The 5th Annual Twilight in the Meadow is Almost Here!

The 2011 Twilight celebration at Hathaway Farm in Rutland.

By RAFFL staff

Each year on a cool evening, just as the summer turns into fall, a large white tent is erected on one of the picturesque farms in Rutland County for a very special event. Warm light, lively music, laughter and conversation draw in visitors from near and far. The event is known as Twilight in the Meadow, an annual celebration of local farms and food hosted by the Rutland Area Farm and Food Link.

Now in its fifth year, Twilight has become an annual tradition for many locals. This year’s celebration will take place at Wood’s Market Garden in Brandon on Sunday, September 15^th in the early evening. Catered by some of the area’s top chefs and bakers, using the finest ingredients Rutland County has to offer, tickets to the event are coveted by foodies and agricultural enthusiasts alike.

This year, our Mediterranean inspired menu will be presented by Sheri Sullivan of Plan-It Sheri, Jennifer Brenner of Olive Branch Gourmet, Sissy Hicks of Sissy’s Kitchen, Amanda Barrett of SugarBees, Alison Briggs of Trillium Hill Desserts and Tracy Medeiros of The Vermont Farm Table Cookbook. Their delicious foods will be complemented by Vermont made cheeses and served with local beers and wines.

In the past, Twilight has featured a formal sit-down meal with table service. However, this year’s event will look a bit different. There will be casual seating and a more relaxed atmosphere – adding more of the socializing everyone has loved at this end of summer festivity. The caterers will be spread throughout the tent, allowing for a “grazing” dinner to be enjoyed at one’s own pace.

Twilight in the Meadow is also a great opportunity to learn more about what we’re doing at RAFFL. Visual depictions of our programs will be highlighted throughout the tent and representatives from our organization and the agricultural community will be present to help narrate and answer your questions. There will also be plenty of time to chat with local farmers and learn more about the life of a farmer here in Rutland County.

As a celebration of local farms and foods, Twilight in the Meadow is one of our greatest fundraising efforts at RAFFL. The proceeds allow us to continue pursuing our work in advancing the agricultural community of the greater Rutland region. The event has both silent and live auctions and they are a great way to contribute to RAFFL and simultaneously win a gift certificate or unique experience at a local business or venue.

This year’s Twilight in the Meadow will be preceded by an online auction hosted by the popular charity fundraising website Bidding for Good. The online auction will be a convenient way for those who can’t be present at the actual event, and out of town supporters, to donate while purchasing some truly special items. A few such items include tickets to the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, a private dinner for six in the upstairs dining room at Roots Restaurant, passes to Vermont State Parks, gift certificates to Three Tomatoes Restaurant, a gift basket from Blackpowder Foods, a garden cart from Gardeners Supply, and many more.

One item you won’t find anywhere else includes the opportunity to travel to Vero Beach, Florida.  As the personal guest of the Vero Beach Opera and Ms. Virginia Russell of Brandon and Vero Beach, you are invited to view the concert and then attend a private party with the star, Marcello Giordani, at the Moorings Club.  Mr. Giordani has been hailed by the international press as one of the most important tenors on the opera stage today.  He has appeared in all of the world’s major opera houses and has sung with many of today’s most renowned conductors.  This item includes transportation expenses, great lodging and more.  Last year’s winner absolutely loved her experience.

Another unique experience is an educational farm stay at Trevin Farms, a fantastic bed and breakfast in Sudbury offering two nights’ accommodations, a cheese making course and meals.

From the magnificent to the simply great, RAFFL is incredibly appreciative of the generosity of our community members in helping us to raise the funds we need to operate our programs that support local farms and strong communities.  We hope to see many of you on September 15^th!

Tickets to Twilight in the Meadow are available on our website www.rutlandfarmandfood.org/twilight or by calling us at 417-7331 or 417-1528.