THE TASTE
Longhorn Legacy: where western roots meet school spirit!

Every November, BEF throws a party for our three schools. The Taste brings the whole valley together for one night of really good food, drinks and neighbors. The best restaurants, caterers and chefs in the valley set up shop, the wine and local beer are flowing, and you'll run into friends, neighbors and the teachers who make our schools what they are.

And every ticket, auction bid, and sponsorship goes right back to Basalt Public Schools.

Here's what that looked like last year. BEF awarded more than $47,500 in scholarships to graduating seniors and gave $120,000 in teacher and administrator grants for things the district budget doesn't cover: a greenhouse, STEM materials, library resources, high school clubs and more. Every elementary grade got an Art Day. Kids learned to ice skate and ride bikes, dug into school gardens and got outside to learn in ways a classroom can't match. And we committed to funding half of a College and Career Counselor at Basalt High School for the next five years, so every student has someone in their corner when they plan what comes next.

That's more than 1,200 Longhorns, K–12, getting experiences they wouldn't have otherwise. It all starts with nights like this one.

A big thank you to Alpine Bank, our 2026–27 Community Partner, and to all of our Annual Event Sponsors. We couldn't do it without you.

Hotel Jerome: One Night stay with Breakfast Package