By Sue Moore
The Farm to Table dinner planned by the Vicksburg Farmers’ Market looks to be a magical evening for those who love great food, stirring entertainment and a meal with friends and neighbors prepared by Chef Michael Moore of the Main Street Pub in Vicksburg.
He will be preparing in-season ingredients gleaned from vendors at the Farmers’ Market on Friday and turning them into dinner on Saturday, August 17 at the community pavilion from 6 to 10 p.m. Service will be family style with volunteers from the Vicksburg Rotary Club doing the serving honors. This is the second year for the Farm to Table dinner. It sold out quickly last year.
The evening is planned as a fundraiser for the Vicksburg Farmers’ Market, which is celebrating its tenth year. It is a nonprofit organization that exists to serve the greater Vicksburg community, according to Stella Shearer, president of the board of directors. “Our mission for the market each week and for the fundraiser is to bring friends and family together to enjoy fresh, locally grown food, listen to great music and feel the warmth and charm of our farmers’ market community.”
The feast will begin with a bounty of locally harvested foods, creatively prepared and served family style. It will feature red checkered tablecloths, freshly cut flowers, an eclectic collection of dishware, craft beers from Distant Whistle and award-winning wines from Lawton Ridge winery.
Entertainment for the evening will be provided by Kim Richey, who performed in 2017 for the Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center, creating an avid following. She is a nationally known singer-songwriter both Grammy nominated and awarded, first for Trisha Yearwood’s groove-country “Baby, I Lied,” then as part of the album Amazing Grace 2, a Country Salute to Gospel.
“Part of what draws fans to the dusky honey of her crystalline alto voice is the way she writes: to and from the soul, never flinching from the conflicts and crushing moments, yet always finding dignity and resilience,” say reviews on her website.
The fundraiser will help ensure that the independent farmers’ market continues well into the future, Shearer explains. “The market has had a strong economic impact on the community each year with an average of over 500 customers each week and some 25 local vendors offering their produce. Our mission is to promote and provide the community with fresh, locally produced food during our 20 weeks of operations.”
Tickets are $50 each with a cash bar offered. They can be obtained at the market each Friday from 2-6 p.m., at the Distant Whistle Brewpub or online at: http://www.vicksburgfarmersmarket.com; http://www.EventBrite.com.