Locavore Farm Hosts Seed-to-Table Oktoberfest Oct. 10

Locavore Farm puts to bed its premiere seed-to-table season with an Oktoberfest Celebration on Saturday, October 10 from 3:30 to 9 p.m. Oktoberfest at Locavore Farm, 16146 E. 12000 Rd. N County Line, Grant Park, Ill., features craft beer from independent and well-known regional breweries paired with its pasture-raised pork, grass-fed gourmet burgers and vegetarian plated meal options. In addition, Locavore Oktoberfest features live music from the Freddie Franken Group, an upscale jazz collective, farm tours and a unique artisan craft fair. Unlike past Locavore events where there is a single seating time, patrons are able to dine and sample at their leisure from the assortment of local food and drink vendors. The 100-seat, hand-crafted table will be set for dining whenever patrons are ready. Tickets to the Oct. 10 Oktoberfest are $35 and include a commemorative glass with two full pours of craft beer. Kids admission is free. The event is open for 300 guests only and advance tickets are required. No rain date is scheduled. For tickets and information visit www.LocavoreFarm.com.

“In our first season, we have welcomed over 2,000 guests and have seated 900 at our table for our signature ‘Dine on the Land’ events,” said co-farmer Rachael Jones. “I am humbled at the overwhelmingly positive response we’ve had from attendees over the summer. We strive to create a place where people can slow down from their busy lives and enjoy real community and country living. Our Oktoberfest Celebration opens the doors one last time for those who have wanted to visit but haven’t yet. Everyone can celebrate our final harvest and experience the community that’s gathered around our farm—from the chef to the dinner, musician, and artisan.”

The Oktoberfest menu includes sausages handmade from Locavore Farm’s pasture-raised pigs, Locavore’s signature grass-fed gourmet burger, and veggie wraps. Fermented foods, an alternative to canning their fall harvest, include sauerkraut, radishes, ginger carrot garnishes. Each menu item is served by a chef from the region. Plates range from $10 to $15, including snack foods for $5.

Locavore Farm has four beer taps open at the bar. Each tap will feature a craft beer from Revolution Brewing Co., Bell’s Brewing Co., 3 Floyd’s, and three independent breweries from Northwest Indiana. Admission includes two pours; pints are $6 each. Cocktails and a hard cider will also be available at the bar.

Live music is performed on the pier of Locavore’s pond throughout the day from 3:30 PM to 9 PM. Performing first, is the upscale jazz collective, Freddie Franken Group. Franken was born and raised in Aruba, where he acquired an early love of hot weather, ripe mangos, and Gibson archtops. His early interest in guitar was nurtured by the island’s rich musical and cultural traditions, specifically Brazilian, Latin, Afro-Cuban, and native Caribbean music. From 7 PM to 9 PM, live music from local musicians ranging from indie-pop, folk and rock.

Activities include, farm tours, bean bags, bonfire, s’more bar, and shopping. An artisan market that supports local artists and handi-crafters will take place with items from upcycled and repurposed items, barn finds, found objects, textiles, woodwork, and original art.

Locavore Farm was born when city-dwellers Chris and Rachael Jones left the bungalow for the bucolic farmland in 2014. In one year, and a lot of sweat, they created Locavore Farms, a five-acre organic farm featuring organic non-GMO, and heirloom vegetables and livestock. Locavore also raises hens which lay organic, pasture-raised eggs in shades of blue, green, dark brown, and terra cotta. Locavore Farm hosted 4 open-air dinners created by a guest chef using ingredients from their farm and neighboring communities.