Long tables covered in linen will line Main Street in downtown Burnsville Sunday, September 4, when the first Farm to Fork Dining on the Square event is hosted from 6\u20139 P.M. The community dinner benefits the agricultural nonprofit Toe River Aggregation Center Training Organization Regional (TRACTOR).<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be an elegant evening,\u201d says Robin Smith, director of TRACTOR, \u201ca seated affair with white tablecloths and china.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beginning at 6 P.M., spirits and hors d\u2019oeuvres will be served on the porch of the Nu Wray Inn. The seated meal for up to 230 guests will follow, consisting of multiple courses prepared by White Falls Catering. TRACTOR will have purchased the ingredients from farmers and proceeds will go toward the nonprofit\u2019s mission to spread awareness of local agriculture, broaden access to fresh food, and increase farm income in the community.<\/p>\n
TRACTOR works with more than 50 small farms throughout Yancey, Mitchell, Burke, McDowell, Avery, Madison, and Buncombe counties. The organization aggregates produce from farms, processes it, and distributes it to retailers and restaurants. \u201cThis event not only provides income to farmers, but also supports existing businesses and brings attention to the town center,\u201d Robin says. \u201cThe broader vision is to promote agriculture as an economic driver and teach the community about how we\u2019re all interrelated.\u201d<\/p>\n