Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market To Hold Rooftop Fundraiser
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market will host a fundraiser, “Come Get Fresh Under the Stars,” on the rooftop of Pittsfield’s Greystone Building on Saturday, Sept. 6.
A two-tiered ticket allows people to choose a full evening with dinner and a dance party for $150 or just the dance party for $50. All proceeds go to benefit the Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market.
An intimate farm-to-table dinner, prepared by the chefs of Mission Bar and Tapas, begins at 5:30 p.m. and will feature seasonal and local ingredients, fresh from the market farmers. The menu includes tomato and blueberry salad, cheese and meat plates, grilled vegetables, Shepard’s Pie, chocolate zucchini cake with caramel sauce and fresh cream and locally roasted coffee.
Long tables will be set across the rooftop, with guests enjoying 360-degree views of the city. A mini lounge, provided by Paul Rich and Sons, will lure guests in after their meal. And a mini-market will be set atop the roof, for guests to shop and talk with vendors. Dinner guests will also receive market tote bags filled with handmade market gifts.
At 7 p.m. the dance party will begin. Local band The Malls will perform original and cover tunes. An open beer and wine bar and delicious hors d’oeuvres by Mission Bar and Tapas will be served. Signature farmers market cocktails will be for sale.
Farmers and food producers who have provided food and drink for the evening include Assembly Coffee Roasters, Berkshire Mountain Bakery, Cricket Creek Farm, Elmartin Farm, Four Corners Farm, Hilltop Orchards, Taft Farms, Tortured Orchard and Trusted Roots Farm.
"I am so pleased to be a part of this benefit to support the Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market," Jenny Benson, owner of Mission Bar and Tapas, said. "It has been such a positive and valuable addition to our community. i love to watch it grow every year and feel like (Market Manager) Jess Conzo and the market are exactly what Pittsfield needs."
The benefit is sponsored by Mission Bar and Tapas, Whaling Properties, Big Elm Brewing, Martignetti Company, MS Walker, Paul Rich and Sons and Ruby Wines.
For tickets and information, visit http://farmersmarketpittsfield.org.
The Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market runs every Saturday from May through October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the First Street parking lot. More than 25 vendors gather weekly, selling pasture-raised meats, eggs, fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and baked goods, cut flowers, plants, cutting boards, jewelry, pottery and more. Talented area musicians provide music every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the market offers free weekly workshops, cooking demonstrations and informational activities about healthy living.
The Downtown Pittsfield Farmers Market has the potential to serve more low-income residents than any other farmers market in the Berkshires, because of its location.
"We want everyone in our community, regardless of income, to have access to quality, nutritious foods. This fundraiser will help us continue and expand our programming that does just that,” Conzo said.
The market is dedicated to providing access to fresh, local, affordable food and information on health and nutrition to low-income and under-served residents. The market accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which allow shoppers to purchase fresh-picked produce, homemade breads, cheeses, eggs, meats and herbs. Several of the market’s vendors also accept benefits from the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.
The market is a partnership of the City of Pittsfield and Alchemy Initiative, with lead sponsorship from Greylock Federal Credit Union. Additional funding is provided by the Greeneway Wellness Foundation, the Green Pastures Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, Republic Services and others.
For information visit farmersmarketpittsfield.org or e-mail info@farmersmarketpittsfield.org.
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