Pastrami and corned beef sandwiches are among the deli-style offerings at the Sacramento Jewish Food Faire on Oct. 12. Photo by Susan Maxwell Skinner

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - A Carmichael event for 47 years, Congregation Beth Shalom’s Sacramento Jewish Food Faire will this year serve treats at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center on H Street, Sacramento.

Volunteers will break out the bagels on Oct. 12.

The annual event survived pandemic years with drive-through service. Returning to an in-person celebration this year, organizers decided their nosh-fest had outgrown the congregation’s El Camino Avenue campus.

“What began nearly half a century ago as a small, cultural gathering has blossomed into one of Sacramento’s most-anticipated festivals,” said event co-chair Theresa Golden.

This year’s festival adds drama with a Best Bagel Contest. Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty is among the VIP judges of offerings from local bakeries.

While the lox-and-bagel classic is an all-time festival favorite, a broader palate is indulged with corned beef and pastrami sandwiches. Vegetarian options include an Israeli salad medley. Matzo ball soup, chopped liver and sliced meats are available as eat-in or take-home choices.  Pastries, macaroons, blintzes and cookies are among the desserts.  

 Most of the menu is prepared locally.

“We support nearby businesses as much as possible,” Golden said. “The faire is very much a Sacramento event that’s free and open to everyone with lots of parking. We’ll also provide children’s activities, music, a wine garden and vendor booths.

 "The new location." Golden added, "gives us space to welcome more people than ever and to keep our traditions alive in a bigger, better way.”

The Sacramento Jewish Food Faire runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 12. The Scottish Rite Masonic Center is located at 6151 H St., Sacramento.

For more information, visit online www.sacjewishfoodfaire.com.