We called our Olney Farmers and Artists Market benefit brunch “Almost Heaven” because it takes a long time to get there, but it’s totally worth it! The climate was certainly agreeable, and the society was, too.
MacBride and Gill’s Falcon Ridge Farm was in full Spring flower at the end of May.
Peonies In Bloom
The chickens were enjoying the weather
They Have Their Own House
and so were the partygoers. Cocktails were served with a side of view.
You Can See Pennsylvania From Here
Our chef, Mark Mills, arrived at 5 a.m. to start the pig roasting, assisted by Russ Testa, who also cooked the coconut chicken. They prepared several vegetable side dishes, and Debbie Amster contributed the green salad.
Chef Russ and Chef Mark
Chef Mark and Pig
The copious buffet featured products provided by the vendors at the Market. The seating area, in the barn, was brightened by the flower arrangements provided by Kelly Shore, of Petals by the Shore.
Buffet
Dining Area
The band was installed in the balcony, where their interpretations of Celtic music provided a perfect background for the meal.
The Mighty Kelltones
After the meal (with wines from Jackson Family Wines, provided by Elyse Kudo), there were tours of the farm, a wine tasting of wines produced at the University of Maryland by Joe Fiola, and a beer tasting of local microbrew by Mathew Ruhlman of Ruhlman Brewery.
Vino and Velociraptor
Beer Tasting
The farm tour included a hops garden, with an elaborate trellis for the hops vines to grow up. They were just beginning to do that.
Baby Hops
It was a great event, if I say so myself – and I do!
Here are the Market vendors and the products that contributed so much to the day’s success:
Turkey Sausage by Orchard Breeze
Strawberries by Penn Farm
Sheep Cheese by Shepherds Manor Creamery
Scones by Rare Opportunity Farms
Bread by Atwater’s
Coffee by Zeke’s
Dessert:
Cakes by Nancy Macbride, Cupcakes by Cupcake Lounge, Pastries by Canela Bakery
