Northwest Paella Fest

Paella Fest 2016

Saturday, July 23rd 
On the Beautiful McKenzie River  

Summer is officially here and Paella Fest 2016 is coming right up! This year we are returning to a location on the McKenzie River that many of you might remember from a few years ago—a lovely, grassy lawn on the banks of the river near the Belknap covered bridge, downriver from McKenzie Bridge. (See below for specific directions.)

As you all know, Paella Fest is a benefit for Food for Lane County. Last year Paella Fest raised well over $11,000 through donations at the gate and proceeds from the silent auction. We plan to hold the auction again this year so if you have an item you would like to donate or a service you could provide, please contact Sue, Char, or Cindy. Thank you! 

The Concept

Each person or team who chooses to be a paella maker (paellaera?) brings everything they need to prepare their favorite rice dish of Spain out into the wide open spaces of nature. In addition each paellaera invites enough friends to eat the equivalent of their paella. The result should be a critical mass of fun and celebration with everyone sharing tasty bites of their creations. This invitation is open to all paellaeras who possess creativity, poise and dashing good looks, along with a passion for life and of course, a love of paella.

To sign up, see below.

Photos on Facebook

For photos of last year's Paella Fest and to get the latest breaking Paella Fest news, check out our Facebook page.

 
The Location

Dave and Becky have graciously donated their beautiful place on the McKenzie River in Rainbow, about an hour from downtown Eugene.


Directions
Take Hwy 126 east from Eugene. About 5 miles past Blue River you will come to Blue Sky General Store (used to be Harbick's). Turn right at Blue Sky and go about 200 yards to the end of the road and turn right. After ¼ mile there will be a covered bridge. Cross the bridge and turn left on King Road. You are going east again. On your left in less than half a mile you will be there. Look for signs. Park in the grass field or on the road. 

The Timing

Arrival: Paellaeras may arrive and set up any time after 2:00 PM. You are encouraged to arrive a bit early and enjoy a beer by the river.

Cooking: You are the expert for your recipe. Begin when the time seems right.

Eating: Try to have your paella complete and ready to eat sometime between 6:00 and 7:00 PM.

Items Provided

• Tables (each table can accommodate 2 to 3 paellaeras)
• Water (although you may want to bring a receptacle to have water at your table)
• Cups for beverages (feel free to bring your own special goblet)
• Small plates and spoons for acquiring taste bud orgasms. (Eating out of the pan is the tradition for paella, however to minimize the risk of soccorat theft, we are resorting to plates.)

Bathrooms are provided.

Items Paelleras Should Bring

• All ingredients
• Paella Pan
• Burner and gas, or receptacle and fuel for charcoal or wood heat (Smokey says, “no ground fires”)
• Utensils
• Dish towels and pot holders
• Beverages other than beer (and ice if needed)
• Chair
• Containers for taking home leftovers (yeah, right!)

You may want to label items as things tend to migrate around in the feeding frenzy.

Items Guests Should Bring

• Beverages other than beer (and ice if needed)
• Chair
• Generous donation for Food for Lane County (suggested $30 per person)

Sign Up
Paellaeras, reserve your spot at the table by signing up now! Email Don and let him know the type of paella (seafood, vegetarian, gastropod, etc.) you plan to create and, if possible, how many guests you intend to invite.