CORRALITOS — Amidst a sea of hats, flowers and bright colors, a community came together on Thursday to celebrate Santa Cruz County women involved in and who support agriculture.
Agri-Culture’s Down to Earth Women luncheon, held at Driscoll’s Rancho Corralitos, has been happening for the past 10 years.
The event supports the local organization Agri-Culture’s Focus Agriculture program, the Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship and the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau’s school programs.
This year’s Mistress of Ceremonies, Brittany Nielsen of KSBW, kicked off the event with a speech.
“This is one of the absolute nicest events I get to attend every year,” she said. “It’s so special to be surrounded by other women who have such strong ties to agriculture.”
This year’s guest speakers were Jan Wilson and Carren and Hannah Dixon, the owners of Buttercup Cakes & Farmhouse Frosting.
Buttercup Cakes & Farmhouse Frosting is a multigenerational business, and the owners were honored for their successful entrepreneurship. The business has received praise over the years for its approach to baking, friendly staff and flavors, and are also known to use local and organic ingredients whenever possible.
Attendees of the luncheon were treated to a meal as well as wine provided by Silver Mountain Wineries. A cake server was gifted at each place setting.
Both a live and silent auction were held, with gifts from a number of local businesses.
“The luncheon is the largest gathering like this in the area,” said Jess Brown, Agri-Culture executive director. “For some, it’s the highlight of the year.”
