Saratoga PLAN’s Feast of the Fields scheduled for Sept. 18
STILLWATER, N.Y. >> Saratoga PLAN is putting on a Tuscanstyle picnic for its 15th annual Feast of the Fields.
This farm-to-table event, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18 at Old Tavern Farm in Stillwater, is designed to celebrate the region’s agricultural bounty while raising funds to support PLAN’s ongoing efforts to conserve farmland and open space in Saratoga County.
Feast of the Fields is a community celebration of farmland and the rural character of Saratoga County, which remains strong partly due to Saratoga PLAN’s conservation efforts.
“At Feast of the Fields, our community gathers together to celebrate this wonderful place, savoring locally grown ingredients crafted by the best chefs while supporting Saratoga PLAN to continue helping landowners and municipalities permanently protect fertile soil resources, precious waters, scenic views and wildlife habitat,” Saratoga PLAN’s executive director Maria Trabka said in a press release.
In addition to the more than 7,000 acres conserved to date, the organization has 18 active land conservation projects in the works.
What’s more, PLAN has permanently conserved several of the farms providing fresh ingredients for this year’s Feast of the Fields.
This year, a select number of chefs will craft complementing dishes to create a picnic experience like no other. Tuscaninspired appetizers, meat and vegetarian entrées, mouth-watering side dishes and desserts are meant to transport attendees’ taste buds from the stunning grounds of Old Tavern Farm to the bucolic countryside and rolling hills of Tuscany.
“To add to the experience, guests will be dining in true picnic fashion, so we are encouraging all to bring blankets, or small tables and chairs, on which they can sit, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere overlooking Saratoga Lake,” said Cindy Wian, the event’s volunteer co-chair, in the release.
In keeping the health and safety of guests and community members in mind, a to-go option is available for individuals and families wishing to enjoy their picnic meal from the comfort of their home or at another favorite picnic spot.
A sample of the menu for the evening includes panzanella salad, margherita flatbread, grilled ratatouille, panna cotta and biscotti, and chefs are still busy crafting the menu. Additionally, guests can sample a selection of refreshing beverages including wines from Old Tavern Farm Winery, beers from Common Roots Brewing Company and Artisanal Brew Works, milks from Kings’ Dairy, hard and soft ciders from Saratoga Apple, whiskies from Upstate Distilling, and more including non-alcoholic beverages.
This year’s chef lineup includes David Britton of Pies on Wheels, Gordon Sacks of 9 Miles East Farm, Matthew Bolton and students from SUNY Adirondack’s culinary program and dessert chef Luiza Trabka.
There is plenty more to do at Feast than eat, too. Six conservation Heroes will be honored this year. Five families — Charles and Barbara Hanehan, Clifford and Kathleen Hanehan, Ruth Drumm, Michele Peters, and Eric and Noelle Smassanow — and Rusell Brennan, a volunteer who spent countless hours setting up a new online mapping system for Saratoga PLAN — will receive awards of custom-made birdhouses painted by local artists. Reggie’s Red Hot Feetwarmers, the house band at Saratoga Race Course, will be playing throughout the Feast. A digital silent auction, featuring exciting experiences and eye-catching items will be running from Sept. 11 through the evening of Sept. 18, with certain items on site for in-person viewing.
Limited tickets are on sale now at https://saratogaplan.org/feast-of-the-fields/. The deadline to reserve picnics is Sept. 5.
A portion of the ticket price qualifies as a tax-deductible charitable contribution.
All proceeds from the Feast of the Fields will be utilized by Saratoga PLAN to preserve the rural character, natural habitats and scenic beauty of Saratoga County so that these assets are accessible to all and survive for future generations. PLAN helps landowners conserve farmland, woodlands and natural habitats. PLAN connects people to nature through an extensive trail network, including 12 public nature preserves open for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and kayaking. Saratoga PLAN helps communities create plans that balance growth with conservation to sustain the Saratoga Region as a great place to live, work, visit, play and farm. The organization also facilitates community-based conservation by partnering with municipalities to help them accomplish their community’s conservation goals.