A magical Farmland Feast - in photos

The week after our magnificent feast,  the rain fell—a much-welcomed gift after a season of growth. Thirsty maple trees reached for the water and were given a reprieve: a moment to let go and hold on at the same time.

I took it as a sign from the heavens…  that we set out to do, and all of those dry spots at the Farmland Trust are now being nourished with life-giving water.

We cannot express how grateful we are to everyone who came together to create a magical feast ... and raise an incredible $70,000 to help local food take root. 

Here are a few standouts whose praises we are still singing...

To the marvels that are Tsunami Circus: from stilt walkers to jugglers to a jaw dropping light show finale, your talent and dedication shines! The parents and helpers behind every performer also deserve a giant ‘cockadoodle doo’ shout out: you are making magic!

Dan & Chigusa of Sweetgrass Food Co for the delectable feast, also contributed to by Adina of Love's Galettes, Jane's Dough, Kutasa Winery, SS Wild Cider, and Francis Bread. Rani of the Food Free Rangers, whose new farm-to-table grocery store is snugged in to the Root… thank you for sourcing incredible veggies, fruit and treats from over 12 local farmers. And to the farmers: Foxglove Farm, Ruckle Farm, Bright Farm, The Backwoods Farm, Duck Creek Farm, Laughing Apple Farm, Stowel Lake Farm, Soul Root Farm and Clay Houghland:  your dedication to stewarding the land and keeping Salt Spring foodways vital is feeding us today, but also fostering the wellness of future generations.

To all of the wonderful donors, who pooled their resources to raise an astounding $70,000 thanks to matching funds provided by the Aqueduct Foundation.

To Micky McCloud, for his dedication to sustainable agriculture, his offer of chicken tractors, and his storytelling.

Colin How, for his brilliant coaching and encouragement of the Farmland Trust.

To mixologists Kirsty Smythe and Amanda McDiarmid, who took our bar to the next level with custom apple mocktails and fine ciders and wines from Kutatas and SS Wild… and to the rest of our incredible team of volunteers… Katherine, Rhonda, Paz, Kassia, Tony, Laura, Daria, Nick, Dylan and Kristy and Nat.

And to Lisa Chessari and her partner Mark, who offer their help every time. And a special shout-out to Lisa for rocking those badass high heels while doing the dishes—we love you.

Sue Earle, market farmer who somehow — on a busy Tuesday Farmers market day — also mustered linens, serving trays and decor to add a touch of elegance to our table settings.

To our incredible board members Jenn LeBlanc, Abey Scaglione, Tony Beck, Paz Q. Rainville, Daria Zovi & those too who couldn’t make it — Jon Cooksey & Nicole Melanson — but are the caring force behind keeping the Farmland Trust vibrant: we love you so much.

To Ethan and Bahareh, who opened up their hall (and hearts) and went above and beyond to prepare the adorable Baker Hall to receive all of our guests. You two are gems.

And Michael Ableman—an absolute legend—for transferring his knowledge of the art of fundraising, rallying the crowd, and sharing stories gathered over a lifelong career in agriculture.

To the silent auction donors:

Jill Louise Campbell - Ruckle Heritage Farm - Ganges Yoga - Figs and Honey - Ganges Fitness - Arbutus View Spa - True Love Pizza - Salt Spring Wild Cider - Wilding Foundation - Tea Mistress - Country Grocer- Harvest Moon - Spa by Lenice - Heart and Bone - Free Rangers- Ox Eats Grass- WildCat Chai - Handmade Candy - Salty Burgers - Salt Spring Adventure Co.- Auntie Pesto’s - Paz Q. Rainville

All of these fabulous businesses helped us raise a healthy $6k that goes directly to helping local food take root.

And to everyone else who stepped up: to those who dug deep to give what they could; to those who used their hard-earned money to buy tickets and enjoy the evening; and to those with greater means who chose to give generously—thank you.

Check out more of these pics by Gary McNutt…. Are y’all ever beautiful!!

As the dust settles, I think of the Salish philosophy of big and small rocks. For thousands of years, clam gardens—rock walls built to catch clams at high tide—have sustained communities through the abundant food provided by the ocean. The walls are made by stacking big and small rocks together, creating an ancient technology strong enough to withstand thousands of years and even the roughest storms.

Last night’s fundraising effort felt much the same. It takes big and small contributions, working together, to keep the Farmland Trust growing.

In all the ways, big and small, that you contribute to the Farmland Trust, you are part of creating the foundation for an abundant, thriving, and hopeful future.

With love, apples, and cheer,

Shannon

P.S. Do you have charming photos from the evening? We would love to see and share them! You can email them to info@ssifarmlandtrust.org... or add to THIS Dropbox.