What anyone can generally purchase throughout the summer at the Colusa Certified Farmers Market, guests at last week’s Farm to Fork Dinner were able to eat cooked to perfection.
The sixth annual dinner on June 23 highlighted the wide variety of foods produced throughout the region and typically sold at the market throughout the summer, including mushroom, fruits, vegetable, nuts, and beef.
“We created this event to create awareness of the Colusa Certified Farmers Market and to raise funds for countywide non-profit and services organizations,” said Colusa County Chamber of Commerce Manager Jennifer Diaz, which sponsors the Farmers Market and organizes the fundraiser.
Funds raised at Farm to Fork helps fund the Premier Mushroom Grant Program, which provides small but critical grants to many local non-profit organizations for art and literacy programs, fire prevention education, and community events.
The dinner, although a ticketed event, also serves to recognize donors and food contributors.
About 200 people attended the outdoor event.
Despite high daytime temperatures, the shade from the park’s high canopy, misters, and a slight breeze made for a comfortable gathering.
All the food was donated and prepared by local restaurants and businesses, including Rocco’s Bar and Grill, which prepared the main fare and appetizers and Daily Habit, which provided cookies for dessert.
Event sponsorship and raffle prizes local donors and businesses make the event possible, Diaz said.
While many helped with the dinner, the Colusa Ducks (Youth) Shooting Team volunteered as waiters. ■