ROSEVILLE, Calif. — The 31st Mountain Mandarin Festival will take place in Roseville this year after moving from Auburn, organizers announced.
The festival typically takes place every year in November at the Gold Country Fairgrounds & Event Center in Auburn, but this year it will be held @the Grounds in Roseville. It's planned for Nov. 22-24.
Gary Gilligan, executive director of the festival, says the location change is due to a 70% rent increase at the fairgrounds.
“Our biggest challenge right now is getting the word out of the new location. We have been at farmer's markets and other events and walked retail districts handing out posters and flyers,” said Gilligan. “With the venue, all the staff @the Grounds have bent over backward to work with us and help us with anything we have needed.”
The festival is excited to not only feature the new location but also new attractions like food, shopping, Placer County mandarins and music.
Visitors can also expect many orange-flavored items like jams, olive oils, balsamic vinegar, chocolates, BBQ sauces and body care products.
“We have a new Artist Village featuring 45 local hand-crafted vendors, we expanded to offer goods and services from 300 total vendors,” Gilligan said. “Our food offerings have expanded with a few more vendors offering anything from corn dogs to Thai mandarin chicken to mandarin mini donuts. Our Main Stage will feature the Tokens, featuring the song ‘The Lion Sleeps Tonight,' each day of the festival.”
According to Gilligan, the Mandarin Festival also is a nonprofit that gives five students a $1,000 scholarship every year. Festival organizers are proud to serve the community outside of mandarins.
“We partner with many local nonprofits that help staff the festival, and the festival thanks them with a generous donation,” Gilligan said. "We also offer local nonprofits opportunities for free or discounted booths so they can raise funds for their group.”
One thing many people don’t realize is putting on a festival has become harder and harder due to rent, attractions and weather.
“One day of rain could bankrupt an event. Our guests always want something new and shiny but it all costs money,” said Gilligan. “We need our sponsors to support the local events, we need the guests to support the local events, and we need our cities and counties to support local events.”
With the help of the community and sponsors over the last couple of years, the Mandarin Festival was responsible for a $3.2 million ‘economic impact’ on the surrounding community.
ABC10 viewers can also save 50% off advance tickets by using the code “ABC10”
Ticket Prices
- Weekend Pass: $25
- General Admission Saturday and Sunday: $12
- Seniors: $8
- Friday Special: $6
- Kids under 12: Free
Mountain Mandarin Festival Schedule
- Friday, Nov. 22: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 23: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 24: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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