The community is invited to celebrate an evening of local, farm-fresh food and artisanal beverages grown and made in and around Polk County at the Farm to Fork

dinner on Saturday, Oct. 13. Join local farmers, area chefs, bakers, caterers, winemakers and “foodies” as they prepare a gourmet, buffet style community feast using local, seasonal ingredients.
Executive chef Amanda Greene and partner Adrian Nelson will be the on-site chefs for the evening’s feast, which is the Mill Spring Ag Center’s largest fundraiser of the year. Greene, a native of Western North Carolina, volunteered to commandeer this year’s line up of fresh, local meats, produce, cheese, breads and more.
“Growing up in the Appalachian Mountains, I came to love the local fare of our hard working farmers and the meaning of family,” said Greene, who now works at Landrum’s Stone Soup, owned by one of the strongest supporters of fresh, farm to table menus in the area, Suzanne Strickland.
Arrive early to tour the ag center, visit the Farm Store for a warm cup of kudzu-chai tea, view local art displays and shop the silent auction, which offers a wide array of items from practical garden items like a shovel donated by Cowan’s Hardware to more luxurious things such as a night’s stay at the Pine Crest Inn or a personal in-home chef dinner from Greene.
At 6 p.m., Homeward Angels will kick off the evening’s dinner with a white dove release.
In keeping with Farm to Fork tradition, the meal will be prepared using as many fresh, local ingredients from the area as possible and will highlight the diversity of foods and artisan beverages available in the region. Many local restaurants, chefs, growers and bakers will contribute dishes using products donated from our local resources, and options will be available for both carnivores and vegetarians.
This year, the ag center is asking guests to bring a cloth, patterned napkin and a pint size Ball jar that you are willing to leave behind for the Ag Center to use for future events. Past years’ guests have brought plates and soup bowls, which will adorn this year’s tables.
The evening will conclude with the announcement of silent auction and raffle winners. All benefits go directly to the Mill Spring Ag Center’s ongoing projects. This year’s profits will be primarily used to finish the small business center, continue work in the auditorium and begin the demonstration kitchen.
For more information on the ag center or Farm to Fork, visit www.polkcountyfarms.org or contact mindywiener@gmail.com.
Tickets may be purchased at the Mill Spring Farm Store, online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/262652.

Farm to Fork schedule of events
5:30 p.m.    Tours of the ag center, In”farm”ation Station,
silent auction, music by Dereliction of Duty
6 p.m.    Dove release by Homeward Angels
6:30 p.m.    Appetizers followed by supper
8 p.m.    Letters to Abigail concert, dessert
9 p.m.    Silent auction, raffle winners announced