Annual Harvest Dinner and Farm Fest Scheduled for Labor Day Weekend at Hilltop Farm

Labor Day Weekend marks the date for the annual harvest dinner and Farm Fest at Hilltop Farm. Presented by the Friends of the Farm at Hilltop, the event serves as a fundraiser for the organization dedicated to the preservation of the the historic farm.

The popular harvest dinner features the produce and agricultural products of local farmers prepared by the chefs of the . The menu for the event is still being finalized, but Eileen Moncrief, one of the directors of the Friends of the Farm at Hilltop and Suffield selectwoman, promises a farm-to-table feast.

About twenty local farmers participate in providing the meal. Beef raised by the Hastings Farm will most certainly be on the buffet-style menu. Prior years have featured locally raised pork, tomatoes and other vegetables, as well as berries and watermelons for dessert.

"It's a great learning experience for the culinary school students as well, being able to access such fresh and local ingredients for the meal," Moncrief said.

The dinner will be held on Saturday, Sept. 3, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

In addition to the food, entertainment will be provided by The Fast Lane Band. The band is a local favorite and is making a return engagement at the farm. The band plays a mix of classic rock, pop, funk, and oldies favorites.

The Farm Fest on Monday, Sept. 5 promises many exhibits, games and food in a family-friendly environment. Admission to the event costs only $5 for parking on the grounds.

Features of the Farm Fest include demonstrations on birds of prey, a reptile and amphibian demonstration, dairy cows and alpacas. Visitors will also be able to indulge in the ever-popular pony rides.

In addition, there will be tractor parade at noon and tractor pulls. A display of "doodlebugs," homemade tractors pieced together from the remnants of depression-era production tractors, gives a glimpse into farming during World War II, where resources were in short supply.

For younger children, a simulated barnyard for play and education about agricultural life will be provided.

The Friends of the Farm at Hilltop was formed in 2002 with the aim of purchasing the Hilltop Farm from the Town of Suffield in order to renovate and restore the historic property. It leases the property from the town and manages the farm as well. The organization raises money for the restoration of the giant barn and has so far replaced the roof and downspouts and installed a fire escape. They hope to install a fire suppression system in the near future.

The Hilltop Farm Historic District has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service since 2005.

"Our immediate goal is to open up the barn to the public and to hold events there," Moncrief said.

The mission of the non-profit organization is a dedication to preserving, promoting and enjoying Hilltop Farm as an educational resource for people of all ages. Visitors can learn about agriculture and nature conservancy as well as New England history and culture within the context of this formerly grand farm.

The dinner is open to 350 guests and Moncrief expected as many as 2,000 attendees at the Farm Fest on Labor Day.

"Although it's taking place in Suffield, it is a regional event," she said.

Organizers will offer a silent auction of many donated items, services and vacation packages.

Volunteers are always in need, and anyone willing to donate is encouraged to contact Ellie Binns at 860-668-2781 or email her at elliebinns@cox.net.

Refer to the flyer attached to this story in PDF format for harvest dinner ticket information or visit the Friends of the Farm at Hilltop Web site and click "events." Tickets cost $55 until Monday, Aug. 15, when the price rises to $60 per ticket.