Jill, one of our regular market patrons, shared an interesting idea worth passing on: Farm to Party.  Jill writes:

For my birthday I’ve invited friends to celebrate with me at what I’m calling Farm to Party. I will be sourcing the food and drinks locally. Many items will be coming from vendors at the Westover Farmers Market. This party is a way to let my friends know how important I believe it is to eat fresh local natural foods. We’ll have a great time because the food will be fresh and delicious and I’ll have the evening to talk about how much I’ve enjoyed planning the party, in part from getting to know many of the farmers and vendors better. I see this party having a positive impact on my friends, the market vendors, and more. I’m not only educating my friends and supporting my community, I’m also raising funds for a good cause.

In lieu of birthday gifts, my guests can make a donation to the Farmer-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund. The FTCLDF (http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/) protects the rights of the nation’s family farms, artisan food producers, consumers and affiliate communities to engage in direct commerce free of interference from federal, state and local government. It protects the rights of farmers and artisan producers to make their products available and the rights of consumers to access the foods of their choice from the source of their choice. I’m excited about my Farm to Party event and the positive impact it will have on others. Everyone should do what they can to support the local farming community and the farmers markets they depend upon.

Thanks Jill!

Have ideas about other ways to tie the farmers market to a party or other event you’re throwing?  Feel free to drop us a line to share your thoughts.