Proclamation of the City Council of Sebastopol Proclaiming August 2015 as Gravenstein Apple Month

By August 11, 2015 News
A Proclamation of the City Council Proclaiming August 2015 as Gravenstein Apple Month

Slow Food Russian River is honored by this Proclamation dated August 4th, 2015 of the City Council of Sebastopol Proclaiming August 2015 as Gravenstein Apple Month, which we publish here verbatum.

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Whereas, the Gravenstein Apple is recognized as a special and endangered heirloom variety that plays an important role in the bio-diversity and cultural heritage of Sebastopol; and

Whereas, among the more than one thousand known apple varieties, the Gravenstein is widely regarded as one of the best eating and baking apples; and

Proclamation Gravenstein Apple MonthWhereas, the vast majority of commercially grown and backyard Gravenstein apples are grown in Sonoma County; and while at one time there were more than ten thousand acres in the county planted in Gravensteins, now only less than five hundred acres remain; and

Whereas, it is among the 6 foods in the United States, and the only one in California, to be chosen by the International Slow Food movement to be a Presidium – worldwide projects to help communities and producers save and protect endangered foods and our culinary and agricultural heritage; and

Whereas, a large group of dedicated members of Slow Food Russian River have been working for over 14 years to support local apple growers and promote fresh Gravensteins and Gravenstein products; and

Whereas, Sebastopol staged its first Apple Show in 1910 on Main Street in a tent across from the Petaluma and Santa Rosa Railway Depot; and

Whereas, every year, the Gravenstein Apple Fair is hosted by Sonoma County Farm Trails and has a long and rich history in Sonoma County; and

Whereas, this small event celebrating the tart but sweet apple called the Gravenstein became an annual bash occurring every August, and continues to focus on showcasing apples and apple products during the peak of their season, continuing the history and culture of Sebastopol.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Mayor Patrick Slayter, on behalf of the City Council of the City of Sebastopol do hereby proclaim August 2015 as Gravenstein Apple Month in the City of Sebastopol and encourage the citizens of Sebastopol to attend the Gravenstein Apple Fair, August 8-9, 2015.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the City of Sebastopol this 4th day of August, 2015.

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