For the second time in 8 years, the Manchester community hosted the 5 Healthy Towns Farm to Table Fabulous Feast at Alber Orchard & Cider Mill and Freedom Winery. 155 people attended, and our gratitude goes out to all those who support the Farmers Markets in Chelsea, Dexter (Winter Market), Grass Lake, Manchester, and Stockbridge.
“The Farm to Table Fabulous Feast brings together the best of our five healthy towns, highlighting the finest local ingredients, prepared by dedicated local chefs who generously devote their time to this incredible event,” said Steve Petty, 5HF CEO. “We are sincerely grateful to every volunteer for their participation, which in turn contributes to the vibrant farmers markets we enjoy!”
On a beautiful late summer day, the venue offered a glimpse into a successful local farm business. The new event barn at Alber Orchard & Cider Mill was constructed using lumber from an old barn that had been carefully disassembled. The decorating committee used antique tablecloths and historic decorations. Songbird Blooms from Grass Lake donated many flowers to add a perfect touch to the venue!
The Chef Team prepared a delicious array of seasonal dishes, including smoked duck with goat cheese, smoked pork shoulder, braised collard greens and apple corn cake with Michigan sweet corn ice cream. Our gratitude goes out to Dan Huntsbarger from Moveable Feast, Emmanuel Saintain from Manchester Market, Emily Vanderwaard from Chelsea Ale House, Keegan Rodgers from Lakehouse Bakery, Keith Stiglitz from Chelsea, Michaela Levanseler from Smokey Michigan, Phil Tolliver from Smokehouse 52 and Travis Ringler from Silver Maples planned a 5-course meal including local produce donated from area farms. Generous food donations came from Goetz Greenhouse & Family Farm, Old Brick Farm LLC, Kermit’s Pad, Kapnick Orchards, Arbor Spring Farms, Tantre Farm, Jacob’s Fresh Farm, Marks Farm and Greenhouse, Lands of Bru-Garick, White Lotus Farms, Calder Dairy and Farms, Agricole Farm Stop, Alber Orchard & Cider Mill and Pregitzer Farm Market.
The event planning was led by Ruth VanBogelen, Manchester resident, and many volunteers. “This is an amazing volunteer-run event, from beginning to end,” said Ruth. “Everyone in the 5 Healthy Towns steps up to secure donations, set up decorations, serve meals, and clean-up. We could not be happier with this year’s results.”
Dexter will host the 2024 Farm to Table dinner. You can follow the event by liking the 5 Healthy Towns Farm to Table Fabulous Feast Facebook page and by visiting the farmers markets in Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester and Stockbridge next spring, and the Dexter Winter Farm Market this November through April!
For more information about the 5HF Fabulous Feast, contact 5 Healthy Towns Foundation.