Local farms, local recipes: celebrating agriculture at Mill Spring Ag Center
Published 3:50 pm Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The Mill Spring Agricultural Centers first Farm to Fork Supper celebrates the local, farm-fresh bounty of Polk County and nearby areas. It features local farm fresh meats, vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and beverages, including La Bouteille Wine and Beer Boutique in Tryon. Open house tours, an InFARMation Station, a silent auction, and 50/50 raffle and live entertainment will be offered at this annual agricultural celebration.
Presenting sponsors for the event include Glenreid Farms off Chesney Hwy., providing grass-fed Boer goat and free-range chicken, and Nelon Knoll Farms, just off Pea Ridge Road, providing bison. Manna Cabanna in Saluda is providing organic produce through its CSA growers in and around Polk County.
Lunsford Farms in Polk County is also providing produce along with Charlenes Garden and the Searcy family of Sunny View.&bsp; Restoration Farms, off Coxe Road, is providing free-range chickens and eggs. Local goat cheeses and goats-milk dessert sauces will be provided from Emerald Springs Farm in Green Creek.
Local Farm to Fork restaurants Stone Soup in Landrum, Wildflour Bakery in Saluda and Beilers Bakery from Columbus Farmers Market are preparing treats and a small army of other highly recognizable community private caterers and chefs are getting side-dishes and desserts together. Harry Denton of Columbus, a BBQ cook-off champion, will help prepare the meats.
Organizers are asking guests to bring your own unique dinner plate that you are willing to leave behind for the Ag Center to use for future events (no plastic or resin plates). The open house will be from 5 to 6 p.m., supper, an auction, music, and a raffle will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are available at Kathleens Gallery in Tryon, the First Peak of the Blue Ridge Travel and Tourism Center, and the Polk Agricultural Development Office in Columbus. Proceeds benefit the restoration of the former Mill Spring School.
For more information, or to donate farm foods or auction items, contact Carol Lynn Jackson at 828-817-2308 or caroljackson@tds.net.