2014 Spring Edition
The Feast of the Fields - 2014 Spring Edition event was held on Saturday, June 7, 2014.
Originally planned to be held in the picturesque Kansas Flint Hills, the event was moved inside due to rain.
2014 SPRING EDITION - COMMENTS
“It was wonderful. Would not change a thing. Hope to come back next time.”
“My father, Dean, and my wife, Terri and I really enjoyed ourselves last night. We had high expectations, and the result was even better than what we expected. We were surprised how enjoyable it was to sit by new people and make new friends. The crowd was very nice and the conversation was very lively. The food was really delicious. The wine pairing was excellent. We expected Kansas wine to be sweet, but many of the varieties were dry and very good. We also really enjoyed the history of your farm and sharing stories about your families. The introduction of the help was also very nice. The music also set a perfect stage. We are first timers, but will do it again, for sure. We loved it in the barn and cannot imagine a better location. We will share this story with our Kansas City friends and will try and bring other friends with us next time. My only recommendation is to get to get the word out more to Kansas City residents. This would be a huge hit if you can get the Kansas City Star to write a piece about your event”
“My brother and his family said today that they had a grand time and doubted that they would once again experience such wonderful event. As usual it was great. Like Scott telling about menu and source of menu ingredients. Hope you want to do it again!!!!!!!!!!!!”
“Everything was wonderful. We will not soon forget this. Thank you”
“What a great evening! I, we, truly appreciate your willingness to share. Not only your time, but your unbelievable enthusiasm for your lively hood...and for your providing such a beautiful setting. Nothing more magical.....I am, we are, thankful for having had the opportunity to attend multiple times.”
“Great event last night!! Thank you for your great generosity!”
“Very enjoyable evening with a great meal!! Thanks to you and all involved in making this happen!!”
“What a delightful event. Our first Feast of the Fields was so enjoyable. Everything from the hospitality, the meal, the wine, the music, everyone that participated in making this event successful, the beautiful evening to meeting new friends, we will see you next year!”
“What an incredible event! Thanks to all the Mertz family!”
“It was a lovely evening - the venue was perfect and the food and wine was incredible! We will definitely be interested in doing the event again. The student servers were so nice as well. Enjoyed everything!”
“Thank you for the lovely evening at Feast of the Fields. We had a wonderful time and every detail from the menu to the music and the décor – all delightful. We will recommend the experience over and over. Congratulations on an amazing event!”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Some "THANK YOUs" are in order: First to our incredible chef. Despite a very challenging week, Chef Scott Benjamin provided a wonderful meal to remember. Top notch and delicious, the cuisine delighted our guests - which delighted us! Second, to our talented/accomplished musicians who played during the reception and as guests were seated at the tables - the Tallgrass Trio, comprised of Susan Maxwell (oboe), Kristin Mortenson (Flute) and Susan Gartner (clarinet). They sounded like a mini symphony creating an atmosphere of both sophistication and leisure. We were honored to have these outstanding professionals working with us.
State FFA Officer Team
Libby & Megan
The State Officers of Future Farmers of America helped us out again serving tables. Enthusiastic, courteous, and hardworking, these young adults will be wonderful leaders out there in our world! We appreciate working with them and wish them the best. Four members of the KSU Farm Bureau Collegiate group volunteered for their first time at our event. They, like the FFA students, were extremely pleasant to work with and were willing to do whatever was needed. One of our favorite parts of hosting a Feast, is getting to work with young people like these! Their enthusiasm is contagious! Thank you all!
Though my daughter was unable to assist with the Feast this year, two of her closest friends helped out. Megan Whitesell even took Friday off of work to drive out from Kansas City to help with all of the set up. Her bright smile and unwavering support was and always is priceless! Libby Uthoff Stratton also helped set up on Saturday. Went home and came back that evening to greet people with a glass of wine at our reception table. Loved working with both these beautiful young women! Thanks so much!