When fresh, delicious food is served up Sept. 8 at the 10th-annual Farm to Table dinner at Canticle Farm on South Nine Mile Road in Allegany, N.Y., the event will not only provide good eats, but also a “flavor-infused experience.”
That’s the word from Eva Potter of the Canticle Farm board of directors who sponsor the event yearly to raise much-needed funds for the community-supported, all-natural farm on South Nine Mile Road. The farm gates open at 3 p.m. and dinner service will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m, before the event draws to a close at 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for those 10 years of age and younger.
Potter said she and the other organizers are hopeful for fair skies and weather to ensure a successful fundraiser for the non-profit farm.
“It’s our biggest fundraiser and it’s important to us that people come and enjoy and support the farm,” Potter said. “When it’s a nice day we have the tents set up and everything, you can wander around and take a farm tour. You can also walk out to the labyrinth (on the grounds) and just relax and enjoy the property.”
She said all who visit are expected to enjoy a gourmet, four-course dinner, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options prepared by two chefs. Also on the menu are delicious, hand-passed hors d’oeuvres as well as lemonade, coffee, tea and water in tented areas.
Cold craft beer from Four Mile Brewing, and wine, will also be available for purchase. Live music will be performed by the State Street Ramblers to round out activities.
“Usually there are between 230 and 250 people,” Potter continued. “People generally arrive between 3 and 3:30 because they genuinely enjoy being on the farm.”
In addition to the farm tours, parents can take their children for vegetable patch scavenger hunts, she added.
She said the event will also feature rock painting to decorate stones with inspirational words or inscriptions. The rocks can be placed on the farm or taken home.
“We’re also having a cooking demonstration,” she said. “Dutch Padlo is making zucchini fritters, I believe.”
Potter said another popular feature of the event is the basket raffle which comprises dozens of baskets containing a wide variety of items.
“We have a really great basket raffle every year,” she said. “There are lots of really great baskets donated by local businesses and individuals … we’re so grateful for their support, we really are.”
For her part, Sister Melissa Scholl, president of Canticle Farm, said the “exciting event provides a wonderful opportunity to join together in community and make lasting memories.
“It’s an excellent way for the whole family to enjoy a fun afternoon outdoors,” she remarked.
Potter said that as the event is conducted solely by volunteers, any and all help is appreciated.
“Everyone from high school students to shareholders at the farm help with this,” she said. “So anyone can sign up to be a volunteer.”
To volunteer or purchase tickets visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/canticlefarm, stop by the Farm Market on Old State Road in Allegany or call (716)373-0200, ext. 3358. Tickets are also available at the gate.
(Contact reporter Kate Day Sager at kate_th@yahoo.com. Follow her on Twitter, @OTHKate)
