McMinn County Farm to Table Offers an Elegant Dining Experience With Local Producers

The McMinn County Economic Development Authority (EDA) is hosting a new event this year to celebrate farmers, ranchers, and producers. Farm to Table is a six-course dining experience and cocktail hour, with a menu based around seasonal items grown or produced locally. Attendees can enjoy everything from McMinn-raised beef to artisan cheese and curated mushrooms.

“Agriculture is a big industry for McMinn County,” says Aryn Stewart, Office and Event Coordinator for the EDA. “Our goal is to support growers in the area and drive local customers to buy from them. We also want to highlight the agritourism industry that attracts visitors.”

Farm to Table will be held on Thursday, October 22, at The Courtyard on Jackson, 12 Jackson Street in Athens. Tickets start at $130 for non-EDA members and $105 for members. The event starts with a cocktail hour at 5:30, and dinner begins at 6:30. 

Attendees Will Enjoy an Intimate, Exclusive Evening 

Seats are limited at Farm to Table, with only 70 tickets available. Multiple local farmers and producers have agreed to participate, contributing vegetables, meat, and other ingredients grown nearby. If the rumors are true, beef tenderloin is on the menu. This event will spotlight:

• Elevation Bread
• Mayfield Dairy Farms
• Rivers Ridge Farms
• Springbrook Farm
• Sweetwater Valley Farm

Muddy Waters Two Wine & Spirits is also a sponsor. Additionally, the event will feature products from Silver Springs Vineyard and Morea Distillery.

“We want to use as many ingredients and items that are local to McMinn County or sourced from nearby communities,” says Stewart. “This is also an opportunity to showcase other businesses in the county.”

The EDA would also like to recognize Jackie and Todd Newman, owners of The Courtyard on Jackson, for generously donating the venue for the event. Kit Housely, owner of Pie Hound Pizza Company, is stepping in as the head chef.

Farm to Table is a Fundraiser for Discover McMinn

Not only does Farm to Table provide a fun evening out and elevated dining experience for residents, but it’s also an investment in the local community. Funds raised through this event support Discover McMinn, the county’s tourism arm.

Tourism efforts bring regional and out-of-state visitors to McMinn County, adding to the customer bases of local businesses and helping them grow. Tourists also reduce residents' tax burden because they pay lodging and sales taxes.

“Our goal is to bring in people to stay local, shop local, and eat local,” says Stewart. “The Farm to Table ticket sales and sponsorships are an investment in our economy.” 

The EDA Welcomes Corporate Sponsors

This fundraiser wouldn’t be possible without the local farmers and producers who have eagerly jumped in to participate, along with the sponsors who helped make this dream a reality. There are currently three sponsorship levels, some of which include free tickets to the event. The EDA would like to thank AgCentral Co-op, a Farmstead Table Sponsor of the event, and Farm Credit Mid-America, a Harvest Sponsor. Please contact the EDA if you would like to be a sponsor.

“This is a great way to bring our community together through food while showcasing our local farmers and producers,” says Stewart. “We are building connections and showing residents how to buy from local growers. One meal could bring customers to local farmers for years to come.”

The EDA has its menu set for this year’s event, but is happy to connect with other local farmers who might be interested in participating next year.

Buy Your Tickets Before They Sell Out

The EDA has already sold a significant number of tickets for Farm to Table and cannot add more seats if the event sells out. Buy your tickets today and enjoy one of the most unique experiences in McMinn County. The menu items you enjoy throughout the night will be unforgettable.

Contact the EDA with any questions, sponsorship offers, or needs. For requests specific to Farm to Table, contact Aryn Stewart at aryn@makeitinmcminn.org or Brianna Baker at brianna@makeitinmcminn.org. This department is here to support you and grow McMinn County for the current and future generations.