Nut Tree Comes Alive for 30th Annual Jubilee
The Nut Tree's transformation was dramatic and nostalgic, as more than 1,700 Wine & Food Jubilee ticket holders, vendors and volunteers swarmed around the refurbished Harbison Event Center for the 30th annual event on Saturday, May 20.
Jubilee organizers took advantage of the venue's unique layout to create a "Wine Country Stroll" experience, explained Jubilee Committee Chairman Bill Seiden. Ticketholders could meander along a path that wove around wisteria-covered arbors and inviting gazebos, past the former "I-80 Jammers" bumper car area, and around the historic Harbison House. Along the way, vendors were at every curve, waiting to offer bits, bites and sips of their award-winning foods and beverages.
Event organizers worked hard to bring the iconic Nut Tree amusement park - which was closed in 2009 - back to life for the event, noted Chris Sweeney, NorthBay Healthcare Foundation Board chairman.
"We're very grateful for the continuing support of our Presenting Sponsors Al and Patt Shaw, Lee and Valerie Freeman of Freeman Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Rami Yanni of Vacaville Nissan, Dodge, Hyundai and Buick GMC, Western Health Advantage, DPR Construction and Brett and Mimi Johnson," he added.
The I-80 Jammers bumper car area had been converted to a band shell, where the Vino Banditos - fronted by 95.3 KUIC DJ John Young - performed. In another nook, a collection of Nut Tree hobby horses invited ticket holders to pause on their stroll and take a seat. Goldfish swam in the pond outside the historic Harbison House, and a VIP Lounge offered a cool place to rest a bit and enjoy barbecue sliders prepared by Kinder's.
On the other end of the venue, vendors in the Beer Garden poured more than 20 different labels of beers, and ticket holders were invited to sample refreshing cups of Fenton's ice cream.
The evening's second phase began when ticket holders were invited to cross over to Nut Tree Plaza to learn who the big winners in the Jubilee Raffle were, before dancing to the Time Bandits and taking rides on the Nut Tree Carousel and Train.
The Raffle's grand prize went to local businessman Ray Goodson of Landmark Image, who has the happy task of choosing either a brand-new 2017 Nissan Altima, Buick Verano or Hyundai Sonata.
"I love NorthBay as they have given so much to the Goodsons," noted Ray's wife, PJ. "They've given us employment, good health care, and they even saved my husband's life, just to name a few! I was always taught by the man above that we will receive back ten-fold when you give; I just never thought I would see it in such a direct manner!
The cars were donated by Rami Yanni, general manager of the Vacaville Buick GMC, Hyundai, Nissan and Dodge dealerships.
Among the 80 vendors at the event were Rubio's, a perennial favorite of Jubilee fans. They always draw a crowd for their generous servings of fish tacos, as did Dickey's Barbecue. Clay Oven offered bites of spicy chicken, while Brass Tap poured and plated beers and pretzels.
The evening could not have happened without the tireless work of many volunteers and Jubilee committee members, noted Lou Lopez, interim director of Volunteer Services. They helped set up, serve and tear down tables, chairs, displays and more.
Although numbers are still being tallied, all signs indicate it was another successful event, according to Brett Johnson, president of NorthBay Healthcare Foundation.
And, although the Jubilee is over, the Silent Auction is not. Bids on items are still being accepted at www.NorthBayC2C.org until June 3.
More than 20 ticketholders were winners in Jubilee Cash Raffle. Winning $125 were Shelly Clark (3), Colton James, Aimee Griffiths, R.C. VanVeen, Roseanna Sanders, Kristen Pucher (2), Karen & Brad Sandler, Dave Bast, and Len Dobrowski. Winning $500 were Cheryl Bovee, Robert Sherman, Teresa Gallardo, Paul Burke, Ron Mendez, Mark Ruffner, Kelley Shaddix, Wendy Wasserman, Susan Anderson Seibert and Emily Della Zoppa. Marilyn Hill won $1,000 and Meg Nealon won $2,500.
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