By Cris Alarcon, InEDC Writer. (July 28, 2025)
CAMINO, Calif. — A beloved local tradition returns this summer as 20 Mile Taste, the signature fundraising event for El Dorado County Ag in the Classroom (AITC), is set to take place at Rainbow Orchards on Saturday, August 23, from 4 to 7 p.m.
Hosted beneath the apple trees of one of Apple Hill’s most iconic family farms, this event brings the community together for an evening of local food, live music, and support for agriculture-based education in area schools. Guests can expect a picnic-style dinner catered by Chef John Sanders of Placerville’s Old Town Grill, featuring herb-crusted pork loin with stone fruit compote, roasted marble potatoes, and fresh field greens with jicama, grape tomatoes, and feta. A vegetarian option is also available upon request.
Tickets for the event are $62, with $40 of that serving as a direct donation to AITC’s programs. The remaining $20 covers the cost of the meal, which also includes cornbread, watermelon-cucumber salad, and dessert pastries, capped off by Rainbow’s signature hot apple cider donuts. Guests will have the option to dine on-site among the orchards or take their meals to go.
Entertainment will be provided by the local folk group Hither and Yon, while wine, beer, sangria, and hard cider will be available for purchase. A silent auction will offer opportunities to bid on local experiences, artisan goods, and more, all to benefit Ag in the Classroom’s mission of integrating agriculture into K-12 curricula across El Dorado County.
“20 Mile Taste is not just about the food—it’s about keeping the story of farming alive in our classrooms,”
said AITC Executive Director Jennifer Steed.
“When you buy a ticket, you’re helping connect local kids with the land, the farmers, and the science behind what they eat.”
Rainbow Orchards is located at 2569 Larsen Drive in Camino. To reserve a table or note dietary preferences, attendees are encouraged to leave a comment at checkout or contact info@agintheclass-edc.org.
Tickets and additional event details are available at https://www.agintheclass-edc.org
Chef John Sanders of Placerville’s Old Town Grill is renowned locally for blending culinary expertise with community spirit. With more than four decades in the food industry and over a decade serving as Executive Chef for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, Sanders now leads the kitchen at Old Town Grill on Main Street—a beloved Hangtown destination.
Career Journey & Community Roots
Born in the Bay Area and raised in Sacramento from age 12, Sanders knew by age 10 that he was destined to be a chef. After earning credentials from the Culinary Institute of America, he refined his craft in restaurants across the country before taking on the Executive Chef role for the Sacramento Kings for more than 10 years. In 2001, he and his wife Debbi opened Old Town Grill in Placerville, where he has since built a reputation for quality, local flavor, and hospitality.
Philosophy & Giving Back
Sanders often reflects,
“A life of service is what our Good Lord designed for me, service through food.”
He is recognized not only for his culinary accomplishments but also for his community-focused approach to business. The City of Placerville honored him with a proclamation in 2018 for his local contributions, and in 2021, he served as Grand Marshal of the Hangtown Christmas Parade.
He employs youth from foster care or difficult backgrounds at his restaurant. One former employee now manages day-to-day operations, allowing Sanders to devote more time to speaking engagements and mentorship. His outreach reflects a deep commitment to elevating others through culinary craftsmanship and compassion.
Local Flavor & Event Presence
Sanders frequently lends his talents to community events in El Dorado County. He has crafted gourmet dinners for fundraising occasions such as Rainbow Orchards’ 20 Mile Taste and Apple Hill’s. The menus combine seasonal produce with elevated comfort dishes—often served as to‑go boxes or picnic‑style meals under orchard canopies.
Whether you’re enjoying his signature burgers at Old Town Grill or dining under the apple trees at Rainbow Orchards, Chef John Sanders continues to shape El Dorado County’s food culture—one plate at a time.
