There are moments when we need to set aside the weight of the world, gather together, and celebrate what sustains us. At Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, we believe in the power of food, music, and community to bring people together and build something lasting. That’s why we’re inviting you to Raise the Roof, a night of connection, conversation, and locally sourced food—all in support of the next chapter of our work.
We may be moving out of our big brown barn on Townline Road, but we are not leaving East Troy. Instead, we are planting new roots and looking ahead. This event will raise funds for a new research station at our beautiful property on Pickerel Lake Road, a space that will support research, education, and the future of regenerative agriculture.
A Meal That Tells a Story
The evening’s meal will be crafted with ingredients from some of Wisconsin’s most dedicated farmers and food producers, highlighting the flavors and the care that go into truly local food.
The menu will feature pork sage meatballs from Dorothy’s Range, hand-cut noodles made with wheat grown right here at Michael Fields, honey garlic sauce from Roth Ranch, wilted greens from Larryville Gardens, a whole grain salad from Rancho Relaxo, and a rich mushroom gravy made with mushrooms from River Valley Ranch. Dessert will include Kernza cookies and Teffola apple crisp, a sweet finish to a meal deeply rooted in the land and the people who steward it.
Every dish tells a story of small farms, sustainable practices, and the relationships that sustain a local food system.
An Evening of Music and Gathering
After dinner, the evening continues with live folk and Americana music performed by The Martins, a duo of MFAI Executive Director, Ryan Martin and our friend and colleague Martin Ventura.
Event Details
Raise the Roof will take place on February 28, 2025, at N8030 Townline Road in East Troy, Wisconsin. The evening begins with a free community seed swap at 4:00 p.m., an annual tradition that brings people together to trade seeds, gardening stories, and a shared hope for the seasons ahead. Happy hour begins at 5:30, followed by a dinner buffet at 6:30 and music to close out the night.
Tickets are $60 per person and include a drink ticket. A family ticket, which covers two adults and two youth under 18, is available for $140. Youth tickets for ages 13 to 18 are $25, and children under 12 can attend for free.
Join Us
This is more than just a fundraiser; it is a chance to pause, to gather, and to celebrate the work that so many people are doing to build a resilient future for food and farming. If this sounds like your kind of evening, we would love to see you there.
Tickets are available now at michaelfields.org or by calling 262-642-3303.
Let’s come together for a meal, for music, and for the work ahead.
Comments