About 150 persons sat at one long table stretching the length of Fourth Street in downtown Ceres Saturday evening for conversation, some for wine and all for good food. The “One Table, One Community” event, sponsored by the Ceres Chamber of Commerce, followed a successful event held last year at this time.
Sitting at the long table –comprised of about 17 six-feet-long tables stretching for 156 feet long – were a varied collection of people, including business people and local politicians.
“It went really well,” said Renee Ledbetter of the Ceres Chamber of Commerce. “We had such a blast seeing old friends and meeting new ones.”
A warm late summer sun beat down on the set up crew who set up tables for the event but things cooled down dramatically for dinner.
“As the evening grew later it just kind of cooled down. It was perfect weather in the evening.”
The $25-per-person event started at 6 p.m. with a wine stroll which introduced or reintroduced the community to Fourth Street businesses hosting stations where local wines produced by Berryhill Winery and Bronco Wine companies were served. Stations were located at Ede’s Cantina, Embroidery Plus, Flawless Hair Studio, Farmer’s Insurance / Natalie Mercado, and PennyStyle Co. Those wanting to sample wines paid $10 for a glass and unlimited samples from vendors such as Bronco, French Bar Wine and Delicato Winery. The sponsors of the wine portion of event were Bronco Winery and Kase Manufacturing.
Those who wanted to drink beer pay $5 to enjoy brews provided by Bud Light and Blaker Brewing. Liquor Locker sponsored the beer tasting.
A buffet dinner started at 7 p.m. and included delectable tastings from local restaurants including Alfonso’s Mexican Grill, Azteca Cocina, Ede’s Cantina & Grill, La Cascada Restaurant, Little Mexico City Restaurant, Pastas Pronto, Rico’s Pizza, Sam’s Cafe and the kitchen at Save Mart.
Fun activities offered included a photo booth set up by Sharky & Mella’s Creative Design as well as a large Jenga game.
Other sponsors of the event included Seth D. Baker, CenCal Portables, Kathy Cross, Donna DeHart, Exit Realty, Meyer CPR & First Aid, Jeff Moore, Pastas Pronto / Marie Joiner, Save Mart, Sharky & Mella’s Creative Design, Social Media Revenue and Vanessa Valencia.
Ledbetter said that the Chamber may do a different event next year in downtown with officials toying with the idea of a progressive dinner to bring people into restaurants in the area.
Downtown Ceres, which was renovated in 2017 in a $3.1 million project, has seen a resurgence in new business activity.
The city is planning to host a Trunk Or Treat event on Halloween evening in lieu of its annual Halloween Festival.
