We are looking forward to the Holy Smokes BBQ competition and fundraiser at the Winchester-Clark County Farmers’ Market, and the Harvest to Hand farm-to-table dinner that will take place at Gilkison Farm.

Both of these events will be Saturday, so I encourage you to come out and participate.

The Holy Smokes BBQ competition and fundraiser benefits the farmers’ market. These funds support market growth and development, along with all the programs and services the market provides to the community (i.e. WICFMNP, SFMNP, Kids Bucks Day, etc.).

A major goal of the market in the future is to raise enough money to construct a permanent structure on Depot Street. This structure has the possibility to host more than just the farmers’ market events. It could potentially house various community events in the future.

Besides supporting the farmers’ market, some of our BBQ competitors and participants enjoy the fun of it. If you have an interest in competing in the BBQ competition, you can do so for free. There are rules and guidelines for competition, and competitors must provide their own meat. For more information, visit the Holy Smokes BBQ Competition Facebook page.

If you like to eat BBQ, make sure to come out for lunch Saturday. You can get a sandwich, sides (provided by Pilot View Mini Mart), chips, a drink and a cookie for $7. Lunch will be served starting at noon until they run out of food. Remember, the competition will take place at the Winchester-Clark County Farmers’ Market located on Depot Street in Winchester.

Saturday evening, I hope you will also plan to attend the Harvest to Hand farm-to-table dinner starting at 6 p.m. The dinner will be hosted on the Gilkison Farm located on Callaway White Road, which is off of Combs Ferry Road. The farm is a beautiful location and the food is wonderful.

The ingredients for the dinner are all Kentucky Proud. Many are Clark County-grown. It is all prepared by Steve Adkins from Engine House Pizza + Pub and Thirty-Nine Main in Winchester. Tickets are $55 each and the proceeds benefit youth agriculture education in Clark County. This includes supporting the Clark County 4-H Ag Day, which is conducted for all third grade classes in the county each spring at the Gilkison Farm.

For more information about this event, or for a link to purchase tickets online at eventbrite.com, search for the Harvest to Hand Dinner Facebook page.

David Davis is the Clark County Cooperative Extension Service Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources.