To our Taste the Harvest Guests and Local Food Supporters,
We hope this message finds you well. We have some important news to share regarding the much anticipated “Taste the Harvest” event. Over the first two years, Taste the Harvest has brought our community together to celebrate our local food economy, showcasing the best of our region’s harvest and Lewiston’s culinary talent. We love having the opportunity to savor delicious tapas-style dishes while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere created by this collaborative dining event.
However, after careful consideration, we have made the decision to take a year off from hosting Taste the Harvest, allowing us to create an even more memorable and meaningful experience for everyone involved. This pause will allow us time to reimagine and enhance the event, ensuring its continued quality, impact, and sustainability.
The decision to postpone this year’s event was not made lightly and is based on a variety of factors. Our local farmers have faced a challenging growing season, and we believe it’s essential to support them fully in showcasing the incredible flavors of their harvest. Additionally, many our our Taste the Harvest partners have encountered persistent workforce challenges, making it necessary for us to regroup and plan for a seamless event.
We want to assure you that our commitment to promoting our local food economy remains unwavering. Taste the Harvest has always been about celebrating the journey from farm to table, and this break will enable us to refine the event and ensure its continued success for years to come. Please read more below about how to support the local food economy this year (and year-round).
We thank you for your understanding and support as we work to bring you an even better Taste the Harvest experience in the future. Please stay tuned for updates as we progress in our reimagining process. We can’t wait to welcome you back to a revitalized Taste the Harvest event that honors our community’s culinary heritage and local food producers.
Supporting Our Local Food Economy During this Year’s Pause
We remain deeply committed to our local food economy and the farmers, producers, and chefs who make it thrive, and there are still meaningful ways we can show our support during our break:
- Farmers’ Market Collaboration: We’re partnering with the Lewiston Farmers’ Market to promote and celebrate the freshest produce and artisanal products our community has to offer. We encourage you to visit them and explore the incredible selection they provide.
- Community Recipe Exchange: Share your favorite recipes that feature local ingredients. This collaborative effort will help us celebrate our food culture and creativity. Share them to info@lametrochamber.com or on social media with the hashtag #LAMCCEatLocal
- Farm Tours: Visit a local farm to experience firsthand the hard work and dedication that goes into producing the fresh ingredients that define our local flavors. Post your photos on social media with the hashtag #LAMCCEatLocal
And for those eager to dive even deeper into our local food scene:
- Eat Local Challenge: Guests who try dishes from multiple participating restaurants during the Eat Local featured week in early October and share their experience with us will be entered to win a 2024 CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share or gift cards to local eateries, generously supported by Central Maine Healthcare. Your feedback matters and this is a chance to both support local businesses and possibly win something delightful!
- Local Restaurant Features: Throughout the first week of October, participating restaurants will feature at least one local food menu item sourced through local farms in our county. Not only will this highlight our region’s culinary talents, but it will also give you a chance to savor the flavors of our local harvest. Restaurants that take part in this initiative will also be entered into a drawing to win an LA Metro Chamber membership, generously sponsored by the City of Lewiston.
- Local Food, Local Places: Learn more about the local food economy, and the partnerships focused on growing it under the Local Food, Local Places Action Plan, the impetus for Taste the Harvest, the Eat Local Challenge, and so much more in our region. Attend the Community Workshop and Celebration October 25th.
If you want to hear more about the 2023 Eat Local Challenge or be the first to sign up for news about the return of Taste the Harvest in 2024, sign up here.
Rest assured, Taste the Harvest will return stronger than ever, and in the meantime, we’re dedicated to creating ways that keep our community connected with the local food ecosystem.
Thank you for being an essential part of our community and for your ongoing support of our local food economy. Together, we can continue to nurture the culinary richness of our region. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your feedback is valuable as we move forward and we look forward to sharing more exciting news with you!
Shanna Cox
