FAIRVIEW, N.C. — On Memorial Day weekend 2019, people of all ages and backgrounds will gather at the 11th annual Square Dance and potluck, hosted by The Lord’s Acre in Fairview, NC. The non-profit organization was established just over a decade ago to address issues of hunger in the immediate community, as well as issues of poverty in the region at large. Since its inception, the organization has raised over 159,000 pounds of fresh organic produce equaling more than 555,000 servings of food.
Susan Sides is one of the founders of The Lord’s Acre. She says, “For ten years I have watched this vision for addressing hunger come to life, thanks to the thousands of folks who have donated, volunteered, or worked on the board. It’s been an honor and a gift to share this vision and watch everyone working together to make it a reality. The Square Dance is the perfect opportunity to allow the community that makes The Lord’s Acre possible come together and celebrate our shared vision.”
Executive Director Vanessa Champlin adds that community coming together has been central to the mission of The Lord’s Acre since the beginning. “Building community as a way of addressing poverty and isolation is a cornerstone piece of our work.”
Longtime attendee Jane Vogelman Lubbers corroborates, saying, “My family and I just love the square dance! It is such a sweet gathering of community. Being able to come together to share food, music, and dancing connects us to the simple joys in life.”
In addition to the sounds of an old-time band and the shared experience of traditional square dancing, attendees participate in and enjoy a community potluck, the option to purchase local craft beer and cider, tours of The Lord’s Acre’s garden, and games for kids and the young at heart. Attendees can also meet and greet with the staff, interns, and board of the Lord’s Acre, to hear more about the important work of giving gardens.
The event includes a raffle of local items such as artwork, Biltmore tickets, plants and garden items, and more. Raffle tickets cost $5/ticket or $20 for 5. Proceeds from general admission to the event and the sales of raffle items will go directly towards supporting The Lord’s Acre’s work of charitable giving and community outreach.
The event is open to the public, from 5pm-10pm on May 25th, 2019, at The Lord’s Acre Garden. 26 Joe Jenkins Road, Fairview NC 28730. Admission tickets are $10/ individual and $25/family before the event, or $15/$30 the day of. Admission and raffle tickets are available online at this link.
To learn more about the work of The Lord’s Acre throughout the year, visit www.thelordsacre.org.
The Lord’s Acre is a giving garden located in Fairview, North Carolina, which produces fresh food solely for the purpose of feeding underserved communities. Established 10 years ago by concerned citizens and avid organic gardeners, the non-profit has hosted a celebratory Square Dance on the farm each year to raise funds for continued charitable work. On May 25th, 2019, The Lord’s Acre hosts its 11th annual event to raise awareness and support further outreach.
–Vanessa Champlin, The Lords Acre