Feast of the Fields – Saratoga’s Original Farm to Table Event Returning September 21st!
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Prior to speaking to Jaclyn Hakes (board of directors chair) and Michelle Hall (program assistant-development) I had no idea that Saratoga PLAN was responsible for 10 public preserves which provide over 22+ miles of beautifully maintained trails, meaning that on my bi-weekly runs, I have PLAN to thank for my scenery and shade.
I was also unaware that on my weekly trips to the farmers market, PLAN was the silent force behind my overflowing reusable bag of greens and seasonal items given its support of local farms through various farmland conservation projects.
To date, PLAN has conserved over 4,466 acres, which includes 12 conserved farms ( with 10 more in the works), 57 total conserved lands, and 11 partner assists including the Bog Meadow and Zim Smith Trails. Saratoga PLAN “is a nonprofit land trust that works to preserve the rural character, natural habitats and scenic beauty of Saratoga County so that these irreplaceable assets are accessible to all and survive for future generations.”
All of this is done with only a staff of five and over 160 dedicated volunteers, most recently including a volunteer partnership with the Wildwood Programs.
I’m exhausted just typing about Saratoga PLAN!
According to the latest US Census, Saratoga County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state. And its high quality of life is what is attracting people here to live, work and play. So, that growth has the potential to impact the very resources that drew people here – such as active farmland, open spaces, water resources, natural areas, and scenic views. PLAN serves as a resource to assist communities and property owners in shaping that growth and enhancing Saratoga County’s natural environment.
A perfect example of this…
As a respite from the legal world, Mark Sacco and family and took over The Wm. H. Buckley Farm. The William H Buckley Farm is established a few miles south of Saratoga Springs on the original Capiello and Lakeridge dairy farms on Route 50 in the Town of Ballston Spa. Today, The William H. Buckley Farm echoes the ideology of Saratoga PLAN, to run a sustainable and responsible farm, raising animals and providing locally produced farm products for the surrounding community.
Thanks to the help of Saratoga PLAN, this picturesque farm now contains 252 acres of conserved land, (with 63 more acres in the works), a smokehouse, piggery, poultry barn, working farm, a full service café, butcher shop, multiple farmhouses and a historic barn that can accommodate weddings or parties including unique lodging. This small town girl would love to stay in a charming farmhouse where you can walk to the cafe for a “fresh from the farm breakfast”.
The Pitney Farm in Saratoga Springs is another wonderful example of how Saratoga PLAN was able to facilitate the conservation of a treasured resource in the community, and the transition to becoming a true ”community farm,” a place for gardeners and farmers of all levels.
And the Feast of the Fields provides the fuel for PLAN’s engine!
In its 12th year, The Feast of the Fields is the area’s original Farm to Table Event and the premier fundraiser for Saratoga PLAN. Feast of the Fields will be held once again at the Saratoga National Golf Club, which is nestled along Saratoga PLAN’s Lake Lonely Trail, with 153 acres of conserved woodlands protecting the quality of the lake. This rain or shine event sells out every year, 500+ people strong!
And here’s the recipe.
Combine top local chefs, such as Nickolas Karoly from Salt + Char or Marc Plessis from The Blue Hen; with the freshest local fruits, vegetables, and meats from local farms. Serve on the grounds of the scenic Prime Restaurant terraces. I can’t image a better food explosion.
I can feel it now: While mingling with friends, light jacket over my cool shoulders, and the sun slowly falling asleep, I will happily try Matthew Bolton’s-SUNY Adirondack Culinary Arts students’ red wine braised local beef short ribs over herb potato hash, with charred tomato relish and demi-glaze. Or maybe while wearing my garden party attire, sitting around the stone fire pit chatting with one of the local farmers, I will nibble Prime Vivian Brammer’s spiced maple cupcakes topped with vanilla butter cream, roasted butternut squash and candied pecans.
To go with these mouthwatering dishes, there will be various vendor drink tasting stations from such local favorites as Artisanal Brews and Upstate Distillery.
As always there will be a multitude of silent auction items, such as equestrian artist Sue Ziegler’s, beautiful and original painting, “Siesta”, kayak experiences along Fish Creek followed by dinner at Harvest + Hearth’s wood-fired pizza, a standalone photo by Tracy Buyce, whose equestrian photography is featured at Prime, and even live painting at the Feast by Elisa Sheehan. In addition, local gift certificates, experiences, and sports packages will be displayed for all to bid on.
Each year there is significant amount of corporate, media, and individual sponsors. Volunteers are always welcome and needed and should contact Michelle Hall at (518) 587-5554 or Michelleh@saratogaplan.org with further inquiries or if you wish to simply make a donation.
As I ended my time with Jaclyn Hakes and Michelle Hall, they stated that the main goal for the Feast of the Fields is to help people appreciate what is available right in their own backyard and to honor those who grow the food that feeds us. Often when we go to restaurants, we don’t know where our meat is coming from. During the Feast, Saratoga PLAN is featuring what is right in our backyard.
There is no doubt in my mind that PLAN is one of Saratoga’s unsung heroes, and I will be at Feast of the Fields with my cow bell on!
To reserve your seat at the feast, and even more feast facts, visit Saratoga PLAN’s Feast page HERE
Mandy Mittler
Photos Provided
August 31, 2017
