Gone are the dozens of silent auction items. Gone is the long sit down dinner. Hello FARM based interactive evening out.
I recently met with Eunice Youmans, the General Manager for the Trustees on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. She had a lot of enthusiasm when discussing this year’s Meals In the Meadow, happening Saturday, July 14th.
Though the event is still at The FARM Institute, the event is quite different this year. Guests will be able to really see why The FARM Institute is so special and important to the Island community. Explore the Katama Barn, meet the barn animals, walk through the Friendship garden, and then end at the cocktail tent.
And people are going to want to meet the animals, especially the new piggies, and see the sheep too of course. The gardens are bursting with flowers and veggies. The FARM is truly a farm of beauty. Experiencing it in the evening light, with the Sultans of Swing as the musical guests, and cocktails is a whole new magical Island experience.
This year, Jan Buhrman and Kitchen Porch catering is creating a menu based mostly on veggies and meat provided by The FARM. This is not a sit-down slow dinner, but rather stations. People can choose what they want to try. Since the food is as local as you can get, and Jan is very talented, I imagine this is going to be an incredible meal.
There are 5 silent auction items. Things you can’t buy, like a dinner party at the Trustees’ Mytoi Japanese inspired garden on Chappy, catered by the Chappy Kitchen. This is a unique experience that is truly special. I can’t wait to see what the other items are.
Meals in the Meadow is a major fundraiser for The FARM. The money raised through Farm Camp, produce and meat sales, and other events DO NOT cover all the operational expenses of The FARM. The FARM needs the support of the community!
Why Support The FARM
Did you know that it doesn’t cost anything to visit The FARM? It’s free for people to visit. You can go and visit the animals and see the gardens, experience its beauty year-round for free! I am not sure that a lot of people know that.
The FARM is there for the Katama community, the Edgartown community, the Island community. It is a working farm for all to experience. It’s an important resource for the Island, and is just one of the wonderful properties the Trustees help provide for us to enjoy. However, we, as a community, have to help support this great farm.
You can also buy a Trustees membership. With this, you get discounts not only at The FARM, but at all the Trustees properties.
The FARM is working to offer even more community programs. As you may know, The FARM raised the money for a new kitchen. That plan has evolved into creating a community space in addition to the new kitchen. A space that will house 40+ people. Think community suppers, cooking classes and more.
You will also find more community programs and events, in addition to Barnyard Buddies, the FARM Store, Farmer for a Day and FARM Camp, there are a number of other things to do at The FARM all Summer long.
On Thursdays, There are FARM dinners, The farm will be bustling with activity as we host rotating chefs on Thursday nights throughout the summer for a locally centered meal. These dinners will be family friendly with live music, lawn games, and plenty of space for kids to stretch their legs! There are NO beer and wine available at these dinners.
Also, you can explore The FARM with a walking tour, a hayride and more. Visit The FARM website for more events and to become a member of the Trustees.
There is so much happening at The FARM, and it needs your help to continue to be a dynamic part of the Island community. Meals in the Meadow online ticket sales close at 9:00 AM Thursday morning but people can email their Development office to purchase tickets at development@thetrustees.org, tickets are $225 per person.
You can also learn more about The Farm Institute on Facebook. Don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Linked In, Google+, Pinterest, Youtube and Instagram.