Press

from local newspapers across the Treasure Valley...

Idaho Press - August 4, 2011:

BOISE — You’ve got to have a little bit of soul. On Saturday there will be a whole lot of it at the Northwest’s largest and longest running event of its kind, the Boise Soul Food Extravaganza.

What began as a small local gathering nearly 20 years ago now celebrates its 19th year of offering up sumptuous southern delicacies that range from collard greens and hoppin’ John to Memphis dry ribs and sweet potato pie. All of these mouth-watering delights are served up with true southern-style hospitality amid an atmosphere of live gospel, R&B and blues music, and friendly family fun.

Boise Weekly - August 3, 2011

The most heart-stoppingly delicious food festival in Idaho will take over Julia Davis Park on Saturday, Aug. 6. Started in 1993, the Boise Soul Food Extravaganza returns year after year to "increase the awareness of African-American culture represented in the Treasure Valley Community through a shared, enlightening, entertaining and educational experience, while supporting charitable causes in our community." And it's one of the best-tasting educational experiences you'll ever have.

Idaho Statesman - August 5, 2011

This is the 19th year for the Soul Food Extravaganza, which brings thousands to Julia Davis Park for food, music and community. It started as a pot-luck picnic to bring together Boise’s African-American community. As the circle widened, and more people kept coming, it expanded into an annual festival. Today it is the largest soul food festival in the Northwest.

Over the years, organizers have incorporated a stronger multicultural element, says Gordie Tamayo, part of this year’s organizing committee. You’ll find more than traditional soul food but plenty that fuels the soul.

“We’re keeping true to the spirit that founded this event,” says Tamayo, who is Latino, “and we’re inviting even more of the community to participate.”

The Idaho Statesman - August 5, 2005

Check out the 13th annual Soul Food Extravaganza Saturday in Julia Davis Park from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The year menu this year, like most years, includes barbecue beef, pork and chicken, jambalaya, fried catfish, sweet potato pie and collard greens, to name a few items.

Expect local vendors such as Chef Roland's Cajun Cuisine, Brother Brown's Bar-B-Q and B and B Soul Food.

Food tickets cost $1 (items range from $1 to $3). Other than that cost, the family-oriented event is free and will feature an impressive line-up of live music starting at 11 a.m.

Idaho Press Tribune - August 6, 2005

written by Leslie Welshimer

Rich Williams, event coordinator, said his goals for the venue include "continuing to educate the public on the presence of, and the contributions made, by Idaho's Black Community. We strive to foster camaraderie between all groups, instill family core values and share our rich culture with the residents of the Treasure Valley."

At the venue, Williams said, "attendees will get the chance to sample Soul Food, the food that our forefathers were forced to eat. The leftovers, the scraps that slave owners considered useless. You'll also hear the music that is such an integral part of our history, from gospel music to R&B."

About 12,000 people came out to feast on soul food and experience the event in 2004.

Admission is free. Food tickets are $1 each and prices range from one to eight tickets.

For the kids, there will be an Astro Jump, face painting and a Tumble Bus.

"I like being a part of something that gives back to the community. We target local, non-profit organizations only and donate all the proceeds. And, every one of us is a volunteer," Williams said.