FARE Idaho announces Field to Fork Festival
Bonner County Daily Bee | UPDATED 1 year, 3 months AGO
SANDPOINT — FARE Idaho will host its annual Field to Fork Festival in the community later this summer.
A nonprofit organization representing Idaho's independent food producers, farmers, ranchers, retailers and chefs, FARE Idaho works to build a stronger, more connected food system through connections, policy, advocacy and events.
The event will be held Thursday, Aug. 7, at the University of Idaho's Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center. The event is free and open to the public during festival hours and will feature a regional tradeshow, producer-buyer networking, roundtable discussions and a separately ticketed dinner celebrating locally sourced food.
Funded in part by a USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program grant and supported by local sponsors, the event is designed to create economic opportunity for Idaho’s independent farmers, ranchers and food producers. The goal is to strengthen local supply chains, encourage producer-to-buyer connections and support the resilience of North Idaho’s regional food economy.
The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with chefs and buyers receiving exclusive access to vendors beginning at 1 p.m. Attendees can explore products, sample goods and engage directly with producers from across the region. A curated lineup of local food trucks will provide food and refreshments.
Breakout roundtable discussions will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. and will focus on producer needs, market challenges and pathways for statewide support.
Following the festival, a separately ticketed Field to Fork Dinner in the Orchard will begin at 5 p.m. Guests will enjoy a multi-course, open-air meal prepared by Ivano’s Catering using seasonal ingredients from local farms and food artisans. The evening will include a cocktail hour, passed appetizers, communal seating and a cash bar featuring regional wines, beer and non-alcoholic options.
Vendor participation is limited and currently by invitation. Producers and makers interested in applying may contact FARE Idaho. Dinner tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available online.
For details, visit fareidaho.org/field-to-fork-sandpoint.