Thank you! Tickets are SOLD OUT for this Food Security Fundraiser.
Celebrate North Carolina’s bounty from the sea and land at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market’s (GFM) very first Coast to Curb Seafood Celebration fundraiser featuring NC shrimp, oysters and crabs. This “Sea to Table” event will raise vital funds for the Market’s food security programs. GFM manages five different nutritional assistance programs that increase fresh food access, strengthen the local food system, and provide fresh local nutritious foods to those in need in the Triad.
The picnic dinner event is by advance ticket, dress attire is casual and the event will be held on the market lawn and outside grounds (501 Yanceyville Street). An optional opening reception will begin at 4pm with appetizers including fresh, hot hushpuppies made with House of Autry cornmeal and Red Hots from Bright Leaf Hot Dogs out of Smithfield, NC. Additional locally sourced appetizers to be provided by Kerrie Thomas of Goat Lady Dairy Dinners.
The main course platter will be served “canteen style” to include a generous portion of NC fresh steamed and seasoned shrimp, steamed and seasoned blue claw crabs, roasted oysters on the half shell, and farm-fresh potatoes, corn, and slaw. An array of locally made condiments will be available to accompany the meal.
Tickets are $35 per plate, per person and can be purchased on TicketMe Triad and at the Market, Saturdays 7 am – 12 noon or Wednesdays 8 am – 12 noon. Tickets for small fries (children under 10) are $15 and include a Bright Leaf hot dog, hush puppies, corn, potatoes, slaw, optional shrimp, and a serving of crab or oyster. A variety of libations will be available including complimentary fruit and herbal infused water with a cash bar serving beer and wine. Tickets for the cash bar can be purchased the day of for $5.
This fundraiser is made possible in part from the generous donation of talent and time from local chefs and food enthusiasts: George Smith, Mary Lacklen, Ren Sutherland, John Handler, and Randy Barnes.
George Smith – Co-Chef of Seafood & Side Provisions
George Smith, of NC Fresh Seafood and Smith Century Farm, is the Market’s seafood provider and co-chef for the event. Born in Greensboro, George moved to south Florida at age three where he grew up living by the ocean. He learned to love seafood at an early age as well as a great appreciation for watermen. He has worked on several commercial and pleasure fishing platforms. George moved back to Guilford County in 1974 to help run his family’s farm with his father. During that time he also managed 49 Seafood Buffet in Burlington. As a full time farmer, George began to supplement his farming income by driving a refrigerated truck to the coast and hauling fresh seafood to restaurants, seafood markets, and grocery stores. George’s history with seafood ensures a delicious variety of seafood options at the Curb Market today. George is also an avid supporter and voice in the community for local food access and food security.
Mary Lacklen – Co-Chef of Seafood & Side Provisions
Mary Lacklen has a culinary background that combines a life-long career in the restaurant business with a commitment to community service and the delivery of innovative food-based programs. She has owned three area restaurants including Award Winning Café 200 in High Point, Mosaic Restaurant and Wine Bar and Bert’s Seafood Grille. She is also a recipient of the Governor’s Award in 2001 for Outstanding Volunteer Service. Lacklen served as President of the Guilford County Restaurant Association from 1986-2000 and is currently an independent consultant and caterer. She is the co-founder and logistics director of Community Tables in Greensboro, which has grown exponentially since 1986 and is now based in the Greensboro Coliseum where volunteers prepare and serve a traditional Thanksgiving Day meal to 5000 people each year.
Ren Sutherland-Master Oyster Roaster
Ren is best known to the Market community as the proprietor of a popular refrigerated pickle business (Poppy’s Pickles) with a wide variety of pickled products available at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market every Saturday. His day job is making microchips for cell phones at Quorvo. Prior to his current stint, Ren worked in the seafood business for 13 years holding down every job in a seafood restaurant from washing dishes to managing the whole operation. He has been involved with food and cooking for most of his life and GFM is happy to have him on the grill roasting oysters for the celebration!
John Handler – Master Crab Steamer
John Handler is a long-time GFM Farm Vendor of Weatherhand Farm out of Climax, NC. He and his wife Sharon Weatherly grow a wide variety of produce as well as cut flowers; pasture raised chicken, goat, lamb, rabbit, vegetable and herb plants. However, he grew up in Maryland where steamed crabs are a summertime tradition. He remembers watching his father put live crabs in a big pot, cover them with salt and spices and steam them in beer until they turned bright red. This method is unique to the Baltimore/ Chesapeake Bay area. When he moved to North Carolina he couldn’t find live or steamed crabs in Greensboro. He could only find live crabs when he was at the coast so he learned to do them myself. GFM is excited to have John share his culinary talent and his own special mix of seasonings for the crab steamers.
Randy Barnes -Hot Dog Grill Master
Randy Barnes is a local hotdog enthusiast and social media crackerjack. His hot dog adventures are found at Triadhotdogs.com and on Instagram at @NChotdogs. Armed with the skills developed by watching many YouTube videos and skimming some Facebook posts, Randy has evolved into an adroit wiener roaster.
A limited number of reserved tables for (seating for six) are available for $250 (beverages not included). Reserved table donors receive a gift bag of “swag” full of NC regional specialties and goodies. Patrons will enjoy live music at the event. Guitarist, singer, and songwriter Andy Squint will be performing Cajun, zydeco, blues and classic coastal music during the dinner. Additional activities will take place throughout the evening for patron’s enjoyment. Sponsors include Abita Beer, Texas Pete, House of Autry and more to be announced.
About the Market
Greensboro Farmers Market provides Greater Greensboro with opportunities to purchase and learn about local foods in a friendly and diverse social setting. GFM encourages and supports the growth of local foods and artisan goods businesses to improve Greater Greensboro’s economy, support better health through healthy eating and build social and community connections. The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market, 501 Yanceyville Street, is located at the corner of Lindsey Street and Yanceyville Street across from the War Memorial Stadium and operates year round on Saturdays 7 am to 12 pm and seasonally on Wednesday 8 am- 12 pm (April 17- October 30). The Market is an indoor facility with free admission, WiFi, and plenty of free parking as well as an ATM on site.