The second annual Hoedown and Farm-to-Table Fundraiser for Rooted in Wyoming will be held at the beautiful Lazy JA Ranch, located at 501 US HWY 14, on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 12-4 p.m.
Rooted in Wyoming is a dedicated partner in building and nurturing school and community gardens in Sheridan County and beyond. The nonprofit encourages appreciation and stewardship of the natural environment, connections with the area history and intergenerational learning and recreation. Since Rooted in Wyoming was created in January of 2016, it has contributed more than 6,000 volunteer hours, established enduring partnerships, organized and volunteered for community efforts and helped bring six gardens into production (with two large build-outs initiated for the spring of 2019). During the same time, the nonprofit has provided planting supplies, tools, grow towers and educational opportunities to various classrooms.
“We know that gardens help children become better environmental stewards while developing important skills such as patience, cooperation, teamwork, pride and volunteerism,” said Rooted in Wyoming Executive Director Bonnie Gregory. “By being involved in school gardens, children gain connections to science, health and nutrition. But gardens also connect to English, math, art, social studies, cuisine and history. Gardens provide students with a sense of ownership of their school and the greater community. We have some amazing garden projects in place and are excited for the future.”
Directly raising funds for Rooted in Wyoming’s community efforts, the Hoedown will feature a farm-to-table supper made with ingredients sourced from the school gardens, local producers and an FFA beef project, all prepared by Bonafide Foods. Local musicians will donate their time and talent to the cause, with Anne and Andy Lowe kicking off the festivities, followed by Dugan Irby. After supper, guests will be invited to tap their boots to Alycia Vince and the band Cruisin’. Other activities include a baking contest; lawn games; an American Gothic photo booth; raffles; a silent auction; and “The Giving Tree,” from which guests may choose a tag to fulfill a wish from a student for their garden.
Tickets are now available online at rootedinwyoming.org. For adults, tickets include a free drink coupon and cost $25 each. For kids ages 12 and under, tickets cost $10 (kids under age three enter free).
