16 Years of the Boise Soul Food Extravaganza Making Idaho History
The Soul Food Extravaganza (SFE) began in 1993 as a large picnic to foster camaraderie among the Treasure Valley's growing African American community and to share the down-home staples with different groups around the Boise, Idaho area. The original sponsor of the event was the Treasure Valley Intercultural Association (T.V.I.A), a network providing friendship, cultural enrichment and support for the African American "pilgrims" of the Idaho Treasure Valley. The T.V.I.A hoped the event would serve as a focal point to bring the Idaho community together so that Black, White, Hispanic and other Treasure Valley residents could learn about each other's cultures and to assist the areas charitable organizations. The first picnic also highlighted African American arts and crafts.
That first SFE was held at that Cathedral of the Rockies, near downtown Boise with about 100 people in attendance. In 1997, SFE moved to Julia Davis Park and the Gene Harris bandshell in order to accommodate the approximate 1,000 people in attendance and over 700 meals were served. This year's projection for attendance is 10,000 to 12,000 people! Throughout the years, musical groups, dance ensembles, fashion shows, entertainment for children, merchandise and food vendors have been added to the Boise Soul Food event, providing a little something for everyone.
Due to the overwhelming popularity and increasing size of the event, a volunteer committee was established in 1997 to exclusively sponsor SFE....The Soul Food Extravaganza Committee. The committee's sole purpose is to make certain that the SFE continues to grow, evolve and remain an integral part of the Boise, Idaho and the Treasure Valley's cultural life. The committee promises to keep the flavor and spirit of the event as the original organizers intended: Keeping with the tradition of service and education of the public. To that end, SFE is sponsored by Capital Contributions, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. All net proceeds of the event will continue to be donated to Boise and Idaho charities. In the past SFE has had privilege to partner with and contribute to several community-based organizations such as Genesis Outreach Medical Clinic, Life's Kitchen, Idaho Black History Museum, Idaho Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Boise Rescue Mission, El-Ada Community Action Agency, Families of MAC, Ronald McDonald House, Meals on Wheels, Women's and Children's Alliance, and the Idaho Youth Ranch.
The size of the 1997 event convinced organizers that the food demands of the event could not continue to be supported by individual volunteers cooking in their homes. Professional food service and facilities were solicited, under strict guidelines set forth by the committee. Angell's Bar & Grill, Brother Browns BBQ, Nagel Beverage, A Piece of Cake, United Dairymen and Boise Best Kettle Korn, are all long term food vendors that annually commit to making the Soul Food Extravaganza a success.
SFE has been very fortunate to receive Financial support from:
Albertsons, Key Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, CITI, American Family Insurance, Hewlett-Packard, SuperValu;
Product support from:
Hayden Beverage, Nagel Beverage, United Dairymen, PBZ Marketing Communications, Boise Weekly, Boise Online Mall, Yesco Signs, Boise Metro Express Car Wash, The Source Store;
Logistical support from:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), Stan's Golf Carts, Darling International, ABC Sanitation, Specialty Consulting and Construction Supply, Williams-Scotsman, Event Rent, and Tate's Rents.
The SFE Committee extends its sincere gratitude to the many creative minds that first conceived the idea of Soul Food Extravaganza, as well as the hard work put forth by the many volunteers who helped the idea blossom into reality. We are committed to continuing to expand and evolve. Our goal is to become the foremost multicultural event in the state, inclusive of all people, regardless of ethnicity, color, religion, sexual preference, age, physical ability or perceived differences.