2009 Al Fresco Weekend

Salem’s Al Fresco Weekend-
-A Community Working Together

Al Fresco Weekend, held July 25th and 26th on the Salem Courthouse grounds and in the surrounding region, is a testament to community effort.  Over 200 community volunteers, along with local farmers, food producers, chefs, and entertainers contributed their time and effort to this annual celebration of Salem’s agricultural heritage.
Begun in 2003 by the Historic Salem Courthouse Preservation Association (HSCPA) as a fundraiser for the Community Center, Al Fresco encourages use of local farms and food producers by sourcing food from the region.  Al Fresco 2009 began with a dinner for 400 people on Saturday evening and continued on Sunday with a Chefs’ Brunch, Art and Agricultural Market, and Farm Tour.

Each year Al Fresco has relied on the teamwork and talents of a community.  In June harvesters cut rhubarb and picked strawberries for the famed Courthouse cobbler.  By July 20, work began in earnest at the Courthouse.  Volunteers spent many hours in the Battenkill Kitchen preparing the entire Al Fresco dinner.  According to HSCPA’s Director Donna Farringer, “Once the sticks and canvas were delivered to the Courthouse grounds, an army of local gentlemen just showed up to erect 4 tents used for Al Fresco activities.“  Young people recruited from Salem served Saturday evening’s dinner on platters fired in the Courthouse Pottery Studio.
On Sunday, chefs from twelve restaurants used local ingredients and volunteered their time to create a tasty brunch for 300 people.  Craftspeople and food producers offered their merchandise.  Farmers opened their barn doors and fields to allow people a first-hand experience. 

Once activities ended Sunday afternoon, the gentlemen who appeared on Thursday returned to dismantle tents and clear the grounds.  Women collected dishes and silverware to wash.  Another year’s festivities concluded successfully--a tribute to the energy and spirit of a community working to achieve a common purpose.
~Cathy Firman - Photo by Donna Orlyk July 28, 2009