Tucked in Yolo County’s North West region is Capay Valley, a region as rich with rolling hills and fertile land as it is with organic farms, farm-to-fork restaurants and friendly faces eager to show off what their community has to offer.

That’s what the region’s Almond Festival — a 108-year-old tradition celebrating the valley’s almond production — is all about.

The annual festival returns this weekend starting at 11 a.m. with music in Esparto Park featuring Sacramento area band Todd Morgan & The Emblems.

Additionally, several local vendors will be present and an almond bake-off contest will be held at the park.

On Sunday, visitors will be encouraged to visit every town in the Capay Valley for special events meant to highlight the region.

To learn more about the weekend events, visit espartoregionalchamber.com/2023-almond-festival.

Laura Gordon, vice president of the Esparto Regional Chamber of Commerce, spearheaded the organization of the event alongside her son and president of the chamber Stephen Gordon.

“We had such an amazing turnout of people wanting to come back,” Gordon said regarding last year’s festival.

She argued that businesses in Esparto, Guinda, Rumsey, Capay and Brooks are eager to welcome thousands of people back to the valley for the second year in a row after two years of cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gordon took leadership of the event for the first time last year, which she argued gave her more confidence in the planning process this time.

“Doing it my second year was a little bit easier, I didn’t know what to expect last year,” she highlighted.

She noted that she was worried to accept the role of vice president of the chamber given that her son is the president, but believes “the community has embraced” them.

Gordon also believes the two make a great team noting that “he finishes my sentences, he knows what I’m thinking, we know just by looking at each other what needs to be done and we don’t take no for an answer.”

“I knew that we could do this together and I hope that we can grow together as a son and mother team because we both want the same for the community and the chamber,” she emphasized. “Just to let it grow.”

Gordon’s son Stephen owns Lucy’s Cafe & Farm Pantry located at 16876 Yolo Ave. in Esparto. He opened the restaurant in 2021 during the pandemic with help from his mom and said the festival brought much-needed business.

“Esparto often gets forgotten about so it’s a great way to let people know that we’re here and we’re not going anywhere,” he emphasized last year. “Our town is small but mighty and ready and open for business.”