The Arboretum is constantly looking for new events and activities that will create interest in our facility, while providing enjoyment and educational enrichment for people of all ages. In addition to our major events, we are constantly planning several smaller specialty fundraising and family oriented events during the year. Some of these events planned are (see Calendar section for more information:

Tomato Tasting and Sizzlin’ Summer Salsa Contest
Contest Results Announced

The annual Tomato Tasting and Sizzlin’ Summer Salsa Contest was held at the Arboretum on Saturday August 14, and dozens of entries competed for many coveted titles. Three categories were planned for the tomato tasting portion of the event. They included best Cherry, Paste and Slicer tomatoes.

This contest runs every August between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and is open to the public at no charge. Guests and entrants came prepared to get “fired up” with home-grown tomatoes in bags, clearly labeled, to the tomato tasting tables. There, they were cut up in bite-size morsels for all to sample, savor and select their favorites. All ballots were tallied later and the People’s Choice for the top 3 tomatoes of 2010 have been declared.

Salsa must be made with home-grown tomatoes and peppers and then the sky’s the limit! We ask contestants to provide 3 two-ounce containers of salsa with lids for the salsa judges and 4 cups (1 quart) for guests to taste. Three categories were selected; Wimpy or Mild and Mannerly (very mild); Now You’re Talkin’! (medium to medium hot); and Hot Cha Cha !!! (get the fire extinguisher).

The Favorite Tomatoes By Category Were:

• Cherry (Snow White variety)-17 votes out of 32---a clear favorite.
• Paste (Super Marzano variety)-23 votes out of 35—another clear favorite.
• Slicer (Big Rainbow variety)-16 votes out of 77—but Carbon variety was a close second with 15 votes and Odoriko variety third with 12 votes.

Sizzlin' Summer Salsa Contest 2010 Results Were:

People's Choice: "Dipping Good" by Joe Reilly

The 2010 edition of the Teeny Tiny Tomato Lover's Cookbook is now available. Along with delicious recipes and suggestions of things to do with an over abundant tomato crop, we have added winning salsa recipes from the last 3 years. Well worth $5 and a great addition to anyone's collection of special cookbooks. Interested parties should contact the Friends office at 657-278-4010 to arrange for pickup.

Many thanks to the volunteers who helped with this event (both Tomato Tasting and Salsa): Rora Censarn, Susan Crawford, Louie De Arman, Pat Florentine, Camellia Sornstein, Inga and Bill Wallace, Irene Marsh, Sandy Potter and Jan Gross.

Special Summer Hours

While not a special event, the Fullerton Arboretum offers extended summer evening hours for visitors to enjoy twilight and dusk in a beautiful summer setting. We also offer many special “Arboretum Tuesdays”, in which special programs and events are planned for the family. Note: because of the unique setting in the Arboretum, picnics and small private parties or gatherings are not allowed. If you have any questions about grounds policies prior to your visit, contact our reception desk at (657) 278-3407. Or, if you have questions about business meetings, weddings or other larger events, contact our Facilities Rental Manager, Liz Gilson, at (657) 278-4791 or email to egilson@fullerton.edu.

The Arboretum will be extending visiting hours (Monday through Thursday only) during the months of July, August and September, so residents and guests can enjoy evenings at the Arboretum. Normal hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily; however during July the Arboretum will be open until 8:00 p.m., August 7:30 p.m. and September 7:00 p.m.

The Arboretum is a beautiful sanctuary in the evening and particularly at sunset, when a wide variety of birds, insects and other animals become active. For first-time visitors, the Arboretum is a breathtaking and refreshing “oasis” from the pace of day-to-day life in Orange County. Visitors are encouraged to visit the Arboretum during one of these extended “hours” days in the summer. Plan a nature hike and be sure to bring the family. Admission to the Arboretum is free ($5 charge per family for special activities). However donations are encouraged at the front desk to support the gardens and our educational programs.