STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Belly up to cowboy cuisine, mechanical bull riding and music from one of country music’s emerging performers as the Sun Valley Culinary Institute holds its Fall Gathering 2023 fundraiser.

The country western food and wine experience will be held from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 at Elk Run Ranch in Hailey.

Proceeds will support the Institute’s Professional Fund, which provides scholarships to culinary students and helps with their housing costs.

The gathering will feature inventive cuisine from Chef Rodrigo Herrera of Vintage Restaurant, Chef Taveesak “Dang” Chanthasuthisom of Dang Thai Cuisine and Chef Adam Fisher of Gretchen’s at Sun Valley Resort. It also will feature award-winning wines from exclusive vintners and regionally sourced craft beers from Warfield Distillery & Brewery. All that will be capped by dessert around a bonfire.

Kurt Van Meter, who has shared the stage with Blake Shelton, David Alan Coe, Garth Brooks and others,  will provide live entertainment, while guests test their skill on mechanical bulls, at cornhole tossing and other activities. Live auction items will include James Beard Award-winning chef dinners, regional food and wine tours to Chicago, Seattle and other destinations.

The Culinary Institute’s board member Corry Clayville said she is excited to host the event given that the Institute offers a culinary arts education that benefits the valley’s hospitality industries.

“The Fall Gathering fundraiser is going to be an incredible event,” said SVCI Executive Director Karl Uri. “Connecting to supporters while celebrating food and the community allows us to accomplish our education goals: educating culinarians, assisting the Valley’s workforce and offering a unique space everyone can enjoy, from cooking classes and dinners to events and parties.”

Tickets are $350 and sponsorship opportunities are available.  https://sunvalleyculinary.org/