Ottawa County’s picturesque landscapes and thriving agricultural heritage are set to take center stage at the upcoming “Farms are the Tapas” fundraising event on September 28. This evening raises funding and awareness for Ottawa County’s farmland preservation program, a vital initiative dedicated to safeguarding the region’s agricultural legacy for generations to come.

Hosted at The Red Shed of Hudsonville, “Farms are the Tapas” will be an evening of culinary delights and community gathering, offering attendees unique opportunities to savor the flavors of locally sourced dishes while contributing to the preservation of Ottawa County’s cherished farmlands. The event will showcase the county’s vibrant agricultural scene by featuring a variety of tapas-style dishes crafted by local chefs competing for the coveted Harvest Knife Award.

“We are thrilled to invite the community to join us in celebrating the heart of Ottawa County—its farms,” said Julie Lamer, Farmland Preservation Specialist. “Ottawa County’s Purchase of Development Rights program plays a crucial role in protecting the land that sustains us, and ‘Farms are the Tapas’ is our way of honoring the hard work of our local farmers while raising funds to continue these important efforts.”

Tickets for “Farms are the Tapas” are available for purchase at miOttawa.org/tapas and cost $50. In addition to the dining experience, a silent auction will showcase an array of items and experiences. Opportunities to bid are available to both attendees and those unable to attend. Register to bid at event.gives/Tapas2023 and preview the auction items. Bidding opens on September 25, three days before the event.

Funds raised from “Farms are the Tapas” will directly benefit Ottawa County’s Purchase of Development Rights program, aiding in the acquisition of conservation easements. By supporting this cause, attendees will contribute to the long-term viability of the region’s agricultural landscape and help ensure a prosperous future for Ottawa County’s farming communities.

For more information and ticket purchases, please visit miOttawa.org/Farmland.

About Farmland Preservation Program
Funded through a combination of private donations and state and federal grants, the Ottawa County Farmland Preservation Program is dedicated to protecting and preserving the agricultural heritage of Ottawa County through education, community engagement and conservation easements, including the Purchase of Development Rights Program. By selling the development rights to Ottawa County, this program allows participating landowners to receive compensation for the development potential of their land, yet still retain ownership and other rights associated with it through a permanent easement.