September 11th is a sad day in America, but we can celebrate too, to show our continued strength, resolve, commitment and energy. In Connecticut there is one terrific way to do just that. It’s the Connecticut Farmland Trust’s annual feast (Celebration of Connecticut Farms). It’s this Sunday, September 11th.

If you love the idea of saving farmland while at the same time eating local, fresh food cooked by well-known chefs, drinking local wine and meeting famous people, drive up to the Jones Family Farm in Shelton, CT on Sunday (September 11th) to celebrate from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.. 

Connecticut Magazine calls this award-winning event “the hottest food event in the state.” You should come if you’re anywhere in reasonable driving distance.

You’ll get to meet Jacques Pepin, world-famous chef and cookbook author (at right in photo), Faith Middleton (center), a Peabody Award winner who hosts her own show on Connecticut Public Radio (jncluding the delightful Food Shmooze) and Tony-award winning actress Christine Baranski (Diane Lockhart on The Good Wife and who did some terrific nasty in “Reversal of Fortune” and “The Birdcage”). The second photo shows Terry Jones and his grandson at the family farm where the event will take place (it’s at a different farm each year).

You’ll get to eat well with dishes made from Connecticut products — meat, seafood, dairy, vegetables, fruit and wine. Yes, we in Connecticut produce all of these. Feast on organic pizza or goat cheese and lots of other goodies. Sip wine or some craft-brewed beer. 

You’ll get to hear some entertainment (by Bone Dry) and participate in a silent auction and farm tour.

Best of all you’ll be supporting the Connecticut Farmland Trust, a non-profit organization that helps preserve and protect Connecticut farmland. Tickets cost $150. Here’s where you can learn more and also buy tickets.