ALLEGANY, N.Y. — Visitors to this year’s Heavenly Harvest dinner on Aug. 29 at Canticle Farm will enjoy the same delicious food, but will notice even more enjoyable activities and events.
Sister Joyce Ramage, president of Canticle Farm, said the most notable change at the benefit will be the supper feast from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday as opposed to the traditional Sunday lunch event in mid-September.
“We had been doing it in September after Labor Day and with the risk of weather, we had been lucky we didn’t get cold, windy days,” Ramage said while noting there were also conflicts with other September events in the community.
Ramage said the evening supper will provide a scrumptious field-to-fork meal made from the farm’s fresh vegetables as well as other local ingredients. The meal by chef Steve Dodge will include farmstead salad, assorted cheeses, homemade meat or vegetable lasagna, homemade bread, homemade ice cream with a shortbread cookie and beverages.
Live music will also be provided as well as educational booths on sustainable living topics, a labyrinth walk, farm tours and a giveaway.
Ramage said all proceeds from the event supports the continued sustainability of the 20-acre, community-supported agricultural farm on South Nine Mile Road.
“This is our biggest fundraiser and it helps us stay in business,” Ramage said of the farm that supplies naturally grown vegetables to shareholders, local organizations and the general public year-round through the use of sustainable farming methods. At least 20 percent of the farm’s produce is donated to New York state and Pennsylvania food pantries and homeless shelters.
Ramage said a couple of new activities during the event will include a bonfire, weather permitting, and a “Pedal to Plate” 30-mile bicycle ride.
“The (Pedal to Plate) is an additional fundraiser,” Ramage said of the ride that begins with registration at the farm at 1:30 p.m. and allows cyclists to ride at their own pace following a route map.
The ride will finish at Canticle Farm where cyclists can relax and enjoy the dinner.
The event fee is $50 and includes the ride, the Heavenly Harvest meal as well as a free Canticle Farm 15th anniversary t-shirt for the first 100 pre-registered riders.
Dinner tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the gate. For more information on purchasing tickets, call Canticle Farm at (716) 373-0200, visit the website www.canticlefarm.org online or visit the South Nine Mile Road farm.
