San Antonio Hosts Texas International Olive Festival

San Antonio Hosts Texas International Olive Festival

With a temperate micro climate and ideal soil, the San Antonio area and Hill Country are emerging as the wine regions of the Southwest. But there’s more than just vines growing here…Olives are being cultivated from the deep sandy soil around San Antonio and in more than 45 groves in south and central Texas.

The Texas International Olive Festival, dubbed Olives Olé, will celebrate Texas olives and feature an endless array of olive treats for all the senses. The festival is March 27, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at an olive orchard. Just south of San Antonio, Sandy Oaks Olive Orchard has one of the largest groves in Texas, made up of more than a dozen varieties of olive trees from around the world.

Expect an endless array of activities of everything olive!  Enjoy a foodie fantasy with 25 vendors, cooking demonstrations by Les Dames chefs and culinary experts. Also featured: health and nutrition seminars, olive oil beauty products, presentations on Mediterranean herbs and growing olive trees for pleasure or profit, tours of the ranch, olive and olive oil tastings. Plus, a new olive jewelry and fashion line will be launched at the event.

Admission is $10 at the gate, with proceeds benefitting scholarships. Parking is free. Comfortable clothing and sun screen recommended. Not recommended for children under 10, strollers or lightweight wheelchairs. The festival is presented by Les Dames d’Escoffier San Antonio Chapter.

Discover an assortment of colorful festivals and cultural events at www.visitsanantonio.com or by calling 800-ALAMO-07.