Sacramento Jewish Food Fair Expands, Hosts First ‘Best Bagel’ Contest

The 48th annual Sacramento Jewish Food Fair drew large crowds yesterday at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, expanding to a larger venue and adding a new “Best Bagel Contest” to its traditional offerings.

The yearly event, which took place on Sunday, featured classic Jewish cuisine including matzo ball soup, pastrami sandwiches, lox and bagels with schmear, and a wine garden. Attendees noted the increased size of the fair compared to its usual location at Congregation Beth Shalom, reflecting growing community demand. “I enjoy going to food festivals of any sort, and yesterday I ended up at the Serbian Food Festival and I found out there was a Jewish Food Festival here and I had to go,” said one attendee. “The fun and the people and the culture… It’s trying new foods, that kind of thing.”

The festival’s popularity was evident in comments from long-time attendees. “I haven’t missed it for years. I’ve gone every year, and now you had to get here early just to get a… listen, the lox bagels. But the capers, little tomato, onion. Man could go for some right now,” remarked another visitor. The event provides a significant cultural experience for the Sacramento region, fostering community and celebrating Jewish traditions. For those interested in learning more about Jewish cuisine, resources are available at My Jewish Learning.

Organizers stated the expansion and addition of the “Best Bagel Contest” were direct responses to increased attendance in recent years. The fair continues to be a beloved Sacramento tradition, showcasing both culinary delights and community spirit. Further details about future events can be found on the Jewish Community of Sacramento website.

Officials indicated they plan to continue evaluating options for future growth to accommodate the event’s increasing popularity.