Auerfarm Parties in Plaid in Support of Farm-Based Education
Auerfarm is looking to raise monies in support of their farm-based education programs with the help of their annual fundraiser, Party in Plaid Farm to Table Dinner & Auction event. Auerfarm’s Party in Plaid is scheduled for Friday, June 25 from 6pm-9pm at the pavilion on the 120-acre farm in Bloomfield. An evening with music, open bar, farm to table dinner, auction, and much more.
Last year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Party in Plaid event pivoted and offered a ‘Party @Home Edition’ for supporters to pick up and go. The goal for this year’s event is to offer a hybrid-designed event with opportunities. Party in Plaid participants will have the option to safely congregate in person or pick-up-to-go home meals; including participating in the hybrid-designed auction. The money raised through the event will raise funds to support the Auerfarm’s all-year farm-based educational programs and awareness of agriculture, science, and the natural environment.
“Come on down to experience the magic of Auerfarm and engage with our animals, tour guides, take a hayride, and with the Auerfarm youth who will benefit from your support.” said Erica Fearn, Executive Director, Auerfarm. “This will be a day to celebrate safely in person or during the meal pickup-option. It’s a special day to cultivate lasting relationships with families, community, and business leaders. It is truly a “down-home rustic” event, unlike any other you have experienced. It is also your opportunity to play an important role in the advancing educational opportunities to many children, teens, and families in the Greater Hartford area.”
“Farm-based education is exceptionally powerful because it’s hand-on and experimental. The pure joy that we see in a child’s face when they hold a chicken, discover a worm in the soil, or have a cow eat grass from their hand illustrates the learning impact that this type of education can have on children and families,” Fearn said. “
The event will feature a farm-to-table dinner, live music, auction, hayrides through the gardens, activities, and barn tours by Ben Carroll, Animal Care Specialist. Covid-19 safety restrictions will continue with capacity-limits, social-distancing, and masks.
The dinner fee is $125.00 per person at the Auerfarm and the Party @ Home option, to-go dinner for two $120, dinner for four $150 with dinner pickup 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
New to the event is the addition of the Auerfarm Stars’ premium package. A private table for eight in your choice of the Auerfarm orchard, Play Forest, Scenic Vista Hay Field, or Nourishing Garden. Only one table per location is available, first come first serve. Includes Party in Plaid Farm to Table Dinner Basket, two bottles of wine, two golf carts for $1,500.
Volunteers are needed to assist with the event committee and to assist on the day of the event. There are also separate corporate sponsorship opportunities available. Auction Frog is the registration and auction partner with Party in Plaid event. To participate, please go to https://auerfarm.afrogs.org/ to create your profile. All data is confidential and accessible to Auerfarm only; no third-parties.
For more information, contact 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm, Mark DiBella at (860) 242-7144/ mdibella@auerfarm.org as well as www.auerfarm.org. RSVP no later than June 18, 2021.
Auerfarm’s mission is to inspire children and adults to engage in, learn about, and enjoy agriculture, science and the natural environment.