The Holland Farmers Market and Local First are once again partnering together to host “Gather: A Celebration of Local Food” from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Windmill Island Gardens.
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Attendees will get the opportunity to experience the best of local food on the lakeshore at this cocktail party-style dinner. More than 15 local restaurants, caterers and beverage purveyors will be on hand for the event, serving small plates featuring fresh ingredients from Holland Farmers Market vendors.
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“One thing that is cool about the event … is that it’s the first event where local spirits will be served on Windmill Island,” said Samantha Vanderberg, marketing manager for Local First. “Both Coppercraft Distillery and New Holland Brewing Co. will be serving specialty cocktails. There are also some interesting collaborations between businesses here because many of the restaurants are sourcing ingredients from farmers market vendors.”
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A cash bar will be available, featuring specialty pours from Coppercraft Distillery, Fenn Valley Vineyards, New Holland Brewing and Virtue Cider.
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“We are so excited to partner with Local First and our event sponsors to bring Gather to the community again this year,” said Kara de Alvare, marketing coordinator for the Holland Farmers Market. “It’s a perfect opportunity for us to highlight the quality and variety of products grown by our hard-working farmers right here in West Michigan while showcasing the culinary talents of our local chefs along the lakeshore.”
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The island gardens are another great feature of the event, she said.
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Guests can sample a variety of dishes, while touring the gardens and enjoying live music courtesy of singer and guitarist Drew Behringer.
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A mini pop-up market will take place, where guests can purchase products from Holland Farmers Market vendors, including fruits and vegetables, flowers, chocolates and kettle corn.
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“Local First and the Holland Farmers Market have been working for years to grow the local food movement along the lakeshore,” Vanderberg said. “Gather will provide a space to celebrate this movement, commune together over dinner and support the continued efforts of our organizations to develop strong local food systems here.”
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Advance tickets for the fundraiser are required and are available for $30 each at gather-lakeshore.eventbrite.com. All proceeds from the event will benefit programming at the Holland Farmers Market and Local First.
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