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Press Release

Media Contact: Margo Kesler
Tel: 602-264-2655
Email: Margo Media
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 14, 2004

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Celebrate, Participate, Sponsor or Volunteer with 26 Years of the Scottsdale Culinary Festival - April 13 - 18, 2004

Scottsdale, AZ (December 9, 2003) - Get into it … the 2004 Scottsdale Culinary Festival is just around the corner …. celebrate, participate, volunteer or sponsor the Valley's biggest and best culinary event. Achieve that warm and fuzzy feeling by supporting a wonderful cause - arts education programs - by getting involved with the 26th Annual Scottsdale Culinary Festival. Gourmet food takes center stage April 13-18, 2004 as wineries, chefs, celebrities, locals and tourists alike gather together for an unprecedented culinary gala.

It's hard to imagine a better time or place-from orange blossoms and beautiful weather to fiery sunsets and the best chefs in the Southwest- to escape for a long weekend of entertainment and incredible cuisine. At the Scottsdale Culinary Festival - food becomes art - make it come alive for you by participating, volunteering or attending. The six-day event includes ten distinct events. Taste and sip your way through:

Tuesday evening, April 13: "Feasting with the Authors", A festive evening with national and local authors, food samplings from the authors' latest cookbooks, and wine tasting of specially-paired wines at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. ($75 per person)

Wednesday evening, April 14: "National Culinary Student Competition Awards Dinner", Honor outstanding culinary students from around the country while enjoying their award winning recipes with proceeds benefiting the Scottsdale Boys and Girls Club at the Hyatt Regency at Gainey Ranch. ($100 per person)

Thursday evening, April 15: "Hall of Fame Awards Dinner", Enjoy a spectacular dinner at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess while honoring local, national and international culinary aficionados. ($100 per person)

Friday evening, April 16: "A Caterers' Fare", Guests sample tastings from some of the best caterers in the Valley and wineries in the Country. ($75 per person to include all food, beverages, and entertainment.)

Saturday, April 17 & Sunday April 18: "Great Arizona Picnic", Soak up the sunshine as you leisurely stroll and titillate your taste buds with food from dozens of the Valley's best restaurants while relaxing to the sounds of live entertainment. One of the most celebrated culinary events, with an entrance fee of $5 per person for those over 12 years old.

Saturday, April 17 & Sunday April 18: "Cooks & Corks", Feel the energy as both Nationally acclaimed and the Valley's own best celebrity chefs win your heart as they design cuisine to satisfy every palate. Taste and sip your way through a "Wonderful Gourmet World of Food and Wine." ($45 per person)

Saturday, April 17 & Sunday April 18: "Southwest Festival of Beers", Imagine icy cold, refreshing beers at the spectacular Beer Garden featuring more than 200 specialty brews. It's every beer lover's dream come true. ($5 per person includes souvenir mug)

Saturday evening, April 17: "Le Tour Culinaire", Black tie attire sets the tone for a five star night as you and 23 other guests are taken on a progressive dinner joyride. Indulge in a three-course dinner with a different course at some of the Valley's most prominent restaurants. A winemaker accompanies each coach and pairs the wines with the dinner courses. Begin with a champagne reception at the Westin Kierland and return there for dessert and dancing. Each coach can accommodate 25 people. ($175 per person)

Sunday morning, April 18: "Wine Country Brunch", Unlimited bubbles greet you as you peruse spectacular silent auction items. This always sold out event patiently awaits the brunch bell, a meet and greet with winemakers. Sample a luscious, sumptuous buffet from classic eggs benedict to carved beef tenderloin. ($55 per person)

Sunday evening, April 18: "Best of the Fest", Culminate the entire weekend with a food fantasy. Revel in a five-course wine paired dinner prepared by a local chef for a group of 20 guests, at the Hyatt Regency at Gainey Ranch. ($150 per person).

This celebrated extravaganza goes a lot deeper than just raising a fork and quaffing a glass of wine. The Scottsdale League for the Arts (SLA) has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for arts and art education programs benefiting children throughout the Valley of the Sun.

Fundraising is the driving force behind the six-day event and this year, the 26th celebration, SLA attracts celebrity chefs and local and national media in order to raise record amounts for the charity. This is not your typical fundraiser atmosphere. From the fresh air and incredible cuisine to live entertainment-all your senses will tell you how great it feels, tastes, smells and sounds.

SLA contributes to several Valley organizations, including the Scottsdale Center for the Arts, the Arts in Education council, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. SLA is a non-profit volunteer organization made up of concerned and caring individuals who invest their time and effort to raise funds for the arts and art education programs.

SLA is looking for positive and motivated people to volunteer at the Scottsdale Culinary Festival. It's a wonderful way to get involved in the community and expand your knowledge about the arts and culinary fields. To find out more information on becoming a volunteer please call Scottsdale League for the Arts at (480) 945-7193.

For a full schedule of events please visit the web site at www.ScottsdaleCulinaryFestival.org or call (480) 945-7193. Memberships are available for $125 annually. This is a fun way to become involved in your community and expand your knowledge in the art and culinary fields.