Outstanding in the Field at Happy Valley Farm

A long-table dinner at Happy Valley Farm

The event is a multi-course communal farm-to-table dinner in Santa Cruz, set outdoors at a long table beneath an heirloom orchard canopy. It is tied directly to the farm: Happy Valley is described as the place where the idea for Outstanding in the Field originated, with founder Jim Denevan returning to his brother Bill Denevan’s orchard.

Bill Denevan’s orchard background

The farm story centers on host farmer Bill Denevan, who found an old Newtown Pippin apple orchard in 1975 and helped turn it into Happy Valley Farm. The orchard’s earlier planter, known as Cowboy, is part of the event background, and the dinner is described as honoring the farm’s history and the figure who helped it thrive.

Happy Valley Farm’s current plantings include six acres of apple trees, two acres of pears, one acre of citrus and stone fruit, two acres of avocados, and five acres of Pinot Noir grapes.

Jim Denevan, Brad Briske, and I. Brand

The named culinary team includes Jim Denevan and friends, with Brad Briske from HOME as guest chef. Ian Brand of I. Brand & Family Winery is listed as the guest winery.

Jim Denevan’s connection to the site is direct: he spent his teenage years tending rows and hauling apple crates under Bill Denevan’s tutelage, later refined his craft at Santa Cruz’s Gabriella Café, and returns as the founder of Outstanding in the Field.

Timing, price, and transfer policy

The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:45 PM. The published ticket price is $428.03 in USD, and the policy says no refunds or credits are given if a participant cannot attend, though tickets can be transferred to someone else with the required guest information provided at least 24 hours before the event.