The 11th annual Farm to Table Dinner Fundraiser for the De Soto Farmers Market will be held Saturday, Sept. 12.
The family-style, four-course dinner will be held from 6-9 p.m. at the market pavilion, 520 N. Main St. in De Soto. Tickets are $45 per person or $350 for a table of eight until Aug. 29. After that date, tickets will be $50 per person. Order tickets or become a sponsor at zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-farm-to-table-dinner.
Cara Ahern, the assistant market manager, said the theme, “A Star Spangled Supper,” will showcase the best of Americana and the market’s vendor fare. The menu includes a salad with homemade ranch dressing; red, white and blue chips and salsa; American eagle spiced cheese; sourdough toast with jams and honey; pickles; bacon; smoked pork sliders with flavor sauces; firecracker slaw; bean salad, patriotic potatoes; assorted desserts; watermelon lemonade and wine tastings.
Ahern said the new raised-bed community garden will be decorated for tours during the event. She said a patriotic photo booth will be set up for photos. In addition, there will be a silent auction, live music, cash bar, gift card wheel and raffles.
Ahern said the big sponsors this year are Pogolino’s Pizza, Brooks Electric, Werner Stichling & Associates, D&S Fencing Co., Mueller Electric, William Mahn Plumbing and Emily Brady/State Farm.
The De Soto Farmers Market is a local-only market, meaning anything at the market must be produced, made or “value-added” within 75 miles of De Soto. Ahern said the De Soto Farmers Market is funded by donations and fundraisers.
The Farm to Table is one of the market’s most successful annual fundraisers. Ahern said it helps to fund the market, as well as its programs including the community garden.
Ahern said the market will begin renting out its commissary kitchen to local nonprofits and community groups needing a certified kitchen in the next few months.
In addition, the farmers market is again asking for votes through Sept. 30 for American Farmland Trust’s 18th annual America’s Farmer’s Market Celebration people’s choice contest at markets.farmland.org.
Last year, the De Soto Farmers Market was named the Midwest Region’s best farmers market and the eighth best in the nation. De Soto Farmers Market received 1,832 votes and was awarded $1,000. In 2024, the market received 723 votes and received $100 for being the best Missouri market.
Market officials hope to make it in the top five this year.