February 11, 2005
Mocha. Caramel. Fudge. Pecan pie has certainly evolved since the days when this delicacy was exclusive to the tables of Southern homes during the holidays.
If pecan pie is your dessert of choice, head this weekend to the Pecan, Wine & Antique Festival. Choose from a variety of homemade pecan pies from Sinful Delights and wash it down with a glass of locally grown wine.
The festival, now in its fifth year, gives visitors an opportunity to sample and purchase products made from the Verde Valley’s most popular crops — grapes and pecans.
Although not indigenous to the Verde Valley, pecans are an important part of the landscape. Farmers planted the first pecans trees in the 1800s. Rather than buy pecans to fatten their hogs, farmers could just pick them from the trees in the orchard. Today approximately 200 acres are dedicated to producing pecans. The festival will feature locally grown pecans for sale and for sampling.
Visitors can buy wine from local wineries such as Kokopelli, Village of Elgin and Fort Bowie and antiques from more than 30 vendors.
Other festivities include a free hayride, raffle and demonstrations by master gardeners.
Pecan, Wine & Antique Festival
What: Wine tasting, raffle, antique sale and pecan contest
When: Noon to 6 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Downtown Camp Verde
Cost: $6
Information: (928) 567-0535 or www.cvaz.org
