Experience the First Taste of Columbia County

Hudson, NY, - Columbia County Bounty is proud to announce the first “ Taste of Columbia County Bounty ” taking place on Monday, July 28, 2008 from 5 pm to 9 pm at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in Chatham . This first-ever event of it's kind in Columbia County brings together more than 25 of our finest chefs, restaurants and producers and more than 35 local growers and farmers for a summer's evening of terrific fun and fare - simply a “must” for foodies of every stripe, passionate cooks, farm admirers, food activists and home gardeners!

Just some of the impressive collection of local talent and products includes ice cream made with Gumaer Farms cream, south-of-the-border delights from Mexican Radio, delicious preserves and chutneys from Beth's Farm Kitchen, regional and creative delicacies from Bezalel Gables Fine Catering & Events and Chef Jeff Loshinsky and many more! Gorgeous, expertly prepared produce will be featured from Braeburn Farm, artisan garlic from Scarecrow Farm and micro-greens from Tivoli Naturals. There will be Black Angus beef from Grazin' Angus Acres, North American Devon beef from Harrier Field Farm and pheasant from Punsit Valley Farm. Hudson-Chatham Winery and Chatham Brewing will be on hand serving their wonderful local libations, as well as special treats like freshly popped corn dressed with local butter, spun on the spot maple cotton candy, a 3 ½ foot fountain of chocolate with local berries for dipping and free balloons for the kids. Beautiful, locally grown floral creations will be provided by Cedar Farms, adding to the atmospheric jazz stylings of the Peg Delaney Trio. There will also be a silent auction of gift certificates to some of our favorite restaurants including Gigi's, Hana Sushi, Local 111, Lippera's, Vico and others.

This event is an outgrowth of our phenomenally successful “Bounty of the County” suppers, which began as harvest dinners to allow chefs and restaurateurs to cook and create dishes using local ingredients from the bounty of our local farmers and producers. Last year's guest list read like a Who's Who in the Hudson Valley and was widely reported on as “The Best Party of the Summer”. This year we are opening the event to the general public to raise funds for the non-profit advocacy, educational and networking programs of Columbia County Bounty . Come meet our local chefs, farmers, vintners and brewers! It's country charm at its best, and as we all know - no one leaves a Columbia County Bounty event hungry!

Many thanks to our generous Sponsors, The Green Pastures Fund, First Niagara Bank, The Lofgren Insurance Agency, Brad Peck Insurance Agency, Pickle Press, Trevellyan Graphic Design and Mark eting and DinnerWhere? Magazine, Karp, Ackerman, Skabo ws ki & Hogan . Columbia County Bounty functions under the auspices of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the Hudson Valley Agri-Business Development Corporation.

Visit our brand-new interactive web site at: www.columbiacountybounty.com . It is designed as a networking and educational tool for chefs, farmers, eaters and locavores and has a complete list of stores, restaurants, farmer's markets, growers and producers, as well as upcoming Bounty events.

Columbia County Bounty is an entirely volunteer organization whose mission is to promote and support networking connections between local agricultural producers and culinary businesses. We aim to educate our community about the preservation of our local farms through the purchase and use of local and regional sustainable foods and products not only from Columbia County , but the entire Hudson Valley.

Taste of Columbia County Bounty, Monday, July 28, 2008, 5 pm to 9 pm, Columbia County Fairgrounds in Chatham . Tickets are $75 for unlimited food, wine, beer and fun and include a $25 one-year membership in Columbia County Bounty. Tickets are $50 for current Bounty members, children 1 to 6 years old are free and for children 7 to 12 years old are $25. Call Columbia County Chamber of Commerce (518) 828-4417 for tickets, or purchase tickets at the door (cash or credit cards only at the door).

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, with its 850 members, is the leading voice of business in Columbia County, providing advocacy, promotional and benefit solutions for its members. Those seeking more information concerning the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and membership can contact the Chamber at (518) 828-4417 or visit the website at www.columbiachamber-ny.com.