Port Elgin BIA member and business owner Cathy Fenton with Port Elgin BIA Coordinator Laura McInnes at the Port Elgin Farmers’ Market August 10.
Megan Dunn, Saugeen Shores Hub
Just 25 tickets remain for Port Elgin BIA’s inaugural Farm to Table dinner being held on Friday, August 12 when Coulter Parkette will be transformed into a fantastic dinner party and see the community truly come together and break bread.
Executive Chef Randy Felker has put together a menu that will start with an amuse bouche that will ready the taste buds for the four-course meal, made with locally sourced food.
Port Elgin BIA Coordinator, Laura McInnes was on hand at the Port Elgin Farmers’ Market August 10 promoting the event along with vendor and downtown business owner Cathy Fenton.
McInnes said the question she gets asked the most about Farm to Table besides, “What’s on the menu?”, is if there are vegetarian and gluten free options, and she is happy to say, “Yes!”
“[Chef] Randy does have both of those sorted,” McInnes said August 10. “If there are people with a gluten intolerance, we’re able to accommodate for that, and there will be a vegetarian main entree option so people will be able to have that as well.”
For those wondering what to wear, she said the dress code for Farm to Table is nothing to sweat about.
“People can wear whatever they would like, it’s dressy-casual, we’re kind of hoping for a nice event,” said McInnis, adding that is “no need for formal ball gowns.”
While Fenton quipped, “no cut-offs.”
The bar and event will open at 6 p.m., with a social hour that will feature music, farmers, and brewmasters from local establishments - Outlaw Brew Co., Maclean’s, and Hoity Toity Cellars - who will be on-hand to answer questions. The meal will begin promptly at 7 p.m., with a toast from the Chef.
Profits from Farm to Table will go directly to the Port Elgin Farmers’ Market for infrastructure. McInnes hopes they can invest in new signage, tables and chairs and garbage and recycling bins and added that the summer market is the best it’s ever been and has received positive feedback from vendors.
“Most people that come to the Port Elgin Farmers’ Market are coming to spend money, so the vendors feel that instead of a lot of people looking around, people are making purchases.”
Cathy Fenton, owner of Cathy’s Flowers N’ Treasures has a spot at the market and sells succulents, spreads, and items that can also be found inside her downtown store. She said the market is a great way to meet new people and has received feedback from other local vendors that people will visit their shops after the market and from Thursday through Saturday.
“I wish more local business would participate in this, because not only is it a lot of fun to do, but you can meet a lot of people and you can promote the downtown,” said Fenton, who is excited for Friday and believes that everyone will have a great time.
Tickets are $100 and can be purchased from downtown Port Elgin businesses Mensch, Cathy’s Flowers ’N Treasures, and Blackboard Sound. McInnes knows that Port Elgin “is kind of a last minute town”, and is very confident that they will sell more tickets before the event on Friday.
“We’re hoping to make a big splash with it. And then repeat it every year to support the [Port Elgin] Farmers’ Market and promote downtown Port Elgin.
For the full menu, see: Port Elgin's premier Farm to Table event
Money raised from the Farm to Table will go towards Farmers’ Market infrastructure such as new signage, tables and chars and garbage and recycling bins.
