SOFT LINEN tablecloths, colorful stemware glasses, an eclectic mix of chairs and benches, and jars bursting with zinnias were the perfect backdrop for the first Farm-to-Table Dinner sponsored by the Bedford County Fair Board. As the sun dipped below the rolling hills surrounding Lynfield Gardens in Bell Buckle last June, the yellow hue of vintage-inspired Edison bulbs strung from the trees high above the tables flickered to life. The warmed breeze carried the telltale hints of freshly mowed grass mingled with the tantalizing aroma of meticulously grown and seasoned Wagyu beef and pork chops as meat sizzled on the grills.
It’s no surprise that tickets for this event sold out within a meager 12 hours! Especially since farmers, artisans, and individuals from every corner of our community contributed their unique products and worked together to forge lasting friendships, encourage camaraderie, and share their love of agriculture with others.
“Our fair board, which I am a member of, was super supportive of my dream to create our own farm-to-table event,” said the director of the Bedford County Fair, Brandi Smith. “Getting to work with local farms, seeing what they offer and how we could incorporate them into this magical evening, was a major highlight. I learned just how great our county is! I sat back and watched everyone enjoy what we created — the smiles, compliments, and the laughter — we could not have done this without the help of our youth board and fair board. They are essential to our success.”
Smith continued, “We took the bounties of our local farmers and turned it into a five-course meal with attendees from all over Middle Tennessee. Many of our guests didn’t have a background in agriculture, so they were able to learn about what our local farms offer.”
The menu included freshly squeezed lemonade made from locally grown lemons and blackberry syrup created from berries grown at the host site, Lynfield Gardens. Smith Farms provided the lamb that was skewered between feta and olives, and Nash Family Creamery’s white cheddar was paired with an array of crackers. An assortment of creamy and tangy goat cheese from Windrow Farms paired well with jam provided by the Hartline family.
Vegetables for the salads were lovingly gathered from Swallow Hollow Farm and topped with Jack Daniel’s hickory vinaigrette. The award-winning chefs from Barking Pig BBQ worked alongside HillJack Hideaway Farmstead, who graciously provided meat for the main course.
“This event was a great asset to our community. We have things available in our county that many people may not know about, such as HillJack Hideaway Homestead, who provided us with Wagyu/Holstein steaks and farm fresh pork chops raised right here in Bedford County. Guests also got to see just how beautiful Lynfield Gardens is and learned they can pick their fresh flowers. Windrow Farms provided freshly made goat cheeses and A2 fresh cream butter. Nash Family Creamery brought ice cream and an assortment of cheeses. We built relationships that might not have otherwise been built.”
Dennis and Kayla White, owners of Promise Manor in Lynchburg, host a similar yearly event that served as the inspiration Smith needed, so she invited them as special guests. Speakers also included the president of the fair board, Matt Ledbetter, and Brandi Smith. Other special guests were Lynn Williams, who represented the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, County Mayor Chad Graham, and Shane Smith from HillJack Hideaway.
“Lynn Williams was so impressed with our event she hopes to help come up with a grant to help other county fairs host their own farm-to-table event,” said Smith. “Matt Ledbetter said this event went far beyond what he could have ever expected. Michelle Calvert loved this event so much she has offered to host it at her farm next year.”
Mark your calendars for June 7, as the 2025 Farm-to-Table Dinner will be held on Henderson Road in Shelbyville. More information will be forthcoming from the Bedford County Fair Board as the date draws closer, but tickets will again be limited.
“Farm-to-table events are vital to a community because they celebrate the connection between farmers and consumers. This event was magical and elegant in every way. We cultivated a sense of community pride and awareness of fresh, locally sourced foods.” GN
