3 minute read
Farm to Table - A Celebration of Community and Local Harvest
Written by 5 Healthy Towns Foundation Staff
If you’ve never attended a Farm to Table (F2T) event in one of our 5 Healthy Towns, you are truly missing out. This annual latesummer gathering—held each August or September—is more than just a meal; it’s a vibrant celebration of community, local agriculture, and volunteer spirit.
The idea for F2T came from Amy Heydlauff, who, after reading about a similar event in Illinois, envisioned it as a way to bring people together and support local food systems. The first F2T event took place in Chelsea in 2016, and since then, the tradition has rotated between Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester, and Stockbridge.
Each year, a dedicated committee and a host of volunteers work tirelessly to plan and host the event. Not only is F2T a memorable event, but it also serves as a fundraiser supporting the Chelsea, Grass Lake, Manchester, and Stockbridge Farmers Markets, as well as the Dexter Winter Market.
This year’s milestone 10th annual event was held on September 14th at the stunning Sesquicentennial Gee Farms in Stockbridge, with 142 guests/volunteers in attendance.
As always, the setting did not disappoint. Guests were welcomed to beautifully
decorated outdoor tables exuding rustic charm. This year’s flower-themed décor was a feast for the eyes, perfectly complementing the lush gardens and the venue’s botanical garden, which guests were free to explore. Live music by the McDonald Brothers, who generously volunteered their talents, added a festive and relaxing ambiance to the evening.
Every F2T menu features in-season fruits and vegetables sourced from local farmers markets and protein from a regional farm. Typically, volunteer chefs present creative and elegant dishes—but Stockbridge brought a fresh twist to the tradition this year. Embracing a hometown picnic vibe, the meal featured BBQ chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob—a hearty, comforting menu that guests thoroughly enjoyed.
In addition to the dinner and entertainment, guests browsed a silent auction filled with thoughtfully curated baskets from each local Farmers Market, as well as themed baskets and gift cards donated by local businesses and community members. All proceeds go toward strengthening and supporting our local markets.
We hope you’ll join us for next year’s event, which will be hosted by Grass Lake. Until then, thank you to everyone who makes F2T a beautiful tradition of food, community, and connection.
