With the endless fluorescent-lit aisles of supermarket giants like Trader Joe’s and Walmart and the advent of online delivery services like Amazon Pantry and FreshDirect, modern America has strayed far from the farm down the road. Most people don’t know where their food comes from, let alone who grows it.
Since its inception seven years ago, FarmOn! Foundation has worked tirelessly to reverse this trend of anonymous food, striving to put a face to farming, while rebuilding the Hudson Valley’s rural economy and cultivating the next generation of food and farm entrepreneurs.
On Saturday, July 29, amidst 220 acres of lush agricultural fields and youth education gardens, the nonprofit will host its annual gala Hootenanny! fundraiser at the historic Empire Farm in Copake, New York. Each year, the HOOT! invites 100 local farmers to dine as guests alongside 400 of the region’s residents for a gourmet plein air meal, prepared by a renowned chef. This year Chef Terrance Brennan of the Roundhouse in Beacon, will prepare a family-style dinner over an open fire pit, made entirely with ingredients sourced from a five mile-radius. With farmers at each table, the HOOT! is the perfect opportunity to shake the hands that feed you, acknowledging the skill and dedication of these growers and the importance of their work inspiring the next generation to feed us with funds raised at the event for youth education programming.
Before dinner, there will be an open bar grazing cocktail hour with live music from 6 to 8pm (tickets sold separately). Like the produce, the majority of the beverages will be hyperlocal, showcasing local cideries, breweries, distilleries, and wineries. Guests will be able to create a mix ‘n’ match case of local wines, which staff will even carry to your car! Fifty percent of the profits go toward the FarmOn! Foundation’s educational programming, so splurging is encouraged. Following dessert, you can kick up your heels to live music during the bonfire and barn party.
The New York Times and Forbes.com concur that the annual Hoot is the “Best Event of the Hudson Valley!” There are only 100 spots remaining at the farm table! Don’t miss your chance to break bread with a local farmer under the stars. Buy your tickets today.
This article appears in July 2017 Issue.
