Springdale Farm Aid

In the days when Texas was a mostly rural, agrarian society, communities came together in difficult circumstances. Barns were raised, crops harvested, and folks helped out their neighbors. Austin’s close-knit food community is upholding that historic tradition this weekend with a benefit for Springdale Farm.

As if farming itself weren’t difficult enough, Sprindale Farm owners Glenn and Paula Foore have had to invest an inordinate amount of time, energy, and resources to deal with city regulations and code compliance issues since the passage of the Urban Farm ordinance in 2013. Glenn and a team of employees tend to the farm while Paula attends community meetings, consults with attorneys and representatives of various city departments, applies for a zoning variance and conditional use permits, and deals with code compliance issues. And now, with urban farms being a hot button issue in the race for City Council place 3 where Sprindale Farm is located, Paula Foore says,”I know we’re not the only farmers who have been caught in the cross hairs navigating city policies, but with the upcoming city elections, we’re concerned about the future of our farm.”

Through all the difficulties, the Foores have continued to operate their by-weekly farmstand and have managed to maintain Springdale Farm as a community hub for local non-profit organizations, an educational venue for Austinites of all ages, and an event venue for folks seeking to celebrate with an authentic farm experience.

Perhaps no group realizes the value that Springdale Farm contributes to Austin better than the chefs who shop there weekly for fresh, seasonal produce and eggs to serve in their restaurants. That’s the reason more than 20 chefs and food artisans will be sharing their signature dishes with party guests at Sunday’s event. “Everyone we invited said yes, and when some other people heard about it, they reached out to volunteer,” reports event organizer Carla Crownover.

The festivities will include a sip and stroll with great food, custom cocktails from the Tipsy Texan, and craft brews from Real Ale. In addition to live music and a silent auction, there will be family-friendly games, and a Smilebooth for taking photos to commemorate the event. $50 tickets to the party are still available here .

Springdale Farm Aid

www.springdalefarm.com

755 Springdale Road

Sunday, Sept.28 1-5pm

This article appears in September 26 • 2014.

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