifestyle.”
The area’s broad selection of agriculture, especially olive oil, complements the well-known wine region – making it a Mecca for tourists, and locals alike. And to Malcoun, that is a cause worth celebrating. The many olive oil farms and families in our community now nurture the passion that sparked Malcoun’s inspiration for the festival. The festival is represented by the California Agriculture Commission, and showcases local culture and the harvest, in a family-fun environment. The event, which attracts more than 1,000 guests each year, will include a collection of olive oil vendors, in addition to entertainment, shops and games. Malcoun says guests have a chance to be outside, find cool spots to sit under the shade, and relax, as catered taste-testers and cherries are served while being serenaded by Italian instrumentals and singers.
In addition to a celebration, the festival is an opportunity for students, families and community members to learn about Olive Oil and its health benefits. Malcoun says her favorite part of the festival is teaching people about healthier lifestyles by sharing recipes and the versatility of olive oil while engaging with community members and educating students. The festival, she says, “is a way to celebrate families, the harvest and to bring it all together.”
“Our students learn how to give back and volunteer as part of their education,” says Malcoun. With the help of student volunteers, the festival is a way to raise money for scholarships and bring the community together to learn and celebrate the people and products of the Central Valley. The festival has helped to raise more than $100,000 in its previous four years for student academics and sponsorships. Proceeds are also collected for charities. Each year, SMHS awards their Golden Olive Branch Award – a symbol of peace. The winner of the humanitarian award will receive a check to the recipient’s charity of choice.
A collection of vendors and volunteers will include displays on the history of olive oil and how it is made. Learn 101 ways to use olive oil, from food and medicine, to beauty supplies. Adults can enjoy cooking demonstrations, exhibitions with big screen TVs, lectures, shopping and food, while children play in the supervised kid’s area or compete in the olive pitspitting contest. “There is something for everyone,” says Malcoun.
Ever wonder what Jalapeño or chocolate infused olive oil tastes like? Fortunately, the rich agricultural area offers the festivalgoers a wide diversity of olive oils and specialized products to try. Fill yourself with taste-testers, get to know local businesses and be amazed by the selections. Guests can sample fruity, bitter, or peppery tastings and a variety of olive oil inspired products. Local vendors, and St. Mary’s High School graduates, will include Panacea Farms and their line of bodyworks, Cecchetti Olive Oil and Cortopassi Olive Oil. For everything olive inspired, check out the other community sponsors that include Manetca’s Olive Oil Pantry, Bozzano Olive Ranch, Coldani Olive Ranch, Sciabica &Sons, and Lodi Olive Oil, among several other award-winning gourmet vendors. Don’t miss the variety of products made with, or for, olive oil such as soaps, lotions, lip-balms, Balsamic Vinegar and gift packs. There is no doubt you will be positively surprised with the many uses for the olive and its oils. Stop by one of the vendors or information booths to see each company’s specialty. After you have a taste of the region’s best, you will see what has inspired the foodie movement and agritourism into San Joaquin and you’ll never want store-bought again.
OLIVE OIL FESTIVAL
Sunday, September 28
5648 N. El Dorado Street, Stockton
Smhsoliveoilfestival.com