A few weeks ago, I was invited to the Safeway Open Nature Picnic event – where they were going to attempt to break the record for the world’s longest picnic table. I was pretty excited about being asked to attend, and I was curious to learn more about Safeway’s new Open Nature line – which has products made with all natural ingredients and nothing weird you can’t pronounce. I was even more excited when I found out that I would be invited as part of the press – because of my blog! I wasn’t sure what to expect – but when we got to SF on Saturday it was a beautiful day – perfect for a picnic.
![IMG_2198 Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-FaCQe2.jpeg)
![IMG_2199 Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-B2etnj.jpeg)
You could see all the way to the Golden Gate bridge! The hubby and I were able to walk around and explore for a bit before the picnic attendees started showing up and so I couldn’t help myself by snapping a few pictures of the event – which was really lovely. When we first entered, we were greeted by the agenda for the day – which included a demo by Tyler Florence (but more on that later
![Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table :)](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-j4p0TN.jpeg)
![IMG_2200 Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-fTnyeJ.jpeg)
I was really excited about my Media badge, so the hubby took a picture of me
![IMG_2203 Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-J6wvIj.jpeg)
They also had awesome swag bags with Open Nature products for all the attendees…
![IMG_2201 Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-Rr6gzo.jpeg)
As well as a summery, bright decor — full of sunflowers, fresh fruit, and refreshing drinks!
![IMG_2205 Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-cDjhNz.jpeg)
![IMG_2206 Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-0V8xEL.jpeg)
![IMG_2222 Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-wxSmZT.jpeg)
They had a really nice display of all the Open Nature products, and a few folks from Safeway talked to us about the philosophy behind the products: few ingredients, all-natural, no chemicals or anything artificial, and minimal processing which I thought was great. All of the ingredients on the Open Nature products are on the front in big font – so you can see really clearly what’s in the food you’re eating. This is an example of a “big company” getting involved in a problem facing our country and actually making a difference – which I applaud.
![IMG_2209 Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-zJjrKs.jpeg)
![IMG_2215 Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-mbwmX_.jpeg)
![IMG_2219 Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-rZRdwD.jpeg)
![IMG_2220 Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-izrzxw.jpeg)
Oh and of course – the world’s longest picnic table – which broke the record at 305 feet!
![IMG_2207 Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-YP2lIf.jpeg)
![IMG_2221 Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-Gpb0UA.jpeg)
Safeway and Tyler Florence cooked up a delicious meal for all of the picnic attendees – most of which wasn’t vegetarian but there was a cool and refreshing potato salad that I’ll share the recipe for in a later post.
![IMG_2210 Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-qWj25H.jpeg)
Oh and speaking of Tyler Florence – I got to meet him! He was super nice in person – really friendly and cool.
![IMG_2223 Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-D577kI.jpeg)
He did a demo of all the dishes that were made at the picnic. It was like watching the Food Network in real life.
![IMG_2224 Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-C1wyD_.jpeg)
All in all, it was a great day and a really cool event. Thanks Safeway for inviting me and for launching your new Open Nature line! It’s a great step towards helping make all-natural food accessible to people everywhere. Before we left the picnic, the hubby snapped a few pictures of the bay – since gorgeous days in SF are rare occurrences!
![IMG_2211 Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-nHTqGe.jpeg)
![IMG_2212 Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-pf5R7o.jpeg)
![IMG_2214 Safeway Open Nature Picnic & The World’s Longest Picnic Table](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/4/42467/safeway-open-nature-picnic-the-worlds-longest-L-eXcZRF.jpeg)
I’m so grateful that my blog gave me the opportunity to attend this event. It was the perfect way to start the weekend.